Abstract: A drum brake service tool and a method of using the same is disclosed. The tool comprises a lever having a pair of spaced, parallel arms disposed at one end thereof, the arms being adapted to receive a brake spring substantially perpendicularly therebetween. A brake-spring retaining mechanism is disposed proximate the free end of each of the arms. One of the free ends of the brake spring is passed over the brake-spring pin of one of the first or second brake shoes. The brake-spring is then engaged in between the arms of the lever. The lever is pivoted on the cam to extend the brake-spring to the point that the other free end of the spring lies proximate the brake-spring pin of the second brake shoe. The free end of the spring is then engaged with the pin of the second brake shoes. The tool may also be used to remove or install a brake roller in the brake shoes.

Abstract: A Holland cylinder removal tool is set forth for use in removing a fifth wheel cylinder from an associated fifth wheel mount. The tool includes a plurality of spaced parallel and aligned arms, each extending from a respective fluid cylinder end and a piston of the fluid cylinder wherein the arms are extensible and retractable with respect to one another and are each formed with a "U" shaped jaw at a terminal end of each arm for securement adjacent a spring assembly associated with a pneumatic cylinder of the Holland fifth wheel mount to compress the springs and enable removal of the associated pins connecting the air cylinder to the cores aligned with the air cylinder within the springs.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in assembly and disassembly of the strut assembly having a shock absorber disposed within a coil spring. The apparatus includes a frame and a first spring engagement member secured to the frame for engaging the first end of the spring of a strut. A second spring engagement member is provided connected to the frame for movement with the frame toward and away from the first spring engagement member.

Abstract: A pressure spring tensioner comprises a cylindrical guiding tube having an axially elongated tube slot with a threaded spindle extended axially within the tube and rotatably mounted therein. The first sleeve is affixed to the tube adjacent an end thereof and it carries a first gripping clamp which is engageable over one end of the spring. A second sleeve assembly is slidable on the tube and it carries a second gripping clamp which engages with the opposite end of the spring. The second sleeve assembly includes a second sleeve slidable on the guiding tube and with a sliding snug fit and having a radial recess. A pad is arranged in the second sleeve in threaded engagement with the spindle and it has a radial finger extending through the tube slot which is of a length no longer than twice the thickness of the guiding tube and engages in the radial recess of the second sleeve.

Abstract: Gripper devices are installed in the spudwells of a platform or causeway section and manually operated to grip the pile to suspend the platform or causeway section in a level position on the piles. Each gripper device has a cylindrical bowl with a flat mounting flange at the bottom end. The bowl has large central bore extending from the top end and terminating in a smaller bore at the bottom end defining a shoulder therebetween. A series of circumferentially spaced actuator segments having a vertical outer wall and a radial flange at the top end are mounted within the bowl by bolts for vertical movement relative to the bowl. The actuator segments have a downwardly and radially outwardly tapered interior wedging surface with a T-shaped slot extending along the wedging surface. A series of slip segments have a toothed interior surface for gripping the pile and a tapered exterior wedging surface corresponding to the wedging surface of the actuator segments.

Abstract: A coil spring compressing tool for use in compressing suspension springs of cars and trucks includes a pair of elongated rectangular blocks extending in spaced parallel relation. A pair of parallel guide rods are slidably received through aligned apertures provided adjacent opposite end portions on each of the blocks. An enlarged retaining stop is secured at each end of each of the guide rods for limiting maximum separation of the blocks. An elongated threaded rod has a first end portion received for free rotation in a central bore formed through one of the blocks and a second end portion in threaded engagement with a threaded bore formed centrally through the other block. A driving head is provided on an end portion of the threaded rod for engagement with a wrench. A pair of oppositely directed hooks are secured at aligned positions on side faces of the blocks and are dimensioned for engagement with a coil spring. Rotation of the threaded rod causes the blocks to move together to compress a coil spring.

