Abstract: A boom for a load handling machine, the boom has a mounting by which the boom is mounted on a body of the machine, and at least first and second telescoped sections. In use, the boom carries a load handling implement at or towards its outermost end. The first boom section is telescoped within the second section and is extendible and retractable relative to the second boom section by an actuator. At least the first boom section includes walls made at least predominantly of a composite material. A bearing member is located where adjacent walls meet to extend along a substantial length of the first boom section to provide bearing surfaces during sliding of the first boom section relative to the second boom section. Bearings also may be provided on the interior of the second boom section to further protect the first boom section.

Abstract: A method of detecting damage to a structural member which is part of a working arm of a working apparatus, which arm is moveable relative to a body of the apparatus by an actuator. In use, the arm carries a load at another end thereof. The method including the steps of locating in or on the structural member in a position which is liable to damage, at least one filament. So long as the filament remains undamaged, a signal is transmitted along the length of the filament. In the event of an interruption of the transmitted signal, a fault signal is generated. The fault signal is used to disable operation of the actuator. The method is particularly useful for working arms made from light weight composite materials in the form of a matrix of fibers in a resin material which is susceptible to impact damage which may not be visible.

Abstract: A method of detecting damage to a structural member which is part of a working arm of a working apparatus, which arm is moveable relative to a body of the apparatus by an actuator. In use, the arm carries a load at another end thereof. The method including the steps of locating in or on the structural member in a position which is liable to damage, at least one filament. So long as the filament remains undamaged, a signal is transmitted along the length of the filament. In the event of an interruption of the transmitted signal, a fault signal is generated. The fault signal is used to disable operation of the actuator. The method is particularly useful for working arms made from light weight composite materials in the form of a matrix of fibers in a resin material which is susceptible to impact damage which may not be visible.

Abstract: A method of molding a container by rotational molding in which molding material is introduced into a mold cavity, and the mold is rotated about at least one axis of rotation. Prior to introducing the molding material, a dividing member is located in the mold cavity to divide the mold cavity into at least two cavities. When the molding material is subsequently introduced and the mold rotated, molding material coats the member so that the member becomes an integral part of the container and provides first and second separated volumes within the container. In use, fluid contained in the first volume is maintained separate from fluid in the second volume.

Abstract: A container has a polymer body providing an enclosed volume in which in use fluid is contained. The body including an engagement formation from which, in use, an item, such as a particulate filter, depends within the enclosed volume. The container includes at a position below the engagement formation, a support formation formed integrally with the body of the container to support the item from below at least when the container becomes hot.

Abstract: A boom for a load handling machine, the boom has a mounting by which the boom is mounted on a body of the machine, and at least first and second telescoped sections. In use, the boom carries a load handling implement at or towards its outermost end. The first boom section is telescoped within the second section and is extendible and retractable relative to the second boom section by an actuator. At least the first boom section includes walls made at least predominantly of a composite material. A bearing member is located where adjacent walls meet to extend along a substantial length of the first boom section to provide bearing surfaces during sliding of the first boom section relative to the second boom section. Bearings also may be provided on the interior of the second boom section to further protect the first boom section.