Abstract: A terminator for a fluid actuated muscle has an axial bore and a removable seal pin that fits into an elastomeric tubular liner in the bore. The pin has a flattened outer end with a hole through it to facilitate extraction. The pin is removed to facilitate bleeding of air or other gases when the muscle is filled with hydraulic fluid. The pin can be held in place by a cable terminator that is fitted into the muscle terminator.

Abstract: A jaw adapted to be mounted on the end of the force arms of a rescue tool for engaging a part to be spread is provided with a plurality of teeth having a substantial depth and oriented to point toward the tip end of the jaw for biting into and grabbing the working surface of the part to be spread.

Abstract: A jack comprising a casing consisting of two flanges connected by a tubular element in which is sliding a piston connected to a rod itself slidably mounted to extend through one flange, the ends of the tubular element which is oval in cross-section as well as the piston being fast with the flanges, respectively, through a double crimping, namely a crimping of the ends of the tubular elements onto the flanges and a crimping of the flanges onto these ends.

Abstract: A jack for opening locked or barricaded doors has a first hydraulic single acting piston and cylinder actuator mounted on a casing by which holding claws are forces into engagement with a door frame to hold the jack in place. An arm is pivotted on the casing and an end opposite the pivot forced against the door by a second hydraulic single acting piston and cylinder actuator to open the door, reaction to the opening force being transmitted to the door frame through the casing and claws. The reservoir for the hydraulic fluid is provided to the rear of the piston of the actuator. The jack is readily portable and self-contained, and does not present a significant obstacle to entry through a door which has been forced using the jack.

Abstract: An axially contractable actuator which includes an elongated hollow enclosure (14) formed by a fluid impermeable substantially non-elastic material and having a plurality of protrusions each with respective bases having more than three sides. Each base side (48) of a protrusion is attached to a base side (48) of an adjacent protrusion by a flexible seam of continuous fold (55). Each protrusion is foldable about a plane dividing the protrusion into two parts from an axially-extended condition in which the base sides are substantially parallel, to an axially-contracted condition in which the protrusion encloses a volume larger than that enclosed in the axially-extended condition. A pair of axially-aligned end terminations (18) are formed at each end of the enclosure with one of the end terminations being hollow.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting tanks where several hydraulic jack assemblies are positioned adjacent to the external peripheral wall of the tank and, if the tank has large dimensions, additional hydraulic jack assemblies are positioned inside the tank. After the jack assemblies are secured to the tank structure, the lifting operation is begun. The jack assemblies provide the necessary lifting force from a substantial hydraulic pressure and relatively small displacement. The jack assemblies are inverted so that the housing is lifted while the rod stays stationary. After complete distension, log members are inserted below the lowermost end of the jack housing and the rod retracted. Then, an additional log member is inserted below the retracted rod and the lifting operation renewed.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operated push beam is disclosed which comprises a plurality of similar rigid open-ended tube sections (1) articulated in head-to-tail relationship around hinge pins (3) perpendicular to a longitudinal median plane of the push beam (10). A number of plates (2) corresponding to the number of hinge pins (3) are connected for tilting movement to respective ones of the hinge pins (3), with the plate portions situated on opposite sides of the hinge pins (3) being disposed in the tubular sections (1) located on the corresponding sides, and the plates having a width smaller than the width of the tubular sections (1).An inflatable hose, such as an inner-arc hose (4), which may be segmented and which has a length shorter than the total length of the series of tubular sections but exceeding the distance between the outer or outermost hinge pins, is provided within the series of tubular sections to extend in longitudinal direction in the space on the same side of the hinge pins (3).

Abstract: This invention relates to a truck with a hand-operatable bed provided with wheels for use in moving, a hydraulic cylinder for lifting or lowering the bed, and a plunger pump for feeding oil into the hydraulic cylinder by pulling a pumping handle, which is characterized by being additionally provided with a load sensor that detects the change in the hydraulic pressure inside the cylinder, and an indicator that indicates that change calculated in terms of the weight of a cargo on the bed.

