Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for installing a fence. In most embodiments the device comprises three main areas: the driver area, the installer area, and the storage area. The driver area is where the driver of the device is located and comprises the necessary components to drive the device, such as a motor and steering mechanism. The installer area is where the fence installer is located, and in most embodiments is placed above the driver area so that the installer can access the top rail of the fence during installation. The storage area is where the fencing material is placed, often times as a roll. This roll is fed out of the storage area and installed by the installer while the device is driven down the length of the fence. This device beneficially decreases the amount of time and man-power required to install a fence.

Abstract: A bale processor with extended bale capacity and a kit for extending a bale capacity of a bale processor is disclosed. The extended bale capacity is provided by a bale holder mechanically coupled to the frame the bale processor. When in use, the bale holder is capable of supporting an additional bale in an intermediary position between a first bale above a disintegration rotor of the bale processor and a second bale supported by a bale carrier of the bale processor. The kit comprises an intermediary bale holder and a support frame mechanically mountable to a back section of a bale processor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing net wrap from a bale are described herein. The apparatus includes a frame configured to releasably mount to a vehicle and first and second opposed arms movably coupled to the frame. At least one of the first and second opposed arms moves between a retracted position where the arms support the bale and an extended position where the bale passes between the arms and falls downwardly. The apparatus also includes a cutting mechanism including a cutting element configured to cut the net wrap. The apparatus further includes at least one grabbing mechanism coupled to at least one of the first arm and the second arm to retain the net wrap after the net wrap has been cut by the cutting mechanism and the bale falls downwardly between the arms.

Abstract: A pneumatic claw-controlling apparatus includes a claw, an air supply, a high-pressure channel, a medium-pressure channel and a low-pressure channel. The claw is normally in an opened position and movable to a closed position by working air. The air supply releases the working gas according to an air-supply signal. The high-pressure channel is operable to adjust the working gas to a high pressure and communicate the air supply with the claw according to a high-pressure signal. The medium-pressure channel is operable to adjust the working gas to a medium pressure and communicate the air supply with the claw according to a medium-pressure signal. The low-pressure channel is operable to adjust the working gas to a low pressure and communicate the air supply with the claw according to a low-pressure signal. The releasing channel is operable to block the claw from the atmosphere according to a vent-stopping signal.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include implement carriers and power machines with implement carriers. In some embodiments, the implement carriers have a mounting structure having first and second mounting structure surfaces with first and second pluralities of mounting features located along the first mounting structure surfaces, respectively. Each of the second plurality of mounted features is aligned with one of the first plurality of mounting features. The mounting structure is configured to receive an implement in a first attitude and a second attitude different from the first attitude.

Abstract: For the purpose of transferring a tube in a tube filling machine between a staging location and a set-down location, the tube at the staging location is gripped at its lateral surface by a holding device and transported by a transfer device to the set-down location where it is set down while simultaneously being rotated about its longitudinal axis or about an axis parallel thereto during transport. Such a transfer device has a multiple-member articulated arm, which has at least one 1st arm member that is mounted to pivot about a rotary axis and directly or indirectly pivotably supports at least one holding member. The holding member carries at least one holding device by means of which the tube can be picked up and which can be pivoted about an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube or that coincides therewith.

Abstract: A tissue roll handling clamp, mountable on a vehicle such as a lift truck, has elongate, substantially equal-length, thin clamp arms with opposed tissue-engagement clamping surfaces. The clamp arms are capable of movement in unison by a frame assembly to alternative positions where the clamp arms extend longitudinally from the frame assembly selectively in either substantially horizontal or substantially vertical directions of extension. The frame assembly is capable of maintaining the respective clamping surfaces at substantially equal elevations to each other during such movement to substantially equalize the distribution of the weight of a clamped tissue roll between the opposed tissue-engagement clamping surfaces.

