Abstract: The present invention relates to a jacking apparatus for effecting relative vertical movement between an upright leg and a platform. The jacking apparatus includes a frame having at least two generally vertical parallel side rails. A carrier arranged adjacent the upright leg is movably carried along the frame by fluid cylinders for vertical movement relative to the rails. First and second elongated jack tracks are fixedly secured in a generally vertical orientation to the upright leg. Each of the jack tracks is received within a correspondingly shaped recess in the carrier. Each of the jack tracks further includes a plurality of regularly spaced openings extending completely through the jack track in a direction generally along the circumference of the leg. First and second pins supported by the carrier are selectively engaged in an aligned one of the openings in the first and second jack tracks to prevent vertical movement of the carrier relative to the leg.

Abstract: A plurality of lock bolts are flexibly stacked in a frame at a lesser angle above the horizontal than the frame is slidably mounted in a rack and pinion jack-up rig's horizontal part. The steeper frame mounting angle reduces sliding friction by the vertical component of gravity. The flatter mounting angle of the lock bolts increases bolt locking efficiency that is a maximum at the horizontal. Free ends of the lock bolts project beyond the frame and are adapted to engage and disengage with the rack of the rack and pinion jack-up rig, the rack being oppositely mounted on the vertical part thereof. The frame is slidably actuated by an hydraulic cylinder pivoted to the horizontal part and the frame. The projecting free ends are roughly wedge shaped for engaging with the rack, and have arcuate lower engaging surfaces and flat upper engaging surfaces, the last of which extend from respective vertical abutments to define a steeper angle than opposing rack engaging surfaces.

Abstract: A jacking apparatus for application of force to at least two anchor points for movement of a load. The force is transmitted through fluid in at least two equalizing cylinders after which it is transmitted to the anchor points. The fluid pressure in each of the equalizing cylinders is limited to a predetermined value to provide equal distribution of the load between all of the anchor points to which the jacking apparatus is or should be engaged.

Abstract: An engineers' or carpenters' vise comprises a tubular outer member (12) having a plurality of apertures (13) aligned along one side of the member. A jaw is fixed to one end of the member. A second tubular inner member (18) is telescoped within the first member and has a plurality of apertures 19 which cooperate with the apertures (13) in the outer member. A movable vise jaw 20 is attached to the end of the inner member. A tapered lever 24 is provided for insertion into apertures which are not in line, so as to forcibly pry or move the inner member (18) in either one of two alternative directions. A tapered locking pin 22 is provided to securely lock the inner member (18) to the outer member (12), so as to prevent any return movement. The pin is inserted into apertures which are not in line. The inner member (18) can be removed from the outer member (12) and re-inserted into the opposite end of the outer member, so as to arrange the vise to have an even greater jaw opening.

Abstract: A load bracing bar frictionally supported between partitions to restrain cargo movement comprising an elongated bar consisting of telescopingly interconnected portions. An elongated tooth track is homogeneously defined in one of the bar portions of the material thereof, and a lever and dog device mounted upon the other bar portion selectively engages the teeth of the track to extend the bar portions longitudinally upon lever action. The lever is pivotal to a position which retracts the dog from the tooth track for retracting the bar portions, and a spring biased detent on the lever positively locks the lever and bar in the extended condition.

Abstract: A device for stepwise lifting heavy loads, wherein one or more units each consists of a vertical support member resting on a rigid bed and accommodating a lifting member vertically displaceable in the support member; supporting elements shorter than the length of displacement of the lifting member, one such supporting element being insertable into the support member above the lifting member in its lowered position in order, upon upward displacement of the lifting member, to be introduced into a vertical guiding tube aligned with the support member, the load resting on top of the uppermost supporting element in the guiding tube; and a support plate insertable between the guiding tube and the support member in engagement with the top end surface of the latter, the support plate permitting vertical displacement of the supporting element resting on the lifting member when the supporting element is situated partly within the support member, but preventing downward displacement of the supporting element when it is

Abstract: A jack-up platform apparatus operable for effecting relative vertical motion between a leg chord of a platform and a deck of the platform.The jack-up apparatus includes at least one generally rectangular reaction member operable to be connected at one end thereof to the platform deck in a posture contiguous to but spaced from a leg chord of the platform. An abutment member is connected to the other end of the reaction member and first and second leg chord engaging members are mounted for selective translation along the reaction member between the abutment member and the platform deck. A jack asembly is mounted between the first and second leg engaging members for translating the members along the reaction member wherein selective actuation of the first and second leg engaging members and the jack assembly will function to effect relative vertical motion between the platform leg chord and the platform deck while the reaction member reacts bending moments across the width thereof.

