High-power rescue tool

Abstract

The invention comprises a hydraulic rescue tool which is useful in extricating victims .[.form.]. .Iadd.from .Iaddend.traffic accidents. The tool can perform three basic functions: pushing, pulling, and cutting. The tool comprises a pair of pivotably mounted arms connected to each other within a common yoke. The arms are forced together or apart by a hydraulically operated piston. Attached to the arms are a pair of cutting blades. The arms are made of a graphite laminate composite material for increased strength.

What is claimed is: .[.1. A rescue tool, comprising: 
     
        together by fastening means on the exterior of the yoke..]. .Iadd.12.  A high-power, portable rescue tool, comprising: a frame,   a pair of substantially flat arms, the arms being pivotably mounted in a common yoke, the yoke being attached to a piston means disposed within the frame, the frame defining a region within which the piston means can move upward and downward, wherein upward movement of the piston means causes the arms to separate, and wherein downward movement of the piston means causes the arms to come together,   the arms being connected to the frame by a pair of links, the links being spaced equidistant from the yoke, the links being pivotably mounted to the frame and to the arms,   hydraulic means for moving the piston means upward and downward within the frame, and   blade means attached to the arms, the blade means being distinct from the arms, the arms being constructed of a lightweight material. .Iaddend.   
     
     
        .Iadd.13.  A high-power, portable rescue tool, comprising: a frame,   a pair of substantially flat arms, the arms being pivotably mounted in a common yoke, the yoke being attached to a piston means disposed within the frame, the frame defining a region within which the piston means can move upward and downward, wherein upward movement of the piston means causes the arms to separate, and wherein downward movement of the piston means causes the arms to come together,   the arms being connected to the frame by a pair of links, the links being spaced equidistant from the yoke, the links being pivotably mounted to the frame and to the arms,   hydraulic means for moving the piston means upward and downward within the frame, and   blade means attached to the arms, the blade means being distinct from the arms, the arms being constructed of a lightweight material,   wherein the arms are held within the yoke by a pair of substantially flat yoke members, the sides of the arms opposite the yoke members both having a recess, each recess being shaped to receive one of the blade means, wherein each blade means, in combination with its associated arm, forms a substantially flat surface, wherein both of the flat surfaces formed by the respective arms and blade means are held firmly against each other within the yoke. .Iaddend. .Iadd.14. A high-power, portable rescue tool, comprising:   a frame,   a pair of substantially flat arms, the arms being pivotably mounted in a common yoke, the yoke being attached to a piston means disposed within the frame, the frame defining a region within which the piston means can move upward and downward, wherein upward movement of the piston means causes the arms to separate, and wherein downward movement of the piston means causes the arms to come together,   the arms being connected to the frame by a pair of links, the links being spaced equidistant from the yoke, the links being pivotably mounted to the frame and to the arms,   means for introducing high-pressure fluid into spaces on either side of the piston means, such that the piston means may be moved upward and downward within the frame, in response to the pressure of fluid, and   blade means attached to the arms, the blade means being distinct from the arms, the arms being constructed of a lightweight material,   wherein the arms are held within the yoke by a pair of substantially flat yoke members, the sides of the arms opposite the yoke members both having a recess, each recess being shaped to receive one of the blade means, wherein each blade means, in combination with its associated arm, forms a substantially flat surface, wherein both of the flat surfaces formed by the respective arms and blade means are held firmly against each other within the yoke, and   wherein the introducing means comprises a reservoir for storing fluid, duct means for carrying fluid out of and into the reservoir, a four-port valve means connected to the duct means and to the spaces adjacent to the piston means, and means for pumping fluid out of the reservoir and towards the   
     
     
        valve means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.15.  A high-power, portable rescue tool, comprising: a frame,   a pair of arms, the arms being pivotably mounted in a common yoke, the yoke being attached to a piston means disposed within the frame, the frame defining a region within which the piston means can move upward and downward, wherein upward movement of the piston means causes the arms to separate, and wherein downward movement of the piston means causes the arms to come together,   the arms being connected to the frame by a pair of links, the links being pivotably mounted to the frame and to the arms,   hydraulic means for moving the piston means upward and downward within the frame, and   blade means attached to the arms, the blade means being distinct from the arms, the arms being constructed of a lightweight material. .Iaddend.