Abstract: The disclosure relates to the technical field of automobile maintenance and repair as well as device calibration, and in particular, to a bracket apparatus. The bracket apparatus includes a base, a vertical rod and a clamping assembly. One end of the vertical rod is mounted to the base. The clamping assembly is mounted to the vertical rod. The clamping assembly includes a sliding member, a push rod assembly, a handle and an elastic member. One end of the sliding member is sleeved on the vertical rod. The sliding member is movable along the vertical rod. An other end of the sliding member is configured to carry a calibration element. The push rod assembly can be movably mounted to the sliding member in a preset direction. Two ends of the elastic member respectively abut against an inner wall of the sliding member and the push rod assembly. The elastic member can drive one end of the push rod assembly to be tightly pressed against the vertical rod.

Abstract: A system including a pipe handler that can include a base, a support rotatably attached to the base at one end of the support, a first actuator configured to telescopically extend the support into engagement with a rig and telescopically retract the support to disengage from the rig, and a pipe handler mechanism rotatably attached to the support proximate an opposite end of the support, with the pipe handler mechanism being configured to grip and transport an object from a pick-up location to a delivery location and a system including a pipe handler that can be fixedly mounted to a rig floor with a pipe handler mechanism rotatably attached to the support, with the pipe handler mechanism being configured to grip and transport an object from a pick-up location to a delivery location.

Abstract: In an actuator system having a toothed actuator and a tensioner to apply a tension force to the toothed actuator, a hold mechanism holds the tooth actuator stationary, through disengage-able contact with at least one tooth thereof, with respect to a direction of the tension force while allowing the tooth actuator to move freely in a direction opposite the direction of the tension force. An advancement pawl having at least two degrees of freedom engages with one or more teeth on the tooth actuator to displace the tooth actuator a distance in the direction opposite of the direction of the tension force.

Abstract: A bedside commode stabilization device includes a tubular outer member, a tubular inner member slidingly engaged with the outer member and configured to extend from inside an upper end of the tubular outer member in order to adjust an overall length of the stabilization device. The device also includes a spring loaded boss disposed on the tubular inner member and configured to be received by a series of apertures on the tubular outer member in order to secure the tubular outer member and the tubular inner member at a desired length. A clamp is secured to an upper end of the tubular inner member and is configured to be secured to a portion of a bedside commode. The device also includes a foot secured to a lower end of the device and is configured to provide a foundation when the device is wedged between the floor and the bedside commode.

Abstract: A system for moving items on a rig floor (2), the system comprising a plurality of skids (30-35) and a network of rails (10) for guiding the plurality of skids, each skid of said plurality of skids for supporting an item, and each skid having rail engagement members for engaging at least one rail of said network of rails. The rig floor may form part of a drilling rig such as a drill ship (1) used in the construction of oil and gas wells.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is a railway track (3) sleeper (2) squaring device and the machine which carries this device. The device comprises a first and a second positioning element (1) adapted to be located between pairs of sleepers (2) and for locating at opposite ends of the sleepers (2) and parallel to the direction of the railway track (3) where these positioning elements (1) can be extended in that direction with the first and second positioning element (1) being configured such that on extending them simultaneously to a pre-set value they push the sleepers (2) so as to produce squaring of these sleepers (2).

Abstract: A device to actuate a contamination cover on a machine bracket, the device comprising a master cylinder positioned on the machine bracket; a first slave cylinder positioned on the machine bracket and connected to the contamination cover; and a closed master-slave circuit connecting the master cylinder to the slave cylinder wherein the actuation of the master cylinder drives the slave cylinder for the transition of the contamination cover from a close to an open position.

Abstract: An illuminated vehicle lift assembly having a jack assembly with a top wall, a base wall, first and second lateral walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and wheels. The jack assembly further has power means and illumination means. The illuminated vehicle lift assembly further has a handle assembly and an electrical system. The handle assembly mounts onto the jack assembly, whereby an end is forced into a receiving slot until a first electrical connector couples with a second electrical connector, and retaining walls block, or otherwise restrict, locking protrusions. The illuminated vehicle lift assembly facilitates lifting of a vehicle for changing a vehicle wheel assembly.