Abstract: An improved portable apparatus for moving and precisely placing a large and heavy object includes load support rails, aligned pairs of anchoring structures secured to and spaced longitudinally from one another along the rails, an actuator-supporting shoe movable along the support rails having lugs for releasably engaging one pair of the anchoring structures to hold the shoe in a stationary position, and an actuator extending between and connecting the shoe with the load movably supported on the rails. The improvements relate to the configuration of the shoe and to a pair of reinforced spaced anchoring pins which allow engagement with one or the other pin by the lugs on the shoe by merely reversing, or rotating 180.degree., the position of the shoe on the rails. In one position of the shoe with its lugs engaged with one of the pins, retraction of the actuator will produce movement of the load in one direction.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a compressor for the coil spring of a MacPherson strut. It comprises a top force transfer ring and a bottom U-shaped, helical ramp plate secured together in spaced relationship by tie bars. The U-shaped ramp plate is inserted between coils of the spring to surround the central, shock absorber stem. Then when the device is rotated, the ramp plate is threaded down the coil spring to pull it up into the containment between the tie bars. The slight compression of the coil spring in this manner relieves force against the spring mounting to enable repair and or change of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to facilitate disengagement of two mechanisms engaged with one another with a high stress therebetween, such as in rack locking arrangements used on offshore platforms. The first mechanism (e.g., a rack) is mobile in relation to the second mechanism (e.g., a pair of locking jaws) which serves as a locking mechanism for the first mechanism. The level of stress between the first and second mechanisms is measured, and the measurement is converted into an electrical control signal. This signal is used to control motor-driven force applying elements (e.g., pinions) in engagement with the first mechanism. The force applying elements are controlled in such a manner as to apply force to the first mechanism sufficient to offset the aforementioned stress between the first and second mechanisms, thereby permitting friction-free disengagement of the mechanisms.

Abstract: A tool for compressing the coil spring of a motor vehicle suspension strut comprises a rack with opposed sets of cleats mounted thereon which are adapted to grip respective coils of the spring intermediate its ends. The sets of cleats are selectively movable towards or away from each other along the rack by rotating a crank handle. Within each set, the cleat spacing may be adjusted by moving the cleats along arms on which they are mounted.

Abstract: A coil spring compressor includes two jaws, one of which is fixed at one end of a guide tube, while the other jaw is slidably mounted on such tube and connected to a slide (32) provided with a radial finger member in the shape of a wedge extending through a slot in the tube. The slidable jaw has a body defining a bore and from which extend two claws or clamps and that is extended by a screw-threaded skirt. A radial groove having a shape complementary to the shape of the radial finger member is provided in the wall of the bore and cooperates with the finger member in the relative locking of the two elements, while a tapped ring screwed on the screw-threaded skirt completes their locking together.

Abstract: A magnetic disk cartridge is provided with a dust shutter which is slidably mounted on a casing to open and close a magnetic head access opening in the casing . A V-shaped shutter spring for urging the dust shutter toward the closing position is inserted into the casing through a spring insertion opening. A magnetic disk cartridge assembly system includes a guide member which has a guide groove for holding the shutter spring in a compressed state and is adapted to bring a first end of the guide groove in close opposition to the spring insertion opening of the casing, the width of the guide groove being not larger than that of the spring insertion opening at least at the first end, and a pusher which is adapted to move the spring along the guide groove and to insert it into the spring insertion opening through the first end of the guide groove.

Abstract: A tool system for demounting and mounting shock absorber parts in order to change shock absorber cartridges in shock absorbers, and includes a tool for demounting and mouting the coil spring (1) of a vehicle shock absorbing leg, using a tool for demounting and mounting shock absorber closure screws, where the tool for the coil spring (1) of a vehicle suspension has two spring clamps, each of which has a threaded spindle (4) to one end of which a first spring engaging element (5) is fitted, a second spring engaging element (6) displaceable freely on the spindle, and a screw element (19) with which the second spring engaging element (6) is displaceable against the first spring engaging element (5) to compress the coil spring (1).

Abstract: A spring compressor for large coil springs especially for motor vehicle axle springs comprises first and second disc-like pressure plates which are located at spaced locations along the axis of a cylindrical guide tube and each has a central bore opening. A threaded spindle has a spindle head with a key profile and it is rotatably mounted in an axial thrust bearing of the cylindrical guide tube. The guide tube has a radial support surface on which one of the pressure plates is supported. A cylindrical threaded tube has internal threads insertedly engaged with the threaded spindle and the spindle is connected to the guide tube with an axial mobility so as to rotate with the guide tube. The threaded tube has an end which faces away from the spindle head which has a plurality of radial fingers which fit into corresponding recesses formed in the first pressure plate which includes radial enlargements which form passages for the radial fingers carried by the threaded tube.

