Abstract: Described is an operator vehicle, comprising: a platform (2), equipped with a seat (3); a tower (T), coupled to the seat (3) in a rotatable fashion about a main rotation axis; motor means, arranged to rotate the tower (T) about the main axis; a detector, arranged to detect the movement of the angular position of the tower towards a reference angular position relative to the main axis, and to emit a corresponding proximity signal.

Abstract: Provided is a construction machine equipped with a dozer and capable of holding the dozer in an upper position. The construction machine includes a dozer cylinder that brings the dozer into rotational movement, a first cylinder pin, a first connection member joined with an end of the first cylinder pin and defining a first through-hole, a second cylinder pin, a second connection member joined with an end of the second cylinder pin and defining a second through-hole, and a fixing member to be detachably connected to the first and second connection members to interconnect them and thereby fix the dozer in the upper position.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a vehicle to reduce plant material includes a frame having first and second mounting brackets, a boom coupled to the frame and having first and second mounting plates, a drive assembly having a drive shaft, a cutting device rotatable with the drive shaft, a reinforcing member to support the boom, a first bearing assembly sandwiched between the first mounting bracket and the first mounting plate, and a second bearing assembly sandwiched between the second mounting bracket and the second mounting plate. Each bearing assembly has an exterior annular member, an interior annular member, and a rolling element disposed between the interior and exterior members. The rolling element permits movement of the exterior and interior members relative to one another to facilitate rotation of the mounting plate relative the mounting bracket to permit pivotal movement of the boom relative to the frame.

Abstract: A machine bucket may include a torque tube having an outer surface. The machine bucket may also include a support plate coupled to the torque tube. The support plate may include a bottom surface. The machine bucket may further include a base edge including a cutting edge. The machine bucket may also include a curved wrapper located between the support plate and the base edge. A ratio of a maximum distance between the curved wrapper and a first line extending from the base edge to the outer surface of the torque tube where the bottom surface of the support plate intersects the outer surface of the torque tube, taken substantially perpendicularly from the first line, relative to a length of the first line, may be about 0.61 to 0.63.

Abstract: An endless cable winch includes a working cable, a housing, in which is mounted a driving cable pulley around at least a part of which the working cable is wrapped, and further includes a drive for driving the driving cable pulley, wherein the housing is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, and a sensor is provided for detecting a pivoting movement of the housing for detecting an overload state of the working cable.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer comprises a pump system for conveying and distributing fluid between fluid sources and consumers. The pump system comprises a centrifugal pump and a multi-inlet ball valve located on a suction side of the pump. The centrifugal pump comprises an impeller that rotates on a pump axis. The ball valve comprises a ball that is rotatable around the pump axis to selectively connect the valve inlets to the pump. The pump comprises a pump casing that is provided together with a portion of a ball valve casing by a unitary casting.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic braking apparatus for a crane drive for carrying out crane work, in particular a slewing gear, having at least one hydraulic stopping brake for braking the drive movement of the crane drive in an emergency situation, wherein at least one pressure regulation valve is provided for controlling at least one stopping brake to ensure a time-delayed braking torque build-up.

Abstract: A crane includes i) a lower structure comprising ground engaging members ii) an upper structure rotatably connected to the lower structure such that the upper structure can swing with respect to the lower structure, wherein one of the lower structure and upper structure comprises a first structure having a ring gear having teeth on a surface thereof, and the other of the lower structure and upper structure comprises a second structure; and iii) a boom pivotally mounted on the upper structure. The crane further includes a drive system comprising at least two pinion gears mounted on a common frame and in driving contact with the ring gear teeth; and a link connecting the frame to the second structure with two pivot axes between the frame and the second structure.

Abstract: A slewing stop control apparatus and method, capable of executing, while performing the control of determining the target slewing velocity based on a remaining slewing angle from the actual slewing motion position up to the slewing stop angular position, an automatic control of re-slewing the slewing structure having been stopped before the slewing stop angular position. The apparatus executes slewing angular velocity control for deciding the slewing braking start timing to stop the stewing structure at a slewing stop angular position in accordance with a predetermined slewing deceleration and the subsequent target slewing angular velocity, based on the remaining slewing angle of the slewing structure. When the slewing structure stops before the slewing stop angular position due to disturbance despite the foregoing control, the target slewing angular velocity is corrected to be increased for generating slewing torque to restart the slewing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rotary joint for rotatable connection of the uppercarriage with the undercarriage of a crane, wherein they can each be connected with the uppercarriage on the one hand and the undercarriage on the other hand via a quick-release coupling.

