Abstract: The jacking apparatus comprises a load frame adapted to move relative to a rail having single slots longitudinally spaced therealong. A pawl carriage is disposed inside the frame for movement relative thereto. A single, double-acting hydraulic actuator is coupled between the frame and the carriage. A pawl member is vertically supported by the carriage for pivotal movement between two diametrically-opposite positions. The pawl member has a claw foot shaped so as to fall into successive slots. The claw withdraws from a rail slot and permits linear motion of the carriage over a distance equal to the actuator stroke, near the end of which the claw falls into the next slot. The claw will then permit linear motion of the load frame during the opposite stroke of the actuator. The reciprocating strokes of the hydraulic actuator produce alternate incremental movements of the load frame and of the carriage.

Abstract: This specification discloses a jack capable of raising an object from ground level height to a predetermined height characterized by a superstructure that includes a base and a strong member above the base and connected thereto, the strong member having the plurality of stations at predetermined heights therealong; a lift bar for lifting the superstructure and the attached object; top fastener for fastening the lifting bar so as to prevent movement upwardly past the predetermined station on the superstructure; connecting means for connecting the superstructure with the object; extensible leg having a plurality of stations therealong and being slidably disposed in an aperture through the base; bottom fastener for fastening the base along the leg at a predetermined station to prevent downward movement past the station; a jacking means for raising the object by forcing the extensible leg and the lift bar apart so that by one or more cycles the object can be raised at a predetermined height by the jack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting a tower crane, and for supporting the tower crane when lifted, utilizes the existing structure of the tower's mast sections for connection of lifting and supporting apparatus. Hydraulic jacks lift threaded lifting rods, which extend down to a pair of lifting yokes by means of adjustable nuts positioned to engage lifting surfaces of the jacks from above. At the top of the stroke of the jack, a second set of nuts are spun down the threaded rods to a position engaging a stationary support surface from above, so that the jacks can then be lowered and the first set of nuts can be spun down and returned to their original position. A third set of nuts is positioned near the bottoms of the rods to provide a means for supporting the lifting yokes.

Abstract: A method of staying climb rods for co-operation with so-called climbing jacks by utilizing masts, preferably lattice masts, each of which climb rods is capable to carry vertical forces transferred via associated climbing jacks, while horizontal forces acting on the climb rod are transferred to the staying mast. The method comprises the steps of supporting the staying mast pivotally on a footing permitting the mast to pivot slightly in any direction, and attaching the climb rod slidably to the staying mast so as to render possible relative movements in the vertical direction between the rod and the mast. The invention also relates to an arrangement for staying climb rods in accordance with the method set forth.

Abstract: An expander device, particularly for use in expanding springs, piston rings, circlips and similar objects, comprises a support member and an actuating member which are pivotally connected to one another and equipped with handgrip portions. A pair of expanding jaws is mounted on the support member for pivoting in a plane which is parallel to the axis of pivoting of the actuating member relative to the support member. A transmission converts the pivoting of the actuating member into spreading apart of the jaws, the transmission including a ratchet mechanism which includes a toothed rack mounted on a guide track for movement in the frontward direction of the device, a transporting pawl which is actuated by the actuating member so as to engage the teeth of the rack and to move the latter, and an arresting pawl which arrests the rack against movement in the rearward direction of the support member.

Abstract: A remote access manipulator for performing operations on equipment located in areas where human access is limited. The manipulator comprises a slave carriage located in the equipment on which the operation is to be performed, such as a nuclear steam generator, for carrying tools and inspection devices for performing operations on the equipment together with a master carriage located in a scale model of the equipment and electrically connected to the slave carriage for controlling the movement of the slave carriage. The slave carriage comprises a five link mechanism with the links rotatably connected and is capable of advancing across a surface of the equipment to position the devices which it carries. The manipulator further comprises a slave manipulator arm used to move the slave carriage into and out of the equipment on which the operation is to be performed in conjunction with a master manipulator arm located in the scale model for controlling the movement of the slave manipulator arm.

Abstract: A log feeding and de-branching mechanism comprising two sets of alternately operating tools which grip around the log to alternately hold the log for lengthwise feeding and to debranch the log, respectively, and which tool sets are linearly movable in mutually opposite directions.