Abstract: A camera is used to take an image of an end surface of a honeycomb structure gripped by a hand. Based on the image, an initial rotation angle of the honeycomb structure around a vertical axis at a reference position where the image has been taken is recognized. An arm turning section is driven to convey the honeycomb structure gripped by the hand from the reference position to above a plugging mask. A rotation angle required to adjust the rotation angle of the honeycomb structure on the plugging mask to a desired final rotation angle is acquired based on the initial rotation angle recognized at the reference position and a rotation angle of the honeycomb structure around the vertical axis associated with the driving of the arm turning section from the reference position to above the plugging mask. The honeycomb structure is rotated based on the required rotation angle.

Abstract: A gripping organ for load-moving vehicles comprises a support structure (7), removably engageable to a support arm (4) of a load-moving vehicle (2); at least gripping pliers (8), operatively engaged to the support structure (7) and predisposed to engage at least an object (P) to be moved, the gripping pliers (8) comprising at least a pair of gripping elements (16) which are mobile between an operating position, in which the gripping elements (16) engage the object (P), and a non-operating position, in which the gripping elements (16) are disengaged from the object (P); the pliers (8) being translatable along a translating direction (A) and rotatable about a rotation axis (B) which is perpendicular to the translating direction (A).

Abstract: A method for gripping a tubular with a tubular gripping mechanism includes the steps of moving the tubular gripping mechanism adjacent the tubular, positioning a jaw assembly of the tubular gripping mechanism around the tubular, applying a force by an actuator onto the jaw assembly of the tubular gripping mechanism such that the jaw assembly moves so as to clamp onto the tubular, removing the force from the actuator onto the jaw assembly such that the jaw assembly remains clamped onto the tubular. The clamping force is directed to surfaces of the tubular gripping mechanism away from the actuator.

Abstract: A grapple device includes a torque tube, a pivot, a rod and cylinder, a pivot link, and a tooth. The torque tube has first and second torque pivot points and is adapted to be mounted on a bucket. The pivot is rotatably connected to the first torque pivot point at a pivot cross tube located at a second end of the pivot, and the pivot further comprises a pivot collar at a first end, and first and second pivot faces adjacent the pivot collar. The rod and cylinder are operatively connected to the second torque pivot point, includes a rod and a cylinder, and has a rod pivot at a first end of the rod.

Abstract: A severe duty grapple with an upper jaw and a lower jaw. A hollow tubular pivot is attached to an inner end of one of the jaws. Two lug plates are mounted on an inner end of the other jaw. Each lug plate having an eyelet. The eyelets are alignable with the open ends of the tubular pivot. A pivot pin is passed through the tubular pivot and eyelets and secured thereat.

Abstract: A machine including an implement system pivotably mounted on the machine, a thumb member mounted on an arm of the implement system for free dampened back and forth pivotable movement, the thumb member being controllably pivotable into selectable pivot positions via controlled pivoting of one or the other or both of the arm and a bucket member, a dampener being interconnected between the thumb member and the arm in an arrangement where the dampener dampens free pivoting movement of the thumb member.

Abstract: A door breaching robotic manipulator comprises: two fingers, each finger comprising a gripper surface at a distal end thereof, the gripper surfaces being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance; a cable configured to be actuated to drive the gripper surfaces toward each other; and a selectively compliant wrist comprising a U-joint and a magnetic coupling having a predetermined magnetic force strength. The magnetic coupling comprises a metal member and a magnetic element attracted thereto. When a force overcomes the predetermined magnetic force strength of the selectively compliant wrist, the wrist becomes compliant.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include implement carriers and power machines with implement carriers. In some embodiments, the implement carriers have a mounting structure having first and second mounting structure surfaces with first and second pluralities of mounting features located along the first mounting structure surfaces, respectively. Each of the second plurality of mounted features is aligned with one of the first plurality of mounting features. The mounting structure is configured to receive an implement in a first attitude and a second attitude different from the first attitude.

