Abstract: A logging system including a delimbing head, a tree butt holder and a feller buncher head. The delimbing head is a simple device that may be removably attached to the blade of a power unit, such as a skidder. The delimbing head is indirectly secured to the power unit by a four-way swivel that enables the delimbing head to freely float, so as to follow the movement of the tree being delimbed without binding and digging into the tree. The tree butt holder includes a plate having at least one notch formed therein. The notch is lined with a plurality of gripping teeth, such that when a tree is loaded in the notch, when the holder is centered, the tree may then be moved forward or backward causing the teeth to grip, secure and hold the tree. The feller buncher head is secured to a motorized vehicle being pivotally attached thereto at the lower end thereof. A winch, includes a cable which is attached to the upper end thereof. A power saw is carried by the buncher head for felling the tree.

Abstract: An earth-working machine such as an excavator includes a mobile chassis having a support base on which an internal or external gear is fixedly mounted. A slider ring is mounted on the underside of a turntable with a hydraulic motor mounted thereon and having a drive pinion held in mesh with the internal or external gear. A carriage supporting an excavating mechanism has an internal or external gear fixed to the underside of the carriage and rotatably mounted on an annular holder fixed to the turntable. An intermediate shaft is rotatably journalled in at least one bearing mounted on the turntable and has a pair of pinions fixed thereto and held in mesh with the gears, respectively. Alternatively, an intermediate shaft may have a pinion held in driving mesh with the gear secured to the carriage and driven by another hydraulic motor mounted on the turntable through sprockets and a chain trained therearound.

Abstract: An earth moving or grading machine having a first boom mounted on the base structure. A second boom is telescopically mounted to be received by the first boom and a third boom is mounted to the outermost end of the second boom. Articulated connecting means connects the third boom to the second boom so that the angle of articulation between the telescopically mounted second boom and the third boom can be adjusted.

Abstract: An earth-working machine includes a first internal gear fixedly mounted on a mobile chassis, a turntable coaxially rotatably mounted on the first internal gear, a carriage rotatably mounted on the turntable in eccentric relation thereto and having a second internal gear, an earth-working mechanism mounted on the carriage, a first hydraulic motor mounted on the turntable and having a first pinion held in driving mesh with the first internal gear for rotating the turntable about its own axis, a second hydraulic motor mounted on the turntable and having a second pinion held in driving mesh with the second internal gear for rotating the carriage about its own axis, and hydraulic driving devices for actuating the first and second hydraulic motors independently or in synchronism. The hydraulic driving devices may be controlled by an electric control system supplied with signals from angle detectors such as rotary encoders for detecting angular displacements of the turntable and the carriage.

Abstract: A backhoe vehicle comprising an upper carriage including a driver's section and swivellable 360 degrees on a chassis, and an excavating assembly including a boom, a bucket arm and a bucket. The boom defines a first and a second bent portions so that a distal end of the boom is inclined in a direction in which the boom is lowered. An excavating assembly holder is attached to a front region of the upper carriage and adjacent a transversely mid-position of the vehicle to be pivotable on a vertical axis. The boom is connected to the holder to be pivotable on a horizontal rotary shaft. A boom cylinder for causing pivotal movements of the excavating assembly is connected at one end to the boom and at the other end selectively to a first and a second pivot members defined on the holder. The second pivot member is disposed at a lower rearward position with respect to the first pivot member.

Abstract: An excavator for use in tunneling operations wherein there is minimal head room, comprising a boom mounted to a mobile carriage for rectilinear movement in a horizontal plane and angular movement in a vertical plane. A rigid arm is pivotally mounted at one end to the distal end of the boom for angular movement relative thereto and a slide is supported by the arm for rectilinear movement thereon. The backhoe is fixed to the slide and there is linkage for manipulating the backhoe.

Abstract: The boom of a backhoe is hinged to one end of a two-position cradle-like tilt member. The base of a single control cylinder is hinged to the other end and the piston is pivotally secured to the boom to swing it so that boom and control cylinder do not mutually interfere but allow for more stable transport and deeper working range. The cradle is pivotally mounted near its center on a swing tower, adjustable in azimuth. The cradle is caused to move to its end positions by control of the boom and its load. Actuating means for the dipper arm of the backhoe is secured between arm and the boom. Suitable locks are provided for securing the cradle in the transport and working positions.