Abstract: A lifting and positioning apparatus for construction panels such as sheet rock, the apparatus including at least one lifting standard having a base, a fixed strut supported vertically from the base, a movable strut supported from the fixed strut, a guide and latch arrangement for retaining the struts in generally parallel relationship, a handle on the movable strut for elevating same in relation to the fixed strut and the base, and a panel engaging rail supported on the movable strut. The panel engaging rail may be supported at the top of the movable strut, in which case, two of the standards are used to elevate and position a panel against the underside of a ceiling framework. In an alternative embodiment, only one standard is used and includes a cleat-like rail at the bottom of the movable strut to engage the lower edge of a panel to be elevated along a vertical wall framework.

Abstract: The two propulsion rams are simultaneously actuated in an opposite sense with respect to each other by control means comprising a directional control valve which controls the supply of pressure fluid to the hydraulically actuated track-engaging means and which is actuated in accordance with the operation of means detecting when at least one of the propulsion rams is approaching the end of at least one stroke. The control means also comprises a further directional control valve which controls the supply of pressure fluid to the propulsion rams and which is actuated in accordance with the supply of pressure fluid from the first mentioned direction control valve.

Abstract: A bale wagon for picking up bales of crop material from the field and forming them into a generally symmetrical pyramidal stack for deposit at a selected location is provided. The bale wagon includes a mobile frame pivotally supporting a stack forming load bed, a bale support and transfer mechanism for depositing the bales at a predetermined position on the load bed, a pickup mechanism for moving the bales from the field to the support and transfer mechanism, and a pusher mechanism for moving the bales along the load bed from the predetermined position. A control mechanism coordinates the functioning of the components so as to form a multi-layered stack of bales with each succeeding layer centered on and containing one less row of bales than the previous layer.

Abstract: A system for propelling a vehicle which includes a frame within which at least one shuttle is mounted for reciprocal movement along a linear path of travel. An oscillating body is attached to the shuttle that is capable of delivering a series of alternating opposed force pulses to the shuttle with the pulses acting in a direction generally along the shuttle's path of travel. A rectifying means periodically locks the shuttle to the frame when the force pulses act in a first direction whereupon the forces are transmitted to the frame and unlock the shuttle when the forces act in the opposite direction, whereupon the shuttle is caused to move in the opposite direction. A return mechanism is operatively connected to the shuttle for restoring the shuttle to its original starting position after it has been driven a predetermined distance over the path of travel.

Abstract: The device is attached to one end of a driving ram located on a mining machine, and comprises a locking ram operable independently of the driving ram. The locking ram is used to force an abutment into locking engagement with an abutment portion in the track on which the machine runs. The device may also include a stop and a guide to ensure that the abutment and abutment portion remain engaged until the locking ram is used to force them out of engagement.

Abstract: A manual automobile pusher comprises a long handle ratchet mechanism mounted on one end of a curved hollow rectangular shaped sleeve, a padded cradle connected to the opposite end of the rectangular shaped sleeve, a curved rack post along which the ratchet mechanism and hollow rectangular shaped sleeve moves, a broad base which is connected to the curved rack post by a pivot pin, and an extensible cross member that is firmly connected to the broad base and the hollow rectangular shaped sleeve. The manual car pusher is capable of developing sufficient horizontal and vertical forces to slowly push an automobile out of a rut in ice, snow or mud, thereby eliminating the waste of gasoline and automobile transmission wear that occurs when a lone driver attempts to free an immobile vehicle by driving it out of a rut.

