Abstract: A hydraulic staging jack has a circumferentially grooved cylinder which fits into a base in which two shoes are seated and each shoe has two axially spaced flanges which engage in two axially spaced grooves of the cylinder. Radially outer surfaces of the shoes are axially angled so that moving the shoes axially out of the base causes the shoes to separate radially, thereby disengaging the flanges from the grooves and permitting adjustable axial fixing of the position of the cylinder relative to the base.

Abstract: A pedestal supported hydraulic jack arrangement, and a kit for adapting a commercially available hydraulic bottle jack to use at selectively adjustable relatively elevated locations includes a first elongated hollow tubular member having a floor engaging based fixed on one end thereof and at least one transverse aperture extending therethrough near the other end thereof. A second elongated tubular member having a first set of generally parallel generally equally spaced transverse apertures and a second set of generally parallel generally equally spaced transverse apertures generally orthogonal to the first set. The second elongated member has a transverse dimension sufficiently small that it may be telescopically slidingly positioned inside the first hollow tubular member. There is a jack adapter plate fixed to one end of the second elongated tubular member, and a plurality of bolts for fastening a hydraulic jack to the jack adapter plate.

Abstract: A portable, hydraulic prying machine is disclosed for use, for example, in prying open the doors of apartment buildings or of motor vehicles by rescue members in the event of an emergency. A motor and pump assembly, comprising an electric motor and a hydraulic pump driven thereby, is coupled to a pry assembly solely through the medium of a flexible conduit for delivery of a fluid under pressure from the pump to a hydraulic cylinder included in the pry assembly. The hydraulic cylinder on extension causes a pair of prying jaws to spread apart for forcing open the door. Being practically separate from the rest of the machine, the pry assembly is easier of handling. Additional embodiments are disclosed in which the pry assembly is replaced by other tool assemblies for other operations.

Abstract: An expansion device for doing work comprised of a housing including first and second selectively expandable sections defining an internal chamber which contains a chemical motor. Upon activation of the chemical motor, the first and second chamber are driven apart with sufficient force to allow the device to do work. The chemical motor is generally an irreversible reaction which causes the expansion device to be maintained in an expanded position.

Abstract: A tool for use in body and frame repair of vehicles in which a defined contracting force is repetitively applied. A pneumatic ram is used to apply a contracting force between two hooks. The force applied is defined by an operator and is monitored so that the pneumatic ram is cycled between an active state (applying the defined force) and a relaxed state. Since the operator is able to define the exact amount of force being applied, damage from excessive application of force is avoided.

Abstract: A first tubular member is rigidly connected to a load engaging implement and a second tubular member is disposed in and retained in the first tubular member. The second tubular member is connected to a fluid operated jack. The second tubular member is rotatable in the first tubular member and maintains a cylinder housing and rod of the fluid operated jack for relative rotation. A fastener pivotally connects the fluid operated jack to the second tubular housing and a fixed member mounted on a load supporting body.

Abstract: A transportable lift includes a base and an elevator connected to the base which is arranged to support and vertically lift a load relative to the base. Transport wheels are connected to the base and are vertically moveable relative to the base. A control mechanism is connected to a frame for the transport wheels to selectively disable transport when a load is on the elevator. The control mechanism includes a drive connected to the frame for the transport wheels which, in use, exerts a first transport enabling force on the frame. A counter drive is connected to the base and the drive which, in use, exerts a second force to compensate the first force and a weight of exclusively the lift.

Abstract: An intermediate bearing assembly that is mountable on a pedestal of a marine vessel that incorporates an integrated alignment system. In particular, the bearing assembly includes a housing for receiving a portion of a shaft; and a lifting and lowering system attached between the housing and the pedestal for providing a concentrated applied force at approximately the center vertical axis of the housing. The lifting and lowering system includes four hydraulic jacks located equidistant from the center vertical axis of the housing. Hydraulic pressure is related through the area of the jack cylinders to radial force. As a result, when a predetermined jacking force is achieved, the correct radial force loading on the bearing is attained. Each of the jacks is free to seek a position of extension independent of the others. The jacks are then locked into a secure hold position to maintain the shaft in alignment.

