Abstract: A lift system is coupled between a work platform and a mast on a mast lift. The lift system includes an overload clutch that slips upon an overload on the lift system, an overrun brake that prevents the lift system from running beyond a fully lowered position and that prevents the lift system from running if the platform is hung up, and an emergency brake. The lift system is safe and lightweight and is effective for controlling a position of the work platform on the mast.

Abstract: A cylinder length sensor mounting and retaining assembly for a hydraulic cylinder includes a casing attachable to a blind end of the cylinder, a sensor retention cap affixable to the casing adjacent the blind end of the cylinder, and a locking pin extendable through the casing and positioned adjacent the sensor retention cap. The assembly facilitates sensor removal without requiring disassembly of the cylinder.

Abstract: A multi-stage mast module is cooperable with a mast lift. The mast lift includes a base supporting the multi-stage mast module and a platform coupled with the multi-stage mast module. The multi-stage mast module includes a mast unit including a plurality of telescoping mast sections, and a multi-stage drive connected between the telescoping mast sections of the mast unit. Gas springs are connected between the telescoping mast sections of the mast unit.

Abstract: A selectable flow divider drive system includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a plurality of drive motors in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid reservoir. A hydraulic pump is connected between the hydraulic fluid reservoir and the plurality of drive motors and directs hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid reservoir to the plurality of motors. The hydraulic pump is operable in a high flow condition and a low flow condition. A flow divider component is interposed between the hydraulic pump and the plurality of motors. The flow divider component selectively divides hydraulic fluid flow to each of the plurality of drive motors, where a flow divider of the flow divider component is sized for the low flow condition of the hydraulic pump. A bypass valve is disposed upstream of the flow divider that selectively bypasses the flow divider when the hydraulic pump is operated in the high flow condition.

Abstract: A lift system is coupled between a work platform and a mast on a mast lift. The lift system includes at least one lifting rope connected between the work platform and the mast via an idler roller and a hoist drum connected to the work platform. The idler roller is displaceable between an engaged position and a disengaged position based on an amount of tension on the lifting rope. A spring is connected to the idler roller and urges the idler roller toward the engaged position. A carriage latch assembly includes a carriage latch hook coupled with the idler roller and a pin secured to the mast. When the idler roller is disposed in the engaged position, the carriage latch hook is engageable with the pin.

Abstract: A tower boom path is controlled in a boom lift vehicle such that the tower boom nose pin follows a predetermined path. The boom lift vehicle includes a telescoping lift tower boom pivotally coupled at one end to a vehicle base. A main boom is pivotally coupled to the tower boom nose pin at an opposite end of the tower boom. Raising and lowering of the tower boom between a fully retracted position and a raised position is effected by pivoting the tower boom relative to the vehicle base and telescoping the tower boom. The raised position is defined according to any position up to a maximum angle of the tower boom relative to the vehicle base and a maximum boom length. In order to reduce vehicle weight and expedite the tower boom lift function, pivoting of the tower boom relative to the vehicle base and telescoping of the tower boom are performed simultaneously so that the tower boom nose pin follows the predetermined path.

Abstract: A platform for an aerial lift enables unobstructed access to a work area adjacent the platform. The platform includes a floor structure with front and rear sides and ends, and a safety rail disposed along at least the front side. The safety rail includes an entry gate. A lift gate is pivotably attached to the safety rail and pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The lift gate includes a gate rail extending along the rear side of the floor structure and a pair of lift rails connected between the gate rail and the safety rail. The gate rail is pivotable relative to the lift rails between an extended position and a retracted position. In this manner, the lift gate can be raised without the gate rail impacting the work surface.

Abstract: A retractable wheel assembly includes a wheel frame supporting a wheel, and a pivot bracket assembly secured to the wheel frame. The pivot bracket assembly is displaceable between an extended position and a retracted position. A biasing mechanism is coupled with the pivot bracket assembly. The biasing mechanism urges the pivot bracket assembly toward the extended position when the pivot bracket assembly is in the extended position and urges the pivot bracket assembly toward the retracted position when the pivot bracket assembly is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A lift system is coupled between a work platform and a mast on a mast lift. The lift system includes an overload clutch that slips upon an overload on the lift system, an overrun brake that prevents the lift system from running beyond a fully lowered position and that prevents the lift system from running if the platform is hung up, and an emergency brake. The lift system is safe and lightweight and is effective for controlling a position of the work platform on the mast.