Abstract: A chain-carrying pulley (1) is journalled on a shaft (3) fastened to an arm (4) pivotally connected to another arm (5) which in turn is rigidly fastened to the rear axle casing (6) of a vehicle. An inflatable bellows (7) extends between the arms. When inflated, for instance by pressurized air, the bellows displaces the movable arm (4) from a folded position relative to arm (5) bringing the pulley (1) into contact with the wheel. The pulley is returned to a storage position by springs (10) joined to the arms when the bellows is deflated.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in assembling and disassembling a strut assembly of the type having a shock absorber axially disposed within a coil spring. The apparatus includes a frame and attachment members for holding a first portion of the spring with the spring positioned in predetermined alignment within the frame. A compression head is mounted on the frame and movable toward and away from a compression direction. The compression head includes first and second compression elements for imparting a force on a second portion of the spring and urging the spring toward the compression direction. The compression head includes linkage for connecting the first and second compression elements with the elements being movable relative to one another and free to assume unaligned positions as the compression head urges the spring into compression.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in repairing or replacing parts of the suspension system, such as a MacPherson strut of an automobile which suspends a frame or passenger compartment from a lower portion which includes the wheels and the axle. The apparatus includes an elongated upright apparatus which has a piston rod extending out the top. A special mounted assembly is mounted on top of the piston rod with outwardly extending arms which exerts an upward force on the spring of the MacPherson strut. At the same time a chain is attached between the housing of the elongated tool and the frame or body to prevent upper movement of the frame. When the spring is compressed the shock absorber portion of the MacPherson strut can be removed and replaced.

Abstract: A bench mounted spring compressor is utilized to compress a helical coil spring of a MacPherson strut suspension assembly. The compressor includes a fixed base member having an adapter attaching the shock absorber thereto. A vertically movable tube is arranged to telescope within a tube secured to the fixed base member. The upper end of the movable tube includes an engaging shoe head assembly which is horizontally movable relative to the vertically movable tube. A manually operable ball nut-helical screw arrangement moves the engaging shoe toward and away from the fixed base member. The ball nut-helical screw arrangement is freely movable in one direction of rotation but inhibited in the opposite direction of rotation. The telescoping tubes are prevented from rotating relative to one another.

Abstract: A table feed apparatus is disclosed. The table feed apparatus includes a fixed bed, a first movable table and a second movable table. The first movable table and the second movable table are carried on the fixed bed through the first and second linear bearings in such a manner that the tables are vertically separated from each other and are movable in the same direction. The first and second movable tables have a brake for fixing the tables to the fixed bed. The apparatus further includes a linear motor acting between the first and the second movable tables and capable of selectively causing one of the tables to travel while the other is fixed to the fixed bed through its brake. In consequence, it is possible for the movable tables to travel an infinitely long distance, irrespective of the length of the fixed member.

Abstract: A rack (16) extends along a support column (12) for a work platform (10) which is guided for up and down movement along the support column (12). A pair of independently movable supports (32, 34) are provided. A separate extendible/retractable hydraulic cylinder (64, 68) is interconnected between each support (32, 34) and a frame portion (30, 88, 90) of the work platform (10). Each support (32, 34) includes an extendible/retractable lock element (100) having an end portion which when the lock element (100) is extended is in locking engagement with either tooth portions of a pinion wheel (56) carried by the support (32, 34), or with the rack (16). In use, the lock element (100) is extended to lock the support in position relative to the support column (12). At the same time, the hydraulic cylinder (64, 68) which is connected to the support (32 or 34) is extended or retracted to raise or lower the work platform ( 10).

Abstract: A spring coil compressor tool capable of compressing an automobile spring while it is operatively mounted on the vehicle is disclosed. The inventive spring coil compressor tool includes elongated hook means on the upper spring coil engagement means that allow the safe compression of the spring coil despite the obstruction of low extending fender walls.

