Abstract: A mining machine assembly includes a dipper having a main body, the main body having a front side, a back side, a bottom side, and a top side. A ground engagement portion extends from the front side, the ground engagement portion including digging teeth. The mining machine assembly also includes a hoist rope attachment assembly coupled to the dipper. The hoist rope attachment assembly is configured to directly couple a hoist rope to the dipper. The hoist rope attachment assembly includes a cam having a first portion extending from the top side of the main body of the dipper, and a second portion that extends from the first portion and away from the main body and digging teeth.

Abstract: An excavation attachment device includes a pair of elongated malleable members that are positioned between a rigid top plate and a rigid bottom plate. Each of the malleable members being constructed from rubber and include a forward edge that extends outward beyond the forward edges of the top and bottom plates. A gap is provided between the malleable members for receiving the forks of an excavator bucket. A mounting bracket is positioned along the back edge of the top plate and includes a first set of openings for receiving connectors to selectively engage the bottom wall of an excavator bucket. The mounting bracket also including a pair of protrusions along each end having a second set of openings for receiving connectors to selectively engage the side walls of the excavator bucket.

Abstract: A transfer system includes a transfer chamber having transfer positions, a first robot provided in the transfer chamber to transfer articles between the transfer positions, a second robot provided in the transfer chamber to transfer articles between the transfer positions, and a retreat unit configured to move one robot among the first robot and the second robot to a retreat position by changing a height of the one robot such that the one robot does not interfere with an operating range of another robot among the first robot and the second robot.

Abstract: An equalizer assembly for a mining machine includes a single piece cast equalizer having a first end and a second, opposite end. The assembly also includes a first end cap configured to be coupled to a dipper of the mining machine, the first end cap including a first bushing configured to receive the first end of the equalizer. The assembly also includes a second end cap configured to be coupled to the dipper of the mining machine, the second end cap including a second bushing configured to receive the second end of the equalizer.

Abstract: A dipper for a mining shovel includes a back wall, a first side wall extending from the back wall, a second side wall extending from the back wall, a front wall disposed opposite the back wall and extending between the first and second side walls, and a dipper door pivotally coupled to a bottom end of the dipper. The dipper door is movable between a latched and an unlatched position relative to the dipper. The dipper door is angled relative to the front wall at an acute angle when the dipper door is in the latched position.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention disclose an object determining method, a portable device, an object displaying method, an object switching method and an electronic device. Said method is applied to a touch sensitive portable device. Identifications of multiple objects are displayed within a display area of said portable device. Each of the identifications of said multiple objects has a first status of being selected and a second status of being unselected. Said display area has a first area, the identification of a first object is displayed in the first area, and the first object is in the first status.

Abstract: A dipper assembly includes a dipper, a dipper door, a closure mechanism, and one or more block assemblies. The dipper door is pivotally mounted to the dipper, and has a closed position in which the dipper door covers the dipper bottom. The closure mechanism has a locked position and an unlocked position, and is coupled to the dipper back and the dipper door. In the locked position, the closure mechanism holds the dipper door in the closed position. In the unlocked position, the closure mechanism allows the dipper door to swing away from the closed position. The block assemblies are coupled to the dipper back and limit a rotation of the side link plate to a pre-defined angle that corresponds to the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for positioning a tool at a well site. The apparatus includes a first arm rotationally connected to a guide on a column. The apparatus further includes a second arm rotationally connected to the first arm. The second arm is also connected to a tool attachment member at a pivot point, wherein the pivot point is offset from the centerline of the tool. Additionally, the apparatus includes a flexible tension member having one end operatively connected to the guide and another end connected to the tool attachment member at a location closer to the centerline of the tool than the pivot point, wherein the flexible tension member is configured to maintain the tool in a specific orientation around the pivot point during the positioning operation. In a further aspect, a method of positioning a tool at a wellsite is provided.

