Abstract: An attachment for use on an articulated boom of a back hoe has an elongated frame (A) for attachment on the boom opposite the bucket carrying an arm (B) having an elongated member receiving and positioning an elongated implement (C) opposite the open side of the bucket during a complete sequence of operation of the boom and bucket. A (D) removably secures the elongated implement on the implement receiving and positioning member for serving as a backup for the bucket gripping an object between the bucket and the implement. Thus an implement may be removably positioned in relation to the bucket of a back hoe for gripping an object therebetween for movement by the boom and for changing one implement for another upon the implement receiving and positioning members. An offset member (E) extends upwardly from the base for aiding in retracting the arm and the implement carried thereby.

Abstract: A loader attachment includes a frame with a pair of arms pivotally connected thereto and depending therefrom. A tine is pivotally mounted at the lower end of each arm, and projects forwardly from each arm. Hydraulic cylinders are mounted between the frame and the arms to selectively pivot the arms inwardly towards one another and outwardly away from one another. A parallelogram linkage is provided on each arm to maintain the orientation of the tine on the arm as each arm is pivoted. A drive linkage interconnects the two parallelogram linkages such that the tines maintain an orientation relative to one another as the arms are pivoted. A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the frame and the drive linkage to permit selective rotation of the tines in opposing directions on the lower ends of the arms.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling an implement to an operating arm of a machine generally consisting of a first coupling component fixedly mountable on the implement, having a plurality of sets of opposed abutment surfaces spaced circumferentially relative to a given axis thereof and disposed substantially radially relative to such axis, and an axially spaced abutment surface, and a second coupling component disposable in mating relation with the first coupling component, having apparatus for detachably connecting to the operating arm, at least one locking member displaceable between an extended position and an retracted position received between a selected set of the radially disposed, opposed abutment surfaces and the axially spaced abutment surface, when the components are disposed in mating relation, and apparatus for selectively displacing the locking member into the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A loader arm assembly is configured to rotate about an axis defined by a pivot pin. The loader arm assembly includes a loader arm having a first end and a second end, the first end having a cavity. The cavity is configured to be aligned with an axis of rotation. The cavity has a cavity perimeter. The loader arm assembly further includes a pivot tube assembly including a pivot tube having an inner bore configured to engage a pivot pin for rotation about the axis. The pivot tube further has an outer perimeter. A portion of the outer perimeter fixedly engages the cavity perimeter. The pivot tube assembly further includes one or more plates extending from the pivot tube in fixed parallel engagement with the loader arm.

Abstract: In the operation of a wheel loader the linkage arrangement that mounts the bucket to the machine often utilizes multiple lift arms and tilting components to accommodate the loading encountered in the various excavation operations. In many instances this hampers visibility to the bucket and also greatly increases the overall weight of the linkage arrangement. The present invention provides a linkage arrangement that utilizes a single boom-type lift arm and a tilting arrangement that is substantially centered along a vertical plane in which the linkage arrangement is moved. In addition, the individual components of the linkage are specifically contoured to provide a sufficient amount of mass in critical areas of loading and reduced areas of mass in non-critical areas. The result is a linkage arrangement that provides excellent visibility to the bucket with greatly reduced overall weight.

Abstract: In the operation of heavy equipment such as wheel loaders the amount of force subjected to the linkage arrangement that connects the work implement to the loader is normally quite large. In order to accommodate such loading, it has been common practice to increase the size of the various components within the linkage arrangements. The increase in size has greatly increased the weight of the linkage arrangement thus reducing the performance capabilities of the machine. The present invention utilizes a linkage arrangement (10) wherein the specific points of greatest loading have been grouped together son the various components of the linkage. In doing so, only these areas will require areas of significant increases in mass to accommodate the more severe loading. Also the particular positioning between the various components is specifically designed to simplify their construction. These combined factors substantially reduce the overall weight of the linkage arrangement.