Abstract: A self-loading mini dolly includes a dolly frame; a front dolly arm carried by the dolly frame; a wheeled front axle carried by the front dolly arm; a front dolly platform carried by the front dolly arm, the front dolly platform selectively deployable between lowered and raised positions; a rear dolly arm carried by the dolly frame in spaced-apart relationship to the front dolly arm; a wheeled rear axle carried by the rear dolly arm; and a rear dolly platform carried by the rear dolly arm, the rear dolly platform selectively deployable between lowered and raised positions.

Abstract: A dual ratchet pawl jacking system, device, and method are presented for raising and/or lowering a platform bearing carriage along a vertical support. The ratchet pawls alternate supporting the weight of the carriage by engaging against a series of lugs on the vertical support. A first pawl is attached to the main frame of the carriage, and a second pawl is attached to a sub-carriage assembly that slides upward and downward within the carriage frame. A hydraulic jack applies a force upon the sub-carriage, causing the sub-carriage to move within the frame. The weight of the carriage is alternately borne by each pawl as the other pawl is relocated to a new lug. A pair of triggers is used to retract the first pawl and second pawl from the support. The triggers may be enabled to facilitate lowering the carriage, or disabled to facilitate raising the carriage.

Abstract: A support assembly includes a frame, a first ratchet, a second ratchet, a lift structure, a bridge member, and a saddle. Each of the first and second ratchets includes a linear rack attached to first and second side members of the frame, and a slide structure slideably mounted with one of the side members. Each slide structure includes a pawl that successively engages with teeth in the linear rack as the lift structure of the support assembly is extended upwardly and as the slide structure slides along the linear rack. The support assembly may be a jack stand that is co-located with a vehicle jack. A head of the vehicle jack pushes against a bottom surface of the bridge member of the jack stand to cause the lift structure to extend upwardly and the ratchet systems to engage in a locked position to hold a vehicle in a raised position.

Abstract: A combined car jack and lug wrench assembly is provided that includes a driving lever configured to be used both to engage a driving head for operating a hydraulic system of the car jack and to be used as a spanner of a lug wrench assembly. The assembly can include a car jack body, a socket storage assembly disposed on the body for housing wrench sockets, and a lever storage assembly disposed on a sidewall of the body configured to secure the driving lever along a sidewall of the body, when not in use.

Abstract: A support post for a safety fence assembly. The support post has a floor engaging end that has a number of claws, a shaft coupled at one end to the floor engaging end, a first longitudinally extending telescoping tube, a second longitudinally extending telescoping tube adapted for sliding telescoping engagement with the first telescoping tube, a ceiling engaging end, and an over-center locking lever assembly. Each of the claws has a number of sharp penetrating points for engagement with a supporting surface. The shaft has a free end which is threaded along at least a portion of its length. The first longitudinally extending telescoping tube has an internal nut for threaded engagement with the shaft. The ceiling engaging end is coupled to the second telescoping tube. The over-center locking lever assembly fixes the relative position of the first and second telescoping tubes.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include a jack stand. The stand may include one or more of: a housing, elongated support, engagement element, engagement element receiver, and a modulator. The housing may be adapted for receiving the elongated support. The elongated support may be configured for being associated with the housing, and may include one or more, e.g., a plurality of engagement element receivers. The plurality of receivers may be positioned sequentially along a length of the support and may be configured for receiving a portion an engagement element. The engagement element, therefore, may be adapted for removably engaging the engagement element receivers in sequential fashion, wherein the sequential engagement of the engagement element receivers by the engagement element causes the elongated support to move. The modulator may be associated to the engagement element and configured for modulating the engagement of the engagement element with the plurality of receivers.