Abstract: A climbing device for a climbing crane wherein two upper supporting arms are supported vertically movably by a main cylinder having its upper end pivoted to the upper portion of a guide frame which in turn is intrusively attached to a mast, and two lower supporting arms are supported by the lower portion of the guide frame whereby climbing or descending is carried out by effectively taking advantage of the upper and lower supporting arms.

Abstract: The accessory device is for use with an hydraulic unit for compressing heavy duty springs. The accessory includes a base plate having feet for engaging lower coils of a spring and a fixed vertical cylinder with its lower end secured to the base plate. A movable cylinder is arranged to telescope over the fixed cylinder and includes laterally extending arms terminating in hooks for engaging over upper coils of the spring. Hydraulic power can be applied to telescope the movable cylinder over the fixed cylinder thereby moving the arms towards the feet and thus compressing a spring positioned therebetween. The relatively large diameters of the cylinders relative to their lengths provides for a very accurate guiding of the downward compressing movement in a rectilinear vertical direction.

Abstract: In a track tensioning apparatus for a tracked vehicle, recoil lock device is provided to prevent unintentional release of a prestressed helical spring during disassembly of the apparatus. Partial compression of the spring is necessary for assembly or disassembly of the track tensioning apparatus and installation or removal of the recoil lock device. Such compression may be accomplished by utilizing the tensioning apparatus, or before assembly by utilizing a specially configured compression device. The recoil lock device are retained in a lock position by a retainer ring engaging narrowed mid-portions of spatially separated pin members of the recoil lock device.

Abstract: A spring compressing tool including a plate having three spaced holes therein. A center hole is provided to allow access to the locking nut of the caster assembly and two other holes in the plate are in alignment with two already available holes in the caster flange. Two elongated threaded studs extend through the aligned holes in the plate and flange elements with nuts engaging the threaded portions above the plate and below the flange holding the spring compressed and the outer and inner cylinders in a fixed relative position while the locking nut of the caster is removed. Loosening of the nuts on the elongated studs allows the outer cylinder to move upward causing the pressure on the caster spring to be relived gradually until the spring is fully expanded and can be safely removed. The spring is replaced in the caster assembly by reversing the procedure outlined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the movement of a surface traversing apparatus across a member which has an ordered array of openings in it's surface. Move control routines are provided, each of which instruct the traversing apparatus to move incrementally over the surface of the member by disengaging, incrementally moving, and re-engaging one of two stepping arms. Each routine operates to advance the apparatus an increment in one of a number of directions. Some of the routines move the apparatus parallel to lines or rows of openings. Others move the apparatus diagonally. Each routine senses the relative positioning of the two stepping arms to establish the sequence of operations and returns the stepping arm to its former position if it is unable to complete a step.

Abstract: An off-shore drilling platform structure and method of mounting in which the structure comprises a base with spaced upstanding legs thereon and a floatable platform slidable along the legs. Laminated tension elements have the opposite ends connected to the base and the upper ends of the legs and the platform has clamp devices for clampingly engaging the laminated tension elements. One clamp device pertaining to each element is nonmovable in the direction of the legs on the platform while the other is movable on the platform in the direction of the length of the legs by power operated devices. The clamp devices pertaining to each tension element are selectively operable so the platform can be moved along the legs.

Abstract: A wedge is mounted on one end of an elongated beam, and a hydraulic ram having a reaction member at one end and an extensible impact member at its opposite end is mounted on the other end of the beam with the impact member facing the wedge. When the impact member is extended, it pushes the end of a log against the wedge to split the log. Longitudinally spaced alternate abutment members, rigid with the beam, enable the ram to be locked in position for multiple strokes to double or otherwise increase the overall effective stroke of the ram without increasing its length. Cooperating latching means on the beam and impact member latch the impact member to the beam in its extended position and permit the ram cylinder to be moved from one set of abutment members to another when fluid pressure in the ram is reversed.

Abstract: A garage door spring stretching device having hook means for attachment to the bracket of a garage door hinge and spring support assembly. The chain is attached to the hook and also to one end of a lever. The lever has a slot in which a slidable hook is held for attachment to the garage door spring. By use of the lever and slidable hook a garage door spring may be stretched and affixed to the garage door bracket assembly.

Abstract: A unitized spring manipulating device employs spaced relatively movable spring coil engaging frames of channel cross section which surround the coil spring on three sides. Hinged safety retainer bars on the frames close their normally open sides during usage of the device. Internal spacer bars adapt the frames to springs of varying size. The coil engaging frames are connected through a jacking device which produces relative movement between the frames to compress the spring preparatory to removing a shock absorber strut which the spring surrounds or for other purposes.