Abstract: An earthen material excavator includes, a) a base undercarriage comprising running gear to move the excavator over the ground; b) a slewing platform; c) a plurality of booms operatively connected to one another, one of the booms being operatively connected with the slewing platform; and d) a digging bucket apparatus mounted to another of the booms, the bucket apparatus including, i) a rigid digging assembly having a fore earth working end and an aft non-earth-working end, the digging assembly comprising an internal throat positioned between the assembly fore and aft ends; and ii) a substantially rigid earthen material container removably mounted relative to the aft end of the rigid digging assembly, the rigid earthen container being mounted in communication with the throat to receive earthen material transferred from the rigid digging assembly through the throat.

Abstract: Disclosed is an excavating, sieving and grading device for a working crawler arranged such that each pair of first and second right and left legs 14, 14a and 17, 17a are vertically disposed to a bucket main body 7, the first right and left legs are connected to each other by a first reinforcing member 15, the second right and left legs are connected to each other by a second reinforcing member 18, and first and second guide rollers 16, 19 for supporting and guiding a first guide rail 21 disposed on the bottom surface of a movable frame 12 are provided on the first and second reinforcing members. With this arrangement, the movable frame provided with the sieve net is stably supported and guided to the bucket main body to thereby increase the strength of the excavating, sieving and grading device.

Abstract: An excavating bucket attachment assembly comprises a pair of side arms and a tooth-mounting box mountable to an excavating bucket pivot pin without removing either the pivot pin or an excavating bucket to which the pivot pin is attached, and at least one tooth mounted in the tooth-mounting box. The tooth-mounting box comprises a transverse member providing a teeth-mounting channel that extends between the side arms with the side arms attached to the transverse member and closing off the channel at opposite ends thereof. A tooth retaining pin removably-extends through the tooth and through the side arms for retaining the tooth in the channel. The assembly may includes a plurality of clamping teeth, each mounted in the box by the retaining pin, and includes spacers located between adjacent teeth, the retaining pin extending through the spacers to hold the spacers between the teeth. Alternately, the assembly may include a ripping tooth mounted in the box by the retaining pin.

Abstract: A brush rake for attachment to an excavator arm equipped with a bucket and a thumb having inner and outer pairs of teeth. The brush rake has a parallel array of rake teeth attached to a rake bar, and a mounting plate having one end thereof attached to the rake bar. An opposite end of the mounting plate is adapted to overlie the body of the thumb and to be received between the outer pair of teeth of the thumb. A parallel pair of apertured ears attached to the rake bar is so disposed thereon that when the rake bar is placed adjacent and transversely with respect to the teeth of the thumb, the ears lie adjacent and on opposite sides of the inner teeth of the thumb. Mounting holes are provided in the mounting plate and matching holes are bored through the body of the thumb. The brush rake is attached to the thumb by inserting pins through the ears and through holes bored through the inner teeth of the thumb, and by inserting mounting bolts through the mounting holes and matching holes in the thumb.

Abstract: The lift arms and linkage arrangement for the bucket of a loading machine includes first and second spaced apart lift arm assemblies and first and second spaced apart linkage assemblies associated with respective lift arm assemblies. The first and second lift arm assemblies diverge with respect to the centerline of the machine while the first and second linkage assemblies are parallel to the centerline of the machine. The first and second lift arm assemblies are closer to each other at the machine end than at the bucket end. This provides greater visibility of the corners of the bucket for the machine operator and more precise positioning of the bucket by the operator.

Abstract: An excavation bucket includes a bottom assembly which defines a scoop slot opening along a portion of the bottom assembly. The excavation bucket is useful for excavating material in a conventional manner in a first operating mode, and for fine-grading material in a novel manner in a second operating mode. When operating in the second operating mode the excavation bucket is capable of fine-grading adjacent buried objects without damaging the buried objects.

Abstract: A backhoe operated bucket is provided with an opening containing a screen frame opposite its scraper blade equipped loading opening for separating coarse material contained by soil excavated from a pipeline ditch and depositing fine padding soil on a pipeline in the ditch. A motor driven eccentric supported by the screen frame vibrates the screen frame in several directions to achieve a separation of fine and coarse material, the latter being deposited in the ditch above the padding soil.