Abstract: A dipper assembly for a mining shovel includes a dipper body, a dipper door pivotably coupled to the dipper body, an arm, a housing coupled to one of the body and the door, and a piston. The arm includes a first end pivotably coupled to the body and a second end pivotably coupled to the door. The movement of the door relative to the body drives the arm to pivot relative to the body. The housing includes an inlet in fluid communication with a fluid source, an outlet, and a cylinder partially defining a pump chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The piston is movable within the cylinder and biased in a first direction. The pivoting movement of the arm causes the piston to move in a second direction opposite the first direction. The movement of the piston changes a volume of the pump chamber.

Abstract: An actuator system for a machine includes a hydraulic actuator connected to a dipper of the machine, and a hydraulic system fluidly connected to the actuator and configured to selectively direct fluid to the actuator. A component of the hydraulic system is mounted on the dipper. The system also includes an overcenter link coupled to a door of the dipper and biased to maintain the door in a closed position. The actuator is operable to move the overcenter link in a first direction, thereby transitioning the door from the closed position to an open position.

Abstract: An actuator system for a machine includes a linear hydraulic actuator connected to a dipper of the machine, and a hydraulic system fluidly connected to the actuator and configured to selectively direct fluid to the actuator. A component of the hydraulic system is mounted on the dipper. The system also includes an overcenter link coupled to a door of the dipper and biased to maintain the door in a closed position. A piston assembly of the actuator is configured to move the overcenter link in a first direction, via contact between the piston assembly and the overcenter link, thereby transitioning the door from the closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a power shovel is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a cylinder operatively connectable to a dipper door of the power shovel, a reservoir located at and fluidly connected to the cylinder, and an accumulator located at and fluidly connected to the cylinder in parallel with the reservoir. The hydraulic system may further have a control valve disposed between the cylinder, the reservoir, and the accumulator. The control valve may be movable to selectively direct fluid from the cylinder into the accumulator and fluid from the reservoir into the cylinder.

Abstract: A machine includes a boom, a stick, a bucket, and a hose arrangement. The stick is pivotally coupled to the boom. The bucket is operatively coupled to the stick and defines a pivotal axis therein. The bucket has a bowl-shaped portion for holding material on a first side and a recessed portion on a second side. The hose arrangement is coupled to the bucket and includes a first and a second manifold, and a first and a second set of hoses. The first manifold is coupled to the bucket and disposed in the recessed portion proximal to the pivotal axis. The second manifold is coupled to the bucket and disposed on the second side of the bucket. The first set of hoses is fluidly connected to the first manifold. The second set of hoses is fluidly connected to the first and second manifolds.

Abstract: A dipper including a dipper door and an impact actuated jaw defining a lip and a chin The jaw is rotatably mounted on the dipper door for rotation between a door-opened position and a door-closed position and positioned so that when the jaw is in the door-opened position, the jaw chin can be impacted by the dipper body when the door pivots to the door-closed position. The dipper also includes a hold open mechanism for releasably holding the door latch in the latch open position when the latch is in the open position, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the latch when the latch is in the door-closed position. The locking mechanism includes one bar pivotally attached to the door, and another bar pivotally connected to and extending between each of the one bar and the latch.

Abstract: A mobile robot has a predetermined size of large, medium, small or back-packable. The mobile robot includes a chassis, drive system components, power components, a main processor, a communication system and a power and data distribution system. The chassis has a predetermined size of large, medium, small or back-packable. Drive system components are operably attached to the chassis and power components are operably connected to the drive system components and the power and data distribution system. Each drive system component has a predetermined size that is compatible with the chassis. The main processor, the communication system and the power and data distribution system are all operably connected together and operably connected to the traction components and the power components. The main processor, the communication system, and the power and data distribution system are all compatible with the predetermined size of the chassis and at least one other size.

Abstract: An improved material handling bucket assembly is configured for construction or agricultural front loading or backhoe applications. Scraper and grader blades pivotally mounted relative to the bucket bottom cooperatively move to provide normal bucket operation, or scraping, or grading operations. A scraper blade selectively rotates between a first position closing an opening through the bottom wall of the bucket to a second position extending below the bucket for removing ground soil during a scraping operation and directing the removed soil into a collection chamber of the bucket. A single power source and linkage assembly controls movement of the scraper and grader blades, which also cooperatively move to change the size of the opening in the bottom wall during a scraping operation.