Abstract: The portable lift of the present invention includes a forward lift frame and a rear lift frame adapted to be connected to the forward and rear ends of the vehicle. Each of the lift frames includes a vertical tube or mast assembly having at least two telescopically extensible tube sections. Hydraulic extensible cylinders are within the tube assemblies of the forward and rear lift frames for causing the raising and lowering of the forward and rear lift frames between retracted and extended positions. An elongated support platform is pivotally connected to the upper ends of the tube lift assembly and is adapted to be raised and lowered in unison therewith.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a new hoisting and supporting machine used for supporting and lifting loads from the base level to different levels. The machine is essentially an air and water crane which is a combination of water pressure together with uplifting buoyancy forces acting directly or indirectly on the top platform of the hoisting machine. It consists generally of an outer upright water retaining telescopic column and an inner upright air filled floating telescopic column, which develops the buoyancy forces that lift up and support the top platform of the unit. When used in sub-zero temperature, the unit is provided with means to prevent the water, inside the column, from freezing, while for severe arctic low temperatures the unit is converted into an all ice column with provisions to accommodate the expanding ice inside the columns, resulting in an ice pillar acting like a concrete pillar to support the top platform of the unit with its loads.

Abstract: A portable automotive jack is provided having a generally triangular configuration defined by first and second pairs of pneumatic cylinders. Specifically, the cylinders of one of the pairs of are spaced apart from one another and straddle the cylinders of the other pair so that the pairs of cylinders define the legs of a triangle. A lift plate is mounted to the upper ends of the hydraulic cylinders at the apex of the triangle whereby actuation of the cylinders moves the lift plate relative to the base member to permit jacking of a vehicle therewith. The jacking assembly, by virtue of a common source of air pressure and flexible mounts, adjusts in angle and position to accommodate changes in angle of the vehicle as it is bieng jacked thus providing a device which has an inherent stability and relative insensitivity to the hardness and flatness of the jacking surface and the construction of modern cars.

Abstract: A force-applying tool particularly useful for force-opening window grill bars, comprises a cylinder carrying a first jaw, a piston movable within the cylinder and including a rod carrying a second jaw, a fluid pumping device for pumping fluid to the cylinder to apply a force between the piston and cylinder tending to spread apart the first and second jaws, and a pivotable coupling between the fluid pumping device and the cylinder and piston rod permitting the fluid pumping device to bring its longitudinal axis either parallel to or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder and piston rod. The pivotable coupling includes a fluid passageway therethrough from the fluid pumping device to the interior of the cylinder in both of the pivotable positions of the fluid pumping device.

Abstract: A stationary rectangular base frame is mounted underwater and supports generally upwardly extending, swingable, parallel links or arms. A lift platform or lift pads are supported at the upper end portions of the arms and, in combination with the base frame and arms, form one or more upright parallelograms. A hydraulic jack is connected extending generally diagonally of the parallelogram arrangement and has a plunger for swinging the arms to translate the lift platform or pads up to remove a watercraft from the water or down to lower the watercraft back into the water.

Abstract: The door forcing apparatus for forcing a door set in a door jamb comprises two side rails each having a substantially L-shaped cross section engagable with a beveled edge between the door jamb and the door, a plurality of nearly flat drive wedges pivotally mounted on the side rails adjacent their vertices each having a nearly flat foot oriented parallel to the door pivotally mounted adjacent their circular-arc-shaped edge pressible against the door, two adjustable braces each of which comprise a bracing hydraulic cylinder or a turnbuckle which is pivotally attached to each of the two side rails adjacent one end of the apparatus, two U-shaped-cross-sectioned drive rods on each of which the drive wedges connected to the side rails are pivotally mounted and two driving hydraulic cylinders, each of which has a piston rod pivotally attached to an end of one of the drive rods and whose cylinder is pivotally mounted on a support bracket at one end of a side rail.

Abstract: A hydraulically elevatable ramp apparatus is set forth wherein a ramp formed of an upper and lower portion with a pivotal hinge joining the two portions secured to a hydraulic jack at a forwardmost position. The ramp at a first lowered position accepts vehicles of diminished ground clearance wherein the vehicle is thereafter elevated to a second position whereupon the lower hinged portion is automatically repositioned upon elevation of the upper portion. The jack is formed with a resilient pad to insure a non-slip arrangement upon elevating a vehicle to a second elevated position.