Abstract: A gripping device includes a gripping-device body mounted to an end of a working arm; two gripping members pivotably supported by this body in an opening-closing direction; and a driver that drives the gripping members to open and close them. At least one of the gripping members includes one of various kinds of detachable sections each including a gripping segment; a holding section pivotably connected to the gripping-device body about a central pivot shaft and selectively holding the detachable section in a detachable manner; and a coupling member for detachable coupling. The detachable section has a restrained segment having a detachable-section through-hole extending parallel to the central pivot shaft. The holding section has an opening-closing-direction restraining segment that restrains the restrained segment in the opening-closing direction and a holding wall to which the restrained segment is fastened with the coupling member from a direction parallel to the detachable-section through-hole.

Abstract: A gripping device includes a spring member provided between a gripping member body and a shaft so that driving of a gripping driving cylinder causes a driving force to be transmitted from the gripping driving cylinder to the body while the shaft and the body are held in a predetermined positional relationship; so that the body is allowed to retreat with respect to the shaft by elastically deforming the spring member by an opposing force received from a processing object that contacts the body as a result of rotating the body; and so that contact pressure of the body with respect to the processing object is increased by an elastic force of the spring member as the body retreats.

Abstract: A wholestalk sugar cane loader includes a piler for accumulating wholestalk sugar cane into piles, and a grab assembly mounted to the end of a boom assembly carried by the loader frame and having opposed tines operable for encircling a mass of piled wholestale sugar cane, with the boom assembly then being operated for lifting the mass of wholestalk cane and depositing it into a container of a haul vehicle. The piler and the grab assembly have respective surface structures which cooperate, when the grab assembly is being loaded with the mass of wholestalk sugar cane, so as to aid the operator in keeping the tines of the grab assembly out of soil contact so that no soil is carried into the mass of wholestalk cane by the tines.

Abstract: An improved severe duty grapple for attachment onto the end of a dipper stick of a backhoe has an arcuate-shaped upper jaw with an inner end and a backside. The upper jaw is pivotally attached near its inner end on its backside to the end of a dipper stick and a double action actuator or cylinder for operative pivotal movement of the upper jaw relative to the dipper stick. An arcuate-shaped lower jaw is provided with an inner end and a backside. The lower jaw is attached near its inner end on its backside to the dipper stick by a linkage for operative pivotal movement of the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw. A hollow tubular pivot is attached to the inner end of one of the jaws with open opposing ends. Two lug plates are mounted on the inner end of the other jaw each with an eyelet. The eyelets are alignable with the open ends of the tubular pivot. A pivot pin is passed through the tubular pivot and eyelets and secured thereat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for engaging objects, such as heat exchangers of varying sizes. The device includes at least one gripper provided with at least a first and a second gripper arm, at least one of which is movable with respect to the other gripper arm for enclosing an object therebetween; and a driving mechanism connected to at least one of the first and second gripper arms for closing or opening the gripper as needed, wherein at least one of the first and second gripper arms includes a first and a second gripper arm part that are pivotally coupled together, and an adjusting mechanism provided between the first and second gripper arm parts, the adjusting mechanism being arranged for adjusting the angle between the gripper arm parts in dependence on the diameter of the object to be engaged prior to engaging the object.

Abstract: A device for implementing a method of sizing a cylindrical part following shaping, by plastic deformation, of a metallic material that has maximum structural shrinkage at a maximum-shrinkage temperature between a first temperature and a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature, is disclosed. The method includes placing the part in a shaft furnace, heating the part to the first temperature, lowering and fitting into the part an internal-sizing tool with an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the part at maximum structural shrinkage, transporting the assembly formed by the part and the sizing tool to a tempering vessel, cooling the part to a temperature below said second temperature, and extracting the internal-sizing tool. The method applies to the manufacture of turbomachine casings.