Abstract: A support assembly includes a frame, a first ratchet, a second ratchet, a lift structure, a bridge member, and a saddle. Each of the first and second ratchets includes a linear rack attached to first and second side members of the frame, and a slide structure slideably mounted with one of the side members. Each slide structure includes a pawl that successively engages with teeth in the linear rack as the lift structure of the support assembly is extended upwardly and as the slide structure slides along the linear rack. The support assembly may be a jack stand that is co-located with a vehicle jack. A head of the vehicle jack pushes against a bottom surface of the bridge member of the jack stand to cause the lift structure to extend upwardly and the ratchet systems to engage in a locked position to hold a vehicle in a raised position.

Abstract: In a method and a device for moving a working means in the ground, a coupling means rotatable about an axis of rotation for establishing a drive connection between a push-pull unit and a rod assembly having at least one projection and/or at least one recess is engaged with the projection and/or the recess of the rod assembly such that via a first contact area of the coupling means a first feed force is transmitted from the push-pull unit to the rod assembly. By the counter force opposite to the first feed force a torque acting on the coupling means is generated, which torque presses a second contact area of the coupling means against the rod assembly with a contact force. By the contact force, a non-positive connection is established between the push-pull unit and the rod assembly. Via this non-positive connection, a second feed force is transmitted to the rod assembly. By at least a part of the first and second feed force acting on the rod assembly a linear movement of the rod assembly is caused.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a vehicle jack an include an elevation assembly and a guide bracket. The elevation assembly includes a threaded member and an elongated support member, with the elongated support member configured to threadedly engage and rotate relative to the threaded member. The guide assembly includes a guide bracket configured to engage the threaded member such that the threaded member moves with the guide assembly as the guide assembly moves along a path defined by a longitudinal axis of the elongated support member. This movement raises or lowers a vehicle positioned on the jack. Various embodiments address the assembly of a vehicle jack by engaging a threaded member with an elongated support member and a guide bracket. Rotation of the elongated support member about its longitudinal axis causes the threaded member to move the guide bracket along a path defined by the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An adjustable support apparatus for a recreational vehicle permits rapid height adjustment with a spring mechanism of a handle-nut assembly on a threaded rod. A portion of the threaded rod is inserted into the hollow portion of a jackscrew assembly. A tab on the handle-nut assembly includes an over-sized hole intersecting a threaded hole for engaging the threaded rod. An approximate desired height of the support apparatus is accomplished by pushing a tab inward and sliding the handle-nut assembly to a desired position on the threaded rod. A fine adjustment to the desired height, if required, is made by turning the handle nut assembly so that it travels with respect to the threaded rod.

Abstract: A clutchable pry bar includes a bar member with a fitting connector; a rack member fitted with the fitting connector of the bar member, including two slots adjacent to a closed end of the rack member, and including two through holes proximate to an opened end of the rack member; a ratchet shaft inserted to the through hole of the rack member, and including a first end portion disposed on one end thereof; at least one ratchet member fitted to the ratchet shaft, a plate member movably fixed to the slots of the rack member, a returning spring between pegs of the plate member and a central extension of the bar member; a stem member to be retained with the ratchet shaft after the stem member is inserted to a radial bore of the ratchet shaft.

Abstract: An extension rod unit includes an outer tube with an inner tube retractably inserted thereto and a ratchet unit is connected to the open top of the outer tube. The ratchet unit includes a connection member and a lever. The connection member includes two side panels and each have a first lug extending therefrom. The lever has two second lugs and the shaft extends through the first and second lugs so as to pivotably connect the lever to the connection member. Two ratchet gears are located between two sets of first and second lugs. A slot is defined axially through the shaft. A driving member has a first end fixed to the fixing part and a second of the driving member extends through the slot of the shaft and is located beyond the outer tube. By pivoting the lever, the inner tube can be moved relative to the outer tube.

Abstract: This invention relates to mechanisms and systems for securing a child safety seat to a vehicle seat. Some embodiments include one or more movable anchoring structures. The anchoring structures can be connected to a rotatable member that is capable of exposing and retracting the movable anchoring structures. The rotatable member can also be connected to one or more lever members disposed at one or both ends of the rotatable member and capable of hand operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting or pulling a load, characterized by a link chain and co-operating therewith an operating organ for moving the link chain and for the link chain to pass through, wherein the links of the link chain and the operating organ possess mutually engaging bearing faces, and wherein the operating organ possesses a first bearing face and a second bearing face and in addition comprises a hydraulic cylinder for adjusting the distance between the first bearing face and the second bearing face.