Abstract: A spreader tool comprises a housing including a fluid cylinder, a pair of arms pivotably mounted at one end to the housing and formed with jaws at the opposite end, a piston in the fluid chamber and including a stem carrying a piston head displaceable axially between the arms, and a spring urging the pair of arms toward each other to close the jaws. One of the arms includes a rib extending along its longitudinal axis, and the other arm includes two ribs extending laterally on opposite sides of its longitudinal axis and defining a space for nesting parts of the ribs in the two arms in the fully closed position of the jaws. The ribs define track surfaces engageable by the piston head during its axial displacement between the arms for spreading apart the jaws. The piston head is of cylindrical configuration and is mounted to the piston stem so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the piston stem, thereby permitting the piston head to accommodate any uneveness in the track surfaces of the ribs.

Abstract: A portable hydraulic lift is provided for supporting lamps and the like at selected vertical positions. The disclosed lift includes five concentrically positioned risers which slide with respect to one another. The lowermost first or base riser has a collapsible support structure for positioning the risers vertically, and the uppermost fifth riser has an attachment for lamps and the like. A hydraulic ram is positioned within the risers so that the ram piston is fixed with respect to the third riser, and the ram cylinder is fixed with respect to the fourth riser. Chain and sprocket assemblies are situated within the risers to cause equidistant relative movement of each inner riser with respect to its next adjacent outer riser, as the hydraulic ram is activated. Moreover, a fixed-length fluid pathway is provided for the hydraulic fluid from a reservoir situated within or adjacent to the base riser, to the hydraulic ram, as the risers move upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: A light weight portable spreader type rescue tool for applying high push/pull forces comprising a pair of power-driven, light weight aluminum alloy force arms pivotally mounted on a body for swinging movement toward and away from one another. A hardened steel jaw tip member extends forwardly from each arm. The forward end of the arm has an I-cross-section with a central web and a pair of transverse flanges defining a pair of substantiallly rectangular cross-section sockets. The tip member has a main body portion and a shank comprising a pair of transversely spaced rearwardly extending tongues formed to fit snugly within the sockets in the arm. An annular cross-section hardened steel sleeve and a circular cross-section hardened steel pin are spaced apart along the shank and forcibly press-fitted through transverse, aligned, bored holes in the arm web and the jaw tip member shank tongues respectively. In addition, an auxiliary hardened steel strengthening pin is press-fitted into the sleeve.

Abstract: A hydraulic jack system used for lifting and lowering heavy loads such as machine tools comprises a lower cylindrical member, a solid ram member mounted within the cylindrical member and an outer sleeve member having affixed thereto a lifting slab and fitting over the lower cylindrical member. A hydraulic injection hose forces fluid into the lower cylindrical tube causing the ram member to rise and thus lift the outer sleeve member and the flange on which the load rests. The hydraulic injection hose has an adjustable valve which allows not only for injecting fluid at a rate to raise the ram member and thus the load as quickly as desired, but also allows fluid to flow back through the fluid injection hose at a desired rate such as to lower the load through the force of gravity as quickly as desired.

Abstract: The disclosed jack assembly has an elongated structural beam of sufficient length to extend between and beyond the two rails of a railroad track to be supported on top of the rails. A compact power lift cylinder, in the form of a multiple-sleeve power cylinder, is connected to the beam; and a car engaging plate is coupled to the power lift cylinder, to be moved in a direction transverse to the beam. The silhouette of the beam, power lift cylinder and plate is low, when the power lift cylinder is contracted, to allow them to be fitted with clearance to a lifting position, under a railroad car with the beam extended across the track rails and the car engaging plate vertically aligned under the railroad car frame. The power lift cylinder has a power stroke sufficient to lift the overlying railroad car enough above the rails to remove the railroad car completely from one wheeled truck assembly, for replacement or the like.

Abstract: A three-chamber jack employs a telescoping relation between an outer cylinder and an intermediate cylinder, the closed outer ends of which cylinders continuously sustain lifting-load force. An annular piston is fixed to the inner end of the intermediate cylinder and has sealed sliding engagement to the bore of the outer cylinder. An inner cylinder is fixed to the closed outer and of the outer cylinder and extends concentrically within both the outer and the intermediate cylinder, and the inner cylinder has sealed sliding engagement with the bore of the annular piston. Three internal volumes are thus defined. Load-counterbalancing gas pressure is continuously operative within the first of those volumes, over the entire area of the annular piston, and hydraulic fluid contained within the second and third volumes is reversibly pumped from one to the other of the second and third volumes, to reversibly determine piston displacement.