Abstract: An improved mechanism is provided for controlling the relative pivoting movement of two members about a main pivot axis as effected by two hydraulic motors. Each hydraulic motor is a double-acting piston-cylinder type that is fully extended when its respective line of action intersects the main pivot axis. Each hydraulic motor has an end port at each end. Two spaced-apart intermediate ports are provided within the piston stroke length of each motor. Pilot-actuated top dead center-selector valves are provided for reversing the flow to one of the hydraulic motors in response to a pressure differential between an end port and an intermediate port of the other of the hydraulic motors. Decelerator selector valves are provided to normally direct the return flow from the hydraulic motors so as to bypass a hydraulic cushioning circuit.

Abstract: A variable geometry mounting arrangement for the boom assembly of a backhoe is disclosed which permits relatively great working depths without increasing the overall height of the backhoe assembly in its raised, transport position. The arrangement includes a bellcrank coupler assembly operatively interposed between a swing tower and boom assembly of a backhoe, with a gearing arrangement provided operatively connecting the boom and the swing tower. By this construction, the vertical disposition of the horizontal pivot axis of the boom is altered as the boom is pivoted. The bellcrank coupler asembly provides a central anchor for the hydraulic fluid boom actuator of the backhoe, and permits the actuator to work through a relatively large moment arm for enhanced performance, and further permits use of a relatively simpified box-section boom construction.

Abstract: A toy mechanical digger includes a base frame member, a longitudinally-extending base beam pivotally mounted on the base frame for manually-actuated, 360.degree. slewing action relative to the base frame, a seal longitudinally slidably mounted with respect to the base beam; a primary boom having a pivoted end, and intermediate end, and a remote end, the pivoted end being pivotally mounted to the forward end of the base beam, such that the remote end can be raised and lowered, the intermediate end pivotally mounted to the forward end of the seat such that forward and rearward longitudinal sliding movement of the seat is linked to the lowering and raising movements, respectively, of the primary boom; a secondary boom having a pivoted end and a remote end, the pivoted end mounted on the remote end of the primary boom for pivotal movement relative thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for the operation of a working element of an excavator. An arm connected to the working element and a boom for supporting and operating the arm are fabricated each in the shape of a hollow tube whose opposite ends are left unclosed. A boom cylinder, an arm cylinder, or a working element cylinder is disposed as contained within the boom or the arm. The point of connection of the boom to the arm and the point of connection of the working element cylinder to the arm constitute a joint fulcrum. The point of connection of the boom cylinder to the boom and the point of connection of the arm cylinder to the boom similarly constitute a joint fulcrum.

Abstract: A machine comprises a body (10) having a ground engaging propulsion means (11) and a base frame (14) mounted on the ground engaging means (11), the base frame (14) being movable relative to the ground engaging propulsion means (11) about a first generally vertical axis (V), a boom (30) extending outwardly of the body (10) and mounted on the base frame (14) for movement about a second axis (B) transverse relative to the first axis (V), the boom (30) having mounted at an outer end (36) thereof for movement about a third axis (71) also transverse to the first vertical axis (V), a dipper arm (37), an implement (43) mounted at an outer end (42) of the dipper arm (37) for movement about a fourth axis (T2), also generally transverse relative to the vertical axis (41), a cable (47) secured to the dipper arm (37) and connected to a winch means (50) to effect movement of the dipper arm (37) relative to the boom (30) to effect movement of the implement (43) towards the body (10), a hydraulic ram (38) mounted between the

Abstract: A mechanism for positioning on a dock vertical wall a fender including spaced openings, the mechanism comprising a movable support, a first arm pivotally attached to the movable support, a first hydraulic cylinder piston rod assembly for pivoting the first arm, a second arm pivotally attached to the first arm, means for pivoting said second arm, a plurality of spaced projections attached to and extending from the second arm, and pins for releasably securing the projections in the spaced openings in the fender. And a method for positioning on a dock vertical wall fenders including spaced openings opposite an attaching surface, the method comprising the steps of positioning the fender so the spaced openings are accessible, releasably fastening a fender moving mechanism in the openings, locating the fender so the attaching surface is generally vertical, locating the fender on the dock vertical wall, attaching the fender attaching surface to the dock vertical wall, and releasing the fender moving mechanism.

