Abstract: A boom assembly includes a first boom member and a second boom member slidable relative to the first member in a first direction. A stop member that at least partially defines a receptacle is attached to the first member. A closure member is attachable to the first member in a fixed position and movable away from the fixed position. A planar wearpad is insertable into the receptacle in the first direction when the closure member is moved away from the fixed position and the second member is positioned on the first member. The stop and closure members inhibit lateral movement of the wearpad in a direction parallel to the plane of the wearpad, and allow movement of the wearpad in a direction transverse to the plane, when the wearpad is positioned in the receptacle. The second member inhibits movement of the wearpad in the direction transverse to the plane.

Abstract: A leveling system for a structure to be leveled is provided. At least one linear accelerometer is mounted to measure acceleration in a principal plane of motion of a lift structure. An angular rate sensor is mounted to measure angular velocity about an axis perpendicular to the principal plane of motion of the lift structure. An electronic control module is configured to use measurements from angular rate and accelerometer sensors to produce a level angle output. The level angle output is used to adjust and control a level angle of the structure to be leveled.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a chassis having a footprint, a load carrying structure, and a support assembly coupling the chassis and the structure. The support assembly is adapted to move the structure relative to the chassis between a stowed position and a deployed position outboard of the footprint of the chassis. A plurality of wheels is configured to roll on the support surface and a plurality of axles coupling the wheels to the chassis are provided. Each axle includes at least one spindle supporting an individual wheel for rotation on a spindle axis. A steering system is adapted to position the wheels between driving and rotation arrangements with respect to the chassis such that in the rotating arrangement each of the plurality of wheels rotate relative to the chassis whereby the chassis, the platform and the support assembly may rotate in unison about the steer axis.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided with a prime mover connected to a first fixed displacement pump having a maximum flow A, a hydraulic loop connected to a system of valves and actuators, a second fixed displacement pump having a maximum flow B in fluid communication with the loop, an electric machine operable as one of a motor and a generator connected to the second pump and electrically coupled to a battery, and a controller connected to the prime mover and the electric machine. The hydraulic loop is in fluid communication with the first pump with a first check valve. The second pump is arranged in parallel with the first pump.

Abstract: A vehicle controlled via a joystick has a turn request mode and a return to center request. While the operator is requesting a turn, steered wheels are turned at a predetermined rate, steering angle continuing to change while the turn request is being applied. When the operator ceases requesting a turn, the return to center mode is invoked: a direction of a virtual wheel of the vehicle is determined and such direction is maintained. A vehicle angular velocity is computed based on vehicle velocity and a virtual steering angle, which is the angle between the direction the virtual wheel is pointing and the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. To maintain the direction of the virtual wheel during a return to center, the virtual wheel is turned at an angular velocity equal in magnitude to the angular velocity of the vehicle and in a direction to return to center.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an engine connected to a hydraulic pump in fluid communication with a hydrostatic drive system and at least one of a plurality of traction devices connected to a hydrostatic drive motor. The vehicle also has a battery coupled to an electric machine coupled to at least one of the remaining plurality of traction devices. The electric machine acts as a motor to propel the vehicle or a generator to charge the battery. A vehicle is provided with a hydraulic drive system and an electric drive system each operably connected to a fraction device. Power may be transferable from the first drive system to the second drive system by way of ground coupling between the traction devices.

Abstract: A bell crank and a mechanical link are included in an aerial lift system to mechanically constrain motion of a two-boom aerial lift mechanism to prevent the aerial lift system from accessing unstable positions. Typically an aerial lift is coupled to a vehicle via a turntable. The turntable includes a counterweight on a rearward side of the turntable to balance the booms and associated hardware as they are extended in a forward direction. If the booms are in certain rearward, or even vertical positions, the counterweight can cause the vehicle to tip and such unstable positions are to be avoided. By providing the bell crank proximate the pivot joint between upper and lower booms, with the bell crank coupling at pivot joints with: the lower boom, the mechanical link, and an upper hydraulic cylinder, the booms of the aerial lift system are mechanically constrained to avoid vehicle tipping.