Abstract: The locking device for a self-raising oil platform comprising a shell (1) mounted to be movable along legs (2) by means of raising mechanisms comprising output gear pinions cooperative with racks (3) mounted on at least a part of the length of the legs (2), comprises a toothed member (6) forming a counter-rack (6a) mounted on the shell of the platform, means (7) for shifting the toothed member (6) transversely of the direction of the rack with which the device is associated for engaging the teeth of the toothed member in the teeth of the rack (3) or for disengaging them from the teeth of the rack, clamping plates (13) connected to the toothed member and clamping counter-plates (15) connected to the platform, and means (20) for clamping the plates and counter-plates together so as to lock the toothed member (6) in position in the rack.

Abstract: A device for tensioning and extending an elongate helical tension spring, one end of which is anchored and the other free end of which is disposed toward and spaced from a structure to which the spring is to be connected. The device includes a frame with a spring engaging saddle engageable with a side of the spring, between the ends thereof. The device next includes an elongate flexible girdle with one end anchored to the frame extending about the spring and having the other end releasably coupled to the frame. The device next includes a manually rotatable winch drum carried by the frame, a manually operable ratchet releasably stopping rotation of the drum and an elongate tow line with one end portion connected with and wound about the drum and its other end portion extending to and releasably coupled to the structure to which the spring is to be connected.

Abstract: A device for locking a platform of an offshore structure wherein each of legs vertically rest on the sea floor and is provided with a rack. The platform in adapted to move upward or downward along the legs and is provided with chocks which engage with the racks, respectively, of the legs. The teeth of the chock has a whole depth deeper than that of the teeth of the rack so that when the chock engages with the rack, the deddendums of the chock is caused to deflect themselves respectively about the deddendums, which are made into engagement with the rack, so as to follow the displacement of the platform in the direction of gravity.

Abstract: An agricultural tyne assembly is disclosed which uses a series of linkages to transfer loading from the tyne as deflection of the tyne occurs upon striking an obstacle during tilling. There is also disclosed means to adjust the spring loading on an agricultural tyne.

Abstract: A spring compressor for axially compressing a helical coil spring of an automobile and then holding the spring in the compressed position consists of two identical devices mounted on opposite sides of the axial spring which is to be axially compressed. Each device comprises metal plates held together by rollers, the plates having curved hook formations to engage a coil of the spring. A threaded spindle fits into a housing capable of pivoting between these metal plates. A chain is threaded around the coils of the spring which is to be compressed and around the rollers between the metal plates. Threaded on the spindle is a chain adjustment piece through which the chain passes and which moves outwardly along the spindle when the spindle is turned, so as to cause the chain to pull the spring and compress the coils of the spring between the loop of chain and the curved hook formations of the metal plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring compressor adapted to compress an associated coil spring of a MacPherson strut suspension system. The spring compressor includes a lower clamping member adapted to be secured to the portion of the cylindrical shroud of the MacPherson strut located below the associated helical spring platform. A pair of spaced apart elongate threaded shank members are mounted on the clamping member and extend upwardly where they are threadably connected to a pair of spaced apart upper spring engaging hooks. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the elongated shank members are adjustably mounted to the clamping member to permit adjustment of the spaced apart distance between the upper spring engaging hooks. This enables the spring compressor to accommodate coil springs of various diameters.

Abstract: To substantially reduce the stock of spring cramp sizes needed for holding and clamping axle springs of motor vehicles having widely varying diameters, the clamping jaws of a spring cramp have a contact surface which is substantially flat and, at least in the zone of median plane of the jaw and over the entire jaw leg leading in the clamping direction, slightly slanting inwardly by an angle .alpha. of from 2.5.degree. to 6.degree., so that the radially outer edge of jaw leg trails behind the inner one during a clamping operation. In addition, a backing rib is provided projecting substantially symmetrically from the inner edge of each clamping jaw axially in the clamping direction, which rib extends through a center angle .beta. of from 30.degree. to 100.degree.. At their free ends, the jaw legs are about 1.5 to 2 times wider than in the zone of their median plane.