Abstract: An automatic-slide-forward-lift bridge for use with a jack stand power unit. The power unit has a rectangular frame base and a pair of parallel lift arms with forward ends for raising and lowering the jack stand. The lift arms have leveling pads attached to the forward ends. Each leveling pad includes a rectangular plate oriented vertically having a rearward edge and an upper surface with a flange extending outward for use with the lift bridge, and for use with a compression spring mechanism for biasing the bridge toward the forward ends of the lift arms. The lift bridge comprises a rectangular plate having an upper surface, a bottom surface, a forward end and a pair of sides. Each side of the lift bridge has an inner channel for engaging the outward flange of the respective leveling pad, and each side further has a finger extending rearward from the rectangular plate with a flange extended downward for abutting the rearward edge of the leveling pad.

Abstract: A goods fastening apparatus is disclosed which comprises a pipe fixedly connected to a body and a gear rack passing through the body and partly muff-coupled with the inside of the pipe. A hand grip and a positioning claw are hinged to the body through a primary pivot. A driving claw is hinged to the hand grip through a secondary pivot. A plate spring is positioned between the driving claw and the positioning claw. A mobile stopper sheet pressed against the plate spring is provided at the upper portion of the body. A stopper pin is fixed at the hand grip. The stopper pin is positioned at the edge of one side of the positioning claw facing the gear rack while the front end of the positioning claw is embedded into the gear teeth of the gear rack.

Abstract: An extensible supporting strut including an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. Each end of the supporting strut has a supporting section. The inner sleeve is formed with several engaging holes axially arranged at equal intervals. A base seat is connected between the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve. Two locking lugs laterally extend from the bottom of the base seat for locking the outer sleeve. The base seat has two symmetrically extending sideboards each having a head section. An engaging member and a handle are pivotally disposed between the head sections of the sideboards. A pivoted end of the handle is formed with a stepped protruding push section. The engaging member is pivotally disposed in the handle and has a pivoted end formed with a toothed section. The middle sections of the sideboards are formed with a pair of aligned through holes. A fixing pin is passed through the through holes, a resilient member and a pawl.

Abstract: A jack bar includes an outer tube, an inner tube and a positioner tube coaxially located. The positioner tube is extendable to adjust a length to the jack bar in use while enabling the jack bar to be retracted for storage. The jack bar further includes a clamp configured to receive tubes of various shapes. The clamp is further configured to prevent twisting or turning of clamped tubes.

Abstract: A goods fastening apparatus with improved structures is disclosed herein, which comprises a body, a pipe fixedly connected to the body and a gear rack passing through the body and partly muff-coupled with the inside of the pipe. A hand grip and a positioning claw are hinged to the body through a primary pivot. A driving claw is hinged to the hand grip through a secondary pivot. A plate spring is positioned between the driving claw and the positioning claw. A mobile stopper sheet pressed against the plate spring is provided at the upper portion of the body. The front ends of the driving claw and the positioning claw can be embedded into the gear teeth of the gear rack with aid of the plate spring. A stopper pin is fixed at the hand grip. The stopper pin is positioned at the edge of one side of the positioning claw facing the gear rack while the front end of the positioning claw is embedded into the gear teeth of the gear rack.

Abstract: A process for winching comprising attaching a first line to a jack, connecting a second line to the object to be winched, connecting a third line to the running gear of the jack, immobilizing the jack, connecting the third line to the second line and cranking the jack to move the object, and connecting the first line to the second line to hold the object in its new position. Apparatus for holding an object being winched in a new position including a winch tensioner bracket connected to a grab hook by a chain.