Abstract: A coupling for a heavy-duty machine to be used between a boom and a stick having a working tool for quick coupling and decoupling of the stick to the boom for the exchange of tools and being operable from the cab or operator's station on the machine without requiring the need for one or more persons or machines at the coupling during the coupling and decoupling process. The coupling also includes a unique locking mechanism that can be remotely controlled to lock and unlock the coupling when they are in mating engagement. The coupling includes a male member attachable to the boom of the machine and a female member connected to the stick. The male member is pivotally mounted at one end on the boom and connected at the other end to a hydraulic cylinder on the boom for articulating the male member on the boom. The male member further includes a grabber at one end and a picker at the other end for interchangeable use to guide the joining of the coupler members.

Abstract: An arm mechanism to be operated at a proximal location to move a tool at a distal location. The arm mechanism includes an outer series of links and an inner series of links. Each series of links are connected together in an engaging relationship and in an in-line relationship with the outer series of links being pivotally mounted on the inner series of links. The arm mechanism is capable of being moved through almost three hundred and sixty degrees with the tool being movable in precise increments.

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: The application describes a method and apparatus for raking with heavy equipment. The apparatus includes a plurality of raking teeth attached to the top portion of a heavy equipment bucket. The apparatus is adaptable to such diverse heavy equipment as front loaders and backhoes. The method includes the use of top mounted teeth to rake pile and load raked material.

Abstract: An excavation bucket with a scoop provided at a bottom portion of the bucket to provided fine digging and grading of materials or trenches. The excavation bucket is particularly useful for digging trenches near utilities and finishing trenches at proper grade.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile robotic arm which is adapted to grasp objects at low-level, intermediate level and high reach areas of a domestic dwelling. The device generally comprises a mobile base having a robotic arm rotatably and pivotally connected thereto. The robotic arm comprises lower arm, mid-arm, and forearm components which are pivotally interconnected and selectively extensible and retractable through the utilization of a controller which is preferably disposed upon an arm rest portion of a wheelchair.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted loader is provided with a leveling linkage including a pivot arm assembly pivotally mounted to each of a pair of loader arms at locations intermediate the ends of the latter. A first link is coupled between each post supporting the loader boom arm on the tractor and the pivot arm assembly while a tilt cylinder serves as a second link and is coupled between the pivot arm assembly and a tilt linkage for the implement. The pivot arm assembly of each linkage includes a pair identical plates fixed in spaced parallel relationship to each other and each plate contains an elongate pivot pin adjustment slot having the mounting pin for the tilt cylinder located therein.

Abstract: A stretchable arm of a deep excavator comprises top, middle and base arms wherein a bucket is suspended from the top arm and a working unit is fixed to the middle arm. Two hydraulic cylinders constituting the working unit are arranged in parallel with each other while cylinder rods thereof are oppositely directed, wherein the cylinder rod of one hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the base arm and the cylinder rod of the other hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the top arm. It is possible to extend and contract each arm of the stretchable arm synchronously with one another at higher speed compared with a conventional deep excavator having a single hydraulic cylinder. The oil under pressure which flows out from the discharge chamber of each hydraulic cylinder can be merged into the oil under pressure for extending each hydraulic cylinder so that the amount of oil to be supplied to the pressure chamber is increased.

Abstract: A coupling for a heavy-duty machine to be used between a boom and a stick having a working tool for quick coupling and decoupling of the stick to the boom for the exchange of tools and being operable from the cab or operator's station on the machine without requiring the need for one or more persons or machines at the coupling during the coupling and decoupling process. The coupling also includes a unique locking mechanism that can be remotely controlled to lock and unlock the coupling when they are in mating engagement. The coupling includes a male member attachable to the boom of the machine and a female member connected to the stick. The male member is pivotally mounted at one end on the boom and connected at the other end to a hydraulic cylinder on the boom for articulating the male member on the boom. The male member further includes a grabber at one end and a picker at the other end for interchangeable use to guide the joining of the coupler members.