Abstract: A method and self-propelled system for digging a grave. The system includes a frame defining a frame opening positionable over a grave site and a motor connected to the frame. Wheels connected to the frame to allow for movement of the frame about a surface. A generally zero radius turn mechanism connected to the wheels allows the frame to make generally zero radius turns. An excavator is connected to the frame and is configured for operation through the frame opening to dig a grave. A hoist is attached to the frame and lowers a container within the grave. Containers are attached on each side of the frame and receive dirt excavated by the excavator. Outriggers attached to the frame stabilize the frame during operation of the hoist and the excavator. An operator's seat and controls are also attached to the frame.

Abstract: A ground clearing apparatus comprising a box member comprised of a framework having an upper edge, first and second side edges, and a lower edge. A plurality of base teeth protrude downwardly from the lower edge. The apparatus further comprises a grapple including a first grapple arm hingeably attached to the box member, a second grapple arm hingeably attached to the box member, and a cross member joined to a distal ends of the first and second grapple arms. A plurality of grapple teeth extend outwardly from the cross member. The grapple is movable from a closed position in which the grapple teeth are interspersed with the base teeth, to an open position in which the grapple teeth are separated from the base teeth.

Abstract: A double action grab fork is provided according to the invention. The double action grab fork includes an upper grab member, a lower grab member, and an arm. The upper grab member has an upper grab end and an upper grab body. The lower grab member has a lower grab end and a lower grab body. The upper grab end and the lower grab end are constructed for grasping an article. The arm has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the arm is rotatably attached to the upper grab body to allow rotation of the upper grab member relative to the upper end of the arm. The lower end of the arm is rotatably attached to the lower grab body to allow rotation of the lower grab body relative to the lower end of the arm. A grab teeth assembly for use with a bucket is provided, and a method for using the double action grab fork is provided.

Abstract: A dipper assembly includes a dipper, a dipper door, ands a closure mechanism. The dipper door is pivotally linked relative to the dipper, and has a closed position in which the dipper door closes the open bottom. The closure mechanism has a lock position and an unlock position, and is fixed relative to the dipper and linked to the dipper door. In the lock position, the closure mechanism holds the dipper door in the closed position. In the unlock position, the closure mechanism allows the dipper door to swing away from the closed position.

Abstract: A dragline bucket comprises a floor, opposed side walls and a rear wall; a front lip on the floor having adaptors to releasably secure cutting teeth thereto; opposed cheek plates adjacent respective front portions of the side walls; and, hoist rope attachment members located intermediate front and rear portions of the bucket. The bucket has a wide, relatively shallow configuration wherein the rear wall has a height greater than the adjacent side wall portions and respective junctions between the floor and side walls are formed with an arcuate inner surface and there is an arcuate taper between the floor and the top of the rear wall.

Abstract: A dipper assembly includes a dipper having an open bottom and forward end, and a door pivotally linked to the dipper. The dipper bottom is defined by dipper wall bottom edges. The door has a bottom wall and side walls which extend above the bottom wall to define a volume between the side walls, wherein top edges of the side walls abut bottom edges of the dipper wall bottom edges to close the dipper bottom.

Abstract: A side-dumping loader comprising a dump bucket, a cradle for supporting said bucket, a pintle serving as a point of attachment between said cradle and said dump bucket, a hydraulic assembly comprising a cylinder portion and rod portion, wherein said cylinder portion is attached to said cradle and said rod portion is attached to said dump bucket, wherein the rod portion, when extended, causes said dump bucket to rotate at said pintle, from a horizontal position to a sloped position.

Abstract: A dipper door pivotally mounted to a dipper is controlled as it pivots between open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the door is controlled by a brake pivotally linking the door to the dipper. In another embodiment, the door is pivotally mounted to the dipper by a pin, and the door is controlled by a linkage actuated by a linear actuator. The pivot point of the door is positioned above the dipper bottom to decrease the dump height of the dipper.

