Abstract: A vehicle steering system for a compact mobile elevating work platform (“MEWP”) or other vehicle and a method for dynamically determining independent wheel steering angles such that a predetermined steering geometry between steerable wheels of the vehicle are described. The steering system determines coordination of the independent wheels based on angle differences of the steerable wheels. The independent master and follower wheels of the present system are not mechanically linked, and the absence of mechanical linkages between the independent steerable wheels allows for efficiency of spatial efficiency and steering geometry accuracy. The independent operation facilitates accommodation of the steering actuators into confined lateral compartments, which itself enables the machine lifting mechanism to occupy a space hitherto used for a mechanical steering connection between the wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A mobile work machine which includes a lower protective belly plate and a machine component drawer located above the belly plate. The drawer has a bottom with at least one fluid drain aperture. A fluid drip retention tray is removably positioned below the drawer in a protected space above the belly plate. The machine component drawer and drip retention tray may each have a magnetically attractable bottom and magnets means preferably affixed to the bottom of the drawer to magnetically support the tray below the drawer. A drip retention tray is also provided for a wheel steering cylinder, the tray having a curved retainer portion which extends upwardly around the cylinder for a distance sufficient to retain the tray on said cylinder.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel positioning and steering apparatus particularly useful for aerial work platforms comprises a support chassis and chassis support legs pivotally connected to the chassis. Steerable wheel assemblies are operably connected at ends of the support legs and powered actuators are operably connected to the chassis and legs for pivotally moving the legs and wheel assemblies relative to the chassis between transport and working positions. Variable length linear wheel steering actuators comprise one link of four bar parallelogram steering linkages between the chassis and wheel assemblies and the support legs each comprise second bars of the four bar parallelogram steering linkages.

Abstract: A self-propelled aerial work platform apparatus includes a chassis and elevating work platform with operator controls thereon. The work platform includes a main deck, an extension deck and a storable work step at one end of the extension deck to allow a worker to access utilities through openings in drop ceilings. The step and attached legs are moveable together from a horizontal work position of the step to a vertically extending storage position with step and legs alongside the step close to guardrails at the end of the extension deck.

Abstract: A mobile work machine which includes a lower protective belly plate and a machine component drawer located above the belly plate. The drawer has a bottom with at least one fluid drain aperture. A fluid drip retention tray is removably positioned below the drawer in a protected space above the belly plate. The machine component drawer and drip retention tray may each have a magnetically attractable bottom and magnets means preferably affixed to the bottom of the drawer to magnetically support the tray below the drawer. A drip retention tray is also provided for a wheel steering cylinder, the tray having a curved retainer portion which extends upwardly around the cylinder for a distance sufficient to retain the tray on said cylinder.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel positioning and steering apparatus particularly useful for aerial work platforms comprises a support chassis and chassis support legs pivotally connected to the chassis. Steerable wheel assemblies are operably connected at ends of the support legs and powered actuators are operably connected to the chassis and legs for pivotally moving the legs and wheel assemblies relative to the chassis between transport and working positions. Variable length linear wheel steering actuators comprise one link of four bar parallelogram steering linkages between the chassis and wheel assemblies and the support legs each comprise second bars of the four bar parallelogram steering linkages.

Abstract: An aerial work apparatus comprising a mobile chassis having a longitudinal centerline, a lift mechanism such as a scissors lift having a lower end connected to the chassis and an upper end which supports a work platform. The work platform has a longitudinal centerline which is laterally spaced from and parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the chassis such that the platform is laterally offset relative to the chassis and lift mechanism for substantially stabilizing the apparatus when handling heavy loads positioned at one side of the platform.

Abstract: Apparatus for elevating, laterally and rotationally positioning an aerial work platform relative to a support structure such as a mobile vehicle. In one embodiment a platform supporting carriage is mounted for sliding movement along a support beam affixed to a boom and the platform is mounted on the carriage permitting rotation of the platform about a substantially vertical axis. In a second embodiment a four bar linkage is used for longitudinally moving a rotatable platform. One or more powered means may be provided for elevating, leveling and longitudinally and rotationally positioning the work platform.