Abstract: A fluid-powered actuator having a body with a shaft adapted for coupling to an external device to provide rotational drive thereto. A piston sleeve is mounted for reciprocal longitudinal movement within the body to provide rotational drive to the shaft. A plurality of seals are positioned within the body to provide a fluid-tight seal between the body and the shaft, and between the piston and both the shaft and the body. A pair of support members are positioned out of the body and fixedly attached to the body at spaced-apart locations. Each support member has an attachment portion extending circumferentially fully about the body, and a mounting portion. A pair of boom attachment plates are weldable to the mounting portions while the shaft, piston, torque-transmitting member, and seals remain assembled within the body. To avoid damage to the seals, a fluid channel is formed at least partially within each of the attachment portions and fully encircles the body.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a lift arm assembly for a work vehicle includes a plurality of closely controlled process steps. The lift arm assembly is a large fabrication which, when assembled to the vehicle, interconnects with several other components and work implements. In order to properly connect with these other components, the various holes, throughbores, and connecting surfaces must be machined within close tolerances. The subject process provides the controls for holding the tolerances within specified and acceptable ranges. The lift arm assembly produced by the subject process is used for lifting and manipulating a bucket or other type of work implement.

Abstract: Various attachments for a tractor-mounted loader are formed by selecting different types of tines which may be selectively mounted to a common attachment frame which incorporates integral tine mounting bushings so that either a fork lift, bale fork or bale handling attachment with roll back support is formed.

Abstract: A backhoe apparatus with a boom structure which is movable overcenter in a fore-and-aft direction and a boom actuator arranged in fore-and-aft alignment with and protected by lateral sides of the boom structure. A swing tower is connected about a lower pivot axis to a lower end of the boom and allows for lateral swinging movement of the boom. The swing tower allows for overcenter movement of the boom to opposite sides of an upper pivot axis on the swing tower whereat one end of the boom actuator is secured. The boom structure has a curved configuration at its lower end to accommodate nesting of the boom actuator while maintaining torsional rigidity for the boom.

Abstract: A backhoe attachment for a skid steer loader includes a dipper stick formed by two separable boom components which reduce the cost of shipping the dipper stick, one of the boom components being constructed as a standard module and the other component being customized in accordance with the particular model of skid steer loader to which the backhoe is to be attached. The two boom components are inclined relative to one another at an obtuse included angle to enable the bucket of the attachment to dig in close proximity to the front of the loader. Detachable stabilizers extend downwardly, outwardly and forwardly from the loader and engage the ground during a digging operation in order to prevent tipping of the loader. Stops are carried by and located above the stabilizers and engage the loading arms of the loader in order to prevent damage to the stabilizers when the loading arms are swung downwardly in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A boom assembly for a work machine comprising: a pair of first and second members of which one end pivot part is connected pivotally to a base machine and the second end pivot part supports a loading tool pivotally. An inflecting part is provided in the middle of the longitudinal direction of boom, and a cross tie member which ties the said first and second members in pairs near the loading tool. In order to form a first member which is connected to a tractor and a second member which supports a loading tool, with horizontal and vertical planes of upper and lower C-channels, the lower C-channel is inserted into the upper C-channel and its adjoining edges are welded. In order to form the inflecting part, the first member which is connected to a tractor and the second member which supports the loading tool are joined in a manner wherein the upper side of it is opened and the lower side is butt welded.

Abstract: A ditch hoe attachment has an attaching frame, an elongated arm, a scoop, and first and second actuators. The frame is attachable to a tractor-mounted front end loader and has a cross tube mounted for rotation about a first rotational axis and a crank lever attached to the cross tube for rotation therewith and extending radially therefrom. The elongated arm has a rear portion rigidly attached to the cross tube, and a front portion mounted to the rear portion for rotation relative thereto about a second rotational axis. The scoop is fixedly mounted to the outer end of the front portion of the elongated arm. The first actuator is mounted between the frame and crank arm and operable through forward and reverse strokes to rotate the cross tube and rear portion of the arm from forward to rearward positions and back to the forward position.

Abstract: Arrangement for rotator units, especially those which are intended for rotation of excavator buckets. It comprises a motor (27) which, together with a transmission (26, 29) which is coupled to a drive wheel (24) in the chain transmission, is arranged in a movable support (14), which is suspended in the housing (6) in a pivotable manner, but free from fixed connections to the housing. In the transmission there is a drive wheel (24) for a chain transmission, which wheel is connected by means of a drive chain (25) to a driven chain wheel (13) included in a shaft system (12) mounted in the housing. Spring elements (30) are arranged to pivot the movable support (14) in such a way that the chain is held tensioned. The suspension of the movable support in the housing is designed in such a way that deformations of the housing resulting from external force effect are not transmitted to the movable support in a way that would deform the latter.