Abstract: The present invention includes a coupler assembly connected between a standard bucket and a work machine. The coupler assembly converts the standard bucket to a side dump bucket. The conversion is possible through the use of a pivot assembly and actuating device. The pivot assembly includes an interface portion that is releasably connected to the work machine and a base portion. The base portion is pivotably and releasably connected with the interface portion via pins. The actuating device is connected between the interface portion and the base portion. The removal of one of the pins allows for the pivotable movement of the base portion outwardly and laterally via the actuating device to establish an angular relationship between the bucket and the work machine for dumping material within the bucket to one side of the work machine.

Abstract: A dipper assembly includes a dipper having an open bottom and forward end, and a door pivotally linked to the dipper. The dipper bottom is defined by dipper wall bottom edges. The door has a bottom wall and side walls which extend above the bottom wall to define a volume between the side walls, wherein top edges of the side walls abut bottom edges of the dipper wall bottom edges to close the dipper bottom.

Abstract: A clam bucket of a type designed to attach by way of a pin (20) through vertical lugs (92) to the stick of an excavator making the attachment process fairly simple. These vertical lugs (92) are part of the rotational housing (32) assembly which, in conjunction with a rotational mounting plate (22) at the top of a square tubing extension (48) enable the bucket (70) to make a full 360° turn. The bucket (70) halves are each powered by a hydraulic cylinder (56), the lines of which attach to excavator controls. The clean-out system is a pair of wiper plates (86) incorporated into the bucket (70) halves. These wiper plates (86) sweep the bucket (70) halves each time the bucket opens and closes preventing buildup of material. This self-cleaning hydraulic clam bucket can be manufactured in size to suit the consumer.

Abstract: An implement for use with a bucket mounted to a dipper boom of an earth working machine wherein the implement includes bars slidable mounting within guide elements mounted to the dipper boom such that the bars may be moved by gravity from a first position spaced from the bucket to a second position in generally opposing relationship with respect to an opening in the bucket so as to facilitate the retention of materials within the bucket.

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

Abstract: A clam bucket of the present invention has a first and a second bucket halves, each bucket half includes a first and a second side wall, a bucket back wall, and a bucket connecting plate. Optionally, at least a portion of each of the two side walls may be made of a side wall screen. The bucket back wall is rigidly connected between the first and the second side walls and extends from the bucket top edge to the bucket digging edge. At least a portion of the bucket back wall is composed of a back wall screen. The side wall screen, if used, and the back wall screen should be positioned so as to allow padding material to pass through the screen but prohibit the passage of stones through the screen. The bucket connecting plate is rigidly connected to the outside of the bucket back wall and positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall so that connection to a backhoe can be made.

Abstract: Power shovels include a dipper door which must be held shut to retain a load of material within a dipper and which must be allowed to open to discharge the load of material from the dipper. Such dipper doors are extremely heavy and, as a result, the opening and closing of the dipper doors must be dampened in order to prevent the dipper doors from banging against other components of the power shovels. There is provided a hydraulic assembly which is mounted to a dipper body and a dipper door of a dipper of a power shovel. The hydraulic assembly includes a restricted flow conduit to prevent unrestricted flow of hydraulic fluid between fluid chambers of the hydraulic assembly. Accordingly, as the dipper door opens or closes, as the hydraulic fluid moves from one chamber of the hydraulic assembly to the other, the restricted movement of the fluid causes the dipper door to open or close in a controlled manner thereby dampening the effect of movement of the dipper door.

Abstract: A clam bucket of the present invention has a first and a second bucket halves, each bucket half includes a first and a second side wall, a bucket back wall, and a bucket connecting plate. At least a portion of each of the two side walls is made of a side wall screen. The bucket back wall is rigidly connected between the first and the second side walls and extends from the bucket top edge to the bucket digging edge. At least a portion of the bucket back wall is composed of a back wall screen. The side wall and back wall screens should be positioned so as to allow padding material to pass through the screen but prohibit the passage of stones through the screen. The bucket connecting plate is rigidly connected to the outside of the bucket back wall and positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall so that connection to a backhoe can be made.