Abstract: A universal lifting device for elevating heavy off-the-road vehicles, e.g. mechanical shovels used in mining operations, is proposed to raise the upper revolving section of the shovel and allow for its lower wheeled base to be removed with a view to attending to the maintenance, for instance, of the rotation mechanism of the shovel. The lifting device comprises front and rear lifting beams to which various type of brackets can be removably mounted to ensure a proper positioning of the front and rear lifting beams with respect to the revolving frame of different models of mechanical shovels. Front and rear lifting points are provided to control the vertical displacement of the front and the rear lifting beams, respectively.

Abstract: A support device is used to facilitate maintenance of a jacking system of a self-elevating drilling or maintenance platform having a plurality of legs supporting the platform in an operating orientation. The platform includes jacking mechanisms associated with the legs to raise and lower the platform using jacking racks on each leg chord. Support devices temporarily support the platform independent of the jacking mechanisms using a rack chock removably clamped in place on each leg with locking teeth on the rack chock meshed with jacking teeth on the leg's jacking rack. In this manner the platform can be temporarily supported by using removable fasteners to secure a rack chock to each leg chord beneath the platform hull, lowering the platform relative to the legs so that the hull rests on a support seat on each support device, and then disengaging the jacking mechanism from the jacking teeth on the legs for maintenance of the jacking system.

Abstract: A process for winching comprising attaching a first line to a jack, connecting a second line to the object to be winched, connecting a third line to the running gear of the jack, immobilizing the jack, connecting the third line to the second line and cranking the jack to move the object, and connecting the first line to the second line to hold the object in its new position. Apparatus for holding an object being winched in a new position including a winch tensioner bracket connected to a grab hook by a chain.

Abstract: A locking device installed in a cargo support to lock a retractable tube, including a holder frame fastened to the outer tube of the retractable tube, a rack moved in a longitudinal sliding way defined between two parallel lugs of the holder frame, a driving lever pivoted to the holder frame for moving the rack, and a locking block pivoted to the holder frame and retained by a spring to lock the driving lever, wherein a L-shaped locating plate is mounted in the holder frame for the positioning of the outer tube of the retractable tube, having a round hole on a transverse section thereof through which the inner tube is inserted into the outer tube, two stop flanges bilaterally extended from a longitudinal section thereof and respectively engaged with respective end notches on the holder frame, and a lug extended from one stop flange and fastened to a lug at the holder frame; the holder frame and the locking block are respectively made of iron.

Abstract: A mechanical lifting jack with a locking mechanism that arrests upward motion of the handle if the handle is suddenly released by the operator while raising or lowering a load. A latch on the pivot attachment of the handle to the lifting assembly is actuated by a lever disposed at the distal end of the handle, and engages into a toothed safety link when the lever is released. In the event that the operator suddenly releases the handle accidentally, the latch engages the safety link to arrest the upward motion of the handle. The invention can also be used to lock the handle into an upright position alongside the vertical support for compact storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a movable assembly along a mast is provided. The movable assembly has a bore adapted to receive the mast passing through it. The movable assembly has a release and retain mechanism; a uni-directional drive mechanism; and a switching mechanism for engaging the uni-directional drive mechanism. The switching mechanism has a shaft positioned within the movable assembly, generally oriented parallel to the bore, that is capable of rotational movement around the longitudinal axis of the shaft and axial movement along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The switching mechanism also has a drive pin attached to the shaft of the switching mechanism that is oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The switching mechanism also has a mechanism for affecting the axial movement of the shaft that is preferably in the form of a cam. The release and retain mechanism has a biased release lever defining a slot that is sized to receive the mast.

Abstract: In a dunnage jack bar assembly of the longitudinal ratchet type wherein the length of the jack bar assembly is adjusted by a carriage slidably mounted upon the jack bar having locking and power pawls operated by an oscillating operating lever wherein the pawls engage the teeth of the jack bar to translate the carriage thereon. A quick release lever mounted upon the operating lever selectively lifts the locking pawl from the jack bar teeth to permit a rapid translation of the carriage on the jack bar in either direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting or supporting modular furniture to allow access to a floor for reflooring where the furniture has panels having accessory hanging tracks with apertures, including a support having a shaft which extending vertically, and a lifting jig which is movable on the shaft by a jack. The lifting jig comprises a lower portion having a support plate for engaging the underside of a panel, and an upper, stabilizer portion spaced above the support plate and having an undercut hook for engagement with one of the apertures of a hanging track so as to positively locate the jig in relation to the panel. The apparatus may also include a horizontal bridge extending between spaced feet, and a carrier slidable on the bridge and which may be used to support the lifting jig above a clear working space between its feet.

