Abstract: A coupling arrangement for fluid coupling a worktool to a machine comprising at least one coupler assembly slideably mounted in a cavity for coupling a machine fluid circuit and a work tool fluid circuit, the coupler assembly partitioning the cavity to form a chamber; a diversion path connecting the machine fluid circuit to the chamber; and a check valve positioned in the diversion path for flow of fluid from the machine fluid circuit to the chamber to generate a force on the coupler assembly for maintaining the fluid coupling.

Abstract: A rope shovel includes a wristing dipper arrangement. The shovel comprises a base, a boom extending from the base, the boom having a first end attached to the base and a second end remote from the base. The shovel further comprises a pulling mechanism mounted on the second end of the boom and a boom attachment pivotally mounted on the boom and attached to a dipper, the boom attachment including an actuator coupled to the dipper.

Abstract: A maneuvering autonomous rotorcraft cargo attachment system for engaging two mating elements of a coupling mechanism includes a first system on a ship deck to position a first coupling mechanism element in response to positioning commands and a second system attached to a rotorcraft hoist cable to position the second coupling mechanism element in response to positioning commands. A controller calculates and issues the positioning commands to the first and second positioning systems thereby effecting engagement of the two coupling elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the removal of snow from the ground. The invention includes an arrangement of plates and cables constructed and arranged to tilt a first or main plate disposed on or over a ground surface where snow removal is desired. The plates are connected to a set of cables, preferably arranged in a Y shaped configuration so that the main plate is tilted to one side by a motor driving the cable structure and lifting and tilting the main plate so that snow on the main plate slides off of the tilted main plate and into a base located on a side of the main plate. A second or mini plate is arranged preferably under the center area of the main plate and the cables are connected to the mini plate to lift and tilt the main plate to cause the snow to slide into the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool holder for cranes. The tool holder comprises hydraulic cylinder means arranged to detachably be able to lock a tool to the tool holder. Furthermore, hydraulic coupling means is comprised and arranged to be connected with hydraulic coupling means on the tool and hydraulic line means. The object of the invention is, among other things, to reduce the number of requisite lines in the hydraulic line means. According to the invention, the tool holder comprises furthermore valve means provided with switching means arranged to connect the hydraulic line means either to the hydraulic cylinder means or to the hydraulic coupling means of the tool holder. Thereby, the same hydraulic line means may be used for the locking i 5 function and the tool. The invention also relates to a crane provided with such a tool holder as well as use of the tool holder.

Abstract: A conveying device comprises a body in which a power source and two scroll wheels of the same diameter and rotating synchronously are disposed. Each scroll wheel is wound with an elongated elastic extension plate having rigidity, and one end of each elastic extension plate extends out of the body. When in use, the power source is used to drive the two scroll wheel to rotate synchronously, so as to drive the elastic extension plates of the two scroll wheels to synchronously extend out of or retract in the body. When the ends of the two elastic extension plates extended out of the body are assembled with a clamp or a loading seat, thereby, the conveying operation can be carried out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at a trailer, especially a boat trailer, which includes a chassis supported by wheels and a coupling device in the front for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle. A two-armed lever consists of arms which form an angle with each other and is pivoted in an axis of rotation which is oriented transversely at the back of the trailer. The first arm of the lever, which mainly points forward from the axis of rotation has a length that exceeds or falls below the length of the other arm of the lever. The two lever-arms comprise parallel arm elements, whose ends are connected to the ends of the axis of rotation and which at their outer ends are lined by transversal beams. A winch tower with a winch is provided at the front end of the trailer. The wire of the winch is adapted to run over the outer ends of the lever-arms and in its end is provided with lifting devices for the objects.

Abstract: Toggle apparatus for attachment to a tractor (10) or other pulling device having a main line cable (12) for attachment to the pulling device (10), a stopper (20) on the cable (12) and a toggle (22) which is retained on the cable (12) by the stopper (20). The stopper (20) is dimensioned to allow the passage thereover of slider rings (16) for the removal or mounting of the slider rings (16) from or onto the cable (12). The toggle (22) is dimensioned to retain the slider rings (16) against the stopper (20) on the cable (12). The toggle (22) is movable into a position in which it is in alignment with the cable (12) to permit the slider rings (16) to pass over the toggle (22) in the aligned position for removal of the slider rings (16) from the cable (12).