Abstract: A clam shell bucket is provided. The clam shell bucket includes a first frame rotatably connected to a second frame along a pivot point to provide rotation of the first and second frames between a pincer configuration and a scooping configuration. The first frame includes a bucket floor having a pincer end and a scraper end; a pair of side walls extending from the bucket floor to the pivot point; support blade provided between the pair of side walls and extending from the bucket floor to the pivot point; a plurality of pincer teeth extending from the pincer end of the bucket floor; and a scraper blade extending from the scraper end of the bucket floor. The second frame includes a rear bucket wall including a pincer end; a plurality of pincer teeth extending along the pincer end of the rear bucket wall; and a plurality of support arms extending from the rear bucket wall to the pivot point. A method of operating the bucket is provided.

Abstract: A materials handling apparatus that is securable to a materials handling vehicle so as to permit an operator to position an arm carrying a pusher element over a stack of large heavy packages and to bring the pusher element to bear on the top package on the stack so as to push the package from the stack onto a carrier such as a pallet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digging implement such as a mining shovel dipper which has a body, a movable door mounted with respect to the body and a mechanism for retarding swinging movement of the door. The mechanism includes first and second housings and plural retarding discs compressed between the housings. In the improvement, a resilient member is interposed between the first housing and the discs. And most preferably, a separate resilient member is interposed between each housing, respectively, and the discs. The thickness of each resilient member is selected in view of the aggregate thickness of the discs and the number of resilient members if more than one such member is used. A highly preferred resilient member is an elastomeric washer. The new retarding mechanism substantially extends the time period between mechanism adjustments and results in improved machine productivity.

Abstract: A latch assembly for an excavator dipper of the invention includes a latch bar slot having a first opening, a second opening and a side wall. An annular projection protrudes from the latch bar slot side wall and has an upper surface and a side surface. A latch bar is slidably and removably mounted in the latch bar slot. The latch bar has a first portion, a second portion and a tapered portion located between the first and the second portion. The first portion has a larger cross-sectional area than the second portion. An upper retainer insert assembly is removably carried in the latch bar slot between the first opening and the annular projection.

Abstract: A door brake assembly (20) to control the closing of a dipper door (11) on a shovel dipper (10) has a torsion bar (39) connected to the dipper door (11) by links (15, 32). A lever (48) on the other end of the torsion bar (39) selectively engages spaced snubbers (57, 58) to provide a braking (or damping) action to the dipper door (11) in the last portion of its travel to the open or closed position. The torsion bar (39) is mounted in journals (23, 24, 43, 44) on a base (22) mounted on the dipper (10). Usually, each dipper door (11) is provided with a pair of the brake assemblies (20) mounted in mirror image.

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: A power shovel comprising a frame, a dipper handle mounted on the frame for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally horizontal dipper handle axis such that the dipper handle has a variable pivotal position relative to the frame, a dipper connected to the handle for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally horizontal dipper axis such that the dipper has a variable pivotal position relative to the handle, and a variable pitch brace connected between the handle and the dipper at a point spaced from the dipper axis, the variable pitch brace including a spring biasing the dipper in one rotational direction relative to the handle and about the dipper axis, such that the pivotal position of the dipper automatically varies depending on the pivotal position of the handle and on external forces on the dipper.

Abstract: To excavate sticky soil such as clayey soil, left and right buckets of a clamshell bucket are slightly inclined, thereby reducing the force to pull the buckets from a hole. The clamshell bucket includes left and right buckets which are closable, thereby holding soil, and a hydraulic cylinder having a stroke reserve so as to be further extendible after the buckets are closed, whereby the closed buckets can be displaced sidewardly relative to the vertical.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an articulated arm assembly which can be utilized in either a pneumatic or a mechanical fashion. The arm assembly comprises a base structure and an arm structure, with the arm structure being comprised of a frame and pneumatic tubing supported by said frame. Each of the frame and pneumatic tubings have an end located at the stinger section of the arm structure and another end located near the base structure. The end of the pneumatic tubing located at the stinger section can be operatively connected to a nozzle in a manner enabling, when the arm is operating in a pneumatic mode, material to be conveyed from said nozzle toward the end of said pneumatic tubing located near the base structure, and the end of the frame located at the stinger section can be operatively connected to a mechanical lifting device when the arm is operating in a mechanical mode.

