Abstract: A handling system for handling ground-engaging wear parts used on earth working equipment includes handling tools to remove and handle wear parts from equipment and/or to install new wear parts. The tools can include a torque or other tool to engage and/or disengage a lock retained by the wear member. The handling system allows an operator maintain a distance from heavy parts being removed or installed, reducing the risk of injury.

Abstract: A dump block assembly for a dragline bucket rigging assembly including a frame assembly having a first side frame and a second side frame attached to and parallel to the first side frame. The first side frame includes a first attachment portion having a first upper connection portion, a first lower connection portion opposite the first upper connection portion, and a first central connection portion spaced apart from and in between the first upper connection portion and the first lower connection portion. The second side frame includes a second attachment portion having a second upper connection portion, a second lower connection portion opposite the second upper connection portion, and a second central connection portion spaced apart from and in between the second upper connection portion and the second lower connection portion.

Abstract: A spreader bar including two spaced apart opposite end portions, each end portion having a first connection point for connecting a lower hoist chain thereto and a second connection point for connecting an upper hoist chain thereto, said second connection point being spaced from said first connection point towards the opposite end portion by a first predetermined distance, said predetermined distance being selected such that in use an upper hoist chain connected thereto makes a smaller angle with the longitudinal axis of the spreader bar than would an upper hoist chain connected to the first connection point.

Abstract: A retaining arm is attached to an end of a padlock pin forming a hinged connection between a padlock and a bucket of a rope shovel, the retaining arm extending perpendicularly to an axis of the padlock pin to connect to a connecting element on the bucket to restrain rotation of the padlock pin relative to the bucket.

Abstract: A spreader component for use with a dragline excavator. Two dumpblocks are connected to the component in a spaced apart manner. The spreader component may include an in-use upper coupling arrangement for enabling coupling of the component to a hoist link of the dragline, at least first and second spaced apart in-use anterior coupling arrangements each for enabling coupling of the component to a respective dump block, and at least first and second spaced apart in-use lateral coupling arrangements each for enabling coupling of the component to a respective lift chain for a bucket of the excavator. An elongate connector may connect each lift chain to a respective lateral coupling arrangement in use.

Abstract: A sheave includes a hub defining an axis, a rim defining at least one circumferentially extending groove, and two plates oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis. Each plate is connected to the hub and to the rim, and a plurality of reinforcing tubular members extend between the plates.

Abstract: An assembly and method for using a flexible tensile member as part of the rigging for a dragline bucket. The tensile member includes a stranded core surrounded by one or more armoring layers or devices. The stranded core produces excellent strength in tension. The armor layer(s) provides a lower but still sufficient strength in compression. The compression strength is sufficient to eliminate plastic deformation of the core strands when the tensile member is bent around or dragged across an edge. The armor layer(s) also protects against battering, cutting, abrading, compression, and shearing forces. This resistance greatly reduces the likelihood of heavy items—such as the yoke, dump block, and spreader bar—damaging the tensile member when the bucket assembly is laid on the ground.

Abstract: A shovel includes a dipper, a hoist rope supporting the dipper, and a bail assembly. The bail assembly includes a bail configured to be coupled to the dipper and an equalizer including a mounting block configured to receive a portion of the hoist rope. The bail is pivotable about a bail axis and defines a first side. The equalizer is pivotably coupled to the bail. The equalizer is pivotable about an equalizer axis that is parallel to the first side of the bail and is offset from the first side.

Abstract: Improved connection systems for pinned connections are disclosed. Although the connection systems may be utilized in dragline excavating systems, the connection systems may also be utilized for pinned connections in a variety of other types of mining, dredging, forestry, and construction equipment. An insert utilized in the connections systems has a frustroconical shape that joins with an aperture in an element being joined by the connection system.

Abstract: A rigging assembly for a dragline excavator where the rigging assembly has a first upper hoist link and a second upper hoist link. The rigging assembly also has an equalization member extending between the first upper hoist link and the second upper hoist link. The equalization member is formed from a flexible material.

Abstract: A saddle block assembly including a main body having a shipper shaft opening through the main body bottom end, and an eccentric pin opening in the main body top end, an eccentric pin received in an eccentric pin opening in the top end of the main body, and a wear plate support. The wear plate support has a pin receiving opening, the eccentric pin being received in the pin receiving opening. Wear plates are mounted on the bottom end of the wear plate support and are adapted to bear against the top of a dipper handle.