Abstract: A barrel placement device for a skid steer loader is comprised of an attachment plate which attaches to the front of a skid steer loader; tubular support members; and a plurality of barrel pincers with gears that allow the barrel pincers to move in unison with the use of a single hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder has hydraulic lines which connect to the auxiliary controls of a skid steer loader allowing the barrel pincers to be controlled to grasp and release traffic barrels from the interior of the skid steer loader.

Abstract: An articulated lift aim assembly for a refuse receptacle generally includes an engaging device for releasably grasping the receptacle, an extendable boom along with an articulated arm mechanism interconnecting the book and the engaging device. A gear arrangement provides for coupling the boom and the arm for raising the arm mechanism with respect to the boom, rotating the arm mechanism with respect to the boom during raising of the arm mechanism and inverting the engaging device and receptacle during raising of the arm mechanism. A gravity operated hook is provided for latching the receptacle when the receptacle is inverted to prevent undesired release from the engaging device.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus is adapted for use in lifting a container having a pair of channels, each of the channels having a pair of open ends. The lifting apparatus includes an elongated support bar and a hook assembly mounted on each end of the support bar. Each of the hook assemblies includes a pair of hooks and a hydraulic cylinder and piston for rotating the hooks between open and closed positions. The container is lifted by lowering the support bar with the hooks in the open position until the hooks can be rotated into the open ends of the two channels. The hooks are then rotated to the closed position so that the hooks extend into the channels. The lifting apparatus is then raised to lift the container.

Abstract: The present invention is a highly-efficient barrel placement device comprised of an attachment plate which attaches to the front of a skid steer loader; tubular support members; and a plurality of barrel pincers with gears that allow the barrel pincers to move in unison with the use of a single hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder has hydraulic lines which connect to the auxiliary controls of a skid steer loader allowing the barrel pincers to be controlled to grasp and release traffic barrels from the interior of the skid steer loader.

Abstract: A rotation and extension/retraction link mechanism which realizes a rotary joint having a virtual rotation axis is provided. A rotation and extension/retraction link mechanism 1 is configured so that a first link 5 having a first virtual center line 3 and a second link 9 having a second virtual center line 7 are coupled through a rotation and extension/retraction joint mechanism 11. The rotation and extension/retraction joint mechanism 11 is configured to couple the first link 5 and the second link 9 so that when the second virtual center line 7 rotates relative to the first virtual center line 3 from a state where the first virtual center line 3 entirely overlaps with the second virtual center line 7, while crossing the first virtual center line 3, an intersection between the first virtual center line 3 and the second virtual center line 7 is displaced on the first virtual center line 3 by a predetermined distance corresponding to an angle of the rotation.

Abstract: A housing including a base and cover has an open space that is open to the atmosphere and a closed space that is closed to the atmosphere. The open space contains a laser having a low operating temperature. The closed space contains a heat generating element and the like, which have higher operating temperatures than the laser. The heat generating element is in close contact with the base, which also serves as a heatsink, so that the heat generating element is cooled. Most parts of a motor, which is a heat generating member, are disposed in the closed space. A fan is diagonally disposed with respect to side surfaces of the heat generating element, which has a rectangular shape and flat side surfaces, so as to efficiently blow air toward the heat generating element disposed in the closed space.

Abstract: A gripping device includes a spring member provided between a gripping member body and a shaft so that driving of a gripping driving cylinder causes a driving force to be transmitted from the gripping driving cylinder to the body while the shaft and the body are held in a predetermined positional relationship; so that the body is allowed to retreat with respect to the shaft by elastically deforming the spring member by an opposing force received from a processing object that contacts the body as a result of rotating the body; and so that contact pressure of the body with respect to the processing object is increased by an elastic force of the spring member as the body retreats.

Abstract: An improved dipper stick, tool, and thumb combination includes a progressive linkage for connecting the thumb to a thumb actuator wherein the pivot axis of the thumb idler link connection is spaced from the pivot axis of the tool idler link connection. The pivot axis of the thumb idler link connection may be offset outwardly from the inner surface of the dipper stick. A mounting plate may be connected to the inner surface of the dipper stick to locate the pivot axis in the offset position.