Abstract: A new hydraulic device for automobile accidents for quickly freeing individuals trapped in a vehicle as a result of an accident. The inventive device includes a hydraulic member comprised of a plurality of telescoping cylinders. The cylinders include a base cylinder, a top cylinder, and a pair of intermediate cylinders therebetween. The base cylinder has a pair of diametrically opposed handles secured thereto. The base cylinder has a hydraulic line connector extending outwardly thereof for coupling with a hydraulic line. The base cylinder has a level indicator disposed thereon corresponding with the hydraulic line connector for measuring input of hydraulic power therein. The base cylinder has an externally threaded extension extending downwardly form a lower end thereof. The top cylinder has an externally threaded extension extending upwardly from an upper end thereof. A foot is provided that is comprised of a generally rectangular plate.

Abstract: The present application discloses a sidewalk lifting device made of steel framed tower that has a flat plate extending inward from the lowest end of the tower. This plate holds the lower surface of a sidewalk slab and also provides the lifting surface to elevate a damaged sidewalk. Additionally, attached to the inside surface of the tower in a position above the plate, is an adjustable slab brace frame which serves to hold the upper surface of a given sidewalk slab while it is being lifted.The lifting tower also has on its upper end outward extending frame members. When lifting a damaged sidewalk, multiple lifting devices may be used and supplied with hydraulic bottle jacks which fit on the outside edge of the lifting towers.A method of leveling sidewalks is also disclosed this method includes lifting a sidewalk slab to be leveled then injecting mason's sand into the cavity created between the lower surface of the sidewalk and the settled earth below it.

Abstract: Two methods of constructing either a metal or wooden framed multi-story building and corresponding apparatus utilized in the construction. Building includes erecting roof frame beams and subsequent floor levels. For a metal framed building, motorized lifting devices are positioned on specific metal bars. Each metal floor frame has corresponding metal lifting bars. Metal post beams are supported by metal assembly brackets of several lengths, including a spacer block during the repositioning of the motorized lifting devices for the next floor level. The metal corner post beams and the motorized lifting device can further be supported during the lifting procedure by a collar and bracket system. The horizontal level of each floor is controlled by a central control system including lasers, laser sensors and a computer. A second embodiment is directed to the building of wood houses to utilize cantilevered metal lifting bar assemblies supported by lifting devices.

Abstract: It is known that for an easily height displaceable "weightless" support of heavy objects such as car wheels to be mounted on a balancing machine, it is possible to use an air cylinder (22) having a voluminous lower pressure chamber (20) into which compressed air from an inlet valve (36) can be introduced for building up an air spring to equalize the weight of the object, whereby the object can be moved somewhat up and in "weightless" condition. This requires a certain adaptation of the supply of the compressed air, and the invention provides for a device having means for effecting such an adaptation automatically. An inlet valve (36) is used, which is openable by operator actuation when the elevating system (6, 10) assumes its bottom position, while the valve is closed in response to the initial raising of the elevating system (6, 10, 18, 30).

Abstract: A spreading tool which includes a hollow tube, a first ram member, and a second ram member. The hollow tube has a tubular wall with an axial throughbore and at least one opening extending through the tubular wall. The ram members are slidingly disposed within the throughbore, and at least one ram member is capable of extending beyond the outer edge of the hollow tube. The tool can be adapted for use with a force multiplying device which transmits an output force through a relative displacement between at least two spreadable tips. The first and second ram members are capable of being spaced apart by the force multiplying device such that the tool is capable of extending the expandable distance of the jaws and increasing the distance over which the output force is transmitted.