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: A chain jack utilizing two chains is operated by alternately transferring e chain load from latches incorporated within an upper latch assembly to latches incorporated within a lower latch assembly while moving the upper and lower latch assemblies away from and toward each other by alternate extension and retraction of a hydraulic ram to cause relative movement between the chain and the lower latch assembly. Actuation of the latch mechanism is controlled by hydraulic connection to a pair of four-way valves operated by a control piston having followers from the four-way valves engageable thereon. The control piston is disposed to move with the upper latch assembly while the followers are rigidly affixed to the lower latch assembly. Thus, the engagement and disengagement of the latch mechanisms with the chains are synchronized by the relative movement between the lower and upper latch assemblies.

Abstract: A hydraulic jack support having a pair of telescopic members, one being a base and the other a bridge movable on the base, and an adjustable platform for supporting a jack engaging the base but adjustable thereon in height whereby the lifting jack is positioned on to the platform to lift the bridge in relation to the said platform and whereby the said platform can be raised for a multi-stage lift.

Abstract: A method of bearing a pivoting member on an axle which member is intended to transmit great forces between two other members. The pivoting member may constitute a load transmitting latch pivotable between an operative and inoperative position. The latch is mounted such that there is only a small clearance between a rear surface thereof and a complenetary surface of the associated holding member. The mounting permits shifting of the latch relative to its associated holding member such that the latch in the operative load carrying position is displaced in the longitudinal direction thereof through such a distance that the load transmitting direct contact engagement is obtained between the surfaces.

Abstract: A telescopic boom, for portable cranes, having one or more hydraulically operated telescopic slides, and one or more mechanically operated telescopic slides. The extension or retraction of the mechanically operated telescopic slide is effected by means of a detachable retaining rod, one end of which is connected with the non-telescopic main boom by means of a bolt inserted transversely therethrough. The other free end of the retaining rod is provided with a pressure piece, for maintaining the boom in some of its positions during extension thereof, and a tensioning device, which is located 180.degree. opposite from the pressure piece, for maintaining the boom in some of its positions during retraction thereof. A plurality of slots are arranged along the mechanically operated telescopic slide transverse to the direction of operation. These slots respectively cooperate with a cam of the pressure piece or with a stop cam of a pawl during extension and retraction of the telescopic slide.

Abstract: The vertical lift arms of a straddle trailer are equipped with toothed ratchet bars which move therewith as the lift arms elevate a load. Cooperating pivoted pawls on relatively stationary mounts are spring-biased toward locking engagement with the ratchet bars to safely lock the lift arms in elevated load-carrying positions. Pneumatic pawl operators under control of a switch in the tractor cab can withdraw the pawls from locking engagement with the toothed ratchet bars only when the load on the lift arms is relieved by the cable-hydraulic lift arm raising and lowering system of the straddle trailer. Hence, a fail-safe arrangement is provided should either the pneumatic or electrical systems of the trailer fail. The four customary lift arm locking units are synchronized to operate in unison. A load cannot be locked by the system when off-balance. The invention is applicable to either newly manufactured straddle carriers or those already in existence.

Abstract: Systems are described involving (i) a plurality of columns disposed around the object to be lifted, each column having a rack extending longitudinally along one side thereof (ii) means for carrying the object (iii) means keeping the columns upright during lifting and supporting operations (iv) means at the base of the columns to keep them from sinking in the terrain (v) a jacking system on each column and connected to (ii) so that the object can be raised in step-by-step fashion by means of a rack and pawl system and (vi) driving means to operate the jacking systems either in unison or individually as desired. Building modules or the like are raised and held in place by the system while a permanent supporting structure is placed, erected or constructed thereunder.

Abstract: A telescopic boom for movable cranes with at least one hydraulically operable telescopic slide and with at least one mechanically operable telescopic slide. The pushing out movement and the retracting movement of the mechanically actuated telescopic slide is effected by means of a holding bar having a free end portion provided with a pressing or pushing member and with a pulling member offset by 180.degree. with regard to the pressing or pushing member. The other end of the holding bar is provided with a transverse bolt for engagement with a bearing on the at least one hydraulically operable slide. The mechanically operable telescopic slide is provided with cams extending transverse to its longitudinal direction of movement for cooperation with the holding bar.