Abstract: A heavy lift crane is mounted on a trailer for towing by a highway tractor; with a hydraulic pump and its driving motor mounted for rotation with the crane, with direct connection to the crane primary systems, enabling unimpeded slewing. The crane outriggers are powered by an auxiliary motor and pump, located on the trailer, with outrigger controls operable from ground level. An additional pair of outriggers enable safe use of the crane to position individual outrigger support pads. Access stairs and catwalks give the operator safer access. The construction format leads to lower cost structures with enhanced serviceability and safety.

Abstract: An applicator boom apparatus comprises an applicator boom extending laterally from a vehicle, and pivotally attached to the vehicle such that the boom can pivot up and down with respect to the vehicle. A kit provides a gauge member adapted to ride along a surface of the ground and support an outer portion of the boom such that the boom moves up and down with the gauge member as the gauge member rides along the ground, and also provides an active hydraulic source powering the shoulder hydraulic cylinder of the apparatus such that the shoulder hydraulic cylinder exerts an upward force on the boom such that a downward force exerted on the gauge member by the boom is reduced.

Abstract: An assembly and method is disclosed for moving a load into and out of an enclosure such as the enclosure of a van. The assembly may include an upright shaft rotatably mounted within a side portion of the enclosure. A boom assembly extends from the shaft. The boom assembly includes a beam to which an arm is pivotally mounted. An extension member is also pivotally attached to the arm such that as the shaft rotates the angular orientation of the arm with respect to the beam is controlled by the extension member whereby the load may be moved in a substantially straight direction into or out of the enclosure in response to rotation of the shaft. A length of the extension member may be adjusted to move the line of movement of the load closer or nearer to the shaft. A motorized winch is preferably mounted to the end of the arm to lift the load.

Abstract: A command shaping control system and method for rotary boom cranes provides a way to reduce payload pendulation caused by real-time input signals, from either operator command or automated crane maneuvers. The method can take input commands and can apply a command shaping filter to reduce contributors to payload pendulation due to rotation, elevation, and hoisting movements in order to control crane response and reduce tangential and radial payload pendulation. A filter can be applied to a pendulation excitation frequency to reduce residual radial pendulation and tangential pendulation amplitudes.

Abstract: A load handling assembly that is attachable to the receiver of a receiver hitch assembly of the pickup truck. The load handling assembly includes a winch assembly in connection with a rotatable support structure to allow heavy loads to be lifted to the level of the pickup truck bed and then rotated into position over the pickup truck bed prior to lowering. To accommodate users stationed on the ground or on the bed of the pickup truck, the rotatable support structure is provided with two separate winch mounting brackets so that the winch could be safely mounted to accommodate operation from the desired location.

Abstract: A self-centering boom for self-propelled agricultural sprayers having a double-acting hydraulic cylinder and a magnetically actuated electrical position sensor and control for sensing and moving the boom to a centered position. The electro-hydraulic control circuit senses boom position when the boom is at or near a centered position with respect to the sprayer and automatically centers the boom when the sprayer drive train is out of a neutral condition. The hydraulic system includes a pair of pressure relief valves to allow the boom to deflect due to inertial forces when turning or when contact is made with an obstruction, with the control system returning the boom to a centered position after turning or when the boom is clear of the obstruction. A flow restricting orifice cooperates with the pressure relief valves to automatically adjust the pressure at the inlet of the relief valve to retard rapid boom movement, while not interfering with slow boom movement.

Abstract: A boom swing control device for controlling boom swing relative to a frame. Booms may be supported relative to a frame for application of material over a wide area. During an application process, the booms are subjected to various external forces which cause the booms to move or swing relative to the frame. The boom swing control device of the present invention includes first and second members operably coupled to the boom and the frame supporting the boom to control and dampen movement of the boom relative to the frame. The second member is moveably supported relative to the first member to move between an extended or excited position and a retracted normal operation position.

Abstract: A lifting device makes it possible to manipulate loads within a tight enclosure with an operator remaining outside the enclosure. The device includes a main arm fitted so as to slide in an opening of a wall surrounding the enclosure, by way of a hose or sleeve. An articulated beam is mounted so as to pivot at the end of the main arm. This pivoting action can be controlled by two parallel rods mounted within the arm. The device is applicable to, for example, the handling of heavy loads within tight enclosures in the nuclear field.