Abstract: A machine for excavating work such as an oil-pressure shovel comprising a boom, an arm, and bucket. The turning shaft for an arm turning device provided on the arm is made capable of turning in the vertical plane including the boom, and this turning shaft is equipped with a turn control device effective for keeping the turning shaft vertical irrespective of the vertical movement of the boom.

Abstract: A vehicle boom lock is disclosed for holding a boom assembly in a retracted transport position on an implement carrying swing frame. The boom lock includes a slotted coupling joint on the swing frame, and a deflectable cable assembly which extends cantileverably from the boom assembly for automatically interlockingly engaging the slotted coupling joint in response to pivotal movement of the boom assembly to the retracted position. A release mechanism can be manually manipulated from an operator station to conveniently disengage the cable assembly from the slotted coupling joint.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit system for civil engineering and architectural machinery having at least first and second hydraulic pumps, a plurality of actuators driven by hydraulic fluid from said pumps, and a plurality of directional control valves for controlling the direction and flow rate of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the pumps to the actuators. In the directional control valves, a first boom directional control valve and one of right and left travelling directional control valves are connected to the first pump in parallel with each other, a swing directional control valve, an arm directional control valve and a second boom directional control valve are connected to the second pump in parallel with one another, and the other of the right and left travelling directional control valve is connected in tandem to the swing, arm and second boom directional control valves at a location downstream thereof.

Abstract: A rigged truck comprises runways defined on the truck platform and extending lengthwise thereto close to a corresponding truck side, a carriage mounted for movement along said runways, a tower mounted rotatably on said carriage and having an operator's seat at the top, a main support which is carried, through a horizontal axis articulated parallelogram, cantilever-fashion on said tower and is movable in a vertical direction, a secondary support mounted rotatable about a vertical axis on said main support, an arm mounted at one of its ends oscillably on the secondary support about a horizontal axis lying substantially parallel to the plane containing said articulated parallelogram, and a boom mounted oscillably at the other end of said arm and being terminated with a tool end.

Abstract: An apparatus and process combining an excavation apparatus with a fully contained underground elongated conductive object detector capable of selectively detecting underground objects such as water pipes and electrical cables. The combination of this invention may be advantageously used in trenching to prevent damage to underground water pipes and electrical cables by detecting their presence before the digging implement damages them. An audible or visual signal may be activated and/or the excavation apparatus may be automatically shut down upon detection of an underground pipe or cable a few feet below the excavation. The detector may be incorporated in the digging shovel of a backhoe or maintained in position adjacent the digging implement by a boom extending from the excavation apparatus. Simple and sturdy time gated electronics is advantageously used to differentiate underground pipes and cables from other underground metal debris and to provide range and direction information.

Abstract: An earth-working machine such as an excavator includes a mobile chassis having a support base on which an internal or external gear is fixedly mounted. A slider ring is mounted on the underside of a turntable with a hydraulic motor mounted thereon and having a drive pinion held in mesh with the internal or external gear. A carriage supporting an excavating mechanism has an internal or external gear fixed to the underside of the carriage and rotatably mounted on an annular holder fixed to the turntable. An intermediate shaft is rotatably journalled in at least one bearing mounted on the turntable and has a pair of pinions fixed thereto and held in mesh with the gears, respectively. Alternatively, an intermediate shaft may have a pinion held in driving mesh with the gear secured to the carriage and driven by another hydraulic motor mounted on the turntable through sprockets and a chain trained therearound.

Abstract: In a material working (e.g. penetrating, loading, compacting) machine the power and machine weight needed to achieve a given performance can be reduced by making one (50) of two pivots (34, 50) at which a working implement such as a bucket 14 is supported an eccentric pivot and driving it by means of a motor (36). The circular vibration of the bucket at pivot (50) combined with arcuate vibration which results and is permitted at pivot (34) by means of link (30), causes the working portion namely bucket teeth (56), to vibrate on a closed elongate curved path 58. This improves penetration and loading performance of the bucket without requiring excessive power to generate the vibrations.