Abstract: A dragline excavator system has a support assembly, a hoist coupler assembly suspended from the support assembly, a bucket assembly suspended from the hoist coupler assembly, a sheave assembly supported by the hoist coupler assembly, a drag coupler assembly, and at least one dump rope operatively connected to the drag coupler assembly and the bucket assembly. The at least one dump rope extends through the sheave assembly. The at least one dump rope is formed of at least one fiber made from at least one of high modulus polyethylene (HMPE), poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), aromatic polyamide (Aramid), polyester, nylon, polyolefin, polypropylene (PP), carbon, and glass.

Abstract: A dragline bucket includes a bottom wall, a pair of sidewalls and a rear wall that collectively define a cavity. The sidewalls each have a large downward taper of at least about 7 degrees in at least its forward area. In an alternative embodiment, the sidewalls each have an upward taper in its rearward area which alleviates the need for a spreader bar. The dragline bucket collects earthen material with minimal disruption of the material.

Abstract: A spreader component for use with a dragline excavator. Two dumpblocks are connected to the component in a spaced apart manner. The spreader component may include an in-use upper coupling arrangement for enabling coupling of the component to a hoist link of the dragline, at least first and second spaced apart in-use anterior coupling arrangements each for enabling coupling of the component to a respective dump block, and at least first and second spaced apart in-use lateral coupling arrangements each for enabling coupling of the component to a respective lift chain for a bucket of the excavator. An elongate connector may connect each lift chain to a respective lateral coupling arrangement in use.

Abstract: A dump block with a self-adjusting bearing includes two side sections, a sheave with a peripheral groove and a central bore, a bearing assembly, and a sheave pin. The sheave pin has a first end with a shoulder, a second end with a threaded portion, and a bearing support section of a predetermined length extending between the first and second ends. The sheave pin is positioned within the bearing assembly and adjusted by urging the sheave pin to translate in the direction of the second end. A fastener is secured to the threaded section at a location between the two side sections.

Abstract: A saddle block assembly including a main body having a shipper shaft opening through the main body bottom end, and an eccentric pin opening in the main body top end, an eccentric pin received in an eccentric pin opening in the top end of the main body, and a wear plate support. The wear plate support has a pin receiving opening, the eccentric pin being received in the pin receiving opening. Wear plates are mounted on the bottom end of the wear plate support and are adapted to bear against the top of a dipper handle.

Abstract: Embodiments of a dragline rigging can reduce the number of different parts required by including an interchangeable dragline rigging link that can be used, in different orientations, as either a hoist link or a drag link. An interchangeable dragline rigging link can include a socket connector, a dump connector, and chain connectors on either side of the link. The socket connector and dump connector can include parallel pin receiving holes, while the chain connectors can accommodate pins in a direction perpendicular to the pin receiving holes of the socket connector and dump connector. Further, the hoist assembly and drag assembly of the dragline rigging can be designed to accommodate the same size pin at a plurality of locations, in order to further increase the interchangeability of parts of the dragline rigging.

Abstract: A large electric dragline having a housing (35) and boom (37) is provided with spaced apart in-line sheaves (34) and (36) at boom point to separate hoist ropes (31) and (32) which are led to the front and rear of bucket (30) respectively. Differential hoist rope control allows accurate and continuous adjustment of the bucket carry angle during all modes of operation. Also described is a computer control system giving continuous accurate control of carry angle by differential hoist rope operation, with manual selection of mode operation.

Abstract: A dragline bucket includes a bottom wall, a pair of sidewalls and a rear wall that collectively define a cavity. The sidewalls each have a large downward taper of at least about 7 degrees in at least its forward area. In an alternative embodiment, the sidewalls each have an upward taper in its rearward area which alleviates the need for a spreader bar. The dragline bucket collects earthen material with minimal disruption of the material.

Abstract: A bucket for a dragline has a pivoted mounting by having two spaced pivotal arms, typically of arcuate or cranked form, pivotally connected to the outside of a rear wall of the bucket about pivot axes extending transverse to the bucket and below the upper rim of the bucket whereby pivotal connections at the upper end of each pivot arm may be disposed over the rim and within the bucket zone. Thus the pivot arms may be moved in use through greater than 90° from a position in which the bucket is vertically suspended. The pivot arms act to spread splayed hoist chains without a spreader bar.

Abstract: A dragline bucket includes a bottom wall, a pair of sidewalls and a rear wall that collectively define a cavity. The sidewalls each have a large downward taper of at least about 7 degrees in at least its forward area. In an alternative embodiment, the sidewalls each have an upward taper in its rearward area which alleviates the need for a spreader bar. The dragline bucket collects earthen material with minimal disruption of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a mining dump bucket to a set of drag chains and a set of dump ropes is provided. A metallic nugget is fused to a drag rope. The metallic nugget is then inserted into a novel coupler or socket attached to a dump bucket. Also provided is a set of frustoconical wedges adjacent the nugget and a frustoconical receiver used to secure the rope to the coupler or socket.

