Abstract: A beehive assembly has a column of hive bodies which are releasably connected to a vertical metal spine. Upper and lower metal pivot members extend between the spine and a post mounted to the ground. The upper pivot members extend away from the post and include a removable handle. Depressing the handle causes the column of hive bodies to ascend into an operating position where the bee colony within the hive bodies is elevated above the ground. Raising the handle brings the hive column to a lowered position for access by a beekeeper. A latch or latches are disposed to secure the pivot members with respect to the post at desired elevations. Springs extending between the post and the spine assist the beekeeper when raising or lowering the hive and cushion the lowering.

Abstract: A proppant container facilitates the transportation of wet sand for use in a hydraulic fracturing operation. The container is mounted in a cradle that tips downward in arcuate motion for discharge or proppant through a top opening The tipping mechanism may be driven by a system of gears or a hydraulic ram.

Abstract: The present invention is a rod jack apparatus with four vertical legs that form a framework and first and second lower brackets connected to the vertical legs. Two hydraulic cylinders extend upwardly from the lower brackets, pass through a first horizontal plate, and are connected to a second horizontal plate. A primary clamping mechanism is situated on top of each of the two horizontal plates, and a secondary clamping mechanism is attached to the underside of each horizontal plate. The apparatus is configured to receive a polished rod, and the primary and secondary clamping mechanisms are configured to grip the polished rod when activated. The sucker rod assembly is lifted out of the well when the first and second hydraulic cylinders are extended. The invention includes a method of using the apparatus described herein.

Abstract: The present invention is a rod jack apparatus with four vertical legs that form a framework and first and second lower brackets connected to the vertical legs. Two hydraulic cylinders extend upwardly from the lower brackets, pass through a first horizontal plate, and are connected to a second horizontal plate. A primary clamping mechanism is situated on top of each of the two horizontal plates, and a secondary clamping mechanism is attached to the underside of each horizontal plate. The apparatus is configured to received a polished rod, and the primary and secondary clamping mechanisms are configured to grip the polished rod when activated. The sucker rod assembly is lifted out of the well when the first and second hydraulic cylinders are extended. The invention includes a method of using the apparatus described herein.

Abstract: A chain and lever post puller system for pulling 2 inch by 4 inch stakes from the ground. The apparatus may also pull round posts or tee-posts with a minimum of effort and with no prior digging. The chain and lever post puller system is a first class lever, requires no heavy equipment or hydraulics, and is easily transportable by hand. The puller comprises a vertical column to which the pivot lever is removably connected via a hinge, which also forms the fulcrum for the pivot lever. A first end of a chain is attached opposite the handle to the end of the pivot lever, and a self-tightening post grip is attached to the second end of the chain. A downward force is applied to the proximate end of the pivot lever when the post grip is attached to a stake to remove the stake via mechanical advantage.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting trees, stumps, posts and similar structures from the ground is attached to a 3-point hitch tractor accessory. The apparatus comprises a base frame and a lifting frame. The base frame includes a pair of vertical guides for confining a corresponding pair of vertical rails on the lift frame. A piston/cylinder type of linear motor is connected between the base frame and lifting frame to translate the lifting frame relative to the base frame. A pair of independently controlled gripping cylinders that are connected to respective gripping cams are mounted on the lifting frame. A tree is extracted by engaging the gripping cams against the tree and translating the lifting frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting trees, stumps, posts and similar structures from the ground is attached to a 3-point hitch tractor accessory. The apparatus comprises a base frame and a lifting frame. The base frame includes a pair of vertical guides for confining a corresponding pair of vertical rails on the lift frame. A piston/cylinder type of linear motor is connected between the base frame and lifting frame to translate the lifting frame relative to the base frame. A pair of independently controlled gripping cylinders that are connected to respective gripping cams are mounted on the lifting frame. A tree is extracted by engaging the gripping cams against the tree and translating the lifting frame.

Abstract: A device for driving and extracting a post having a hollow barrel having one closed end and one open end for receiving the post, and two longitudinal handles, wherein at least one handle is pivotally fixed at the closed end of the barrel and releasably secured with a fastener at the other end such that the is utilized to facilitate driving of the post or can be released to act as a lever for extracting the post. The device also has a striker disc fixed within the barrel at the closed end with a void between the disc and closed end of the barrel to muffle the noise created during driving of a post.

Abstract: A cable pulling apparatus for pulling a work load attached to a cable, including at least one cable-pulling device for engaging the cable. The cable-pulling device or devices each includes at least one cable-pulling member fitted with a cable-gripping element for pulling the cable and the workload.

Abstract: A pole bridle (20) for facilitating the manipulation of a pole (22) by a hoist includes plates (24) configured for placement in spaced-relation about the pole (22). Retaining members (26) are coupled to an outer surface (28) of the plates (24). The retaining members (26) are configured to retain a flexible member (62) of the hoist in encircling-relation about the pole (22). An upward force (72) imposed on the flexible member (62) creates a transverse force (74) on the plates (24) to direct the plates (24) against the pole (22). The transverse force (74) largely prevents the plates (24) from slipping along the pole (22) as the upward force (72) incrementally extracts the pole (22) from a fixed, upright position in the ground (60).

Abstract: A hand tool with a pivotal head portion includes a first manually rotatable collar which causes movement of a second slidable collar along a handle of the tool to secure the head portion at a desired angle with respect to the handle. Serrations on the tool head and slidable collar releasably engage each other to lock the head at the desired angle. The tool head is mounted on the handle using either ball and socket or tongue and groove configurations.

Abstract: An apparatus for removal of embedded utility-type poles which removes the poles quickly and efficiently from their embedded position without damage to the pole or surrounding structures. The apparatus includes at least 2 piston/cylinder members equally spaced about the pole, and a head member affixed to the top of each piston. Elongation of the piston induces rotation of the head into the pole to increase the gripping action and reduce slippage. Repeated actuation and retraction of the piston and head member will "jack" the pole from its embedded position.

Abstract: A casing grip assurance interlock system connected with the elevator and the spider of a well casing installation apparatus including positioning valves respectively actuated by the elevator and the spider to permit actuating fluid pressure to be admitted to either the elevator or the spider only when the other of the elevator or spider is positioned to firmly grip the well casing.

Abstract: A ground supported mobile machine appropriate for subterranean installation of piping and the like has a tractor vehicle carrying a trencher driven from the tractor power source, a power operated backfill blade operated from such source to facilitate transporting a tool and drill rod holder, and a vertical drilling attachment powered from the tractor power source; this drilling attachment including a vertical mast providing guide rails for the carriage of a rotary drill head that is reciprocated by a hydraulic actuator along such rails to (1) raise the vehicle to enable positioning stabilizing feet for a vertical drilling operation, (2) manipulate the drill rod and drill bit thereon in performing such a drilling operation, and (3) push piping into the drilled hole upon completion of such drilling operation.