Abstract: An attachment for use with a boat trailer previously equipped with an upstanding post secured to a trailer tongue, and a winch with a rope mounted near the upper end of said post. The attachment includes a third class lever pivotally connected at the forward end to a shackle secured to the trailer tongue, and further supported and horizontally restained near the rearward end of the lever by a support shackle also secured to the trailer tongue, the free rearward end of the lever terminating in a bracket with a roller supporting the forward keel of a boat in transit. The winch rope end may be secured between ends of the lever so that operation of the winch causes the lever to move vertically upwards, from its support position, in an arc centered at the lever pivotal connection.

Abstract: A material handling platform is pivotally attached to the front of the material transport vehicle. Actuator means raise and lower the platform. The platform is arranged to tilt relative to the vehicle about a horizontal pivot at the front of the vehicle. A turntable is mounted on the platform. The material handling platform positions roof supports in an underground mine adjacent a long wall mining machine. The roof supports are transported by the material transport vehicle carrying the material handling platform with the longest dimension of the roof support aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. After the roof support reaches the position where it is to be installed, the roof support is turned relative to the vehicle by turning the turntable of the material handling platform so that the longest dimension of the roof support is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The roof support is then removed from the vehicle by lowering and tilting the platform relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A conversion backhoe-to-crane type system, including preferably a box type, 50' boom and two, hydraulically driven cable or line winches, the hoist one of which is mounted directly on the crane-like boom. The winches have "true free fall" characteristics, by using a high torque, radial piston hydraulic motor directly driving the drum, which motor cn be put into a "neutral" disposition, exerting no significant drag on the cable winch drum when it unwinds under the force of the suspended load and/or work implement falling under the force of gravity. Additionally, a supplemental braking system, e.g. a disc brake carried on the winch drum shaft, is added. Thus, the winch drum becomes truly free wheeling, when the hydraulic winch is put in "neutral," but can still be controlled, when desired, by the supplemental disc brake sub-system. A second, spring apply, disc brake is included for emergency back-up. For exemplary purposes, the backhoe conversion is illustrated in a dragline configuration (FIG.

Abstract: A building is rapidly and inexpensively dismantled by dropping a heavy inverted U-shaped tool on a building or other structure from an elevation thereabove as from the upper outer end of a boom on a crane, the tool is initially suspended from a cable leading back to a winch capable of dropping the tool in a free fall. A secondary cable is attached to one of the arms of the inverted U-shaped tool inwardly from its lower end, the secondary cable leading to a secondary winch of a type capable of exerting great pulling power on the tool once it is engaged in the building or structure being dismantled.

Abstract: A material handling platform is pivotally attached to the front of the material transport vehicle. Actuator means raise and lower the platform. The platform is arranged to tilt relative to the vehicle about a horizontal pivot at the front of the vehicle. A turntable is mounted on the platform. The material handling platform positions roof supports in an underground mine adjacent a long wall mining machine. The roof supports are transported by the material transport vehicle carrying the material handling platform with the longest dimension of the roof support aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. After the roof support reaches the position where it is to be installed, the roof support is turned relative to the vehicle by turning the turntable of the material handling platform so that the longest dimension of the roof support is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The roof support is then removed from the vehicle by lowering and tilting the platform relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile crane is disclosed, particularly adapted for a towing truck, as including a boom which may be extended or retracted in length and angularly related for lifting and towing purposes by a pair of hydraulic rams, which are specifically oriented for their full extent of movement at an acute angle relative to the plane of the bed of the truck upon which the hydraulic rams are pivotally secured. Extension and retraction of the boom is provided by a hydraulic ram mounted within the boom and arranged when activated to extend the boom outwardly during the pick up of a load and the retraction prior to towing of the load. The boom is pivotally mounted on a mast structure which is braced against a pivot structure secured to the bed of the truck and to which the hydraulic rams are pivotally mounted.

Abstract: An arch structure serves to pivotally connect a grapple to a main frame of a tractor, an articulated wheel vehicle, or the like. An imaginary longitudinal axis extends substantially centrally with respect to the vehicle in forwardly and rearwardly extending directions. A winch has a casing that is mounted on the rear of the vehicle's main frame, and has a winch shaft that extends normal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The arch structure is pivotally connected to the vehicle's main frame by means that includes a pair of side arms for detachable connection to the main frame of the vehicle, with means on the side arms for pivotally supporting the arch structure including a pivot pin connected to each of the side arms and in alignment with each end of the winch shaft. The arch structure includes spaced leg members, the lower ends of which are mounted on pivot pins arranged such that the pivot point of the arch structure is coaxial with but not connected to the axis of the winch shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling and positioning building components of the type which are used in retaining walls or the like includes a vehicular support having an articulatable boom extending therefrom, and a gripper assembly at the end of the boom. The vehicle and boom are operatable through a remote control assembly by a worker who may be standing near the structure which is being constructed. Several species of gripping assemblies are included for attachment to the boom.

