Abstract: A power bucket having a first and second bucket half pivotally secured together about a main axis by a pivot pin. The bucket halves are movable between an open and a closed position. A head is disposed above the bucket halves and at least one arm pivotally connects the head to one bucket half while at least one second arm is pivotally connected between the head and the other bucket half. A cylinder support is pivotally mounted to the pivot pin and one end of a hydraulic cylinder is attached to the pivot support. The other end of the cylinder is attached to the bucket. Upon actuation of the cylinders, the cylinders move the bucket halves so that a cutting edge of the bucket half moves in a substantially horizontal plane.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that may allow for supervisory control interaction by a remote operator to assist with navigation to a target location. The UAV may navigate to a target area and capture and send an image of the target area to the remote operator. The remote operator can then provide a user input that indicates a target location within the target area. Upon receiving an indication of the target area, the UAV can then autonomously navigate to the target location. In some examples, after reaching the target location, the UAV may initiate delivery of a payload at the target location using a retractable delivery system while the UAV hovers above.

Abstract: A fully articulated and continuous rotation jib crane system includes a first crane arm connected to a crane post by a first pivot joint and a second crane arm connected to the first crane arm by a second pivot joint, each pivot joint including a shaft having a plurality of apertures in fluid communication with the pivot joints and internal bores of the crane arms to transfer a vacuum system pressure, the pivot joints facilitating continuous rotation of each of the first and the second crane arms for any degree of rotation while maintaining the vacuum system pressure through the first and the second pivot joints and the first and the second crane arms.

Abstract: A grapple hoist system for an agricultural vehicle is disclosed that includes a mast-mounted hoist including a boom arrangement and a winch and adapted to receive a main hoist cable and a grapple assembly including a plurality of radially-spaced, converging hook-shaped claws pivotally mounted about a common bulkhead and including a cable link attached to each of the hook-shaped claws, a plurality of cable link pulleys mounted on the common bulkhead, each cable link pulley adapted to carry an associated cable link, wherein the cable links are joined at the main cable beyond the cable link pulleys; and mounting devices for mounting the mast to an associated container or vehicle in a manner that enables it to rotate.

Abstract: A manipulator, preferably for the assembly of rotor blades of a wind power installation, has a receiving unit for the receiving of a rotor blade and a connection unit via which the manipulator is connected or connectable to the boom of a crane in a torque-rigid manner so that the position and/or alignment of a rotor blade received in the receiving unit relative to the boom can be fixed by the manipulator.

Abstract: Methods for moving a starting motor or a torque converter within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine are provided. A removal apparatus, which includes a lifting fixture attached to a beam pivotally mounted on a mast, is secured within the auxiliary compartment. To move the starting motor, a plurality of lifting hooks on the lifting fixture are attached to the starting motor, and the lifting fixture and the starting motor are hoisted. To move the torque converter, a pair of lifting lugs on the lifting fixture is attached to the torque converter, and the lifting fixture and the torque converter are hoisted. Methods are also generally provided for securing a removal apparatus within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine.

Abstract: A lifting fixture for attachment to a torque converter or starting motor within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine is provided. The lifting fixture generally includes a frame configured to attach to a hoisting support, a pair of lifting lugs attached to the frame and positioned above the frame, and a plurality of lifting hooks attached to the frame and positioned such that each lifting hook has a bend extending below the frame. A removal apparatus for moving a torque converter or starting motor within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine is also generally provided.

Abstract: A material dumping system is suspendable by a single hoist line. A first hoist line pulley is attached to a forward attachment element on a dumping container so that the line can be wrapped under the first pulley to support the container. The hoist line extends from under the first pulley to a second pulley attachable to the hoist's support structure where it is wrapped over the second pulley to extend therefrom to a rearward attachment element on the dumping container. A selectively actuated hoist line brake permits rotation of both pulleys during normal raising and lowering of the dumping container with the container in a horizontal attitude. However, when it is desired to dump the contents of the container, the hoist line brake is actuated to prevent rotation of the second pulley while permitting rotation of the first pulley. The hoist line is then extended to tilt the container forward for dumping purposes.

Abstract: A product delivery system for delivering a product from a storage area to a dispensing area, such as for use in a vending machine. The product delivery system may include a vacuum holding device, a robotic positioning system, a reel and cable system, and a controller. A feature is the provision of a picker head with a built-in vacuum generating source that may be carried by a robotically movable arm system.

Abstract: A self-locking lifting hook is disclosed, of the kind having and arcuate hook body (1) and an upper, pivotable lever (5) with one arm forming a suspension means (7) and a second arm (8) forming a closure means for the hook opening (10).

Abstract: An LPG tank insertion apparatus for automobiles includes a rotary column with a lift body, a support arm mounted to the lift body, an actuating cylinder hingedly connected to the support arm, and a kingpin connected to the support arm. The actuating cylinder and the kingpin are both attached to a rotating plate that rotates in response to the actuating cylinder. The rotating plate is connected to a clamping device that selectively clamps an LPG tank which, in turn, rotates in response to the actuating cylinder so that it can be inserted in an automobile trunk whose opening is smaller than the length of the tank.

Abstract: The pipe-laying vehicle 1 includes a lower vehicle body 2, a driver's cab, and a jib 10 which is supported on the lower vehicle body 2, can be raised and lowered about a horizontal axis 11, and can be swivelled about a vertical pivot axis by a live ring. On the outer end of the jib 10, a sheave head 31 is provided with a deflection pulley 26 and a sheave 28, and can be swivelled as a whole relative to the jib 10 about an adjustment axis 32 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the jib 10. A mechanically or hydraulically actuated locking device selectively locks the pivot position of the sheave head 31 relative to the jib 10. As a result of the swivel capability of the jib 10 and of the sheave head 31, the pipe laying work can be performed more simply and quickly.