Abstract: A method of lifting or lowering of an object by means of a plurality of climbing jacks capable to climb each along a climb rod. The method comprises the steps of staying the rods slidably by means of associated support structures, arranging each rod on a jack, which jacks are held separated from each other from a load point of view, and adjusting the height position of the climb rods in relation to each other by means of the respective jack in order to minimize the stresses in the object caused by the lifting operation.

Abstract: The invention operates on a bundle of cooling tubes which in use are disposed within a heat exchanger shell which is typically a longitudinally elongated cylinder disposed with its long axis horizontal and supported well above a floor, on a steel framework. The array of tubes become corroded and clogged after a period of use, either internally, externally, or both, and must be pulled linearly out of the shell for replacement. Typically the initial pulling is a difficult job because the tubes have become tightly corroded to the shell.Herein is disclosed an improvement to the type of tube bundle extractor in which the operative unit is a car movable along a pair of rails supported in alignment with the heat exchanger, the rails being supported on a framework which is usually suspended from a crane hook, the framework being secured to one end of the heat exchanger during a bundle pulling or bundle inserting step.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in replacing the bolster-supporting springs between a truck and a bolster of a railway car is disclosed. The apparatus has first engagement means to engage an upper part of the truck, second engagement means to engage the bolster and hydraulically actuated means connected at one end to the first engagement means and at the other end to the second engagement means to urge same together when actuated, whereby the bolster is raised to permit removal and replacement of the springs. Preferably, the first engagement means comprises a pair of hanger bars having hooks at their upper ends to engage the top of the truck and the second engagement means comprises a member slidably mounted on said hanger bars and having a portion insertable into the end of the bolster. The hydraulically actuated means preferably comprises a pair of piston and cylinder arrangements mounted one on each of the hanger bars at its lower end and engaging the slidably mounted member at its upper end.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for elevating an off-shore well drilling or other platform on a support structure in a minimum of time with maximum safety. The platforms are elevated on one or more caissons, utilizing one or more jacking units.One type of support structure comprises three caissons arranged as a tripod. The platform to be mounted thereon has three open caisson wells and is floated into position, with one caisson received in each well. A caisson locking gate is closed to hold the platform in place. A pre-set-up jacking unit is located near or straddles each caisson well. Each jacking unit includes a jacking head, one or more jacking legs pivotally connected at their upper end to the jacking head, and a jacking mechanism surrounding each jacking leg and connected by a gimbal joint at its lower end to the platform. A stabilizing frame for each jacking unit is mounted on the platform.

Abstract: A spring compressor tool is disclosed for use on, for example, the independent suspension assembly of a vehicle, without the necessity of removing the suspension from the vehicle. The tool includes upper and lower U-shaped pressure shoes having helical-shaped outer peripheries for receiving spaced coils of the spring intermediate the opposed connected ends of the spring. A pair of pneumatic cylinders are positioned between the upper and lower shoes. Cylinder rods extend within the cylinders and mount pistons at one end. A header assembly includes pressurizing and venting valves and the cylinder rods define air passageways which communicate with the header assembly and with the cylinders. Return springs are provided adjacent the rods to urge the shoes to a non-compressed position. Air pressure is provided through the passageways to move the shoes toward one another to compress the suspension assembly spring.

Abstract: An improved spring compressor tool for use on, for example, a MacPherson-type independent suspension assembly of a vehicle, without the necessity of removing the suspension from the vehicle. The tool includes upper and lower U-shaped pressure shoes having helical-shaped outer peripheries which define slots for receiving spaced coils of the spring intermediate the opposed connected ends of the spring. At least one of the shoes is linearly adjustable and both shoes are rotatably adjustable for initial alignment with the spaced spring coils. A pair of pneumatic cylinders are positioned side-by-side between the upper and lower shoes. Air pressure is provided through novel valves mounted on a handle for the tool to the cylinders for moving the shoes toward one another to compress the spring and to vent the cylinders for releasing the spring. Return springs are provided in the cylinders to urge the shoes to a non-compressed position during venting.