Abstract: A coil spring compressor for compressing a coil spring during the assemblage of sub-assemblies of automotive suspension systems, in particular, of the MacPherson type. The coil spring compressor is of the type which includes a head plate positioned above a base and movable with respect to the base. The coil spring compressor is provided with a pair of guide bars pending from the head plate and on which a slidable clamp carriage is mounted. The clamp carriage carries a clamping mechanism having a pair of clamping assemblies facing each other and positioned at both sides of the coil spring. Each clamping assembly comprises a pair of clamping arms interconnected with each other so that the clamping fingers provided at the inner free ends of each arms extend toward the coil spring to be introduced between two successive turns of the coil spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a helical gear drive assembly which can be utiized as a spring compressor for compressing an associated helical coil spring of the type commonly utilized on MacPherson strut suspension assemblies. The spring compressor includes a pair of elongate parallel threaded guide shafts having an upper spring engaging shoe secured to the upper end thereof and a lower support link secured at their lower ends. The gear drive assembly is mounted on the guide shafts intermediate the upper spring engaging shoe and the lower support link and is utilized to support a lower spring engaging shoe in spaced apart, facing relationship with the upper spring engaging shoe. Both the upper and lower spring engaging shoes can be formed of a helical configuration to provide positive engagement with the respective coils of the spring. The helical drive assembly includes a separate internally threaded sleeve mounted within a housing about each of the threaded guide shafts.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) for installing a coil spring (30) under tension between the discharge electrode wires (20) of a rigid-frame type electrostatic precipitator (10). The installation apparatus (40) comprises a longitudinally elongated support rod (42), first spring engagement pin (54) mounted stationarily to the outboard end (44) of the support rod, second spring engagement pin (64) supported from and translatably movable along the support rod, and spring tensioning device (70) for selectively positioning the second spring engagement pin (64) at the proper position along the support rod (42) so as to elongate the spring to the proper length necessary to slip the ends (34) of the spring about and between the discharge electrode wires (20).

Abstract: A MacPherson strut spring compressor has a drive mechanism to move a strut clamp assembly toward and away from the front of the frame. Upper and lower positioning assemblies are vertically movable with respect to the frame to accommodate MacPherson struts of different sizes and spring offsets, with the upper positioning assembly being vertically adjustable independently of the lower positioning assembly and the lower positioning assembly being vertically adjustable with respect to frame. There is also disclosed locking mechanism for each of the positioning assemblies to retain the MacPherson strut in place during operation of the compressor.

Abstract: A rack (16) extends along a support column (12) for a work platform (10) which is guided for up and down movement along the support column (12). A pair of vertically spaced apart pinion wheels (56) engage the rack (16). Each pinion wheel (56) is mounted on its own pinion wheel support (32, 34). A separate extensible-retractable hydraulic cylinder (64, 68) is interconnected between each pinion wheel support (32, 34) and a frame portion (30, 88, 90) of the work platform (10). Each pinion wheel support (32, 34) includes an extendable-retractable lock element (100) having an end portion which when the lock element (100) is extended is in locking engagement with two portions of the pinion wheel (56). In use, the lock element (100) associated with one of the pinion wheels (56) is extending into locking engagement with tooth portions of its pinion wheel (56), to in that manner prevent rotation of the pinion wheel (56) and hold it in position relative to the guide member (12).

Abstract: A coil spring compressor for compressing a coil spring during the assembly of subassemblies of automotive suspension systems, having a head plate positioned above a base and movable with respect to the base. The coil spring compressor is provided with a pair of guide bars suspended from the head plate and on which a slidable carriage is mounted. The carriage carries a pair of compressing assemblies facing each other and positioned at both sides of the coil spring. Each assembly comprises a pair of compressor arms interconnected with each other. Each compressor arm is provided with a finger mount to which a compressing finger is adjustably attached. The fingers are introduced between two successive turns of the coil spring by operating handles provided on the compressor arms.

Abstract: In the particular embodiment of the device for replacing components in a front suspension of a vehicle disclosed in the specification, a work bench has two arms one projecting from each side and each having a mounting plate to be affixed to a wheel hub of a suspension mounted on the bench, and a pressure cylinder acts on the arms to lift the mounting plates and thereby compress the springs of the front suspension components to facilitate dismantling and replacement thereof.