Abstract: A pole jack apparatus for travelling up and down a pole including a frame member with a jacking mechanism. A pump lever is utilized for causing the jacking mechanism to engage the pole for upward and downward travel. The jacking mechanism includes an interlock device to ensure that one of two engagement pins is engaged with the pole at all times. A separate spring biased, "dead man" brake is also provided for added safety.

Abstract: A device for releasing of a frozen screw pressed against a contact surface uses a compression disc pre-loaded to an anticipated amount of deflection prior to mounting between the contact surface and the screw. The disc has an insert formed from a granulated material mixed with a water soluble binder, allowing to wash out the insert and cause collapse of the disc, so as to break the connection between the contact surface and the screw.

Abstract: A repair method which is used to restore planarity to concave damage in a wall of gypsum board construction, wherein the device is inserted through a small hole drilled in the damaged area, or inserted from the rear through a hole drilled in the back wall. Features of the device engage the opposing interior surfaces of the two wall boards. Tears and cracks in the wall are cemented. The device is manually powered in the manner of a jack to push out the damaged board pieces, which are still hingedly attached by the cardboard facing. Thus united, the cracks are bonded while the inexpensive device is left in the wall, acting as a permanent prop. Remnants of the device remaining outside of the wall are broken off and the hole is filled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pulling fence posts having fulcrum stand (B) with an action lever (A) movably connected to one end (A1) of fulcrum stand (B) by hinge (B2). A receiving box (A2f), for encompassing the object to be moved, is connected to the action lever (A). An action handle (A3) is attached to the receiving box (A2f) and the fulcrum stand (B), and a moveable gripping pawl (A2d) is connected to the action handle (A3) for engaging the object to be pulled as the action handle (A3) is raised. The movable gripping pawl (A2d) includes two edges, an engagement edge and a non-engagement edge, and a connector (A2g) to connect the gripping pawl (A2d) to the action handle (A3) so that the object to be pulled is raised by the engagement edge as the action handle (A3) is raised.

Abstract: Dolly apparatus for hauling loads on a pitched surface includes frame structure secured to wheels, with the wheels being adjustable in height so that the dolly may be moved along a pitched surface with the load maintained in a proper horizontal orientation. Different embodiments are disclosed, which embodiments may be used for different types of loads. One embodiment is a relatively simple embodiment which may be used for a relatively light load, and a second embodiment is a relatively complicated embodiment which may be used to transport heavier loads. The second embodiment includes wheels which may be oriented ninety degrees for moving in two directions, for example for moving a load to a specific location in one direction and then moving it in a second direction for specifically positioning the load.

Abstract: A jack stand apparatus comprising a broad stable base to ensure safe support of a raised object with a selectively positioned vertical support member secured by a ratchet and pawl type engagement mechanism. The jack stand in its free state maintains the pawl in engagement with the ratchet by means of a torque spring which applies sufficient force to ensure engagement of the pawl with the ratchet in any position. This spring biased type pawl ensures engagement of the pawl and ratchet to prevent sudden movement of the vertical support member during transport. A pivot pin handle which carries said pawl and torque spring may be manually rotated with sufficient force to oppose the torque spring thus permitting disengagement of the pawl from the ratchet.

Abstract: An extendible jacking apparatus including first, second and third normally vertical frames arranged in telescoping relationship, and containing a locking mechanism for automatically locking the first and second frames together while the third frame is being raised, locking the second and third frames together when the third frame is fully raised, and unlocking the first and second frames to allow extension of the second frame. Conversely, the locking mechanism is automatically reversible as the jack is lowered, unlocking the second and third frames and relocking the first and second frames upon the second frame being fully retracted into the first, allowing the third frame to allow be fully retracted into the first and second frames.