Abstract: A transport track and a sliding carriage for transporting heavy loads in substantially horizontal direction. The track comprising a bottom plate intended to be positioned loosely on a support capable to bear heavy loads. The upper surface of the plate and the lower surface of the sliding carriage being designed so as to provide minimum resistance to the movement of the sliding carriage over the surface. At least one rod is attached to the bottom plate which rod is adapted for cooperation with a climbing jack intended for moving the carriage and with a guide groove in the carriage for guiding the carriage during the movement. Structure is also arranged for transferring axial forces arising in the rod to the bottom plate.

Abstract: A spring compressor especially adapted for use with MacPherson strut assemblies. Two parallel end plates having apertures sized to allow the insertion of the tubular shock assembly of the MacPherson strut assembly engage the housings containing the ends of the spiral spring of the strut assembly. The two end plates are joined by threaded support rods which allow the perpendicular distance between the two end plates to be varied to compress the spring as desired. Pivoted latches allow the quick insertion or removal of the MacPherson strut assembly from the spring compressor. Quick release safety catches lock the latches to their respective end plates, to hold the strut assembly securely while the spring is compressed.

Abstract: A device for strengthening a coil spring comprising a torsion spring having a helical formation and two arms that are engageable with the coil spring. A deformable plastics body, such as polyurethane, is received within the helical formation resistively to oppose a reduction of the diameter of the formation whereby the device has a progressive action.

Abstract: A spring holder tool is used to maintain a helical shaped frame support of an automobile in a compressed state. A circular shaped member having a cup shaped depression on the top lateral face is affixed to the end of a horizontal trihedron shaped extension arm wherein the horizontal extension arm is supported by a movable vertical support assembly. The circular shaped member is inserted between two convolutions of an expanded support spring. When the expansion force is released from the support spring, the portion of the support spring above the spring holder tube is maintained in a compressed state at a given vertical height.

Abstract: A load equalizing system for a jack-up leg on a mobile off-shore drilling platform barge, wherein the leg has a plurality of rigidly interconnected generally parallel chords. Each of the chords is connected to the barge by a rack and pinion type jack assembly arranged for raising and lowering the leg relative to the platform and wherein lateral deflection of the leg by wave action or the like causes the chords to move vertically unequally relative to the barge. The improvement comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinder assemblies mounted between each of the jack assemblies and the barge, with the working axes thereof generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the leg. Each cylinder assembly has a cylinder piston mounted therein and a piston rod connected to the piston and extending longitudinally therefrom. Each of the hydraulic cylinder assemblies has one end connected to the barge and the other end arranged for vertical bearing against the top of one of the jack assemblies.

Abstract: A device for compressing a strut spring in the strut type car body independent suspension system, comprising two spring compressing plates which are U-shaped and which oppose to each other, and a threaded shaft which, when turned by an external force, changes the distance between the spring compressing plates so as to compress the strut spring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of inserting tension wires in the process of wire assembling for a concrete pole or pile characterized in that forward ends of a required number of tension wires are clamped together by a chuck, and the chuck is inserted from one end of a wire cage to the other end and interiorly thereof, so that a number of tension wires can be inserted into the wire cage at one time.

Abstract: A mobile marine apparatus has a platform, telescopic legs for supporting the platform, each telescopic leg having at least one inner section slidably mounted within an outer section, a frame member attached to the lower ends of the outer sections, a mat attached to the lower ends of the inner sections, locking means to selectively restrain relative movement between the sections and a jacking mechanism on the platform for selectively effecting or restraining relative movement between the platform and the sections and between the sections.

Abstract: A spring spreader includes two elongated legs each having a coil-contacting end and a pivot end, said elongated legs being interconnected near the pivot end by an elongated pivotal axis of interconnection. A fulcrum is disposed between the elongated legs and is removable from at least one of the legs. The fulcrum contacts each elongated leg near the coil contacting end of each leg. Each leg is pivotable in three directions for easy and individual insertion of each leg between adjacent coils of a spring.

Abstract: A tool permitting the changing or replacing of a shock absorber helical spring, the tool including a base on which a shock absorber is mounted in a position parallel to the base with one end of the shock absorber being restrained, a shock absorber length adjustment shaft is positioned on the base adjacent the other end of the shock absorber, a hand lever is positioned on the adjustment shaft with strategically located pins on the hand lever being inserted between coils of the spring, and the hand lever is then moveable to cause compression of the spring sufficiently far to enable removal of a spring retainer and thus removal of the spring.