Abstract: An excavating dipper for use with power shovels, draglines and the like is fabricated from steel plate and is formed to have a separable bottom body member, which may be replaced when worn. The dipper is of lightweight steel plate construction fabricated into substantially all welded top and bottom body members. The plate members forming the side and bottom walls of the bottom body member are reinforced by longitudinal and transverse girth ribs.

Abstract: An arrangement for loading manageable material into containers or moulds with the aid of a mechanical shovel, and in particular to filling large sacks (10) intended for transporting or storing the matrial. The arrangement includes a mechanical shovel or scoop (5) which can be attached to a shovel loader in a conventional manner and which has an open side through which the shovel can be filled with material. The shovel defining wall located opposite the open side of the shovel when the open side thereof faces upwards is at least partially funnel-shaped (8). The passageway (9) through the funnel-shaped part is provided with a closure throttle (12) and the funnel-shaped part (8) is intended to co-act with the filling opening of the container (10) in a manner to enable a desired quantity of material to be transfered from the shovel to the container.

Abstract: A control mechanism for operably controlling three functions of the loader mechanism on a tractor-loader is disclosed wherein a longitudinal, fore and aft movement of the control lever effects operation of one function, while a transverse movement of the control lever effects operation of a second function, and a rotational movement of the control lever about the axis thereof controls the third function of the loader mechanism. The control lever includes an elongated inner member affixed to a plate being supported from the frame by a universal joint permitting pivotal movement of the plate in the transverse and longitudinal directions in response to a corresponding manipulation of the control lever. The control lever also includes an elongated tubular member rotatably mounted on the inner member and connected to an additional linkage to translate rotational movement of the elongated tubular member into linear motion for controlling operation of an auxiliary device on the loader mechanism.

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: An attachment adapted to cooperate with a snow blade or the like of a tractor to provide a dump bucket at the front end thereof is disclosed. The attachment enhances the materials moving capability of the tractor by enabling the tractor to pick up material in a bucket and move it to a desired location. The attachment includes a bucket structure pivotally mounted on the snow blade for movement between a closed or loading position and an open or dumping position.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a hydraulically operated twin-cable suspension for a clamshell or the like load-handling device. In a preferred embodiment, a charged accumulator is effectively a counterweight and is the source of all hydraulic fluid needed for the full range of actuation of two traction cylinders, one for each of the respective cables. Both cables automatically share the load, without slack, in any elevational situation, and simple hydraulic control circuitry selectively enables (a) an automated closing dig into loadable material and (b) a quick opening for load discharge. A single power integrator is interposed between the accumulator and the two traction cylinders for directionally controlling hydraulic-fluid displacement between the accumulator and the traction cylinders, as needed for all cable displacements.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a hydraulically operated twin-cable suspension for a clamshell or the like load-handling device. In a preferred embodiment, a charged accumulator is effectively a counterweight and is the source of all hydraulic fluid needed for the full range of actuation of two traction cylinders, one for each of the respective cables. Two power integrators are employed: one is interposed between the accumulator and one of the traction cylinders, and the other is interposed between the accumulator and the other traction cylinder; hydraulic control interconnections between the respective integrator circuits enable load sharing by both cables and simplified single-lever control of plural clamshell functions, including (a) an automated closing dig into loadable material and (b) a quick opening for load discharge.

Abstract: An excavating shovel having pivotally interconnected back and front sections and wherein the front section has a torque tube supported by bushing means on the back section and wherein the torque tube is equipped with radially extending moment arm means for pivotal actuation of the front section toward and away from the back section.

Abstract: In a loader bucket having a back member pivotable on a boom assembly which is pivotable on a tractor and a front member pivotable on the back member, power-operated means for effecting relative pivoting of the members have comprised two hydraulic piston-and-cylinder assemblies disposed at the respective ends of the bucket and fed from a common pressure line so as to work in unison. However, when gripping asymmetrical loads between the members the front member is distorted due to the pressure liquid taking the path of least resistance and thus permitting unequal extension of the piston-and-cylinder assemblies. This problem is minimized by employing a single, central hydraulic piston-and-cylinder assembly connected between a point on the back member and a lug fixed to a torsion bar which interconnects the ends of the front member along its pivot axis. The gripping of asymmetrical loads then twists the torsion bar within its elastic limit.