Abstract: A railroad car truck frame jack clamps a side frame, the clamps suspend a cross tube which in turn suspends one or more cylinders which raise a bolster plug thereby lifting the bolster relative to the side frame and decompressing the truck springs for repair or replacement, twisting loads being minimized in the preferred embodiment by a lost motion slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for force-opening doors, particularly effective with respect to steel doors and other types of solidly built doors. In a preferred embodiment, an anchoring unit carrying a ram unit having a ram member is aligned with a side of a door frame. The anchoring unit is anchored to the door by moving a pair of clamping members towards each other into clamping engagement with the opposite sides of the door. The clamping members are moved towards each other by a force-multiplying device, preferably a hydraulic device. Once anchored to the door, the ram member is driven outwardly of the ram unit by a force-multiplying device, against the side of the door frame to force-open the door. The ram unit includes an abutting member positionable to abut against the inside face of the door facing the ram unit, to assist in force-opening the door when the ram member is driven against the door frame.

Abstract: The invention is an attachment for a hydraulic rescue tool and a method of using the attachment. The attachment comprises a front face; a rear face; two opposing outer side faces; an inner bottom face, having grooves therein and being angled upwardly from the front face to the rear face; two inner side faces, the inner side faces being inclined with respect to the inner bottom face and having longitudinal grooves therein; the faces forming a unitary body having a generally flat V-shaped cross section.

Abstract: A lifting jack for raising boats and other objects. It has an inner housing or tube which is supported from a flat base. An outer tube is slidably mounted over the inner tube. A hydraulic jack inside the inner tube raises and lowers the outer tube. Two parallel series of vertical catches are supported on the outside of the outer tube. A selected pair of these catches support a connecting rod which holds a pair of flat support arms in a fixed relationship. The arms support a lifting pad in a plurality of elevations for each pair of vertical catches. A safety latch permits the outer housing to be raised but must be manually released for lowering.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for hydraulically actuating a vertically adjustable ambulance lifting table used for receiving thereon a stretcher and adapted to be selectively switched to a cushioned mode of operation comprises a cylinder for actuating the lifting table, a hydraulic accumulator for cushioning the lifting table, a pump, a three-way valve, and a discharge valve connected to a reservoir of the hydraulic system on the outlet side thereof.

Abstract: A compact lifter assembly having a base plate and a first intermediate plate rigidly connected by a first pair of shafts. A second intermediate plate is slidably attached on the first pair of shafts to be disposed between the base plate and the first intermediate plate. A second pair of shafts extend from the second intermediate plate, through apertures in the first intermediate plate for rigid connection to a mounting plate. A linear actuator centrally located on the base plate is actuated for lifting the mounting plate and a second intermediate plate relative to the base plate. The shafts are rigidly connected to the respective plates by a retaining ring and split taper plugged shaft retention to provide a zero clearance shaft joint connection.

Abstract: The invention is an attachment for a hydraulic rescue tool and a method of using the attachment. The attachment comprises a front face; a rear face; two opposing outer side faces; an inner bottom face, having grooves therein and being angled upwardly from the front face to the rear face; two inner side faces, the inner side faces being inclined with respect to the inner bottom face and having longitudinal grooves therein; the faces forming a unitary body having a generally flat V-shaped cross section.

Abstract: A tool for protecting a boiling water reactor component against damage by a shroud repair assembly suspended from a cable and lowered into the downcomer annulus. The tool has a roller with an outer surface made of a material which will not scratch the surface of a tie rod of the shroud repair assembly as the latter is lowered relative to the roller. The tool has sets of opposing grippers made of aluminum alloy which are pressed against opposing surfaces of the shroud and the reactor pressure vessel with sufficient force to clamp the tool in the annulus. The pressing force is generated by air-actuated cylinders which are actuated remotely. In one embodiment, the roller is fixed and acts as a stop to limit tangential travel of the suspended assembly. In another embodiment, the roller is displaceable in a tangential direction in response to remote actuation of a pair of air-actuated positioning cylinders.

Abstract: A rescue tool comprising a housing, a pair of spreader arms each including a working portion and a driven portion and a pivot point therebetween, wherein the driven portion of each spreader arm contains an arced portion which touches the arced portion of the other spreader arm, a pair of links having first and second ends, a drive means reciprocally moveable between retracted and extended positions along an axis of movement, a first pivotal coupling means for coupling the driven portion of the spreader arm to the first end of the associated links, a second pivotal coupling means for coupling the second end of the associated links to the drive means, a third pivotal coupling means for coupling the spreader arm pivot point to the housing, the second coupling means being located between the first pivotal coupling means and the working portion when measured along the axis of movement.

Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal generally includes a movable support, telescoped within a vertically mounted fixed support, and a hydraulic, water-powered drive mechanism for enabling the raising or lowering of a basketball rim connected to the upper end of the movable support. The drive mechanism includes a dual-compartment water piston and is powered by a conventional garden hose using ordinary household water pressure. With appropriate adjustments made to the water piston, the drive mechanism may be alternatively operable by pneumatic pressure as well as hydraulic pressure. A valve is included for enabling manual control of the drive mechanism. The adjustable basketball goal may also include a rotatable coupling between the movable and fixed supports such that the basketball rim may be rotated 360 degrees about an axis defined by the vertically mounted supports.

Abstract: A tool for pushing a suspended shroud repair tie rod assembly radially inward in the downcomer annulus of a boiling water reactor. The tie rod pusher tool includes a pole adaptor for coupling to the end of a service pole, a pole adaptor extension having one end connected to the pole adaptor, a mounting channel connected to the other end of the pole adaptor extension, a hydraulic spreader mounted on the mounting channel, an adaptor bracket having a proximal end connected to the pivoting member of the hydraulic spreader, a rocker plate pivotably mounted on the distal end of the adaptor bracket, and a saddle mounted on the rocker plate. Using a service pole, the tool is lowered into a position whereat the saddle contacts the tie rod assembly when the hydraulic spreader is actuated. In the open position, the saddle bears against the tie rod assembly with sufficient force to displace the assembly radially inward until the clevis hook clears the clevis pin.

Abstract: A tool for radially positioning a hoisted load suspended from the refueling bridge by a cable and facilitating lowering of the hoisted load into the downcomer annulus of a boiling water reactor. During repair of the shroud, hardware must be lowered into the annulus for installation. The hardware installation in turn requires the lowering of tooling into the annulus and its subsequent removal via cables. The feedwater sparger and core spray piping are located above and partially obstruct the vertical access to the annulus. To protect the feedwater sparger and core spray piping against damage during the lowering of various hardware and tooling into the annulus, a cover is installed over the feedwater sparger and core spray piping at the azimuthal location of the hoist. This cover further limits the vertical access to the annulus. A steam dam slide with a cable manipulator is seated on the shroud flange at the azimuthal location of the repair procedure.

Abstract: The forcing rod of a hydraulically operated tool has thereon intermediate its ends an enlarged-diameter piston head which reciprocates in the bore of a cylinder housing, and divides the bore into a pressure chamber and a reservoir chamber. A hand-operated pump mechanism on the housing is operable to draw fluid from the reservoir chamber and to pump it under pressure into the pressure chamber, thereby causing the forcing rod to advance out of one end of the housing against the resistance of a return spring. Each of two plates removably secured to opposite sides of the housing contain to elongate chambers which communicate at one end with the reservoir chamber, and which contain spring-loaded pistons which function to maintain pressure on the fluid in the reservoir chamber.

Abstract: A camera pedestal has a cylinder with a tapering cross-section for providing a uniform counterbalancing force using a compressed gas. Telescoping column sections which make up a column assembly have inner relief channels and outer slots for hardened roller strips. A column drive system has a hydraulic actuator to remotely raise the column assembly, and to lock the column assembly into any selected position. The column assembly is eccentrically positioned on its base tank. The pedestal is engageable to a receptacle on a camera dolly with a telescoping steering drive tube interconnecting a steering assembly on the pedestal with a steering system in the dolly.

Abstract: A forcible entry apparatus for use in obtaining access through an access blocking article. The apparatus is self-contained and provided with an anti-rotation assembly which prevents a movable foot from rotating in relationship to a stationary foot. The anti-rotation assembly thereby prevents the tool from becoming dislodged from an access blocking article during operation.