Abstract: A conversion backhoe-to-crane type system, including preferably a box type, 50' boom and two, hydraulically driven cable or line winches, the hoist one of which is mounted directly on the crane-like boom. The winches have "true free fall" characteristics, by using a high torque, radial piston hydraulic motor directly driving the drum, which motor can be put into a "neutral" disposition, exerting no significant drag on the cable winch drum when it unwinds under the force of the suspended load and/or work implement falling under the force of gravity. Additionally, a supplemental braking system, e.g. a disc brake carried on the winch drum shaft, is added. Thus, the winch drum becomes truly free wheeling, when the hydraulic winch is put in "neutral," but can still be controlled, when desired, by the supplemental disc brake sub-system. A second, spring apply, disc brake is included for emergency back-up. For exemplary purposes, the backhoe conversion is illustrated in a dragline configuration (FIG.

Abstract: A boom is mounted within a sleeve for longitudinal translation and the sleeve is hinged to a base plate that is securable by a C-clamp to a superstructure beam in front of a manway cover. An hydraulic actuator bears against the sleeve to adjust its elevation. A powered cable winch is joined to one end of the boom and its cable passes through the boom which is hollow to the opposite end and about a pulley to a fastener for attachment to an eye secured in the upper edge of the manway cover. A presser foot is hydraulically actuated to bear against the manway cover with the cable attached to the cover so that the bolts holding the cover in place can be removed. The cable can be payed out to lower the cover to a suitable location below. Guide pins are provided for installation in the mounting flange to pilot the cover into registration with the bolt holes when the cover is to be mounted rather than demounted.

Abstract: A trailed skidder vehicle driven from the power take-off of a tractor or other power driving vehicle performs the operations of a conventional skidder. The trailed skidder vehicle has an elongate structural frame supported by an axle and set of wheels at the rear end of the frame. The axle includes a differential drive for coordinated drive of the set of wheels. A load bearing superstructure arch-like support extends above the frame adjacent to the rear end. The arch support is constructed with braces on the frame for transmitting forces from a load applied at the top of the arch support to the axles. A superstructure cable bearing such as a cable roller arrangement or fairlead is mounted on the arch support for guiding and bearing a timber skidding cable. A winch is mounted on the frame forward of the superstructure arch support for extending and retracting a timber skidding cable over the cable bearing or roller arrangement.

Abstract: Load skidding vehicles commonly include a grapple assembly (42) which under load conditions can pivot rearwardly about its support point (52) resulting in disproportionate loading of the rear wheels and consequently instability of the vehicle. A connecting member (62) is pivotally attached between the grapple (42) and a hydraulic cylinder (74) which is attached to the skidder (2). Operation of the hydraulic cylinder (74) causes the grapple (42) to rotate about its support pivot (52). The hydraulic cylinder (74) may be locked causing the grapple (42) to be locked in relation to the boom assembly (26). During load hauling operations this mechanism is used to lock the load in a position near the vehicle resulting in increased stability. The mechanism is also of use in positioning the grapple assembly (42) with respect to the load prior to grasping it.

Abstract: A log skidding vehicle (10) having a winch (18) controlled by a lever (20) on which is mounted means (50) for simultaneously actuating a transmission neutralizer (46) and a brake apparatus (38). The actuating means (50), when engaged by the operator, causes a winch brake control valve (32) to transmit compressed air to the brake apparatus (38). Simultaneously therewith, the actuating means (50) causes a transmission neutralizer control valve (42) to obstruct air flow to a transmission neutralizer (46) and thus cause a transmission (48) associated therewith and its shift lever (49) to move to a neutral position. By mounting the actuating means (50) on the winch control lever (20) operator visibility of the skidded load is improved and the operator's comfort is enhanced. In moving the transmission (48) and its shift lever (49) to neutral the utilizing vehicle will not, without additional operator action, move subsequent to disengagement of the brake apparatus (38).