Abstract: A system used in a vehicle having a ground-engaging attitude to effect the displacement from a compartment in the vehicle of a power pack adapted for driving the vehicle. The system elevates the power pack from a vehicle driving position within the compartment toward another position disposed exteriorly of the compartment and maintains the power pack at the same attitude as the ground-engaging attitude of the vehicle upon the elevation of the power pack. The system senses attitude variations of the power pack upon its displacement, and is actuated in response to the attitude variation for controlling operation of the displacement and maintaining functions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for shoring the side walls of a trench or the like which includes a pair of elongate rails and a pair of parallel, hydraulically extendible and contractible actuators connected at opposite ends to the rails for lowering with the rails into and out of positions between the walls of the trench, and adapted, when extended, to hold the rails tightly against the walls.

Abstract: A vehicle leveling and stabilizing apparatus particularly adapted for use with a motor home to level and stabilize the vehicle upon irregular terrain preparatory to camping or such activity. The apparatus includes a plurality of jack stand assemblies, one associated with each vehicle quadrant. The jack stand assemblies are operated by double-acting hydraulic power units operable from the cab of the vehicle. Level sensors are connected to the motor vehicle to indicate level or off-level condition from front to rear and from side to side. A control panel within the vehicle carries the power unit controls and level indicators lamps.

Abstract: A device for force-opening doors, comprises an anchoring member including two sections relatively movable from a retracted position permitting the anchoring member to be applied between the doorframe posts on opposite sides of the door, to an extended position bringing the opposite ends of the anchoring member into firm engagement with the doorframe posts to firmly anchor the anchoring member transversely across the door; and a ram member carried by the anchoring member for engagement with the door when the anchoring member is anchored to the doorframe transversely across the door. The ram member includes a hydraulic device for producing a large force against the door to force-open it; and the anchoring member also includes a hydraulic device for moving the two sections of the anchoring member into firm engagement with the doorframe posts.

Abstract: A power tool for auto body repair in accordance with this invention, including several species or embodiments of this invention, comprises a small hydraulic ram which may be as small as two inches or less in height, width and length with a reciprocating piston or ram having a travel of less than an inch between its extended position and its retracted position. One embodiment of the tool includes an iron to press out wrinkles in metal auto body parts, comprising a pair of pivotally joined levers each having a press plate at the working end, pivotal between an open position to receive a wrinkled auto body part and a closed position to iron or press out the wrinkles, the small hydraulic ram being positioned between the opposite or power end of the levers to force the working end to its closed pressing position when the hydraulic piston or ram is moved toward its extended position.

Abstract: There is provided a height adjustable rubber pot bearing for supporting or lifting bridges. The pot bearing has an elastomer plate for transmitting and lifting or lowering loads wherein pressurized fluid is introduced between the bottom of the pot and the elastomer plate to displace the elastomer plate. A narrow slot is provided extending around the plate a small distance from and parallel with the inner side of the pot. The slot opens downwardly and has a depth of three-fourths of the plate thickness. A circular cylindrical insert is provided in the slot consisting of two parallel strips joined at their top edge with a space between them, the bottom edges of the strips being angled at right angles to form edge strips extending parallel with the bottom in opposing directions.

Abstract: A jack with drain valve including a housing having a first cylinder and a first piston; the first piston defining a second cylinder into which a second piston is reciprocally mounted. A drainage tube is defined by the first piston, the drainage tube extending between the second cylinder and the bottom, workpiece engaging surface of the piston. When both first and second piston engage a workpiece, hydraulic fluid may be forced through an inlet port into the first cylinder, placing pressure against both first and second pistons in their engagement with the workpiece; the drainage tube being obstructed by the second piston. Once the workpiece is moved or the jack retracted, pressure on the hydraulic fluid in the first cylinder, which may be applied by upward pressure on the first piston, forces the second piston downwardly beyond the inlet port of the drainage tube. In this manner the cylinders may be readily drained for reuse of the jack.

Abstract: A wheel puller for removing, transporting, and replacing large vehicle wheels and their corresponding brake drums is disclosed. The wheel puller includes a U-shaped metal frame having a central front portion and two arm portions. Upright members are disposed on or near said central portion and a horizontal pivot bar is mounted between the upright members. The pivot bar is vertically translatable on the upright members. A plurality of wheels are mounted on the frame to support and transport the frame. L-shaped wheel lifting arms pivotably mounted on the horizontal pivot bar pivot from a wheel engaging position to a handle position. In the wheel engaging position, the wheel lifting arms reside within the U-shaped frame and are parallel to and extend in the same direction as the arm portions. In the handle position, the wheel lifting arms reside on the side of the central portion opposite the arm portions and extend in a direction opposite to that of the arm portions.