Abstract: A grave marker lifting and setting device for either initially placing grave markers or for resetting the same following displacement thereof, The unit includes a pivotal crane structure carried on a wheeled framework with the wheels being retractable such that the frame may be positioned directly on the ground for stability.

Abstract: A two-wheeled trailer carries an adjustably rotatable crane to allow loading and placement of grave headstones by a single worker. The trailer provides a ladder type frame supporting a bed with upstanding sides and openable tailgate. The frame is supported for locomotion by a two-wheeled truck and has tongue structure with vertically adjustable supports. The tongue structure immediately forwardly of the body supports a crane base that journals an angulated crane mast carrying a boom structure, with adjustable braking mechanism communicating between the mast and base to regulate rotation of the mast. The crane mast carries a hoist to move a cable supported by a sheave at the outer end of the crane boom for vertical lifting at the end of the boom. The trailer frame has an adjustable outrigger support to prevent vehicle tipping on inclined support surfaces or when supporting laterally extending masses.

Abstract: A truck for unloading goods includes a lower supporting member carried by the truck frame. The support member together with its side walls may be moved forward and backward by a screw driven mechanism. The doors to open the side walls open in response to movement of the support member. The truck includes a built in crane and bed leveling feet which engage the ground.

Abstract: A crane for material handling is constituted by a boom (1) and a fixed column (2) for supporting the boom (1). The boom (1) is articulated for vertical swinging movement on and relative to a rotating device (3), mounted for rotation about a vertical axis on or in the column (2) and provided with a torsion-transmitting member (4) passing through the column (2) and coacting at its lower portion with a rotation activator (5) of the boom (1). The boom (1) is provided at its free end with a hook, a grapple or another tool, or with a like rotatable actuator.

Abstract: A method and device is adapted for controlling rotation of an upper rotary body of a construction machine, the upper rotary body being rotatably mounted on a lower body of the construction machine for lifting a load from a predetermined position thereof. The control is executed by determining, based on the radius of rotation of the lifted load, the weight of the lifted load, the inertia moment of the upper rotary body and the permissible weight of the upper rotary body, a permissible condition not to generate a lateral bending force beyond the lateral bending strength of the upper rotary body, and braking the rotation of the upper rotary body at a rotational angular acceleration satisfying the permissible condition and assuring no-swing of the lifted load. A device is adapted for calculating an inclination angle of the upper rotary body.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement over a prior art mobile hydraulic conveyor apparatus which is mounted on the rear end of a truck for both vertical and lateral pivoting, as well as vertical storage for transport to different locations. The apparatus is moved vertically by a block and tackle arrangement under hydraulic control. Lateral pivoting is achieved by activation of a pair of hydraulic cylinders which act on the conveyor apparatus to shift the apparatus laterally about a pivot axis extending centrally through a turret connected to the conveyor apparatus and mounted on a turret holder which in turn is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the truck. The turret holder includes a c-ring which is mounted in a circumferential groove formed on the turret. The conveyor apparatus includes two pivotally connected trays which support a hydraulically driven belt which transports material dispersed from the truck to a selected location.

Abstract: An earth-working machine includes a mobile chassis, a turntable rotatably mounted on the mobile chassis, a carriage rotatably mounted on the turntable in eccentric relation thereto, an earth-working mechanism mounted on the carriage, a source of a fluid pressure, a pair of first and second fluid motors for rotating the turntable and the carriage, respectively, and a fluid rate synchronizer composed of a pair of third and fourth fluid motors interconnected by a common output shaft for discharging amounts of fluid under pressure at a predetermined ratio, the source being operatively coupled to the third and fourth fluid motors, the first and second fluid motors being operatively coupled to the third and fourth fluid motors, respectively, whereby the turntable and the carriage will be angularly moved about their own axes at a constant angular displacement ratio.

Abstract: A load reduction and alignment system for drag line excavators which have annular rail tracks on which multiple support roller assemblies are positioned. The load stress from the excavator is distributed and reduced by increasing the number of rollers within the roller assembly by reducing roller spacing as well as providing for on site adjustement of a segmented concentric guide rail against which the modified rollers engage.

