Abstract: A boom system includes a boom turret, a brake for preventing rotational movement of the boom turret, and a controller for actuating the brake. The brake prevents movement of the turret when the turret is subject to rotational loading below a torque threshold and allows rotational movement of the turret when the turret is subject to rotational loading above the torque threshold. The controller dynamically adjusts the torque threshold in response to changes in the position of the boom during operation of the boom system, including applying a lower torque threshold when the boom is in a first position and applying a higher torque threshold when the boom is in a second position.

Abstract: A pivotable winch assembly for a wood chipper includes an attachment bracket permanently connected to the wood chipper, a boom pivotably coupled to the attachment bracket by a pivot pin such that pivoting of the boom helps to manipulate and draw material into the wood chipper, a pivot pin to enable the boom to pivot into a plurality of preferred positions with respect to the wood chipper, and a retention pin for securing the boom into the plurality of preferred positions.

Abstract: An operator cab for an operator of heavy equipment, the cab including a first opening and a second opening through which an operator can enter or exit the cab. The cab is mounted on the heavy equipment next to an implement for performing work. The first opening and the second opening of the cab are not generally parallel to each other. The cab is operable to rotate to a first position with respect to the deck of the heavy equipment, such that the operator can exit through the first opening and onto the deck. The cab is also operable to rotate to a second position with respect to the deck of the heavy equipment, such that the operator can exit through the second opening and onto the deck. The multiple openings in the cab assist the operator in safe ingress and egress to and from the deck and cab.

Abstract: A restraint system for restraining a worker to a platform of an aerial device comprises a restraint liner and a platform strap. The restraint liner includes four sidewalls, a floor, a lip, an interior anchor, and an exterior anchor. The floor may be coupled to one end of the four sidewalls, while the lip may be coupled to the opposing end of the four sidewalls and may extend therefrom. The interior anchor may be positioned on an interior surface of a first sidewall and operable to couple to a liner strap coupled to a worker. The exterior anchor may be positioned on an exterior surface of the first sidewall. The platform strap may be coupled to the exterior anchor and operable to couple to the platform.

Abstract: A machine operator safety system for selectively providing hydraulic power to a boom assembly of an aerial device upon attaching a lanyard. The machine operator safety system comprises a set of upper boom controls within the utility platform, a lanyard anchor housing with a lanyard anchor therein, an actuator for selectively positioning the lanyard anchor housing in either a first position or a second position, and a hydraulic valve. When the lanyard anchor housing is in the first position, which conceals the lanyard anchor, the hydraulic valve blocks the flow of hydraulic power to the set of upper boom controls. When the lanyard anchor housing is in the second position, which exposes the lanyard anchor for attachment of the lanyard, the hydraulic valve directs the flow of hydraulic power to the set of upper boom controls.

Abstract: A load guide for securing a load relative to a boom includes a base secured to the boom and a retractable arm assembly attached to the base. The base presents a front portion that is proximate a load supported by the boom. The arm assembly includes a pair of load-securing arms movably connected to the load guide base, each of the arms being movable between an operative position and a retracted position, wherein moving the arms from the operative position to the retracted position includes rotating each of the arms toward the other arm, and further includes translational movement of each of the arms away from the front portion of the load guide base.

Abstract: An operator cab for an operator of heavy equipment, the cab including a first opening and a second opening through which an operator can enter or exit the cab. The cab is mounted on the heavy equipment next to an implement for performing work. The first opening and the second opening of the cab are not generally parallel to each other. The cab is operable to rotate to a first position with respect to the deck of the heavy equipment, such that the operator can exit through the first opening and onto the deck. The cab is also operable to rotate to a second position with respect to the deck of the heavy equipment, such that the operator can exit through the second opening and onto the deck. The multiple openings in the cab assist the operator in safe ingress and egress to and from the deck and cab.

Abstract: A feed system for a woodchipper including a material-interface member for feeding material into a chipping mechanism of the woodchipper, an actuator for moving a material-interface member into interfacing and non-interfacing positions with the material, a sensor for detecting an operational parameter of the woodchipper, and a controller to direct the actuator. The controller operates by receiving the operational parameter of the woodchipper, establishing a normative operating value, and determining if the woodchipper is a first status or a second status based on a comparison between the operational parameter and the normative operating value. If the woodchipper is a first status, the controller instructs the actuator to move the material-interface member into the interfacing position. If the woodchipper is a second status, moving the material-interface member into a non-interfacing position.

Abstract: A drawer system and method for carrying and transporting tools and equipment on a vehicle. In particular, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a drawer system mounted into the rear section of a utility truck and that includes a drawer that is accessible from either side of the truck. Further, the drawer system of the present invention includes multiple catch points that permit the drawer to be securely arranged in a plurality of preferred extension positions.

Abstract: A restraint system for restraining a worker to a platform of an aerial device comprises a restraint liner and a platform strap. The restraint liner includes four sidewalls, a floor, a lip, an interior anchor, and an exterior anchor. The floor may be coupled to one end of the four sidewalls, while the lip may be coupled to the opposing end of the four sidewalls and may extend therefrom. The interior anchor may be positioned on an interior surface of a first sidewall and operable to couple to a liner strap coupled to a worker. The exterior anchor may be positioned on an exterior surface of the first sidewall. The platform strap may be coupled to the exterior anchor and operable to couple to the platform.