Abstract: A mining equipment extraction device (1), comprising:a base member (4);an arm (6), pivotally connected at a first end (5) thereof to said base member (4), and adapted to engage a mine roof at a second end (12) thereof, said arm (6) being adjustable in length and/or angular position;a rack (13), having a first end which is adapted to be connected to the mining equipment to be extracted from the mine;a moving mechanism (17) operatively connected via pistons (20) to said base member (4) and adapted to be engaged via a pawl (16) with said rack (13), such that, said moving mechanism (17) may be operated to move said rack (13) relative to said base member (4) and consequently move said mining equipment.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is disclosed for advancing a rod or pipe through the ground using a compressive force. The invention includes the use of a displaceable tray supported within a frame assembly for carrying a rod or pipe segment. A driving mechanism is included which is supported within the assembly and parallel and adjacent the rod or pipe segment to be driven. Using a removeable end plate insertable within the tray, the rod or pipe segment may be sequentially advanced in a stepwise fashion with a minimal size driving mechanism and frame assembly. Using a jaw assembly mounted on an end of the tray, the rod may be sequentially withdrawn in a stepwise fashion also.

Abstract: An improved skidding system of the hydraulic cylinder type is provided having thick cover plates with precut holes therethrough fixed to the tops of skid beams and including claws attached to the ends of the hydraulic cylinders having slidably mounted cylinder pins therein for engagement with the holes through the cover plates to anchor the ends of the hydraulic cylinders as the structure attached to the cylinders is skidded across the cover plates.

Abstract: The invention provides a propulsive-force jack installation for producing the continuous movement of an oblong object (1) in the direction of its axis and it is characterized in that it comprises two jack assemblies whose pistons (6, 6') work in seesaw fashion, a piston (6) of one assembly taking in charge said object (1) as soon as the piston (6') of the other assembly ceases this action, offload movement of the piston (6 or 6') and its locking on the object (1) being controlled automatically just before the arrival at the end of travel under load of the other piston (6' or 6) and the offload descent of one piston (6 or 6') being controlled automatically at a time which follows the beginning of the taking in charge of the object by the other piston (6' or 6). The invention may be applied to hoisting, self-raising, prospection, or working platforms at sea.

Abstract: A jacking apparatus and method for effecting movement of loads. At least two double-acting hydraulic cylinders including a first and a second cylinder arranged in tandem provide increased force for a power stroke of the apparatus. Hydraulic fluid pressure is provided at a predetermined flow rate to the group of hydraulic cylinders. Substantially all of the predetermined flow rate of hydraulic fluid is routed to the first hydraulic cylinder to provide increased speed for a repositioning stroke of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for excavating and pile reinforcing trenches is disclosed. A box-like central structure serves as a frame within which excavation by customary means, e.g., externally positioned back hoes, takes place. The outside walls of said central structure form temporary trench walls supporting the surrounding dirt. The inside walls of said central structure form a rear section, behind which flat piling is driven in before the entire unit advances. Advancement is carried out by means of longitudinal anchoring to the earth in the direction of travel of the apparatus and a longitudinal propulsion mechanism riding on the box frame and alternatively drilling and pushing periodically. In addition, end aligned shafts with cutting members are disposed within the front edges of the box frame walls to facilitate tunneling forward during the propulsion cycle.

Abstract: A lifting device and method of using the device is disclosed. The device and method may be used to stock a structure such as a high-rise building under construction or an off-shore gas or oil drilling rig. The device in the preferred embodiment contains a pair of booms carried by a pair of boom carriages which are pivoted on a frame attached to the outside of the structure. The booms are capable of moving transversely on the frame and longitudinally within the boom carriages. A trolley and disappearing cargo block are positioned in the booms. Self-climbing features may also be incorporated in the device for stocking several elevations of the structure. The novel device also allows longer cargo to be lifted and turned approximately 90.degree. and moved into the structure. The device may also be installed permanently on the structure and positioned in a non-operative vertical position and pivoted to an operative horizontal position.