Abstract: A unit (10) having a boom (12) and rotary device (14). The rotary device includes a first bracket (22), a second bracket (24) movably mounted to the first bracket and a third bracket (54) connected to the second bracket by a driven shaft (34). A motor (40) is mounted on a motor bracket (38) mounted to the second bracket. A drive gear (46) is mounted on the motor and engages a driven gear (48) mounted on the driven shaft. A friction plate (56) is located on the driven shaft adjacent the third bracket. When a load (102) is connected to the third bracket, the weight of the load pulls the third bracket downward into contact with the friction plate. The frictional contact between the third bracket and the friction plate causes the third bracket and the load to rotate when the drive shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A hoist for vehicles such as pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles is described. The hoist engages a standard trailer hitch and when erect allows loading of the trailer. Additionally, when used with a vehicle having a tailgate the hoist does not interfere with the normal operation of the tailgate. The hoist also features structural supports that are deployed to contact the ground thereby reducing the stress on trailer hitch and some structural members of the hoist.

Abstract: A truck has been adapted to receive the unloading device of the present invention. The unloading device includes a removable rotatable jib frame which is mounted on the partition walls of the truck. An elongated hollow lever arm member is attached to the jib frame for unloading a load. The lever arm member utilizes a mechanical advantage for unloading a load. It incorporates a braking system together with a chain retraction system for ease in safety of operation.

Abstract: An improved locomotive crane boom generally indicated at 10 has of a first member 11, second member 12, and third member 13 each pivotally connected at various pivot points to one another and to locomotive crane 14. A series of pistons and cylinders, 19, 20 and 21, powered by hydraulic pump 23 and fluid source 34, may be selectively extracted or retracted thereby permitting the improved boom to be positioned at any point along the length of a typical gondola car 17 to be unloaded. In operation, locomotive crane 14 with the included improved boom 10 does not need to be uncoupled from gondola car 17 for unloading since the improved boom may be articulated such that unloading magnet 24 or any other appended appliance may be positioned across the entire length of car 17 through the selected extraction and retraction of the pistons and cylinders and pivoting of the boom members 11, 12 and 13.

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: A load handling apparatus for a vehicle has a mounting frame with a mast movable between a lowered travelling position and a raised working position. A boom carrier on the mast pivotally supports an articulated boom, which has a winch at its distal end. The winch cable is attached to a load carrying cradle which has handle bars to be gripped by the operator and the switch controls for the winch. The mast is counter-balanced by a spring and turnbuckles connect the boom carrier to the mounting frame and the mast to tilt the boom carrier in two directions if the vehicle is on uneven ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for hoisting materials and placing concrete, having a non-rotating mast and a boom which is swingable horizontally and vertically, and consists of boom segments pin-jointed together in line so as to be foldable only downwardly. A line of concrete transport piping extends from the base end of the boom to the free end thereof, and a line of hoisting sling extends from the base end of the boom to the free end, hangs down to hold a load handling block, rises up and extends back to the base end, each such line being supported alongside of the boom. In service for hoisting materials, the boom is stretched and fixed at each pin-jointed connection for reinforcement by releasable pin-fastening members, whereas in service for concrete placing, the hoisting sling is raised up and seized in place to avoid interference. The apparatus is remotely controllable.

Abstract: The free end portion of the boom of a crane carries a separable pivot bearing defining a horizontal pivot axis for a second bearing which reciprocably guides an upright column for one or more galleries. When the cable which is used to lift or hold the column breaks and the column begins to rapidly descend, such movement of the column activates a composite brake mounted on a frame surrounding the column at a level above the second bearing. The brake holds the column against downward movement with reference to the frame whereby the frame tends to descend toward the second bearing against the opposition of several shock absorbers which reduce the likelihood of damage to and/or excessive swaying of the boom and/or injury to the occupant or occupants of the gallery. The speed of downward movement of the column is monitored by a detector which activates the brake as soon as the speed exceeds a preselected value.

Abstract: A system for taking up the slack in two flexible resilient hoses of a high pressure system, for alternately supplying fluid under high pressure from a fixed source to, and exhausting it from, a double-acting fluid motor movable relative to the source, includes a line connecting the hoses intermediate their ends and a movable counterweight connected with the line movably along an intermediate length thereof so that alternate stretching and alternate contracting of the hoses, by the alternate supply of pressure fluid to and the alternate exhaust of pressure fluid from the hoses, does not move the counterweight.

Abstract: The boom of a crane carries a pivot bearing for a second bearing which guides an elongated column. The upper or the lower end of the column supports a gallery which is turnable about its axis. The second bearing is pivotable about the horizontal axis of the pivot bearing by a cylinder-and-piston unit, and the column is movable lengthwise with respect to the second bearing by the crane cable.

Abstract: A hoisting system for use in elevating personnel or other materials preferably within a mine, or other low level installations, incorporating a capsule which is suspended by a singular cable that is fed out from a winding drum, a tension weight suspended below and in alignment with the capsule, being supported by the same cable, and a jib-crane assembly located at the upper reaches of the hoisting assembly to provide for feed out of the cable through its sheave assembly to furnish, at least initially, a lowering of the tension weight to its lowermost extent for coming to rest upon a base, while thereafter the continued unwinding or rewinding of the cable provides respectively for the lowering or raising of the capsule between various levels for effecting transfer of personnel and materials along the shaft heighth.

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.