Hydraulic collection tool

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. A linear-to-rotary transmission device disposed within the actuator body produces selective rotational movement of the shaft relative to the body and hence the second tool member relative to the first tool member. As the actuator goes through a range of motion the tool assembly moves between fully open and fully closed positions. In one embodiment, the actuator body is disposed in and attached to a protective support tube having the first tool member attached thereto. Other embodiments have further rotation and tilting assemblies to provide three orthogonal axes of rotation. Another attaches the tool members so that the first and second axes are coaxial.