Abstract: Each end of a lifting hose (10) is sealed pressure-tight by means of two clamping strips (12, 14) , one strip (12) having a row of projecting pegs (20) , and the other strip (14) having holes (30) in a corresponding arrangement. The pegs (20) have thickened heads (24), and the holes (30) are stepped, thus giving rise to annular supporting surfaces into which the heads (24) latch in the clamped position of the two flatly folded layers (40, 42) of the hose (10). FIG.

Abstract: A portable hydraulic lift step stool for raising handicapped patients to an elevated location comprising of a lower base positionable upon a floor, the lower base having parallel corner walls extending upwardly therefrom. An upper base having a planar surface, the upper surface of which is adapted to support a patient to be lifted and transported, the lower surface of which faces the lower base, the upper base having front and rear edges with a downwardly extending plate adapted to be positioned between the upwardly extending corner walls of the lower base. And a hydraulic jack having an upper end secured to the lower surface of the upper base and having a lower end secured to the upper surface of the lower base, the hydraulic jack including a handle extending outwardly from the upper base and lower base in a space between the corner walls of the lower base, the handle adapted to be pumped to raise and lower the hydraulic jack, the jack also having a switch for reversing the direction of movement of the jack.

Abstract: A support for a device for inspecting a set of wheels includes a mounting frame that carries a device for mounting the frame on a respective wheel. Another device carried by the frame thrusts against the wheel a plate provided with a series of bearing pegs parallel to an axis of the support.

Abstract: A hydraulic jack system used for rerailing rail vehicles and for also lifting and lowering heavy loads comprises a base pivotable with respect to the horizontal, giving the hydraulic jack vertical and lateral lift motion. This is particularly advantageous when rerailing rail vehicles as both of these motions are necessary. The hydraulic jack of this invention also has the advantage of being small, portable and easy to assemble.

Abstract: A vertical hydraulic hoist device includes a base, a tubular member with a lower end securely mounted on the base, a hoisting rod, an actuating assembly, a lifting assembly, and a stop assembly. The hoisting rod includes a plurality of vertically spaced annular recesses each of which defines an upper edge and an annular recess which tapers upwardly. The actuating assembly is mounted in an upper section of the tubular member, including upper and lower caps and a hollow actuating tube extending through the upper and lower caps, together defining an annular chamber therebetween in which working fluid is received. A piston is mounted in the chamber, while upper and lower openings are respectively formed in upper and lower sections of the tubular member and communicate with oil pipes through which the piston is controlled. The hollow actuating tube is securely connected to the piston to move therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing pieces of wood, such as stumps, from a logging site. In particular, the method entails driving a spike into a given piece of wood, attaching a line to the spike, pulling the piece of wood to a desired area away from the logging site, and then removing the spike from the piece of wood. Also provided is a spike having a head that has a first, broad width at the top of the head, a second, narrow width below the first, broad width, and one or more shafts extending from the second narrow width of the head. Further, the head of the spike has a hole therethrough able to receive a line so that the spike, upon being driven into a chunk of wood, can be pulled to the desired area.

Abstract: A dual-column vehicle lift having first and second lift columns, each with carriages slidably mounted thereon, and each with piggy-backed hydraulic lift cylinders. The piston rods of each column's piggy-backed lift cylinders extend in opposite directions, one attached to the carriage and the other attached to the base of the lift column. The piggy-backed construction allows a lower collapsed height of the cylinders and also allows a lower lift column height for a given lifting height, thereby allowing use within an area with reduced ceiling clearance. An interconnection tube equalizes hydraulic pressure between the piggy-backed lift cylinders, causing the two cylinders to extend their rods at the same rate. Equalizing cables are provided for ensuring that the carriages on the two lift columns rise and fall together.

Abstract: A prestressing apparatus for tensioning reinforcement cables in recesses or shafts of structures has a main cylinder-piston unit (15, 17) and a counterforce cylinder-piston unit (16, 22). The two pistons (17, 22) are connected via their piston rods (39, 40) to a fixed arm (2), and the cylinders (15, 16) are connected to a movable arm (10). The main cylinder-piston unit disposed in the middle of the arms and the off-centered counterforce cylinder-piston unit are double-acting. The piston chambers (33, 35, 36, 37) are hydraulically cross-connected. Each side of the counterforce piston has half the piston area of the corresponding communicating side of the main piston, so that the prestressing force (V) and the counterforce (G) are each one-half the pressing force (P).