Abstract: A tractor-loader-backhoe is disclosed wherein the loader mechanism is mounted on the frame of the prime mover by a tapered pivot pin having a fastener extending entirely through the axis of the pivot pin to effect a clamping load operable to seat the tapered pivoted in the conical hub affixed to the frame of the prime mover to assure a firm fastening of the loader mechanism on the prime mover. The backhoe mechanism is provided with a transport lock remotely accuatable from the operator's cab mounted on the prime mover and incorporating a locking pin having a concentric spring mounted thereon to urge the pin out of engagement with the frame whenever the transport lock is disengaged to permit operation of the backhoe mechanism. The boom and dipper members of the backhoe mechanism are constructed from a pair of opposing C-shaped channels having inwardly directed legs centrally located within the boom and dipper members.

Abstract: A combination attachment for a front-end loader having a lift apparatus attached to a conventional loader bucket is disclosed. The lift apparatus is mounted on the rear wall of the loader bucket and is suited for the lifting, gripping and moving of loads too wide for the loader bucket. The lift can be a conventional pair of fork tines or a platform and is powered by one or more hydraulic cylinders. The lift apparatus is disposed to permit both the lift and the loader bucket to be used simultaneously. The hydraulic cylinders further permit the lift apparatus to grip a load between the loader bucket floor and the lift fork or platform.

Abstract: A versatile attachment for a prime mover includes a loading bucket for material handling and a grapple for manipulating elongate elements. The loading bucket is pivotally attached to a support frame by a large pivot pin. The grapple includes two fixed grapple fingers and a movable finger. The bucket may slew relative to the frame up to 110.degree..

Abstract: A tractor-loader-backhoe is disclosed wherein the loader mechanism is mounted on the frame of the prime mover by a tapered pivot pin having a fastener extending entirely through the axis of the pivot pin to effect a clamping load operable to seat the tapered pivoted in the conical hub affixed to the frame of the prime mover to assure a firm fastening of the loader mechanism on the prime mover. The backhoe mechanism is provided with a transport lock remotely accuatable from the operator's cab mounted on the prime mover and incorporating a locking pin having a concentric spring mounted thereon to urge the pin out of engagement with the frame whenever the transport lock is disengaged to permit operation of the backhoe mechanism. The boom and dipper members of the backhoe mechanism are constructed from a pair of opposing C-shaped channels having inwardly directed legs centrally located within the boom and dipper members.

Abstract: An improved backhoe clamping device is provided which is designed to be easily added onto standard existing backhoe equipment, and which allows full range of curl for the bucket through effectively hollow webbing between clamp arms. The device includes bucket links having integral mounting brackets, onto which clamp links are pivotally and substantially permanently attached, thereby offsetting their pivot points from the bucket links, and preventing loss of clamp links and removable pins. Clamp arms are pivotally attached to the clamp links by a single pin, this single pin also being used to secure the device in a storage position, preventing loss or misplacement of this pin. Clamp arms are also pivotally attached to the backhoe dipper arm. In this way, the existing backhoe leverage actuates the clamp arms, causing them to move in conjunction with the bucket to achieve a clamping effect.

Abstract: An adjustable lifting shoe assembly for sheet or sheet package lifting devices is disclosed. The assembly enables a plurality of lifting shoes suspended from a reinforced back plate to be slid laterally along the back plate to stradle and/or be inserted between full-width cross runners or circumferential bands extending beneath the sheet or sheet package. Such a construction is generally suspended from a crane or hoist and is useful in lifting all types of sheet packages.