Abstract: The apparatus positively induces synchronism in at least two lifting jacks. It has an upwardly and downwardly movable carriage, on the lifting jack, a column, a lifting device extending along the column, a first control device to control the lifting device in the "lift" direction, a second control device to control the lifting device in the "lower" direction, a "lift" switch on the main lifting jack, a "lower" switch on the main lifting jack. For each lifting jack, a motor device acts on the lifting device. Along each column there is an equally spaced marking unit, the spacing corresponding to the maximum admissible lift difference between the lifting jacks. Each marking unit has an `ON` zone and an `OFF` zone. Rigidly fixed to each carriage is a tracer for scanning the marker units. Each tracer, is in an electrical switching device, and inhibits the motor device when the tracer is in the `OFF` zone, until such time as the tracer of the carriage which is lagging most behind is also in the `OFF` zone.

Abstract: A chain tightener to tighten chains on a tractor or vehicle tire. The tightener comprises first and second spreader members, a frame consisting of a base portion and a longitudinal member extending between the base portion and the first spreader member. A longitudinal reinforcement member is mounted between the first spreader member and the base portion of the frame. The second spreader member reciprocates on the longitudinal member. A hydraulic cylinder is mounted and exerts force between the second spreader member and the base portion of the frame.

Abstract: The opener consists of two hydraulic actuators which are adapted to act along in two different directions in an horizontal plane, one of said directions being parallel or substantially parallel to the surface of the closed and locked door which is to be opened and the other direction being normal to said door surface. Jamb-engaging elements are associated with a first of the actuators, operation of said actuator causing the elements to engage the door jambs very firmly; operation of the second of the actuators pushes the closed/locked door inwardly out of the door frame.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a mechanical force actuator which is light weight and manipulatable and utilizes linear motion for push or pull forces while maintaining a constant overall length.The mechanical force producing mechanism comprises a linear actuator mechanism (22,23) and a linear motion shaft (11) mounted parallel to one another. The linear motion shaft (11) is connected to a stationary or fixed housing (12) and to a movable housing (26) where the movable housing (26) is mechanically actuated through actuator mechanism (22,26) by either manual means (21) or motor means (20). The housings (12,26) are adapted to releasably receive a variety of jaw or pulling elements (28) adapted for clamping or prying action. The stationary housing (12) is adapted to be pivotally mounted to permit an angular position of the housing to allow the tool to adapt to skewed interfaces. The actuator mechanisms (22,23) is operated by through a gear train (19) to obtain linear motion of the actuator mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for unseating wire rope wedges is accomplished by means of a linear motor such as a hydraulic jack mechanism. The hydraulic jack includes a housing structure adapted to be seated about a portion of a wire line connector device in such manner that a force transmitting retained relationship is established between the housing and the wire rope connector. A linear actuator within the housing is energized against the small end of a wire rope wedge and accomplishes movement of the wedge to its unseated position to release wire rope secured thereby.

Abstract: A jack for installing in a mine a plurality of elongate extensible panels adapted to extend vertically in side-by-side relation from the floor to the roof of a passageway in a mine. Each panel comprises a first elongate member consituting a lower member of the panel and a second elongate member constituting an upper member of the panel, each member having a web and flanges at opposite sides of the web, one of the members having a telescoping sliding fit in the other. The upper member of each panel has a head at its upper end and the lower member of each panel has a foot at its lower end.

Abstract: A height adjustable pot bearing is provided having a pot, a steel cover plate and an elastic plate of substantially incompressible elastomeric material disposed in and completely filling the pressure chamber defined between the cover plate and the pot. A circumferential slot is provided in the base of the elastic plate radially inwardly from the outer wall of the plate so that a circumferential lip is formed. The pressurized fluid supplied to the pressure chamber of the pot bearing presses against the base of the elastic plate to lift the elastic plate and the cover plate and forces the circumferential lip radially outwardly against the wall of the pot to seal thereagainst.