Abstract: An apparatus including a main housing including a generally horizontal platform, a boom extending from the platform, a bucket suspended from the boom, and a mast extending from the platform. The apparatus further includes a boom support strand extending between and attached to the mast and the boom, and a boom support strand oscillation dampening mechanism. The boom support strand oscillation dampening mechanism comprises a left brace and a right brace spaced apart from the left brace, and a polyester rope extending between each of the braces and the boom. Each of the ropes is attached to the boom. A device attaches the rope to the brace, and a boom support strand clamp mechanism is connected to the brace and includes a first clamp block, a second clamp block, and a flexible enclosure placed between the first clamp block and the second clamp block.

Abstract: An earth handling apparatus operable in a trailered manner behind an ATV includes a rolling framework containing a tiltable accumulating bowl having a pivotable front door. Winch devices operated by the electrical system of the ATV control the tilting of the framework, the bowl and the front door to enable the bowl to accumulate, transport and controllably discharge earth, sand, gravel, snow or other surface substrate.

Abstract: A dragline excavation bucket control system including a pair of hoist ropes and a drag rope, the hoist ropes being coupled adjacent opposite ends of the bucket. The hoist ropes are supported on spaced sheaves on an excavation boom whereby the hoist ropes extending between the boom and bucket are substantially parallel and the boom support points and bucket attachment points for the hoist ropes are controllable to maintain an optimal carry attitude for a bucket when in use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hoist arrangement (10) for a dragline rigging. The hoist arrangement includes a triangular framework comprising a hollow fibreglass spreader bar (14) and two fibreglass ties (12) which are attachable to the spreader bar. The fibreglass ties (12) are connectable to a pick-up link on a dragline rigging, and a pair of lower hoist members in the form of wire-reinforced, synthetic rubber belts (16) depend from the spreader bar (14) and include attachment formations (42) at lower ends thereof for attaching the hoist arrangement (10) to trunnions on a dragline bucket.

Abstract: A dragline excavation bucket control system comprising a pair of hoist ropes and a drag rope, the hoist ropes being coupled adjacent opposite ends of the bucket. The hoist ropes are supported on spaced sheaves on an excavation boom whereby the hoist ropes extending between the boom and bucket are substantially parallel and the boom support points and bucket attachment points for the hoist ropes are controllable to maintain an optimal carry attitude for a bucket when in use.

Abstract: An excavator dragline bucket is supported by a hoist line from a dragline power unit, and pivots about the connection of the hoist line to the bucket. The bucket is designed to dump toward the rear, and has a gate that is latched in position during the loading of the bucket, and which will be automatically unlatched as the bucket tilts rearwardly. The gate is connected through a double pivoting bellcrank that is operated by control links connected to the hoist member such that as the angle between the bucket and the hoist member changes, the control link loads the double pivoting lever and releases the latch. When the bucket has been dumped and is returned to its horizontal position, the tailgate first moves against the rear edges of the bucket, and subsequently the double pivoting lever permits the tailgate to slide along its plane to a latched position.

Abstract: A hoisting assembly for use with a dragline bucket that includes a compensator for generally stabilizing the attitude of the bucket. The compensator is operably coupled to the lift, hoist and dump lines. The connector for the lift line(s) defines a fulcrum about which the compensator turns during use. As the tension in the dump line increases relative to the tension of the hoist lines, the compensator turns about the fulcrum to lift the hoist lines and shift the sheave supporting the dump line forward. As the tension in the dump line decreases relative to the tension of the hoist lines, the compensator turns about the fulcrum in the opposite direction to lower the lift lines and shift the sheave supporting the dump line rearward.

Abstract: An integral dump block for use in a dragline bucket that comprises a sheave to movably support a dump line, a central pin rotatably supporting the sheave, and a housing to couple the pin to lift lines. Bearings are disposed within the sheave and each side of the housing for receiving the pin for free rotation. Hoist lines for supporting a dragline bucket are connected to each end of the pin. In this way, moment forces in the hoisting assembly can be substantially eliminated. Further, a number of parts can be eliminated to provide a reduction in weight and height of the hoisting linkage assembly.

Abstract: A rigging assembly for a dragline bucket has first and second hoist chains coupled to the bucket and first and second pickup links above the hoist chains. The chains extend along first and second axes, respectively, and define a fleet angle between them. In the improvement, the pickup links define a link angle between them which is substantially equal to the fleet angle. The pickup links are coupled with respect to respective hoist sockets by pins, the hoist chains are coupled with respect to the pickup links by other pins and all of the pins have substantially equal cross-sectional areas. Most preferably, the pins are identical to one another for parts "commonality.

