US Patent 7854571 Systems and methods for handling piles

A pile driving system comprising an engaging system comprising a suspension system, a vibratory system, and first and second clamp assemblies. The primary housing is operatively supported by an arm assembly of a support system. The suspension system is configured to resiliently oppose movement of a secondary housing within a limited range of movement relative to a primary housing. The vibratory system is rigidly connected to the secondary housing. The first and second clamp to assemblies are supported by the secondary housing. In a first mode, the first clamp assembly rigidly connects the secondary housing to the pile, and in a second mode the second clamp assembly rigidly connects the secondary housing to the pile. The pile driving system drives the pile using a driving force generated by the support system and/or a vibrational force generated by the vibratory system.