Abstract: A device for mounting a pneumatic tire onto a vehicle wheel rim comprises a handling robot, including a robot hand (7), which is movable about a plurality of axes and comprises a rotationally drivable flange (8) and a gripper (2) attached thereto, the gripper including a base element (10) and at least two gripper arms (15) which are movable radially relative to the centre axis of the gripper (2). The gripper arms (15) are coupled to a synchronization device, which synchronizes the radial movement of the gripper arms (15) and includes a disc (23), mounted on the base element (10) of the gripper (2) so as to be rotatable about the centre axis of the gripper and rotationally drivable via a motor, and coupling members (25) fixed to the disc (23) and the gripper arms (15) via hinged joints (26,27) in such a way that a rotation of the disc (23) produces a synchronous radial movement of the gripper arms (15).

Abstract: A door breaching robotic manipulator comprises: two fingers, each finger comprising a gripper surface at a distal end thereof, the gripper surfaces being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance; a cable configured to be actuated to drive the gripper surfaces toward each other; and a selectively compliant wrist comprising a U-joint and a magnetic coupling having a predetermined magnetic force strength. The magnetic coupling comprises a metal member and a magnetic element attracted thereto. When a force overcomes the predetermined magnetic force strength of the selectively compliant wrist, the wrist becomes compliant.

Abstract: A lifting device for raising and lowering a component of a vehicle for maintenance is provided. The lifting device includes a base with a plurality of legs, a fixed support arm attached to the base, a movable support arm rotatably attached to the fixed support arm, a device attached to the fixed and movable support arms, such as a long arm jack, to raise and lower the movable support arm, and an articulated gripper attached to an end of the movable support arm.

Abstract: An illustrative gripping accessory or thumb is adapted for use with a machine having a tool, for example, a backhoe bucket attached to an extendable or non-extendable arm of a dipper stick. The accessory or thumb can be releasably attached to the machine and includes a pair of grip members that can be pivotably coupled to the distal pivot pin connecting the bucket and extendable arm and a grip linkage coupled between each grip member and the intermediate pivot coupling the extendable arm and the rotatable linkage coupled to the bucket rotation cylinder. Thus the use of the gripping accessory with a bucket requires no welding or other permanent modification of the machine and can be stowed or removed when not in use.

Abstract: A machine includes a chassis and a boom assembly. The boom assembly is movable relative to the chassis. The machine further includes a grapple assembly suspended from the boom assembly. The grapple assembly comprises a grapple head fluidly connected to a first hydraulic circuit for actuating the grapple head to a grasping configuration, and a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to a second hydraulic circuit for rotating the grapple head. The second hydraulic circuit includes a bypass valve. The bypass valve has a first position configured to block a fluid flow between a first port of the hydraulic motor and a second port of the hydraulic motor. The bypass valve also has a second position configured to allow a fluid flow between the first port of the hydraulic motor and the second port of the hydraulic motor. The bypass valve allows the grapple head to rotate freely when the grapple head is in a grasping configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a farm tractor or other vehicle having a three point hitch system. The apparatus provides a grapple on a rotational platform which enables the lifting of material, such as logs, trees or the like. The grapple arms are configured to grapple varying sizes of material. The apparatus uses a connecting member which provides rigid structure to prevent downward rotation of the grapple when in a loading state and flexible structure to allow downward or upward rotation of the grapple said second frame about said first frame when grapple means is in a resting state. Various configuration of the grapple arm enables handling different size materials.

Abstract: A log skidding implement consisting of a four foot horizontal boom and a set of modified skidding tongs hanging vertically from the end of the boom, attaches to the lift arms and top link of a three point tractor hitch. In-tractor controls lower the implement onto a log, causing the skidding tongs to pierce the log, which is then dragged to another location.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting objects may include a plurality of grippers having a first spacing at a first position and second spacing at a second position. A drive mechanism may be provided is for selectively displacing the grippers from the first position to the second position to adjust the spacing between the grippers.