Abstract: A vehicle for lifting a load with respect to a support surface includes a load carrying member configured to carry the load, a frame, and a support assembly coupling the load carrying member and the frame. The support assembly is configured to move the load carrying member between stowed and deployed positions with respect to the flame. The vehicle further includes a plurality of motion devices that support the frame relative to the support surface, and the motion devices are configured to move the frame along the support surface. In addition, the vehicle includes a control system associated with the motion devices and configured to determine contact forces between the motion devices and the support surface. The control system is further configured to determine stability of the vehicle based on the contact forces.

Abstract: A telematics system includes a central system, a telematics server unit, and a telematics local unit. The central system receives and processes information relating to a plurality of pieces of equipment located remotely from the central system, and provides services relating to the information to an end user. The telematics server unit includes a telecommunications device for wirelessly communicating with the central system. The telematics local unit installs at a piece of equipment and includes an input for receiving a condition of the piece of equipment. The telematics local unit further includes a local communications device for wirelessly communicating with the telematics server unit. The telematics server unit provides and facilitates communication between the telematics local unit and the central system.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed toward vehicle support systems. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base. A control mechanism can couple the first and second support assemblies together and be configured to control pivotal movement of the support assemblies between spread and stowed positions. In another embodiment, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base and to first and second wheel assemblies. First and second steering mechanisms can be coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies and the first and second support assemblies. A control system can be operatively coupled to the first and second steering mechanisms and can be configured to command selected angular positions of the first and second wheel assemblies relative to the base by compensating for the support assemblies being in various positions.

Abstract: A vehicle with a variable-length wheelbase is disclosed. The vehicle of one embodiment has a first body portion coupled to a first set of wheels and a second body portion coupled to a second set of wheels to define a vehicle wheelbase. The first and second body portions are moveable relative to each other in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, so as to move the base between extended and retracted positions. When the base is in the retracted position the vehicle's wheelbase has a first length, and when the base is in the extended position the wheelbase has a second length greater than the first length. A boom is pivotally coupled to the base. The boom moves toward a lowered position when the base is moved toward the extended position, and the boom moves toward a raised position when the base is moved toward the retracted position.

Abstract: A vehicle with a variable-length wheelbase is disclosed. The vehicle of one embodiment has a first body portion coupled to a first set of wheels and a second body portion coupled to a second set of wheels to define a vehicle wheelbase. The first and second body portions are moveable relative to each other in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, so as to move the base between extended and retracted positions. When the base is in the retracted position the vehicle's wheelbase has a first length, and when the base is in the extended position the wheelbase has a second length greater than the first length. A boom is pivotally coupled to the base. The boom moves toward a lowered position when the base is moved toward the extended position, and the boom moves toward a raised position when the base is moved toward the retracted position.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed toward vehicle support systems. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base. A control mechanism can couple the first and second support assemblies together and be configured to control pivotal movement of the support assemblies between spread and stowed positions. In another embodiment, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base and to first and second wheel assemblies. First and second steering mechanisms can be coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies and the first and second support assemblies. A control system can be operatively coupled to the first and second steering mechanisms and can be configured to command selected angular positions of the first and second wheel assemblies relative to the base by compensating for the support assemblies being in various positions.

Abstract: A structural member is provided in an embodiment for a lift assembly. The structural member comprises an elongated member having a pair of spaced apart sidewalls with a pair of aligned apertures therein. A joint assembly comprises a support member is positioned between the sidewalls and aligned with the apertures. The support member has an outer dimension greater than the diameter of the apertures so the support member will not pass through the apertures. An interior sleeve is disposed adjacent to the support member and extends through the apertures. The interior sleeve has end portions projecting beyond the sidewalls. The end portions are cold worked, radially flared portions adjacent to the sidewalls. The radially flared portions have an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the apertures. A portion of the sidewalls around the apertures are fixedly captured between the radially flared portion of the interior sleeve and the support member.