Abstract: A coil spring compressor adapted for use in the assembly of automotive suspension systems, particularly, of the MacPherson type. The coil spring compressor includes a head plate movable vertically with respect to a base on which a MacPherson strut forming part of the suspension system to be assembled is held in position. A clamp carriage having a frontal opening is mounted to the head plate for vertical sliding movement relative to the head plate to adjust the vertical position of the clamp carriage. The clamp carriage is provided with four clamping arms, each of which is pivoted at its outer end to the carriage and has at its inner end a clamping hook engageable with the selected turn of the coil spring. Two clamping arms forming a pair are arranged along a side of the frontal opening and two clamping arms forming another pair are arranged along the opposite side thereof, the front and rear clamping arms in each pair being interconnected with each other so as to swing conjointly.

Abstract: Clamping device having clamping members cooperating via a pressure area and an intermediate member with a pressure member, the intermediate member consisting of a slide member having a cross section in the form of a segment of a circle, a plane surface cooperating with the pressure area and a circular arc-shaped surface in a corresponding seating provided in the associated clamping or pressure member.

Abstract: A spring compressor employs a fluid-operated piston-cylinder which drives a first platen toward a second platen to compress a MacPherson strut mounted between the two platens, the first platen being pivotally mounted for self-adjustment to accommodate many different strut sizes and designs.

Abstract: For use with an offshore drilling barge, a jacking apparatus is disclosed which utilizes racks mounted on the leg to be elevated, there being two or more racks on each leg, and the racks are equipped with teeth and spaces where teeth are omitted. There is attached to the barge a cooperative, fixed rack and a pinion carried on the end of a piston rod connected with a hydraulic piston. The pinion is located and has teeth appropriate to fit between the rack on the leg and the fixed rack on the barge. By aptly spacing the gaps in the several racks on the leg, racks can be omitted for significant lengths, and, additionally, the pinion can be periodically disengaged to enable rapid extension or retrieval of the pinion.

Abstract: A tool for extending and thereby restoring the compression of a fuse block spring (46). The tool comprises a rod (10) fixedly mounted at one end to extend from an end of one arm (14) of a pistol grip and at the other end is slotted to admit the spring tang as the rod (10) is inserted within the spring coils. When the rod (10) is stopped, either by a portion (48) of the spring or the fuse socket base, a finger (32) at the end of a sleeve assembly (18, 29) slidably fitted over the rod (10) is rotated to capture an initial coil of the spring. The sleeve assembly (18, 29) at its other end is pivotally connected to an end of a second arm (22) of the pistol grip, which second arm (22) is also pivotally connected to the first arm (14). The second arm (22) is closable on the first arm (14) to retract the sleeve assembly (18, 29) along the rod ( 10) to extend the spring (46) to the required length.

Abstract: A brake adjuster tool including a set of dies and a pneumatic press for assembly and disassembly of a main landing gear brake adjuster. The assembly operation requires only two steps saving considerable time while presetting the adjuster pin automatically on assembly. The brake adjuster tool includes a pneumatic cylinder or diaphragm, control valve and air regulator and provides a mechanical pressure of up to 400 pounds with a linear travel of 4 inches which is needed to perform the operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for elevating a prefabricated, offshore, well-drilling or other platform on a prefabricated upright support in deep water. The platform is elevated by jacking units on a platform having legs suspended from a superstructure on the support. The upright support is stabilized against wind and wave action by four guy lines anchored at one end to the sea bottom and connected at its opposite end to the drum of winches mounted on two of the caissons. There are two drums in each of the two caissons. Each drum is connected to one guy line and is separately driven by a remotely controlled, reversible hydraulic motor. The motors are operated to maintain the support vertical and the fottings equally loaded; otherwise, uneven penetration of the footings into the sea bed would result. The guy lines are always tensioned against marine and wind forces.The platform is buoyant and has four open caisson wells arranged in the same geometric pattern as the caissons of the support.

