Abstract: A platform assembly includes a work platform including a platform floor and a safety rail extending from the platform floor to a rail height, and a primary sensor unit secured to the work platform and positioned adjacent one of the platform floor and the safety rail. The primary sensor unit is configured to monitor an area from the platform floor or from the safety rail to a space above the rail height and forward and aft of the work platform. The platform assembly enhances protection for an operator from sustained involuntary operation resulting in an impact with an obstruction or structure.

Abstract: A system for protecting an operator on an aerial work platform from a crushing hazard includes a sensor, such as opto-electric sensor, positionable adjacent the control panel area. A control system is programmed to control operation of the driving components based on signals from the sensor.

Abstract: A platform assembly includes a work platform including a platform floor and a safety rail extending from the platform floor to a rail height, and a primary sensor unit secured to the work platform and positioned adjacent one of the platform floor and the safety rail. The primary sensor unit is configured to monitor an area from the platform floor or from the safety rail to a space above the rail height and forward and aft of the work platform. The platform assembly enhances protection for an operator from sustained involuntary operation resulting in an impact with an obstruction or structure.

Abstract: A vehicle control station includes a hand rest and at least one micro-joystick positioned relative to the hand rest such that the hand rest is configured to locate an operator's hand and fingers in position to operate the at least one micro-joystick. A function enable switch is configured to activate the at least one micro-joystick.

Abstract: A platform assembly includes a work platform including a platform floor and a safety rail extending from the platform floor to a rail height, and a primary sensor unit secured to the work platform and positioned adjacent the platform floor. The primary sensor unit is configured to monitor an area from the platform floor to a space above the rail height and forward and aft of the work platform. The platform assembly enhances protection for an operator from sustained involuntary operation resulting in an impact with an obstruction or structure.

Abstract: A mobile elevating work platform includes a chassis and fixed wheels, caster wheels, and a driving and steering wheel secured to the chassis. A control implement coupled with the driving and steering wheel is configured to adjust a steering position of the driving and steering wheel. A drive motor is operable to drive the driving and steering wheel. A platform may be raisable and lowerable with a mast assembly. The control implement may be adjustable to accommodate operator physical characteristics.

Abstract: A load sensing system measures lift cylinder pressure and platform height to estimate platform load. The system functions to prevent overload and is designed to comply with regulatory requirements. The system provides the advantages of a force-based approach using simple, lower cost pressure-based measurement components.

Abstract: A pothole protection mechanism provides additional support for a lift vehicle in the event a wheel is driven into a hole while the platform is elevated. The mechanism includes a pair of extendible and retractable pothole protection bars. A mechanism serves to actuate the pothole protection mechanism based on a position of the vehicle lifting section. Components are included to provide support when deployed, to assist in deploying, and to enable platform lift down in the event that the pothole protection bars are stuck in the deployed position.

Abstract: A platform load sensing system connected between a boom and a platform includes an upper bearing link connecting the boom side to the platform side, and a lower bearing link connecting the boom side to the platform side. The upper and lower bearing links are configured to allow for relative motion between the boom side and the platform side. A load member is secured to the platform side between the upper and lower bearing links, and a load cell is secured to the boom side. A load moment on the platform side is functionally eliminated by the upper and lower bearing links, and a vertical load on the platform side is transferred through the load member to the load cell.

Abstract: A control box and operator interface for an industrial vehicle includes a left thumb joystick controller, a right thumb joystick controller, and integrated handles positioned adjacent the left thumb joystick controller and the right thumb joystick controller, respectively. The integrated handles are ergonomically positioned relative to the left and right thumb joystick controllers such that when an operator grasps the handles, the operator's thumbs are naturally positioned adjacent the left and right thumb joystick controllers, respectively. An enabling mechanism is associated with each of the integrated handles and includes a switch that serves to activate operational functionality of the left and right thumb joystick controllers.

Abstract: A telehandler includes a fixed or articulated frame having a front frame segment and a rear frame segment separated by a connecting point. A cantilever support extends from a fixing point on the front frame segment aft beyond the connecting point to a boom support adjacent a distal end. A boom is pivotably secured at a boom pivot to the boom support.

Abstract: A load sensing system measures lift cylinder pressure and platform height to estimate platform load. The system functions to prevent overload and is designed to comply with regulatory requirements. The system provides the advantages of a force-based approach using simple, lower cost pressure-based measurement components.

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: An aerial work platform includes a control panel with operator controls for manipulating the platform, a control module communicating with the operator controls and controlling manipulation of the platform based on signals from the control panel, and an obstruction sensing system. The obstruction sensing system includes a sensor mounted in a vicinity of the platform that monitors an operator area, the platform, and an area around the platform. A processor processes the signal to determine a position of an operator on the platform and a proximity of objects in the area around the platform. The control module is in communication with the processor and is programmed to control the manipulation of the platform or machine based on signals from the processor and input from the operator.

Abstract: A stabilizer arrangement for mobile apparatus such as an access platform having a chassis with a functional component movably mounted thereon for movement between a rest position and a use position, comprises a stabilizer member movably mounted with respect to the chassis and having a ground-engaging portion, the stabilizer member being movable between a retracted condition in which the ground-engaging portion does not engage the ground and a deployed condition in which the ground-engaging portion engages the ground, the stabilizer member and functional component being mechanically interconnected such that, in use, initial functional movement from the rest position of the functional component relative to the chassis causes movement of the stabilizer member from the retracted condition to the deployed condition.

Abstract: A system for protecting an operator on an aerial work platform from a crushing hazard includes a sensor, such as opto-electric sensor, positionable adjacent the control panel area. A control system is programmed to control operation of the driving components based on signals from the sensor.

Abstract: A pothole protection assembly is cooperable with a support base of a scissor lift. The support base includes front wheels, rear wheels and a chassis. The pothole protection assembly includes a pair of front pothole bars fixed to the chassis and each positioned adjacent the front wheels, respectively, and a pair of rear pothole bars fixed to the chassis and each positioned adjacent the rear wheels, respectively. A space between the front wheels and the rear wheels defines a ground clearance zone, where the front pothole bars and the rear pothole bars are disposed at opposing ends of the ground clearance zone. The assembly is constructed and arranged to maximize a breakover angle in a scissor lift with fixed pothole protection.

Abstract: A work platform includes a floor structure having a width dimension and a depth dimension and a safety rail coupled with the floor structure. A control panel area is cooperable with the safety rail and includes a sensor support bar having a top cross bar extending along the width dimension and side bars extending substantially perpendicularly from the top cross bar. Each of the side bars includes an upper section extending from the top cross bar inward in the depth dimension to a bent section, and a lower section extending from the bent section outward in the depth dimension to the safety rail. A platform switch that is configured to trip upon an application of a predetermined force may be attached to the sensor support bar. A switch bar may be secured to the control panel area, and the platform switch may be attached to the switch bar.

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. The gas springs act between the adjacent ones of the telescoping mast sections.

Abstract: A stabilizer arrangement for mobile apparatus such as an access platform having a chassis with a functional component movably mounted thereon for movement between a rest position and a use position, comprises a stabilizer member movably mounted with respect to the chassis and having a ground-engaging portion, the stabilizer member being movable between a retracted condition in which the ground-engaging portion does not engage the ground and a deployed condition in which the ground-engaging portion engages the ground, the stabilizer member and functional component being mechanically interconnected such that, in use, initial functional movement from the rest position of the functional component relative to the chassis causes movement of the stabilizer member from the retracted condition to the deployed condition.