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a duct with a tube assembly supported by a hanger that extends through an opening in the roof of the duct. A jack is provided to raise and lower the tube assembly during maintenance. The jack includes a base with an aperture therethrough and a pair of rollers attached to the underside of the base so that the jack can be moved across the roof. A pair of fluid operated cylinders are mounted on the base and project upward on opposite sides of the aperture. A jacking frame is attached to the other ends of both the cylinders and a rod extension passes through the base aperture for connecting the jacking frame to the hanger.

Abstract: An extensible stabilizing tower similar to those positioned about hydraulic cylinders having multiple extensible stages is modified to effectively connect cylinders vertically in series. An upper stage of the stabilizing tower supports an upper cylinder or parallel cylinders, and base parallel cylinders connected to the base of the stabilizing tower are operative to lift the upper stage supporting the upper cylinder. A load connected to the header of the upper cylinder is lifted a distance equal to the sum of the extension of the base cylinders and the subsequent extension of the upper cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a force to a workpiece as required in welding or clamping. The apparatus applies a force to the workpiece through a direct clamping action or through link enhanced scissor type action that increases the mechanical force supplied by a fluid driven cylinder. The fluid driven cylinder has piston rods at both ends of an elongated external housing. The fluid driven cylinder is supported at one end by an attachment to the end of one piston rod and is supported at the other end by an attachment to the external housing. A plurality of pistons permit the piston rods to move relative to one another and also relative to the external housing. The entire fluid driven cylinder can rotate and translate.

Abstract: A brace for use in a door frame of a vehicle to brace an hydraulic ram in order to move the front interior portion of the vehicle away from the seats of the vehicle is disclosed. The brace includes a frame for fitting over the horizontal portion and "B" post of the door frame. The brace includes a brace mechanism that is self-locking with the brace frame through means of opposing sets of openings formed in the sides of the brace frame. The brace has a handle and brace pin which is inserted into the openings. The brace pin has a notch at the end farthest from the handle portion. Notch openings are formed horizontally on each of the openings on the sides of the frame. Accordingly, when the pin portion is inserted through the side openings, the notch fits through the notch openings and then gravity rotates the handle downward thereby locking the notch against the farther side of the brace frame.

Abstract: A shift travel device, exemplified by a vertical lift arm device, is described which provides for free rotation of its cylinder and arm about its shaft and free travel along the shaft without transfer of twist imposed by the arm and load to its shaft, constant sealing of operating air pressure within the cylinder during operation and load changes, and minimum friction during rotation when the cylinder and arm are in the extreme raised or lowered positions. The device includes unique self-aligning spherical bearings at the ends of the cylinder. The device is useful is a wide variety of environments, including those which are unusually dirty or clean.

Abstract: A self-propelled trailer maneuvering dolly for transporting a fifth wheel trailer or a travel trailer. The dolly has a frame, a front handlebar and castor for steering, a pair of rear drive wheels for driving the dolly, a pneumatic motor, and sprocket wheels and chains for transmitting power to the drive wheels. There is a pneumatically extensible and retractable vertical lift, which has a top for engaging with the coupling member of a fifth wheel trailer and it also has a hitch ball for hitching up to a convention travel trailer. A spring biased lift bracket below the frame keeps the drive wheels off the ground when the trailer is empty so that the operator can easily maneuver the dolly into position below the coupling member of a fifth wheel to be moved. A lever supplies pressurized air to the lift, which in turn raises the front end of the fifth wheel trailer. The weight of the trailer is centered on the dolly and also keeps the drive wheels on the ground.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable work station for use proximate a conveyor belt or the like. The work station includes a platform with side rail assemblies that is mounted for vertical displacement to ground engaging support posts. The posts are telescoped inside the rail assembly and a displacement assembly is provided to raise and lower the platform on the posts. In one embodiment, the posts are externally threaded and belt-driven gear nuts are mounted on the posts and carry the platform. In another embodiment, the posts and side rails are formed to provide a fluid piston-cylinder assembly. In a final embodiment, a pneumatic constant force spring biases the rail assembly and platform upwardly from the posts, and a brake assembly is used to hold the platform at the desired elevation.