Abstract: A pivotable winch assembly for a wood chipper includes an attachment bracket permanently connected to the wood chipper, a boom pivotably coupled to the attachment bracket by a pivot pin such that pivoting of the boom helps to manipulate and draw material into the wood chipper, a pivot pin to enable the boom to pivot into a plurality of preferred positions with respect to the wood chipper, and a retention pin for securing the boom into the plurality of preferred positions.

Abstract: A restraint system for restraining a worker to a platform of an aerial device comprises a restraint liner and a platform strap. The restraint liner includes four sidewalls, a floor, a lip, an interior anchor, and an exterior anchor. The floor may be coupled to one end of the four sidewalls, while the lip may be coupled to the opposing end of the four sidewalls and may extend therefrom. The interior anchor may be positioned on an interior surface of a first sidewall and operable to couple to a liner strap coupled to a worker. The exterior anchor may be positioned on an exterior surface of the first sidewall. The platform strap may be coupled to the exterior anchor and operable to couple to the platform.

Abstract: A boom system includes a boom turret, a brake for preventing rotational movement of the boom turret, and a controller for actuating the brake. The brake prevents movement of the turret when the turret is subject to rotational loading below a torque threshold and allows rotational movement of the turret when the turret is subject to rotational loading above the torque threshold. The controller dynamically adjusts the torque threshold in response to changes in the position of the boom during operation of the boom system, including applying a lower torque threshold when the boom is in a first position and applying a higher torque threshold when the boom is in a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system directed to a towed device powered by a tow vehicle. The apparatus and system include a woodchipper configured to be mounted on a towed vehicle, with the towed vehicle configured to be towed behind the tow vehicle. Additionally, a motor may be coupled to the woodchipper to provide power to the woodchipper. A power converter obtains power from the tow vehicle from a power takeoff coupled to the tow vehicle. Further, one or more power transfer lines connect the power converter with the motor to communicate motor-operating power from the power converter to the motor.

Abstract: A control system optimized for low-power operation includes an electronic valve controller for controlling a hydraulic valve and a control interface for receiving operating commands from a user and communicating the operating commands to the electronic valve controller. The control interface includes a multi-function single hand control with a plurality of position indicating elements for detecting actuation of the single hand control, a master enable associated with all of the position indicating elements, and a plurality of individual enable elements each associated with one of the position indicating elements. A controller directs operation of the control interface and is configured to sample a position indicating element only if the master enable is asserted and the corresponding individual enable element is asserted. Other aspects of the control system minimize power consumption, including fast sampling that allows the controller to spend more time in a low power mode.

Abstract: A drawer system and method for carrying and transporting tools and equipment on a vehicle. In particular, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a drawer system mounted into the rear section of a utility truck and that includes a drawer that is accessible from either side of the truck. Further, the drawer system of the present invention includes multiple catch points that permit the drawer to be securely arranged in a plurality of preferred extension positions.

Abstract: An aerial work assembly including components having composite materials including a fabric-reinforced resin for providing electrically non-conductive assembly, by insulating and/or isolating conductive components.

Abstract: A method of electrically insulating one or more components of a boom assembly involves applying a seamless coating of dielectric material to an outer surface of each of one or more boom assembly components, the boom assembly components being constructed of metal or other electrically conductive material. The dielectric material is applied as a liquid and, when hardened, creates a seamless, electrically insulating barrier on the boom assembly components to which it is applied. A layer of ultraviolet radiation protective material may be applied on top of the layer of dielectric material to protect the dielectric material from ultraviolet degradation. The boom assembly components may be painted or otherwise treated prior to the application of the dielectric material.

Abstract: An isolation mechanism for electrically isolating a control input mechanism of an otherwise substantially conventional boomed apparatus (12), such as, for example, an aerial device, digger derrick, or crane, having a workstation (14) coupled with a movable boom (16), wherein the isolation mechanism allows a worker to control movement of the boom (16) and positioning of the work station (14) while protecting against electrical discharge along substantially any path which includes the control input mechanism. In a first embodiment, the isolation mechanism takes the form of an improved control input mechanism (10), portions of which are constructed of or covered with an electrically non-conducting material. In a second embodiment, the isolation mechanism takes the form of a boom extension (110) constructed of or covered with electrically non-conductive material. In a third embodiment, the improved control input mechanism (10) and the boom extension (110) are combined.

Abstract: An isolation mechanism for electrically isolating a control input mechanism of an otherwise substantially conventional boomed apparatus (12), such as, for example, an aerial device, digger derrick, or crane, having a workstation (14) coupled with a movable boom (16), wherein the isolation mechanism allows a worker to control movement of the boom (16) and positioning of the work station (14) while protecting against electrical discharge along substantially any path which includes the control input mechanism. In a first embodiment, the isolation mechanism takes the form of an improved control input mechanism (10), portions of which are constructed of or covered with an electrically non-conducting material. In a second embodiment, the isolation mechanism takes the form of a boom extension (110) constructed of or covered with electrically non-conductive material. In a third embodiment, the improved control input mechanism (10) and the boom extension (110) are combined.