Abstract: A dragline comprising a main housing, a bucket hoist mechanism mounted on the housing, a bucket drag mechanism mounted on the main housing, a moving mechanism for moving the main housing over the ground, a boom which is supported on the main housing and which has an upper end, a bucket, a hoist rope having one end connected to the bucket hoist mechanism, extending over the sheave, and having an opposite end, a drag rope extending between the bucket and the bucket drag mechanism, a dump block including a frame having a main portion connected to the opposite end of the hoist rope, and a cantilevered spindle extending from the main portion, and a dump block sheave mounted on the spindle for rotation about a sheave axis, and a dump rope extending over the dump block sheave and having one end connected to the drag rope and an opposite end connected to the bucket, such that the dump rope can be removed from the sheave in the direction away from the frame main portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digging implement (such as a dragline bucket) having a trunnion link connected to the implement by a pin secured in place by a retention device. Such device is coupled to the pin along the pin longitudinal axis. The pin has a first portion engaging the implement and having internal threads and the retention device has a stop member and an exteriorly-threaded stem extending therefrom. The stem is threaded to the internal threads of the first portion. Preferably, the stop member is recessed in a protective pocket which helps protect the retention device from damage otherwise caused by material being handled by the implement.

Abstract: The dragline bucket has a basket (12) with an open from end and an open top defined by bottom, side and rear walls (14, 16, 18). Cheek plate structures (44) of fabricated steel plate construction are carried by the side walls at the front end of the basket and themselves carry drag attachment points (46). There is a lip plate assembly (52) of fabricated steel plate construction at the front of the bottom wall (14) and carrying attachment points for excavating teeth. An arch (38) of hollow, fabricated steel plate construction which spans over the front end of the basket and carries dump rope attachment points. The cheek plate structures, the lip plate assembly and the arch are connected to one another to form a ring of continuous, fabricated steel plate construction at the front end of the basket.

Abstract: An excavating hoe or bucket includes a hoe or bucket body which is movable across an excavation area, and a structure for providing the hoe body or bucket body with a variable load capacity. The variable load capacity may be provided by a network of flexible line members such as chains, which may be disconnected from each other and reattached at different attachment or insertion locations, to increase or decrease the load capacity of the hoe or bucket.

Abstract: A bucket arch, used on dragline buckets, has a pair of side sections and an arch center section disposed therebetween. At least one lug is attached to the arch center section and exerts a force on the center section along a force axis. In the improvement, the center section is angled with respect to the side sections and has an axis generally coincident with the force axis. Such angled center section at least greatly reduces the twisting forces imposed on the arch by the lug. Such center section also greatly reduces the wear or friction on the center section of the arch resulting from the drag chain rubbing thereon during tipping of the bucket.

Abstract: A dragline excavating bucket is constructed to be supported through a minimum number of support chains and control cables, and made to provide for rapid digging and distribution of overburden removed by dumping the bucket rearwardly over a rear wall of the bucket. The bucket is supported on hoist chains that are located forwardly of the center of gravity so the bucket tends to tip rearwardly. The tilted portion of the bucket is controlled through a pair of drag chains that not only provide the pull force for loading the bucket, but also control the dumping of material from the bucket over the rear wall. Sliding trunnions are used on the bucket pivots to enhance dumping operation.

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 dragline bucket having a back wall, opposite side walls, a bottom, an open front, and a removable pipe arch assembly for connecting the front upper corners of the side walls of the bucket together, the removable pipe arch assembly including a saddle bracket on the inside upper front corner of each of the side walls of the bucket, the saddle bracket having a semi-annular channel providing a pocket on the inside face of each saddle bracket, a pipe arch extending between the saddle brackets, the opposite ends of the pipe arch being removably engaged in the saddle bracket on each of the side walls, a collar on each end portion of the pipe arch resting in the pocket in each of the saddle brackets, and a locking plate connected with each of the saddle brackets over the pipe for removably locking the pipe end portions in the saddle brackets.

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: A dragline excavation bucket control system including a pair of hoist ropes and a drag rope, the hoist ropes being coupled adjacent opposite ends of the bucket. The hoist ropes are supported on spaced sheaves on an excavation boom whereby the hoist ropes extending between the boom and bucket are substantially parallel and the boom support points and bucket attachment points for the hoist ropes are controllable to maintain an optimal carry attitude for a bucket when in use.