Abstract: A handling system supports a closure member, e.g. a manway cover or tensioner ring, for maintaining it in position when opening or closing operations are performed thereon and for moving it conveniently into or out of engagement with a mating member without damage to supporting studs. Gimbaling means include first and second attachable connections each vertically supported to a pneumatic cylinder assembly whose internal pressure is set to generate an upward force equal to the weight supported. An operator may provide a force to overcome damping forces at each support point to move the closure member in all degrees of freedom, and the member appears essentially weightless to the operator. The vertically movable connections are supported for translational movement on a cart which is also movable. Reliable movement of a closure member with respect to a pressure vessel is provided without the need for alignment or calibration of a path defined by the closure member support means.

Abstract: The apparatus positively induces synchronism in at least two lifting jacks. It has an upwardly and downwardly movable carriage on the lifting jack, a column, a lifting device extending along the column, a first control device to control the lifting device in the "lift" direction, a second control device to control the lifting device in the "lower" direction, a "lift" switch on the main lifting jack, a "lower" switch on the main lifting jack. For each lifting jack, a motor device acts on the lifting device. Along each column there is an equally spaced marking unit, the spacing corresponding to the maximum admissible lift difference between the lifting jacks. Each marking unit has an `ON` zone and an `OFF` zone. Rigidly fixed to each carriage is a tracer for scanning the marker units. Each tracer, is in an electrical switching device, and inhibits the motor device when the tracer is in the `OFF` zone, until such time as the tracer of the carriage which is lagging most behind is also in the `OFF` zone.

Abstract: Telescopically slidable tubular members incorporate a hydraulic jack for causing successive minute amounts of relative longitudinal extension thereof. The jack includes a hydraulic piston and cylinder mounted to the rear end of the forward tubular member. This assembly engages a pin inserted in a selected one of a plurality of longitudinally spaced holes in the forward end of the rear tubular member to thereby provide an initial overall length adjustment. A pump is removably mounted to the rear tubular member and is connected to the piston and cylinder assembly via hoses. The telescoping members are positioned diagonally so that a spade at the forward end of the forward tubular member engages an upper portion of a generally vertically oriented stud wall and so that a toothed base member pivotally connected to the rear end of the rear tubular member engages the floor.

Abstract: A weighing tool and method for determining the weight of ice contained within each of a plurality of ice baskets received within corresponding compartments of a lattice frame, as employed with nuclear power generators. A cylinder body includes lug support frames and corresponding lugs movable to retracted positions for inserting the weighing tool within the upper end of an ice basket, and to extended positions for being engaging in the ice basket and securing the tool thereto. A piston movable in sliding relationship within the body and defining upper and lower compartment therein is secured through a piston rod to a support bar which rests on the lattice frame and spans the compartment. Hydraulic fluid under controlled, increasing pressure is introduced into the upper compartment, driving the cylinder body upwardly relatively to the stationary piston so as to raise the ice basket. The pressure necessary to lift the ice basket provides a measure of the total weight of the ice basket.

Abstract: A tire bead breaker particularly designed for use with a double-wheel arrangement for high power tractors comprises a pair of levers which are pivoted at one end and taper inwardly toward the other end. An abutment plate is mounted on the other end of one lever and a shank is mounted for sliding movement along the outer surface of the other lever for moving a wedge-shaped tool forwardly from the other end of the other lever. In a retracted position, the levers, tool and abutment plate can be inserted into the space between the double-wheel arrangement so that the plate engages one wheel while the tool is rammed into the space between the bead and rim of the other wheel. A piston and cylinder force the levers apart to cause the tool to jack the bead away from the rim of the wheel.

Abstract: A safety device is provided for use with a lifting apparatus having a main lifting mechanism for lifting, lowering and supporting a load. The safety device includes a cylinder operatively connected to the lifting apparatus and capable of lifting, lowering and supporting the load supported by the lifting mechanism. The safety device further includes a counterbalance holding valve operatively connected to the cylinder for preventing the lowering of the load supported by the lifting apparatus except in response to the application of hydraulic pressure thereto.

Abstract: An expansible support for supporting a heavy industrial machine or the like on a foundation. The support comprises base and support members engageable with the foundation and machine, respectively, and an expansible annular member connecting the base and support members and defining an enclosed expansible chamber therebetween. Pressurized fluid is pumped into this chamber via an inlet port to expand the support to bring the base and support members into load-bearing engagement with the machine and foundation. The annular member is designed to permit the base and support members to move out of parallel with respect to one another for full face-to-face contact with nonparallel surfaces on the foundation and machine.A method of using a plurality of such expansible supports to support a heavy industrial machine or the like is also disclosed.

