Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
An earthmoving machine comprising a boom (8) pivotally mounted intermediate its ends about a generally horizontal axis (9), an arm (12) pivotally mounted at one end of the boom, and a movable counterweight (22) at the other end of the boom, characterized in that the counterweight (22) moves radially outwardly along the boom (8) relative to the pivot axis (9) of the boom simultaneously with radial outward pivoting of the arm (12) relative to the pivot axis (9) of the boom in order to maintain the desired degree of balance of the machine.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
An earthmoving machine comprising a boom (8) pivotally mounted intermediate its ends about a generally horizontal axis (9), an arm (12) pivotally mounted at one end of the boom, and a movable counterweight (22) at the other end of the boom, characterized in that the counterweight (22) moves radially outwardly along the boom (8) relative to the pivot axis (9) of the boom simultaneously with radial outward pivoting of the arm (12) relative to the pivot axis (9) of the boom in order to maintain the desired degree of balance of the machine.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the arm (12) is moved by one or more cables (18), the or each cable (18) being actuated directly by a hydraulic ram (24).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
A machine according to claim 2, wherein the or each cable is attached to the counterweight (22) and the counterweight is actuated by one or more hydraulic rams (24) so that movement of the ram controls outward movement of the counterweight and, simultaneously, movement of the arm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A machine according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the or each cable passes around a respective quadrant (20) concentric with the pivot point (13) of the arm (12) on the boom (8).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
72 words
A machine according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the end of the arm (12) remote from the boom (8) is attached to a cable (26) which extends from a winch (25) mounted on the machine remote from the pivot point of the arm on the boom, whereby the arm can be drawn inwards towards the pivot point (9) of the boom (8) by means of the winch.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
A machine according to claim 3 and claim 5, characterized in that the winch motor (25') and counterweight ram (24) are interconnected hydraulically to prevent operation of the one when the other is operated.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
71 words
A machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the winch motor (25) and the ram (24) are operated by a common lever valve (43), movement of the lever in the one direction-causing operation of the ram (24) to extend the arm (12) and movement of the lever in the opposite direction causing operation of the winch to draw-in the cable (26) and thus the free end of the arm (12).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the arm (12) is arranged to move relative to the boom (8) by means of a hydraulic ram (36).
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A machine according to claim 1, wherein the counterweight is moved by means of a hydraulic ram (24).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
52 words
A machine according to claim 8 and claim 9, wherein the rams (24) and (36) are hydraulically interconnected so that movement of the ram (36) to extend or outwardly pivot the arm (34) is accompanied by simultaneous operation of the ram (24) to move the counterweight (22) radially outwardly along the boom.