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, an attachment to a log skidder to enable selective distribution of the weight of a log being towed to the front and rear wheels comprises a boom pivotally mounted between its ends on the logging arch, the boom having an abutment surface on its rear end arranged to engage the elevated end portion of the log, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the front end of the boom and the frame of the vehicle, the cylinder when extended causing upward force to be applied to the front end of the boom and to the logging arch and downward force to be applied to the elevated end portion of the log and to the vehicle frame to effect a transfer of weight to the front wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved boom grapple assembly which enables a skidder operator to easily transform the boom grapple assembly from a grapple skidder mode of operation to a cable skidder mode of operation and back again.

Abstract: A skidding grapple having a self-propelled vehicle equipped with a saddle carrying a boom and grapple horizontally and vertically swingable thereon, a fairlead assembly removably mounted atop the saddle and a winch having a line reeled thereon positioned forward of the saddle and the line passing through the fairlead assembly.

Abstract: A grapple skidder vehicle has a grapple assembly rotatably and pivotally mounted with respect to an outer boom point end portion of a boom extending from the vehicle. The grapple assembly is supported from a cylindrical rotator shaft which is mounted for rotation in a bushed bearing which extends integrally upwardly from a base plate which forms a part of the boom point portion of the boom. The vertical thrust of the weight and load on the grapple assembly is transmitted through the rotator shaft to a rotator shaft operator arm concentric with and encircling the bushed bearing and to a relatively soft wear plate situated between the base plate and a bottom disc-shape base portion of the rotator shaft operator arm. The grapple assembly is pivoted with respect to the boom by a linear hydraulic motor pivotally connected between an outer end portion of the rotator shaft operator arm and the boom.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus mounted on the deck of a ship for picking floating objects from the sea having an articulated lifting arm which extends over the side of the ship and gripping device suspended from the end of the arm for grasping objects in the water. The arm is actuated by an hydraulic cylinder connected to a source of high pressure liquid which may be dumped into the cylinder instantaneously in response to the closing of the gripping device around the object. The liquid is pressurized by a compressed gas. The apparatus produces a high hoisting speed and lifts the object very quickly from the water.

Abstract: An assembly for protecting the tracks in a track-laying logging vehicle against impact damage and derailment. The assembly includes, for each track, a bumper located adjacent and extending across the rear of the track, a fender anchored to the bumper and forming a protective apron over the rear end of the track, and front and rear lateral guides for preventing outward derailment of the track. The track fenders are configured both to assist in log loading, and in supporting the ends of a bundle of loaded logs during transport.

Abstract: A log skidder including a vehicle having a frame with front and rear ends, ground engaging devices on the frame so that the vehicle may traverse the underlying terrain, an elongated boom on the frame and mounted thereto for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis between an upright position at least adjacent the rear end and a lower position intermediate the ends, a log engaging device, a lever mounting at one end the log engaging device and horizontally pivoted at a location remote from the lever one end to the boom at a location spaced from the horizontal axis, the lever one end extending rearwardly with relation to the frame, a motor on the frame for moving the boom between the positions thereof, and a linkage for maintaining the lever one end directed generally rearwardly for all positions of the boom on the frame.

Abstract: Apparatus to be mounted on a cartop for raising a wheelchair from the driver's seat and orienting and engaging the wheelchair for transport on the roof. The supporting base is mounted on the roof with an overlying frame rotatably mounted to the base above the driver's position. The frame is biased to rotate outwardly of the car and a cable is used to raise the wheelchair, engage the frame for rotation and change the attitude of the chair so that it is flat-lying and engaged by the frame for transport.

Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention, a new and improved log skidder comprises a motorized vehicle, log carrier means pivotally attached at a point directly above the rear wheels thereof, first means such as a winch for pulling a log toward said carrier means and disposing portions of the log and the carrier means in overlapping relation, and second means such as a winch or a grapple for securing said overlapping portions together as a substantially rigid assembly, whereby the weight of the forward portion of the log is supported directly above the rear wheels of said vehicle.

Abstract: A device includes a fixed frame over the bed and the cab of a pickup truck, a pair of slanting rails along the sides of the fixed frame, and a folding frame that is detachably connected to the rear portion of the fixed frame. Unfolding the folding frame extends a carrying frame slantingly, rearwardly from the rails to the rear of the folding frame. Folding the frame by operation of a winch moves the front end of the carrying frame up the rails while the rear end of the carrying frame is guided by members of the folding frame to a position over the bed of the pickup truck. After removing locking pins, the winch is again operated to position the folding frame over the fixed frame at the sides of the carrying frame.