Abstract: A pipe snow removal device is supported for movement longitudinally along a pipe to clear snow and/or ice from the pipe. A main housing has boundary walls defining an outer boundary of a bounded space within a hollow interior of the main housing. An inner boundary of the bounded space is open to the pipe upon which the main housing is supported. A mounting arrangement supports the main housing relative to a work vehicle that is movable alongside the pipe to displace the main housing along the pipe. A heater heats the bounded space to melt the snow/ice on the pipe. A scraper assembly supported in leading relationship to the main housing clears loose snow before melting remaining snow and ice on the pipe as the housing passes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method of using a grapple assembly comprising grapple arms, mecanum wheels, and drive motors. The grapple assembly may use the grapple arms to grasp a pole and support the pole using the mecanum wheels. The drive motors may be configured to drive the mecanum wheels to rotate the mecanum wheels to provide translation and rotation of the pole. The method may be used for positioning and setting a pole, such as a utility pole.

Abstract: A loading device for lifting an elongated object having an elongate axis includes a frame having a first fulcrum surface and a second fulcrum surface, a first effector arm that pivots about the first fulcrum surface, a second effector arm that pivots about the second fulcrum surface, and an actuator moving the first effector arm and the second effector arm between a retracted position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A loading device for lifting an elongated object having an elongate axis includes a frame having a first fulcrum surface and a second fulcrum surface, a first effector arm that pivots about the first fulcrum surface, a second effector arm that pivots about the second fulcrum surface, and an actuator moving the first effector arm and the second effector arm between a retracted position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A kicker/indexer is provided for a pipe handler for moving pipe to and from the drill floor of a drilling rig. The kicker/indexer includes a frame that is configured to attach to a catwalk, a push block drive assembly for receiving and pushing pipe towards a trough located on the catwalk, and a kicker drive assembly for pushing pipe out of the trough. A pipe handler is provided that includes a catwalk attached to a lower frame with a pair of scissor-legs and a trough nested therein, the trough having an end that can be raised and moved towards the drill floor. The trough can further have a skate slidably disposed thereon to pushing pipe on the trough towards to the drill floor.

Abstract: A boom configured to maneuver large objects, such as sections of pipe, which comprises a machine guard assembly having a support member. The support member includes an outer support surface with a protective layer disposed thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus transforms a motorized frame mounted on crawler tracks and having a rotatable horizontal platform, into a pipeline laying machine or the like. A first structure is hinged to the platform on a horizontal axis at one end, at its other end, has a coupling intended to be secured to a track guide carriage. A second structure which, at its free end carries a lifting member, is hinged on a horizontal axis to the coupling.