Abstract: The remote docking apparatus comprises a support plate with locking devices mounted thereon. The locking devices are capable of being inserted into tubular members for suspending the support plate therefrom. A vertical member is attached to the support plate with an attachment mechanism attached to the vertical member. A remote access manipulator is capable of being attached to the attachment mechanism so that the vertical member can position the remote access manipulator so that the remote access manipulator can be initially attached to the tubular members in a well defined manner.

Abstract: A MacPherson Strut Compressor, with which a strut may be safely dismantled for repair, employs a fluid operated piston-cylinder, mounted to an adjustable upper platen to provide compression between a push platen and a lower base platen.

Abstract: A hand tool particularly adapted for compressing an automobile shock absorber spring to facilitate repairs. The tool comprises a handle with a hook pivoted at the end thereof adapted to engage under a spring coil. An arm is pivoted near one end thereof intermediate the ends of the handle, and a downwardly facing hook on the end of the arm is adapted to engage over a higher coil of the spring. By pushing the handle with the hooks engaged, the hooks or jaws are brought closer together and a short extension of the arm swings across the handle, camming back a lock sleeve slidable thereon. When the arm extension and handle are in alignment, the lock sleeve is extended by a small spring to enclose the arm extension and prevent movement thereof. The compressed coil spring exerts a force on the jaws trying to separate them. This forces the arm extension tightly against the inner surface of the lock sleeve, holding the sleeve firmly in place against inadvertent retraction.

Abstract: Floating apparatus for performing operations, such as dredging and drilling, on and in a bottom under water subject to violent motion. The apparatus comprises a working platform provided with legs vertically adjustable to the depth of the bottom by adjusting means. Each leg is flexibly connected at least at two vertically spaced places to parts of the apparatus formed integrally with the platform. The connection of a leg at the higher of the two places is effected by means for taking up rocking movements of the working platform, and at the lower of the two places by connecting members springing and/or dampening in two perpendicular horizontal directions, while the means adjustable in the vertical direction for connecting the leg to the working platform are also of resilient or dampening construction.

Abstract: A tube coil of austenitic or ferritic material is bent into a coil with a steep pitch by clamping the end of the tube section to be bent in clamps located at the ends of two radial arms of the bending apparatus. One arm is then pulled away from the other arm to cause the clamped ends to displace relative to each other while a steeper pitch is imparted. The pulled arm is free to rotate while the clamps are free to pivot in planes tangential to the tube coils. In one embodiment, the clamps can also move radially of the supporting arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jack-up platform locking apparatus. The subject locking apparatus includes a frame operable to be securely connected to a deck of the platform and a lock unit having at least one tooth for engaging a compatibly configured surface upon a vertically adjustable platform leg. Hydraulic motor means are provided for vertically adjusting the lock with respect to the deck and leg. An additional hydraulic motor is provided for horizontally actuating or deactuating the lock with respect to the platform leg. The invention further includes a mechanical assembly for vertically securing an engaged lock with respect to the platform deck. A reaction wedge member is provided for horizontally securing the lock in firm engagement with the leg of the offshore platform.

Abstract: A spring compressing tool is provided to efficiently compress a coil spring on the suspension system of an automobile. An elongated threaded rod includes a head disposed on one end adapted to be engaged by a common wrench or similar tool whereby the rod may be rotated. A plate having a central aperture to receive the threaded rod and to hold it in position while the spring is compressed is adapted to be removably mounted on the spring tower of the suspension system. A hook assembly to engage the coil spring is designed to receive the threaded rod and travel on the rod as the rod is rotated, thereby compressing the coil spring.

Abstract: A compression spring cramp for large helical or coil springs, particularly, axle springs of motor vehicles, comprises, a hollow guide tube with a threaded spindle rotatably mounted in the guide tube. A first spring gripper member has an inner portion secured to the hollow guide tube adjacent the top thereof and has a substantially semi-cylindrical spring engaging channel portion which extends outwardly from the inner portion and has a channel opening extending downwardly so as to be engageable over the coil of the spring. A second gripper has an inner slider portion which is threadedly engaged on the threaded spindle for movement upwardly and downwardly on the guide tube and includes an outer portion with a substantially cylindrical spring engaging channel portion extending outwardly from the slider portion exteriorally of the guide tube and opening upwardly to engage below a coil of the spring.