Abstract: A hydraulic system for controlling bleed down and retraction of a boom within a safety envelope includes a backup battery power supply, and at least a first boom lift hydraulic cylinder configured to raise and lower the boom. The first boom lift hydraulic cylinder includes a solenoid bleed valve electrically connected to the backup battery power supply. The hydraulic system also includes an input device controllable by an operator of the boom. The input device may, for instance, be used by the operator to initiate bleed down and retraction of the boom from an elevated position. To accommodate independent failsafe features of the system, the input device is configured to selectively actuate the solenoid bleed valve using electrical power supplied from the backup battery power supply.

Abstract: An aerial work vehicle includes a boom and a work platform coupled to a distal end of the boom. The work platform has a forward end in a direction of travel and an aft end opposite the forward end. The aerial work vehicle also includes a first control panel coupled to the forward end of the work platform and a second control panel coupled to the aft end of the work platform.

Abstract: A support system for a vehicle includes a base and at least a first and a second support arm. Each of the first and the second support arms include a base end pivotally coupled to the base through a respective hinge assembly. Each of the first and the second support arms further include a distal end opposite the base end. The support system also includes a respective wheel assembly coupled to each distal end. Each wheel assembly includes an independently powered and steerable wheel configured to engage a travel surface, a propelling motor configured to drive a respective first support arm between a stowed condition and a deployed condition unaided while the vehicle remains stationary, and a steer actuator configured to change an angle of the wheel with respect to a respective support arm.

Abstract: A load restraint fastener for use with a plurality of load restraint attachments is described. The load restraint fastener includes a body. The body includes a substantially planar portion having a front face and an opposite rear face. The substantially planar portion defines an opening and includes a first receiving portion having a receiving surface. The first receiving portion also defines a first portion of the opening. The substantially planar portion includes, in addition, a second receiving portion having a receiving surface. The second receiving portion is spaced apart from the first receiving portion and symmetric with the first receiving portion about at least one axis of symmetry. The second receiving portion defines a second portion of the opening. The body also includes a projecting portion having a receiving surface. The projecting portion extends outwardly from the rear face of the substantially planar portion.

Abstract: A method and system for a scissors lift vehicle are provided. The scissors lift vehicle includes a carriage including a plurality of independently steerable wheels configured to engage a travel surface, the wheels including an axis of rotation and a circular profile having a radius R, the wheels spaced apart in a fore/aft direction and in a right/left direction.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a scissors lift vehicle are provided. The system includes a main computer including one or more processors and one or more memory devices communicatively coupled to the one or more processors, a steer controller configured to receive commands from the main computer to control a plurality of independently steerable wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly including a steer angle sensor, a steer angle actuator, and a drive motor, and a scissors lift controller configured to control a hydraulic piston assembly including a hydraulic fluid reservoir internal to a piston rod assembly. The system also includes a tilt sensor configured to determine an angle of incline the scissors lift vehicle, a variable-speed steer actuator configured to rotate a wheel assembly about the steer axis of rotation at a selectable rate, and a wheel including a respective drive axis of rotation.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a scissors lift assembly are provided. The system includes a hollow piston rod including an internal fluid reservoir, a cylinder body that is coaxial with and at least partially surrounding the hollow piston rod, and a fluid pump in flow communication with the reservoir through a suction channel extending from the internal fluid reservoir though a transfer tube to a suction port of the fluid pump. The transfer tube is coaxial with the piston, the piston rod, and the cylinder body and a discharge port of the fluid pump is in flow communication with an extension pressure chamber.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a scissors lift vehicle are provided. The scissors lift vehicle system includes a carriage including a plurality of independently steerable wheel assemblies configured to engage a travel surface. The plurality of independently steerable wheel assemblies, each steerable about a steer axis of rotation include one of the plurality of wheel assemblies being designated a master wheel and the remaining wheel assemblies being designated slave wheels. The wheel assemblies each include a variable-speed steer actuator configured to rotate a respective wheel assembly about the steer axis of rotation of that wheel assembly at a selectable rate. The wheel assemblies each also include a wheel including a respective drive axis of rotation and a variable-speed drive actuator configured to rotate that wheel about a respective steer axis of rotation at a selectable rate.

Abstract: A form assembly includes an outer frame having a predefined shape. The frame includes at least two segments that are coupled together at a coupling portion. Each segment includes a first flange and a second flange positioned a predefined distance from the first flange. The first flange includes openings that extend substantially therethrough and the second flange includes openings that extend substantially therethrough and that are substantially concentrically aligned with the first flange openings. A lifting apparatus is positioned in a location that is bounded by the frame. Rebar members are coupled to the frame such that at least a portion of one of the rebar members is positioned within one first and second flange openings. At least four rebar segments are coupled to the lifting apparatus such that the rebar segments define an X-shape within the form assembly to facilitate maintaining the frame in the predefined shape.

Abstract: A method and system for a scissors lift vehicle are provided. The scissors lift vehicle includes a carriage including a plurality of independently steerable wheels configured to engage a travel surface, the wheels including an axis of rotation and a circular profile having a radius R, the wheels spaced apart in a fore/aft direction and in a right/left direction.