Abstract: This apparatus relates to an attachment to the boom of a boom-type vehicle for lifting and supporting a panel assembly of the type having a panel and a purline. The purline is securely attached to the panel and disposed at an angle thereto. The attachment comprises attachment devices connectable to a forward end of the boom of the vehicle for supporting at least a portion of the purline and at least a portion of the panel. The attachment device provides selective movement between the purline, the panel, and the boom for permitting the panel assembly to be maneuvered in the desired manner at the construction site. A panel handler assembly is connectable to a forward portion of a mast assembly.

Abstract: An implement mounting apparatus for use with utility tractors, lawn and garden tractors and riding front mowers and other vehicles which allows removable mounting and use of numerous attachments for performing multiple grounds maintenance, yard and lawn care or gardening functions. A support frame includes an upper member for positioning and a bottom member for supporting implements such as lift forks, a tool organizer, a work platform and housing body. The support frame is rigidly or pivotally mountable on a three-point hitch, a mounting/lift frame having a support strut, or a tow bar assembly. Wheels may be added for use of the apparatus with a tow bar as a trailer. The housing body is useful with a scraper blade as a plow, or may be easily converted to a hopper assembly or scoop by adding hopper or scoop members. The hopper assembly may be opened to dump contained material with a spring biased latch mechanism which may be locked closed. The scoop member is secured in position with the same latch mechanism.

Abstract: An attachment device for a tractor of the type including a front end loader bucket and a rear mounted backhoe comprises a rear axle and ground wheels for positioning beneath the backhoe tower and attachable to the rear of the tractor by forwardly extending straps. Beneath the bucket is permanently attached a kingpin device formed by a plate and pin mounted upon a bracket which is so shaped that the pin and plate are wholly above the plane of the lower wall of the bucket so that the bucket can be normally used with the kingpin devide in place and such that when the bucket is fully retracted the kingpin is presented vertically downwardly. Thus the bucket can be positioned upon a conventional fifth wheel of a road tractor.

Abstract: An excavator arm with basic boom 12, intermediate boom 14 and shovel stem 16 with digging implement is connected to a support part 86 which can be driven directly or indirectly into rotation about a vertical axis 84. In order to dig trenches with vertical walls outside the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and to achieve an advantageous transport position, the intermediate boom 14 consists of a front part 14a, a rear part 14b and a common rotary joint 20, the most advantageous transport position being achieved by rotating by 180.degree. the front part 14a, about the axis of rotation 22 set vertically, from the extended operational position relative to the rear part 14b.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for injecting material into a waste sludge lagoon and mixing the material in the lagoon to solidify and stabilize the waste in-situ. The apparatus includes a slotted bucket adapted to be secured to the articulated arm of a backhoe or like equipment. The bucket has a manifold in the upper interior portion thereof which is coupled to a source of the additive or reagent material to be dispensed under pressure. In a preferred embodiment the material is a dry powder which is dispensed pneumatically through the manifold into the bucket and the waste as the bucket is moved back and forth through the waste lagoon. The manifold preferably is a cylinder having mutually spaced holes, slots or nozzles. The bucket also may have a vane structure across the scoop opening for further agitation of the sludge as it enters or leaves the bucket.

Abstract: A mounting frame for use with a tractor loader is disclosed wherein the main support arms extend generally linearly from the rear pivot mounting thereof with the tractor to the front pivot mounting with the loader bucket. The thickest portion of the main support arm is positioned immediately rearwardly of the transverse torque tube interconnecting the laterally spaced main support arms. Each main support arm decreases in size from this intermediate portion toward the forward and rearward pivots. The main support arm is generally symmetrical about a straight line interconnecting the forward and rearward pivots.

Abstract: A retractable boom stop includes a channel shaped stop member mounted for pivotal and rectilinear movement relative to the boom arm of a skid steer vehicle. The stop member is movable between an inoperative position adjacent the boom arm and an operative position interposed between the boom arm and lift cylinder. In the operative position the stop member prevents an extensible rod of the lift cylinder from retracting to lower the boom arm. The stop member is secured in the inoperative and operative positions by a retaining pin. A tension spring carried by the stop member and releasably securable to the boom arm automatically retracts the stop member out of the operative position to allow the lift cylinder to be retracted.