Abstract: A slip clutch acts between a shaft and a housing. The slip clutch includes an oil reservoir within the housing and one or more slipping surfaces disposed in the oil reservoir that are keyed to the shaft and possibly alternately to the housing. The slipping surfaces may include stacked plates or washers. Each of the washers includes an oil groove or other structure on one surface thereof that maintains a consistent film of oil on the washer surfaces. The stacked washers slip relative to one another such that the shaft rotates relative to the housing upon an application of torque that exceeds a predetermined torque.

Abstract: An attachment for a telescopic material handler supplies five degrees of freedom (DOF) for the task of picking, manipulating and aiding in the installation of vertical and horizontal wall cladding and other construction materials. The cladding can be of a size up to 1.3×8.0 m and a mass of 350 kg. The control and positioning of the load is accomplished through standard operation of the telehandler in conjunction with wireless control of the five DOF of the device. Hydraulic power for the device functions may be supplied through the telehandler auxiliary circuit. The auxiliary flow also powers a hydraulic generator, which supplies the device with electrical power for both system logic and control and vacuum generation. The cladding panels are handled by the vacuum system.

Abstract: A load equalizing rope termination serves to prevent a load imbalance between a pair of rope leads of a rope termination. The rope termination includes an end section such as an end loop and the pair of rope leads attached to a pair of rope ends. A rope termination fitting includes a base support member over which the end section is supported, and a pair of load equalizing support members disposed upstream of the base support member and over which the rope ends are supported. The engagement between the rope ends and the equalizing support members prevents a load imbalance of the rope leads.

Abstract: A method of activating a drive system with a portable power source includes performing at least two actions between the power source and the drive system to effect activation. Performing any one of the two actions without the other of the two actions will not activate the drive system. The power source is preferably a hand-held power drill or a power pack.

Abstract: A panel installation apparatus is cooperable with an aerial work platform of a lift vehicle for installation of panels on a surface. The apparatus includes a trolley movable on at least one rail supported by the aerial work platform between a displaced position spaced from the surface and engaged position adjacent the surface. The trolley is sized to support a panel to be installed. At least one mounting unit is fixed to the aerial work platform via a mounting unit frame and pivotable between a receiving position adjacent the trolley in the engaged position and an installing position adjacent the surface. The mounting unit includes at least one fixing unit selectively attachable to the panel. With the panel delivered to the mounting unit, the mounting unit can be pivoted and secured to the panel via the fixing unit, and the panel can be subsequently pivoted adjacent the surface for installation.

Abstract: A scissors lift includes a scissors arm assembly secured at one end to a base and coupled with a lift mechanism that expands and contracts the scissors arm assembly. A platform is supported at an opposite end of the scissors arm assembly via a plurality of load sensing pins that detect a vertical load on the platform. An interface module receives signals from the load sensing pins and communicates with the lift mechanism, wherein the interface module controls operation of lift functions and the lift mechanism according to the signals from the load sensing pins. Preferably, the load sensing pins are sized substantially the same as the conventional pins they replace. As a consequence, no redesign or additional structures are necessary to install the load sensing system and provide a safe operation of the scissors lift machine.

Abstract: A load equalizing rope termination serves to prevent a load imbalance between a pair of rope leads of a rope termination. The rope termination includes an end section such as an end loop and the pair of rope leads attached to a pair of rope ends. A rope termination fitting includes a base support member over which the end section is supported, and a pair of load equalizing support members disposed upstream of the base support member and over which the rope ends are supported. The engagement between the rope ends and the equalizing support members prevents a load imbalance of the rope leads.

Abstract: The present invention is a rotatable work machine that includes a lower frame assembly having a recessed area in which the operator portion of an upper frame assembly and power source are at least partially positioned. Further, a method of manufacturing and assembling the lower frame assembly enables various size configurations for the work machine. The method of manufacturing and assembling the work machine, along with the specific design and positioning of the various components therein, enhances stability, clearance, and operator visibility with reduced costs and complexity.

Abstract: A method of activating a drive system with a portable power source includes performing at least two actions between the power source and the drive system to effect activation. Performing any one of the two actions without the other of the two actions will not activate the drive system. The power source is preferably a hand-held power drill or a power pack.

Abstract: A slip clutch acts between a shaft and a housing. The slip clutch includes an oil reservoir within the housing and one or more slipping surfaces disposed in the oil reservoir that are keyed to the shaft and possibly alternately to the housing. The slipping surfaces may include stacked plates or washers. Each of the washers includes an oil groove or other structure on one surface thereof that maintains a consistent film of oil on the washer surfaces. The stacked washers slip relative to one another such that the shaft rotates relative to the housing upon an application of torque that exceeds a predetermined torque.