Abstract: A mobile device for handling material of various types including a frame having an endless track mounted on each side thereof for providing mobility to the frame. A source of power in the form of an internal combustion engine is mounted directly on the frame. A turntable is rotatably mounted on the frame with a boom pivotally connected at its lower end to the turntable at a point spaced from the rotating axis of the turntable for pivotal movement of the boom in a vertical plane over the turntable by means of a hydraulic ram connected at its lower end to the turntable at a point intermediate the rotating axis of the turntable and the pivotal connection of the lower end of the boom with the upper end of the ram connected to the boom. The turntable is mounted on the frame for pivotal movement of the same with the boom thereon transversely to each side of the device.

Abstract: A shovel excavator with an upper carriage pivoting unrestrictedly on an undercarriage and with an attachment holder (6) for a boom (8) pivoting laterally at the front. The pivot shaft (5) is located a distance corresponding to at least half the conventional shovel width from the front edge (22) of the operator cab, so that when the boom is pivoted transversely and the shovel post (10) is folded up, together with the excavating shovel (11), this assembly remains within the contour of the upper carriage. Unhampered view forward and on the ground through the folded-up boom assembly is provided to the operator cab. The second pivot shaft (5) is located in the area between the travel track and the longitudinal center line L of the vehicle in one main excavating position of the upper carriage. Neither in the travel position nor in the main excavating position do the side walls of the upper carriage project laterally beyond the undercarriage.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuitry for a backhoe in which a hydraulic motor for driving one of right and left crawlers and a hydraulic cylinder for vertically oscillating a working arm assembly are connected in parallel to each other to a first pump through a multiplex valve assembly having a first center bypass, and a hydraulic motor for driving the other crawler, a hydraulic motor for slewing a platform, a hydraulic cylinder for flexing and stretching the arm assembly, a cylinder for actuating a bucket and a cylinder for actuating a dozer are connected in parallel to one another to a second pump through a further multiplex valve assembly having a second center bypass. The invention provides a circuit to permit fluid pressure from the first pump to enter the circuit connected to the second pump to provide confluence therein, when the dozer actuating cylinder connected to the second pump, for example, is operated while the backhoe is running.

Abstract: A prime mover having a central body with a plurality of elongated legs pivotally connected to said central body for movement both up and down and sideways and individual steerable drive means on each elongated leg to enable the prime mover to move over a wide variety of terrains. The drive means include ground supporting wheels or tracks. Carried on the prime mover are electro hydraulic control means for steering each of the drive means and electric control means for actuating each of the drive means for moving the prime mover along the ground. A work platform is supported on the central body, which is appropriately levelled and stabilized in work position by proper extension or retraction or vertical depression or elevation of the respective elongated legs. The prime mover has four independently mounted drive means or wheels, unconnected by common axles or mechanical linkage and having no fixed track, that are controlled in such a manner that the geometry of steering produces a coherent effect.

Abstract: An earth moving machine having a boom, a dipperstick, and a bucket all mounted for pivotal movement one with respect to the other, a double acting cylinder for each of the boom, the dipperstick, and the bucket, respectively, for controlling the pivotal movement of the bucket, for raising and lowering the boom, and for extended and retracting the dipperstick.

Abstract: An axle shaft and pump drive mechanism (12) for a vehicle (10) includes a continuously variable transmission unit (24), an axle shaft (20), a pump (22), and a coupling device (34,78) for connecting the transmission unit (24) to the axle shaft (20) or to the pump (22) and operating them individually through an infinitely variable speed ratio range. When the vehicle, such as a backhoe loader, is not being propelled, the continuously variable transmission unit (24) can be used to drive the implement pump (22) which can then be of the fixed displacement type for improved effectiveness.

Abstract: An excavator can be moved in a step-like manner employing its boom and stepping feet or it can be arranged for conventional driven wheeled movement. The excavator includes a supporting frame with outwardly extending supporting arms on which first wheels and/or stepping feet can be mounted. A superstructure is positioned on the supporting frame and the boom is articulated to the superstructure. A second wheel is supported on the superstructure and can be moved in the vertical direction between an active position resting on the ground on which the excavator is supported and an inactive position spaced upwardly from the ground. With two first wheels on one side of the supporting frame and the second wheel in the active position on the opposite side, conventional three-wheel driven movement can be achieved with the second wheel effecting the steering of the excavator.