Abstract: An operating table or the like has a platform supported by a hydraulically adjustable column. Castors contact the floor through apertures in a base plate that supports a guide wheel. Application of hydraulic fluid to raise the platform causes the base plate to be lowered first to an intermediate position in which the guide wheel contacts the floor. Additional hydraulic pressure brings the base plate into contact with the floor so that the table is braked before the platform rises.

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: In a method for displacing forces, particularly loads (P), either a force (P) acting on a guide surface (23) is reduced by an opposing force and simultaneously displaced, or a pressing force (P) is caused to act on a guide surface (23) in order to produce a displacing force (P2). In order to reduce the frictional resistance of the force (P) on the base (A, B) on which it acts, this force can be reduced by an opposing force and the force then displaced. The opposing force is produced, for example, by a known self-guided membrane cell (20) or a piston. Part of the force is supported displaceably on a wedge surface (23). This method permits advantageous displacement of forces, particularly loads, in opposition to friction forces.

Abstract: A forcible access tool for opening a door from its frame. The tool includes a linear actuator, specifically an hydraulic cylinder, comprised of an outer casing and an extensible and retractable axial rod. A stationary jaw member is secured to the outer casing and a movable jaw member is secured to the rod to be movable relative to the stationay jaw member between a fully retracted home position and an extended position. A guide sleeve is secured to the outer casing of the hydraulic cylinder and slidably receives a guide pin which is secured to the movable jaw member. The guide sleeve and pin combination prevents relative angular pivoting or rotation of the jaw members and maintains longitudinal axial alignment of the rod and outer casing during operation of the tool to open a locked or obstructed door. In use, the stationary jaw member is inserted between the closed door and its associated door frame.

Abstract: A jack and adaptor combination for use in lifting the journaled end of a piston connecting rod of a large industrial engine. The jack has a main body within which a piston shaft is reciprocatingly received. The adaptor has a main body in the form of a plate member, and the plate member has opposed faces. One of the faces has a safety rod device extending therefrom and the opposed face has a plurality of upstanding rod engaging pins extending therefrom in opposition to the safety rod device. The marginal free end of the piston shaft and the safety rod device telescopingly engage one another in a removable and slidable manner while the upstanding pins have opposed ends, with one end being affixed to the plate member and the other end freely extending therefrom so that the pins are received within bolt holes of the rod end. The pins are opposed to the mount means. The plate member, the pins, and the mount member are arranged to be free of the crankshaft journal as the rod end is engaged and lifted.

Abstract: A universal transmission work station (10) designed for use by a single person to mount and service any model or type of automatic transmission (50). Thus, the invention solves the problem of needing more than one work station to service the various models/types of transmissions used today. The work station (10) requires a minimum work space, is easily stowed when not in use and is easily dismantled for storage or shipment. The work station consists of eight common assemblies and a ninth assembly especially designed to service frontwheel drive transmissions. The design basically consists of a base assembly (12) to which is attached a lower and upper pivoting assembly (14) (16). After the transmission (50) is mounted to the work station, by means of a tail housing support assembly (18) and a bell-housing mounting plate assembly (20), the pivoting assemblies (14) (16) can be tilted to allow the transmission (50) to be serviced in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A level-variable supporting apparatus is provided, which is so constituted that: a reversible swelling and contractive substance, which, with a prescribed temperature defined as the boundary, absorbs a swelling solution and then swells at a range of temperature on one side and discharges the swelling solution and then contracts at a range of temperature on the other side, is contained in liquidtight container which is expandable and shrinkable in prescribed directions; a liquid guiding portion to supply the swelling solution to the container and discharge it from the container, and a heating means to heat the substance are provided; and the swelling and contraction of the substance due to the change in the temperature of the substance with the prescribed temperature as the boundary causes the container to expand and shrink in the prescribed directions, thus leading to the change of the supporting position of a supported object supported by the container.