Abstract: Hydraulic jacks are arranged radially both inside and outside the confinement chamber (EC), substantially on a level with the center of gravity of the boiler (BV, EA) disposed inside. The inside jacks transmit thrust to the boiler via an annular floor (20). The outside jacks transmit thrust to the walls (M) of the hall. The outside jacks are arranged as energy-absorbing dampers. The inside and outside jacks resist fast compression by means of calibrated fluid flow orifices, while they expand readily by means of one way valves and pressure accumulators. The boiler and the confinement chamber stand on a base that is resiliently movable in a horizontal direction relative to the raft (R) of the building. This ensures that the reactor is returned to its normal position once an earthquake is over.

Abstract: An hydraulic prop utilized for barricades in blasting operations that affords simplified mounting and dismantling and will have minimal functional inefficiency if deformed by the impact of rocks; and it can be made out of unworked pipe of minimal standards. Two specific guide regions disposed on the piston are spaced large enough from each other that comparatively wide tolerances can be achieved between the piston and the cylinder.

Abstract: A track clearing device is described using hydraulic power for pushing apart rail vehicles which have been pushed into or onto each other. To provide such a track clearing device which may also be used successfully even where the anchorage resistance of the rails is very small and which enables derailed cars to be re-railed, an expander is provided comprising two pivotable expander arms, a pivot pin, two transverse guide pieces mounted so as to be displaceable by sliding and each having linked to it by articulated joints two lifter supports, two lifters and two displacement cylinders.

Abstract: A tool particularly useful for facilitating the removal of a torsion bar employed as a spring element, particularly in automobiles such as the familiar Volkswagon rear-engine models. The torsion bar exerts a normal torque holding a spline-connected cantilever bar against a stop integral with a fixed structural member. The tool engages the arm adjacent its cantilevered end and applies a force increasing the torsion bar reaction force sufficient to dislodge it from the stop so that the cantilever bar can be forced outwardly by separate means to disengage the torsion bar-to-cantilever arm spline connection by a sufficient amount to allow controlled de-torquing rotation of the arm without encountering the stop. The spline connection may be subsequently fully disengaged and the torsion bar removed from its internal structural anchor.

Abstract: A double lift jack employs a first hydraulic jack having a long, high-speed lift to elevate a platant into an operating position and a second hydraulic jack mounted on the platant having a short, low-speed lift. The two jacks and the platant are mounted in a sturdy, open-topped housing. The long-lift jack is employed to rapidly elevate the platant and the short-lift jack into their operating positions. The platant is thereupon affixed to the housing in the extended position using studs which are passed through a lip on the housing as the platant is elevated. A load base is raised and lowered by operation of the short-lift jack. The load base is stabilized by hardened guide rods which pass through guide holes in the platant. The thus-locked platant provides a stable base and precise guidance for positioning of a load mounted on the load base. When the studs are released, and the long-lift jack is retracted, the load base is rapidly cleared from interference with a load.

Abstract: A mobile crane of the type having an upper revolvably mounted on an elongated main frame. The main frame has a central tub for mounting the upper and also has a series of ground-engaging wheels along the main frame and at either side thereof. Power-operated outrigger assemblies are provided for being swingable on the main frame and between the radially outward stabilizing position and a transport, storage position along side the main frame. The outrigger assemblies are elongated and have a rectangular in cross-section shape, one of the axes of the cross-section being greater than the other so as to provide a generally flat in cross-section outrigger. The outriggers can be rotated about their longitudinal axes for about 90.degree.

Abstract: A device for use with a hydraulic cylinder or like for straightening frame members, which converts the extension stroke of the cylinder to a pulling action. The device has a pair of interengaging outer members which are formed to define an elongate cage. The interengaging members are slidably connected to one another for relative movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cage. Retaining means are mounted on the interengaging outer members, which are adapted to removably retain a hydraulic cylinder within the cage aligned along the central longitudinal axis, so that extension of the cylinder causes a contraction of the interengaging member along the direction of the longitudinal axis. The interengaging members are adapted at opposite ends for connection to a frame member to be straightened.