Abstract: An automatic LPG tank insertion apparatus for automobiles has a rotary column provided with a lift body, which has a support arm. A rotating plate is rotatably mounted to the support arm such that yaw, pitch, and roll of the rotating plate can be controlled separately. Clamping devices are mounted on the rotating plate to selectively clamp an LPG tank. A trunk opening area measuring device includes a base unit, a guide shaft, a ruler shaft, and an encoder. Trunk opening sizes and LPG tank dimensions for various vehicle models are stored in a control computer. When vehicle model is input to the control computer, yaw, pitch, and roll of the rotating plate are adjusted so that the LPG tank can be inserted into a vehicle trunk.

Abstract: A manipulating arrangement having a horizontal portal on which a slide is horizontally traversable, an arm being pivotably mounted on the slide about a pivot axis which runs parallel to the portal, and a gripper for at least one of workpieces and tools being arranged on the end of the arm. The slide has an elongated support, on which a further slide is mounted in a vertically traversable manner, and the arm is pivotably mounted on the further slide.

Abstract: Method and device for gripping one or more elongated element(s), which device includes two main gripping arms (1, 2) adapted to hold the element(s) between them. At least one first hydraulic cylinder (6, 7) is provided for moving the main gripping arms relative to one another. The device also has at least one auxiliary gripping arm (3, 4) and at least one second hydraulic cylinder (8, 9) for moving the auxiliary gripping arm relative to the main gripping arms in order to press the element(s) against the main gripping arms. The second hydraulic cylinder (8, 9) is connected operationally to the first hydraulic cylinder (6, 7) in such a way that the movement of the auxiliary gripping arm (3, 4) is initiated only when the piston of the first hydraulic cylinder reaches a predetermined position.

Abstract: A two sided wafer handling end-effector provides for the efficient loading and unloading of wafers into and out of a wafer processing apparatus. Each side of the end-effector includes spaced apart rotatable catch mechanisms between which a wafer is firmly grasped. When the end-effector is positioned beneath the wafer processing apparatus the catch mechanisms are rotated to an open position and a lifting surface on the catch mechanisms lifts the wafer into the wafer processing apparatus. When the catch mechanisms are in the open position the wafer is centered on the end-effector by rotatable rocker assemblies that contact the edge of the wafer. As the end-effector is raised into contact with the processing apparatus, the rocker assemblies rotate to a lowered position in the end-effector while arcuate surfaces on the assemblies maintain contact with the wafer edge.

Abstract: A casing slip lifter includes a frame, upper and lower lift arm assemblies, at least one air cylinder connected to a pipe that rotates to pivot the arm assemblies, and a wrap arm to which the slips are attached and which is coupled to the arm assemblies by a hinge. The arm assemblies include mutually pivotable plates, one of which may be latched to enable the arm assemblies to be raised into one of two raised positions, depending on which the lower arm assembly is locked. The higher position permits the casing lifter to be used when centralizers are installed on the casing.

Abstract: A fork and jaw grapple having two forks and a jaw for wedging under, prying up, gripping, moving and handling materials. The forks have tips with angles for prying between and under materials. The jaw being a hydraulically actuated upper jaw that moves about a pivot point via a cylinder for grabbing, gripping and holding materials during pick-up, transport and place down.

Abstract: A two sided wafer handling end-effector provides for the efficient loading and unloading of wafers into and out of a wafer processing apparatus. Each side of the end-effector includes spaced apart rotatable catch mechanisms between which a wafer is firmly grasped. When the end-effector is positioned beneath the wafer processing apparatus, the catch mechanisms are rotated to an open position and a lifting surface on the catch mechanisms lifts the wafer into the wafer processing apparatus. When the catch mechanisms are in the open position, the wafer is centered on the end-effector by rotatable rocker assemblies that contact the edge of the wafer. As the end-effector is raised into contact with the processing apparatus, the rocker assemblies rotate to a lowered position in the end-effector while arcuate surfaces on the assemblies maintain contact with the wafer edge.