Abstract: In an excavating machine having a ring gear and a rotating frame including a top and bottom plate, an assembly for rotating the frame relative to the ring gear includes a plurality of drive units, each of the drive units is mounted to the bottom plate and is disposed between the top and bottom plates of the rotating frame. Each of the drive units further includes a pinion extending below the bottom plate and adjacent to the ring gear for driving engagement with the ring gear.

Abstract: A frame for an excavating machine having a ring gear wherein the frame is rotated with respect to the ring gear includes top and bottom plates. A plurality of compartments are circularly disposed within the frame and between the plates. A plurality of drive units are provided wherein each drive unit is mounted within one of the plurality of compartments below the top plate. The drive units extend below the bottom plate for driving engagement with the ring gear. A plurality of radially disposed bulkheads are located within the frame between the top and bottom plates and between the plurality of compartments.

Abstract: A hydraulic pivot device for pivotally connecting a support housing to a boom of the type secured to a vehicle. The hydraulic pivot device comprises a main housing having a gear-engaging piston which is axially displaceable in a piston cylinder provided therein. The piston has opposed piston heads and is sealingly displaced placed in the piston cylinder by fluid pressure applied at a selected one of opposed ends of the piston cylinder. The piston is also positively interlocked by the use of lock valves which are port-mounted at each end of the piston cylinder. A drive shaft having a drivable pinion gear is supported within the housing with a drivable pinion gear being in toothed engagement with a toothed section of the piston so that axial displacement of the piston wall impact axial rotation to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A material hoisting gin has a support beam which pivots atop a mounting bracket which may be releasably attached to an upright pole. A bar for supportably engaging a load is suspended from the beam in a manner which enables the bar to be raised so that it is closely proximate to the base of the beam. This arrangement enables the gin to be mounted with the beam very close to the top of the load (which is to be raised or lowered with respect to the pole). The gin can thus be used in situations where there is minimal operating clearance above the load. In particular, the gin can frequently be used to raise or lower distribution transformers on utility poles without encroaching upon the limits of approach to the overhead power lines.

Abstract: Arrangement for swinging an attachment holder for the equipment of a hydraulic excavator around an axis perpendicular to the platform plane of the upper carriage, in a working direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the excavator chassis. The lower part of the boom is vertically swingably fastened to the attachment holder which in turn is pivoted to the upper carriage by two radial links which are mounted at each end for turning around a vertical axis. The upper carriage is pivoted to the chassis. Furthermore the attachment holder is operatively connected to an active setting member. It is the pivoting of the carriage relative to the chassis together with the pivoting of the attachment holder relative to the carriage which enables the movement of the attachment holder in a working direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the excavator chassis.

Abstract: A ring supported, self-propelled truck crane and method of operation is disclosed wherein a boom is mounted on the chassis for pivotal movement only about a horizontal axis. The chassis is driven into an incomplete segmented ring set up at a working site with rollers on end portions of the chassis projecting downwardly and overlying the ring when the ring opening is closed by adding an additional segment thereto. The ring is then elevated to lift the wheels of the chassis completely off the ground and drive means interconnect the ring and the chassis to rotate the chassis about the vertical axis of the ring. Flanged rollers journaled on the chassis engage the ring to center the chassis on the ring and to rotatably interconnect and support the ring on the chassis for transportation therewith to the next site when the ring and chassis are lowered for support entirely upon the wheels of the truck crane.

Abstract: A crane having a fixed mast and a boom pivotally mounted at the top of the mast for movement in a horizontal plane through at least 180.degree. and in a vertical plane downwardly from the horizontal plane at any position of the boom relative to the vertical axis of the mast, a load carrying trolley movable along the length of the boom, hydraulic means located at the top of the mast controlling the movement of the boom in the horizontal plane and hydraulic means between the boom and the mast controlling movement of the boom in the vertical plane.

Abstract: A remotely controlled rotatable crane for loading logs on a live deck. The crane includes a carriage having a horizontal bed rotatable on a circular track about a verticle axis, the bed carrying a truss assembly extending upwardly and radially outwardly from the bed. The distal end of the truss assembly carries a vertically movable and rotatable grapple. A winch and cable raises and lowers the grapple. A counterweight is disposed on the carriage to counter balance the truss assembly. Electrohydraulic controls operate the winch for raising and lowering the grapple, controls the rotation of the grapple about a vertical axis and its opening and closing and controls the movement of the carriage about its vertical axis. Hydraulic motors also drive wheels on the track for rotating the carriage about a vertical axis.