Abstract: A pipe supporting structure adaptable to be installed for use on machinery such as on a backhoe including an elongated member formed by angularly related portions including a first portion insertable into a pipe section to be supported from one end, the first portion having a pipe engaging member adjacent to the insertable end thereof for engaging the inner surface of the pipe section to be supported at an intermediate location therealong, another pipe engaging member on the elongated member spaced from the aforesaid pipe engaging member for engaging the outer surface of the pipe section adjacent to the end thereof into which the first portion is inserted, and a second portion of the elongated member having a portion thereon for attaching the structure to the machinery on which it is to be installed.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated mining shovel comprises a stick which is pivotable in opposite directions by a pair of extendible/retractable double-acting hydraulic cylinders. A high-pressure hydraulic system is provided for operating and controlling the cylinders and comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump for supplying high-pressure hydraulic fluid, and a selector valve located between the pump and the cylinders and between the cylinders and the reservoir. A main filter, removable for cleaning, is located in a fluid return line leading to the reservoir. A self-cleaning filter assembly is connected in each fluid supply/return line connected between the selector valve and a hydraulic cylinder. Each filter assembly comprises a housing in which a pair of cone-shaped fine-mesh filters are connected in parallel with each other and in parallel with an adjustably one-way check valve.

Abstract: A device for the paraxial kinetic control of a boom that can be swivelled perpendicular to the rotatable platform of a mobile lifting machine wherein there is provided at least one coupling rocker which is pivotally mounted on the boom and provides a pivotal connection for a plurality of points of application of force, two points of application of force being linked to the platform of the lifting machine.

Abstract: An earth-working vehicle with a pair of articulated booms mounted side-by-side adjacent the forward end of a turntable in the vehicle. The booms pivot in parallel vertical planes that parallel the longitudinal axis of the turntable. An operator's station is located at the forward end of the turntable, on the opposite side of the turntable from the booms.

Abstract: A rod device for use as an arm of an excavator, so as to be pivotally supported by a boom and inclined relative to the boom by an actuator, including a plurality of tubular elements assembled in a telescoping manner, means for restricting relative axial movement of each two mutually telescoping tubular elements, and a means for drivingly connecting the outermost and the innermost of the plurality of telescoping tubular elements, wherein a clamshell bucket or a rock breaker is directly mounted to the tip end of the rod device so that the rod device serves both as an arm and a cable for suspending the clamshell bucket or the rock breaker.

Abstract: A digger comprises a carrier with wheels and trestles, the carrier having a stage, a transversible member disposed to the stage, a supporting base pivoted to the transversible member, and means for operating a digging-up mechanism with a bucket crane supported to the supporting base.

Abstract: A double articulated material handling machine that is particularly adapted for use with a rotatable working tool having a cantilevered boom arm. The machine includes a front module, a central module, and a rear module with the front and rear modules being connected to the central module for pivotal motion about vertical axes. Steering of the machine is effected by double acting hydraulic rams which are mounted in symmetrical relation to the longitudinal axis of the machine. A pair of retractable and extensible stabilizers extend laterally from the central module. If the fluid steering rams on one side of the machine are retracted and the rams on the other side of the machine are extended, the front and rear modules are caused to turn through an angle relative to each other for steering or for placing the machine in a working position.

Abstract: A lock pin assembly (42) is movable axially to engage an opening (96,98,100) in a pin receiving portion (94) of an indexable apparatus (10). The apparatus (10) includes a first member (34) which carries the pin receiving portion (94) and a second member (36) which carries the lock pin assembly (42). The first and second members (34,36) are movable, one with respect to the other, and the lock pin assembly (42) serves to lock the members (34,36) against movement. The lock pin assembly (42) is secured to a moving means (44) which moves the pin assembly (42) into and out of engagement with the pin receiving portion (94). The first and second members (34,36) are subjected to severe loading and vibrations which attempt to move the first member (34) with respect to the second member (36). The lock pin assembly (42) resists the loading and vibrations and isolates the moving means (44) from bending loads imposed upon the pin assembly (42).