Abstract: A linear actuator assembly having a cylinder body and an actuator rod slideably disposed in the cylinder body. The actuator rod has a forward end portion exterior of the cylinder body. An end plug is connected the cylinder body and closes an end portion of the cylinder body. A first retaining member is coupled to the actuator rod and is connectable to a first mounting portion to allow the actuator rod to pivot. A second retaining member removably engages the end plug and the rear end portion of the cylinder body. The second retaining member is connectable to the second mounting portion to allow the cylinder body to pivot about the second retaining member relative to the second mounting portion. The second retaining member retains the end plug within the rear end portion of the cylinder. The end plug can be removed from the cylinder body upon disengagement of the second retaining member from the end plug.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed toward vehicle support systems. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base. A control mechanism can couple the first and second support assemblies together and be configured to control pivotal movement of the support assemblies between spread and stowed positions. In another embodiment, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base and to first and second wheel assemblies. First and second steering mechanisms can be coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies and the first and second support assemblies. A control system can be operatively coupled to the first and second steering mechanisms and can be configured to command selected angular positions of the first and second wheel assemblies relative to the base by compensating for the support assemblies being in various positions.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed toward vehicle support systems. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base. A control mechanism can couple the first and second support assemblies together and be configured to control pivotal movement of the support assemblies between spread and stowed positions. In another embodiment, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base and to first and second wheel assemblies. First and second steering mechanisms can be coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies and the first and second support assemblies. A control system can be operatively coupled to the first and second steering mechanisms and can be configured to command selected angular positions of the first and second wheel assemblies relative to the base by compensating for the support assemblies being in various positions.

Abstract: Light adjustment apparatuses and methods for adjusting light assemblies are disclosed herein. One embodiment can include a light holder having a housing, a mounting bracket coupled to the housing, a support member rotatably attached to the mounting bracket, and a lock to restrict the mounting bracket from rotating relative to the support member about an axis of rotation. In another embodiment, a method is provided for adjusting a light assembly. The method includes removing a lock from a first lock receiver in a mounting bracket and a second lock receiver in a support member; rotating the mounting bracket and a light assembly attached to the mounting bracket as a unit so that the light is aimed at a selected orientation; aligning a third lock receiver in the mounting bracket with the second lock receiver in the support member; and placing the lock in the third lock receiver of the mounting bracket and the second lock receiver of the support member.

Abstract: A light tilting apparatus usable with an extendable light. In one embodiment, a mobile lighting system includes a tiltable light assembly mounted to an extendable tower on a trailer. The tiltable light assembly includes one or more lights fixedly mounted to a tilting member pivotably mounted to the extendable tower. A linkage operably connected to the tilting member at one end has a catch on a distal end. A linkage regulator attached to the extendable tower has a guide portion for the linkage to pass through as the extendable tower is extended and retracted. The linkage regulator is configured to engage the catch on the distal end of the linkage when the extendable tower reaches a preselected extension position restricting further motion of the linkage in the direction of tower extension. The linkage causes the tilting member to pivot and rotate the lights downward with continued extension of the extendable tower past the preselected extension position.

Abstract: A mobile lift having extendable axes that is capable of switching between front-wheel steer, rear-wheel steer, all-wheel steer, and crab steer without resulting in undesirable tire scrubbing or unfavorable steering geometry. One embodiment provides a mobile personnel lift having a chassis supported by steerable front and rear wheel sets. The steerable wheel sets are mounted on axles that are extendable and retractable. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is pivotally coupled between each steerable wheel and its corresponding axle for turning the wheel. A microprocessor controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders. Sensors positioned adjacent to each wheel measure the angular position of each wheel relative to the chassis, and transmit this information to the microprocessor to synchronize the wheels as required to provide the optimum steering geometry for the selected mode.