Abstract: The thumb is used on a hydraulic tool arm equipped with a scooping tool for selective co-operation between the scooping tool and the thumb. The thumb has a pair of generally parallel U-shaped lateral forks defining an opening therebetween for engagement of the tool arm between the forks. The forks define an inner end having a transverse coupling member for operative coupling of the thumb to the tool arm for movement of the thumb about the tool arm, and an outer free end opposite the inner end. The forks are significantly curved about a common axis.

Abstract: A grappling attachment which can be attached to a skid steer loader. A skid steer loader is a common construction vehicle which is small in size and which can be configured to connect to a number of attachments. The grappling attachment attaches to the front end of the skid steer loader and provides the skid steer loader with the capability of reach forward to grab an object to be lifted, grasping the object with grappling fingers, lifting the object, transporting the object with the skid steer loader, and then placing the object at a new location. The grappling attachment includes connection points for quickly attaching the grappling attachment to the skid steer loader.

Abstract: An improved gripping arm assembly including a two-piece gripper arm body construction which includes an arm clamp having alignment pins, and an arm main body with corresponding alignment holes for receiving the clamp pins, and a means for securably attaching the main body with the clamp. This two-piece gripper arm construction is simpler to remove than one-piece standard gripper arms. To replace a broken gripper arm with a new gripper arm only requires unscrewing fasteners holding the two-piece old gripper arm together allowing detachment of the broken gripper arm from the shaft, and clamping the two pieces of the new gripper arm together around the shafts and securing the screws and re-clipping an operating rod. The two-piece construction eliminates the need to remove a shaft from the machine or other gripper arms from the shaft when repairing or replacing one gripper arm or replacing or repairing a shaft having gripper arms mounted thereto.

Abstract: A cradle for placing a support in a mine. The cradle includes a housing for holding the mine support. The cradle includes an arm mechanism rotatably attached to the housing which has an open position that allows the support to enter the housing and a closed position which prevents the support from leaving the housing. The cradle includes an attachment mechanism connected to the housing for rotatably attaching the housing to a platform of a mechanism for moving the mine support. The attachment mechanism maintains the housing in the horizontal position or a vertical position. A method for placing a support in a mine. The method includes the steps of moving a support from a platform to a cradle. Then there is the step of rotating the cradle until the support is in a vertical position relative to ground. Next there is the step of placing the support on the ground. Then there is the step of separating the support from the cradle. Next there is the step of tensioning the support with the mine roof.

Abstract: A tool assembly using a fluid-powered actuator and including first and second tool members. The first tool member is pivotably connectable to a boom arm of a vehicle or stationary support platform for rotation about a first axis. The first tool member is also attached to a body of the actuator and the second tool members is attached to a shaft of the actuator so that operation of the actuator rotates the second tool member relative to the first tool member about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis and independent of rotation of the first tool member about the first axis. The second tool member is positioned to cooperatively engage the first tool member to assist in collection operations. The actuator has a generally cylindrical body with an output shaft rotatably disposed therein for rotation about the second axis.

Abstract: A tree felling and shaping apparatus is provided with a fully powered and controllable link system which links a tree processor head to a boom that is in turn mounted to a vehicle. The link system includes two powered pivoting joints and a rotary coupling of up to 360° disposed therebetween. Such a combination provides a great convenience for the manipulation of the tree felling and shaping apparatus, not only permitting a maximum angular adjustment of the tree processor head for all directional orientations whether the head is in an upright position for felling trees or the head is in a recumbent position for processing trees, but also performing a universal joint function to freely suspend the tree processor head from the boom without using a conventional uncontrollable universal joint. The present invention improves maneuverability of the tree felling and shaping machines and thereby increases work efficiency.