Abstract: An improved hydraulic control system is disclosed for operating the swing tower and boom of a backhoe. The system includes a pair of hydraulic motors interconnected between the backhoe frame and swing tower. A sequencing valve is hydraulically associated with respective ends of the hydraulic motors and operates to direct the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the motors for improved performance as they rotate the swing tower and boom. A hydraulic cushioning circuit associated with the sequencing valve provides an improved arrangement for cushioning of the swing mechanism as the swing tower and boom are moved toward either of their travel stops without the use of conventional cushioning devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for suspending a tree felling and gripping unit on a jib, the unit having a frame, and the apparatus including a rotator between the jib and a felling and gripping unit for rotation of the unit relative to the jib, the rotator having a stationary portion and an inner portion rotatable about an axis, the rotatable portion having a lower end; a horizontal axle pivotally suspending the stationary portion of the rotator from the jib; a first hydraulic device connected between the jib and the stationary portion of the rotator for swinging the rotator about the horizontal axle; a further axle extending perpendicularly to the rotation axis of the rotatable portion of the rotator and pivotally suspending the frame of the unit from the lower end of the rotatable portion of the rotator; and a second hydraulic device connected between the rotatable portion of the rotator and the frame of the unit for swinging the unit about the further axle.

Abstract: An arrangement is described for mounting a hydraulic actuator used to raise and lower a material handling element relative to a base member using a minimum of pivotal connections and using the inherent strength and force producing capabilities of a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator includes a cylinder, a piston slidably mounted within the cylinder and a piston rod connected to the piston such that hydraulic actuators extended when the material handling element is in its upright or raised position. A pair of articulated connecting links join the piston rod to the material handling element and the base member. The cylinder end of the hydraulic actuator is pivotally connected to the common pivotal connection between the base member and the material handling element. Two specific embodiments are described in detail, one for the bucket mounted at the end of the lift arms of a loader and one in connection with the boom portion of a backhoe mechanism.

Abstract: A tree-trimming apparatus mounted on a mobile support vehicle. The apparatus includes a telescoping boom pivotally mounted on a pedestal. The pedestal is pivotally mounted to a turntable which is rotatably mounted on the support vehicle. An operator's station is mounted on the pedestal to provide control of the apparatus. A large diameter circular saw is mounted at the end of the boom and is powered by a high speed hydraulic motor to provide high cutting efficiency. A fiberglass boom and electrically non-conductive hoses provide maximum safety for the operator.

Abstract: A mechanical digger comprises a wheel-supported frame, an hydraulically operated digging device mounted on the frame, an engine mounted on the frame and arranged to operate the digging device and a seat arranged on the frame to allow the operator to view and to control the operation of the digging device; the frame is also provided with two wheel mounting locations at either of which a set of wheels can be replaceably mounted. Preferably, the frame is provided with an intermediate mounting location which is capable of mounting replaceably a rear set of ground engaging feet and the front location is capable of mounting replaceably a set of ground engaging feet or the wheel set.

Abstract: A gripping device to be attached to a boom of a backhoe. The device has a rigid beam to attach to the boom. A gripping member is formed on the rigid beam and positioned to be opposed to the reciprocable member of the backhoe when the gripping device is in position on the boom. There is an anchor point on the rigid beam. A support arm extends from the anchor point to attach to the boom. The device provides a solid removable attachment to the boom, against which an object can be gripped by movement of the reciprocable member of the backhoe.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator, with a boom lower part, a boom upper part and a stick, for conversion to operation using a gripper with large ranges of action and lifting heights. A connecting piece which rigidly connects the boom upper part and the boom lower part is fastened to the boom upper part, and is formed with an eye. A hydraulic cylinder which serves to actuate the stick is swingably mounted on the eye by means of a bolt.

Abstract: Control handle structure of an excavation work vehicle comprising; two maneuvering levers (14),(15) operable crosswise in back-and-forth and right-and-left directions of the vehicle body, maneuvering valves (V.sub.1), (V.sub.2),(V.sub.5),(V.sub.8) for boom swiveling, arm rocking, bucket pivoting and boom up-and-down rocking, and an interlocking mode change-over mechanism (30) disposed between said two maneuvering levers (14),(15) and said maneuvering valves (V.sub.1),(V.sub.2),(V.sub.5),(V.sub.8) for changing the mode of the interlocking therebetween, whereby any maneuvering mode properly suited to an operator may be readily realized, thus resulting in enhancing work efficiency and decreasing possibility of erroneous maneuvering.