Abstract: A climbing jack is disclosed, wherein the jack comprises a jack column, and two climbing jack sections, connected by a hydraulic cylinder or a pair of hydraulic cylinders. The jack sections climb along the jack column in a crab-style fashion. Each jack section has at least one pawl which has an axle which extends substantially transversely of the longitudinal axis of the jack column. The pawl has two ends which are adapted by being pivoted about the pawl axle to move either end into biased contact with the jack column, and to thereby engage receiving apertures or projections along the jack column. The pawl ends are biased by opposed biasing springs which selectively bias either one of the ends of the pawl towards the jack column.

Abstract: A device for slidingly displacing or shifting a heavy load along a sliding comprises a platform provided with double-acting hydraulic jacks and resting on a guide rail. The platform is provided with hooks movable in a vertical direction and adapted to penetrate, when in their lowered position, apertures provided in the rail. Each hook has an oblique surface at the front end of the hook, which surface forms a sliding ramp adapted to slide on the front edge of an aperture wherein the hook is engaged. Each hook further has a locking surface at its rear end, which is adapted to cooperate with the rear edge of said aperture. The distance between any two adjacent ones of the apertures provided in the rail is at least substantially equal to the stroke length of the jacks, whereby the actuation of the jacks allows the load to be displaced by incremental movements.

Abstract: A jacking apparatus comprises a rail having a plurality of pairs of vertical slots longitudinally spaced apart. A sled slides along this rail and has cross members to which are pivotably attached ends of hydraulic cylinders, the other ends of the hydraulic cylinders being pivotably attached to cross heads which also slide along the rail. The cross heads have bevelled latches, slidable vertically, and longitudinally reversible for engagement with the slots in the rail; so that repetitive, reciprocal movement of the hydrauic cylinder pistons will cause successive, incremental movements of the sled and a load selectively pushed or pulled by the sled along the rail.

Abstract: Jacking apparatus is disclosed for effecting relative vertical movement between an upright leg and a platform. The jacking apparatus comprises a frame which includes a cross member mounted on the platform. Vertically spaced first and second fluid cylinders are carried by the platform, with the first cylinder being mounted on the cross member. Each fluid cylinder carries a beam and a holding device for selectively coupling the beam to the leg. The power cylinders and the holding devices are operated 180.degree. out of phase to effect step-by-step movement of the platform relative to the leg. Power transfer chains operably connect the first and second fluid cylinders to the cross member of the support frame to transfer forces from the first and second fluid cylinders directly to the cross member. As a result, a relatively balanced distribution of vertical forces is applied to the cross member thereby reducing its size requirements.

Abstract: A jacking apparatus comprises a rail with an attached vertical rack having teeth with a steep front face and a sloping back. A notch is arranged in the back of each of the rack teeth. A pair of cars are slidably mounted on the rail with each car carrying a pair of latches, one of which is engageable with the front face of a rack tooth and the other with the notch in the back of that tooth. Reciprocal motion, away from and toward each other, is imparted to the cars while the latches selectively engage teeth in the rack to cause progressive incremental travel of the cars along the rail, to move a load attached to one of them.

Abstract: A calf pulling device comprising an elongate rectangular shaft with a multiplicity of apertures formed therein along the length thereof, with a rotatable detachable breech spanner mounted on one end thereof, said shaft having a slidable jack mechanism mounted thereon, said jack mechanism including locking tongues and an operating handle and a chain hook whereby the jack mechanism can be progressively moved along said shaft by manipulation of said handle to steadily draw the calf from the cow and which can be quickly and instantaneously released from a rigid connection with the shaft to release the pressure on the calf whenever necessary to avoid injury thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus with a platform or the like and a plurality of adjustable support legs extending through the platform. Each leg is provided with a device at the upperside of the platform which can effect relative displacement between the leg and the platform. Each of these devices takes the form of upstanding support members disposed around the leg and each having a foot plate which engages in a shoe on the platform. Each foot plate and its shoe have inter-engaging curved surfaces constituting spherical joints which permit the support members and hence the device as a whole to perform angular deviations from a vertical position.Hydraulic rams are suspended from the upper ends of each of a pair of support members on diametrically opposite sides of the leg. These rams are interconnected by a carriage which supports a locking mechanism which has a plunger capable of engaging in one of a series of vertically-spaced recesses in a bar of each of the diametrically opposite sides of the leg.