Abstract: The new method relates to a machinery assembly having (a) a housing, (b) an eccentric confined in the housing, (c) a shaft extending into the eccentric and (d) a shaft axis of rotation. A method for moving the shaft with respect to the housing includes the steps of applying a support force at a point on the housing so that such force places the housing substantially in equilibrium with respect to the axis. A withdrawing force is then applied to the shaft in a direction generally parallel to the axis. A jacking mechanism contacts the housing at a point to apply a support force to such housing. The force magnitude and direction place the housing substantially in equilibrium with respect to the axis to reduce or eliminate frictional forces.

Abstract: A bucket dump block, used on dragline buckets, has side frames and a rotatable rope-guiding sheave. In the improvement, each side frame has a separate ring-like support section extending toward the other side frame and abutting the support section of such other side frame. The sheave is supported by and rotates about such support sections. The sheave rides on an annular anti-friction member retained on a sleeve into which the support sections are press-fitted. The dump block (which is devoid of provisions for lubrication) has a minimum number of parts and is easy to manufacture and repair.

Abstract: A dragline bucket rigging includes at least one pair of components removably secured together by a connector pin assembly including a U-shaped spring retainer clip. The clip removably snap-fits beneath a protective cap secured to the outside face of one of the components and within an open-ended channel defined between the cap and the component face. Legs of the retainer clip abut the sides of the channel and nest within a pair of diverging slots formed one on each side of a retainer pin when the latter telescoped through an opening formed within the cap and into a connector pin hole in the component. The legs thereby act to prevent the pin from rotating or being removed axially from the hole and yet the clip can be easily removed allowing the pin to be removed axially to disconnect the rigging components.

Abstract: A boom support pendant pin retainer for an earth working machine having a retainer plate and a projection for preventing rotational, axial and coaxial movement of the pendant pin. The projection is constructed and arranged to mesh in the void between the pendant pin and an adjacent opening in the gantry structure. The projection prevents rotational movement of the pendant pin and the retainer is secured to each end of the pendant pin and adjacent to the gantry, structure to prevent axial and coaxial movement of the pin.

Abstract: A spreader bar assembly has a middle spreader bar having a nose-shaped link at opposite ends to which is pivoted pivotal end pieces which comprise about half of the structural weight. The pivotal end pieces have a rounded tip portion which is pivotally connected to the nose-shaped link by pin members which are secured by keepers. The pivotal end pieces have upper and lower transverse openings for pins in order to connect the chains of a hoist which also connect an excavator bucket. Greatly increased life before failure results from the three-piece construction.

Abstract: The present dump block (100) comprises an internal plate (106) attached to an external plate (108) with a rotatably mounted sheave (110) therebetween. The external plate (108) presents a smooth convex surface. Bearings (126) are mounted between the sheave (110) and a centrally located shaft (122). The position of the bearings (126) is maintained by a bearing side plate (116) A side plate bearing cushion (124) is located between the bearing side plate (116) and the bearings (126). The bearing cushion (124) absorbs the force of any impacts experienced by the dump block (100). Likewise, the convex surface of the external plate (108) turns any impact into a glancing blow, thereby extending the life of the dump block (100).

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in a machine having a housing and a pin received in the housing and coupled to a link-like movable part, either directly or with a bushing interposed between the part and the pin. The improvement comprises a retainer, preferably of cruciform-shape, which is attached to one end of the pin and has a plurality of radially-extending retaining arms. The improvement also includes a plurality of arc-shaped abutment members, each of which extends between and is in torque-absorbing contact with a pair of arms. The pin, a wearing component like the movable part or the bushing, is intended for eventual replacement when sufficiently worn. The pin is prevented from rotating with respect to the housing which is a non-wearing part expensive to replace or repair. The invention also includes a method for assembling machine components including a housing and a pin so that there is substantially zero clearance between each abutment member and a retainer arm.