Abstract: An excavator-hoist construction vehicle includes an undercarriage with a superstructure supported on it for rotation about a vertical axis. A boom is hinged to the superstructure and supports a tool for digging, lifting or the like. Two pair of supporting legs are attached to the undercarriage, one pair extending forwardly and the other rearwardly. The supporting legs are adjustably movable in the vertical and horizontal directions. Each of the ends of the supporting legs spaced outwardly from the undercarriage are arranged to support a wheel. The wheels on one pair of the supporting legs can be steered and at least one wheel on the supporting legs can be driven.

Abstract: A servo amplification system is created particularly for heavy construction equipment, but has a general utility that is much broader. The system utilizes a hydraulic analog system with a separate subsystem for each dimension of motion. The operator moves the operative element, such as the backhoe bucket, of the analog replica which ordinarily would be situated in the cab of the backhoe or other piece of equipment. A small hydraulic cylinder operative in response to movement at each articulated connection of the backhoe operates a pilot valve which controls a pilot piston mechanically linked to the drive valve of the drive cylinder of the corresponding articulation in the actual backhoe. A feedback system comprising a mechanical link from the actual drive piston to a feedback cylinder and piston delivers hydraulic fluid back to the inlets of the pilot valve in such a way as to cancel the pilot orders from the initial control cylinder.

Abstract: A trench hoe-type excavator carries a digging bucket at the end of a digging device. The bucket and digging device are capable of being driven so as to maintain a set cutting angle. An indicating apparatus arranged in the field of view of the excavator operator allows the operator to check the position of the digging device to determine the direction in which the bucket must be guided in order to obtain the desired inclination and direction of the ditch floor. The indicator apparatus includes a laser transmitter and a transparent target. The transparent target is carried by the digging device and has a first surface facing the bucket operator and a second surface which is arranged to receive the laser beam from the laser transmitter. The laser transmitter is arranged on the opposite side of the target from the excavator operator, so that the position of the end point of the laser beam on the target can be observed, parallax-free, by the excavator operator during the entire digging operation.

Abstract: A boom and dipper stick construction for mobile excavators and an improved method of manufacturing the same. The boom and dipper stick are fabricated from side plates that are butt welded together with respect to various hinge point locations to eliminate the necessity of doubler plates on the sides of the structures. The butt welds are located at non-critical areas to provide for even stress flow and ease of manufacture.A method of welding together the side plates of the boom and dipper stick construction in an end to end abutting relationship in a manner which attains a complete weld penetration over the entire length of the joint.

Abstract: A stiffleg for a power shovel generally consisting of a pair of transversely spaced, longitudinally disposed side beams each having an I-shaped cross-sectional configuration including upper and lower flange portions and an interconnecting web portion, a cross-piece section interconnecting said side beam sections and a web section interconnecting the web portions of said side beam sections, apparatus for operatively connecting one end thereof to a support unit and apparatus for operatively connecting a dipper handle thereto.

Abstract: A modular construction for a crawler assembly in track-type vehicles and a structural arrangement of the crawler assembly with the vehicle frame are described. In each crawler assembly there is a central side frame member which is integral with the vehicle frame and extends laterally from it for carrying the crawler track in the intermediate portion of its travel. Each central side frame member is equipped with upwardly-extending track support rollers carrying the crawler track while downwardly-extending track rollers are provided for guiding the crawler track and supporting the vehicle on the surface on which it is traveling. The idler roller is carried by a first modular member which is bolted to a first end of the side frame member. A second modular member carrying the crawler sprocket is bolted to the other end of the central side frame member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic loader comprising a boom, a balance beam and a bucket for loading material, boom jacks and balance beam jacks being coupled between the frame and the boom and between the boom and the balance beam. A secondary jack is also coupled between the frame and the boom and comprises an active chamber, while a first conduit connects this active chamber to the extension chamber of the balance beam jack and a first cut-off valve is disposed in this first conduit, establishing, in its first position, communication of the two sections of the first conduit which are connected thereto, isolating, on the contrary, in its second position, these two sections. One application of the invention is the production of a powerful and efficient loader.