Abstract: An earthmoving attachment to be mounted on the front end of a tractor. The attachment includes a frame secured to the tractor, arms pivoted to the frame and extending forwardly and mounting a combination bucket and blade. Hydraulic cylinders individually extend telescoping sections in the arms to effect a skewing of the blade. Another hydraulic cylinder mounting a slider adjacent one end of the blade is operable to tilt the blade or bucket. Other sets of hydraulic cylinders tip the bucket and lift the arms conventionally. Simple adjustments are operable to convert the attachment from the configuration of a front-end-loader to that of a dozer, and to skew, tilt and tip the blade and bucket in various configurations.

Abstract: A variable reach rough terrain load lifting apparatus comprising a vehicle having a frame; a boom having innermost, intermediate and outermost telescoping boom segments; and means for pivotally connecting the outermost boom segment to the vehicle frame and capable of reciprocal longitudinal movement therewith. The outermost boom segment has first and second hydraulic cylinders mounted therein for extending and retracting the intermediate and innermost boom segments, respectively. The pivotal connection means facilitates pivotal movement of the boom with respect to the vehicle while preventing buildup of corrosion products which would interfere therewith and further to facilitate repair or replacement thereof due to normal operation. The innermost boom includes end effector means attached to the forward end thereof by means for quick connection and disconnection.

Abstract: A device for maintianing a load raising linkage in a raised position. A power member is provided for raising and lowering the linkage. A locking member is pivotally connected to the load raising linkage. The locking member is movable between a lock position and an unlock position. An anchor is connected to the linkage. A releasable member is carried by the locking member. The releasable member engages the anchor and maintains the locking member in the unlock position. Upon pivoting the locking member to the lock position, the releasable member can also engage the power member and maintain the locking member in the lock position.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted loader has a loading apparatus disposed centrally at the front end of the vehicle frame and including a raising cylinder supported on the front end, a dumping beam and quick-change device. The quick-change device is pivotally connected by a dumping rod to the dumping beam which can be actuated by a dumping cylinder. To reduce tipping torque about a transverse axis of the vehicle, the vehicle end of the raising arm is accommodated in a channel-like, forwardly open recess in the front end of the frame. The dumping cylinder is also articulated to the front end of the frame. The raising arm is constructed as a narrow component so that when the arm together with the quick-change device is in a completely lowered position it will be accommodated between the front wheels of the vehicle while, as seen from the side, only the quick-change device will slightly downwardly project out of the space between the front wheels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for injecting material into a waste sludge lagoon and mixing the material in the lagoon to solidify and stabilize the waste in-situ. The apparatus includes a slotted bucket adapted to be secured to the articulated arm of a backhoe or like equipment. The bucket has a manifold in the upper interior portion thereof which is coupled to a source of the additive or reagent material to be dispensed under pressure. In a preferred embodiment the material is a dry powder which is dispensed pneumatically through the manifold into the bucket and the waste as the bucket is moved back and forth through the waste lagoon. The manifold preferably is a cylinder having mutually spaced holes, slots or nozzles. The bucket also may have a vane structure across the scoop opening for further agitation of the sludge as it enters or leaves the bucket.

Abstract: The payload capacity of an excavating dipper or bucket for a power shovel or dragline is increased by providing an upper bucket portion having support brackets and the strength to support the rated load of the dipper and a disposable lower portion having opposed sidewalls and a bottomwall of a material thickness less than the upper sidewalls and topwall. The lower sidewalls are secured to the upper sidewalls by interference fitted retaining pins disposed in machined bores formed in the upper sidewalls and the lower sidewalls, respectively. The upper sidewalls may be modified to provide spaced-apart plate members which define a slot for receiving the lower sidewall portions, respectively.

Abstract: Spreading apparatus for use with a tractor, comprising frame means for attachment to the three-point-linkage of a tractor, a hopper mounted on the frame means, the hopper having means for allowing a substance, contained within the hopper, to be spread onto the ground; and means for moving the hopper relative to the frame to allow the hopper to rotate from a spreading position in which the hopper is in a substantially upright position to a loading position in which the hopper is in a substantially horizontal position whereby the hopper may be used as a shovel to allow the substance to be spread over the ground to be loaded into the hopper, means being provided to effect movement of the hopper between positions.