Abstract: An aerial work apparatus comprising a mobile chassis having a longitudinal centerline, a lift mechanism such as a scissors lift having a lower end connected to the chassis and an upper end which supports a work platform. The work platform has a longitudinal centerline which is laterally spaced from and parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the chassis such that the platform is laterally offset relative to the chassis and lift mechanism for substantially stabilizing the apparatus when handling heavy loads positioned at one side of the platform.

Abstract: An aerial work platform and guardrail system having a deck which may include a deck frame; vertically extending guardrail supports affixed to the deck or deck frame; and guardrail sections at the periphery of the deck. The sections have legs receivable in the guardrail supports with spaced upper and lower guides affixed to the legs, the guides being receivable in said guardrail supports and having surfaces for engaging inner surfaces of the guardrail supports. Retainers retain the lower guides in the guardrail supports whereby the guardrail sections may be individually lifted from a lower operative position to an upper pivot position at which the sections are retained in the supports by engagement of lower guides with the retainers and may be pivoted about the lower guides to a horizontal position for storage.

Abstract: Apparatus for elevating, laterally and rotationally positioning an aerial work platform relative to a support structure such as a mobile vehicle. In one embodiment a platform supporting carriage is mounted for sliding movement along a support beam affixed to a boom and the platform is mounted on the carriage permitting rotation of the platform about a substantially vertical axis. In a second embodiment a four bar linkage is used for longitudinally moving a rotatable platform. One or more powered means may be provided for elevating, leveling and longitudinally and rotationally positioning the work platform.

Abstract: A method wherein a first user obtains an identifier for a desired destination user, makes a request to a server for a data communication with that desired destination user, retrieves a computer network address from a directory entry for that desired destination user, retrieves the source computer network address from the request packet from the first user, and sends requests to the computers of both users for return of respective stored unique identifiers. When these respective unique identifiers are received at the server, a check is made to see that they correspond to only one respective entry in a database, and the server then sends a message to one of the computers to make a data call to the other computer. Users register initially and download a helper application which stores the user's respective unique identifier together with, in a preferred embodiment, a unique password, which is also stored in the respective entry in the database.

Abstract: A method allows an H2S alarm system installed at a remote wellsite to be monitored and configured from a distant location. Alert-signals from the alarm system to the distant location and configuration settings from the distant location to the alarm system can be transmitted using the text-messaging feature of a conventional cell phone. The cell phone, for example, can send the H2S alarm system a text message that sets the H2S concentration threshold at which the alarm system triggers an alert. When the H2S concentration reaches the threshold or a fault occurs with the alarm system, the system can send the cell phone a text message that describes the problem, identifies the location of the wellsite, and lists the names and telephone numbers of those that should be notified.

Abstract: A person-carried hydrogen sulfide instrument is adapted for use with a conventional SCADA system or other type of fault monitoring system normally intended for monitoring well-related conditions at a well site. In response to detecting an abnormally high concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas, the instrument triggers the fault monitoring system to record an H2S fault and convey that information to a remote computer. In some embodiments, the instrument includes a signal relay unit that listens to a conventional H2S monitor. The signal relay unit has a learning mode that teaches the unit to recognize an audible alarm from the H2S monitor. In response to hearing the H2S alarm, the signal relay unit emits a trigger signal to the fault monitoring system.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for transmitting calls generated by a first communication network over a second communication network to a third communication network, the first communication network operating in accordance with a first communication protocol which enables call services, the third communication network operating in accordance with a communication protocol which enables at least one of the call services enabled by the first communication protocol and the second communication network operating according to a second communication protocol different to the first. The apparatus includes means to produce a data message compatible with the second communication protocol indicative of the required service and means to transmit the call and data message over the second communication network to the third communication network, where the data message is read by further apparatus and an appropriate call service established to the third communication network.

Abstract: A self-propelled boom vehicle has an extendible axle and an extendible steering mechanism which has an automatic steering synchronization system. The extendible axle has a hollow central support sleeve and telescopic arm sections. A single hydraulic extension axle is positioned inside the hollow central support sleeve and connects to and drives the telescopic arm sections between their retracted and extended positions. The steering synchronization system includes a pair of steering cylinders in a closed hydraulic circuit working in a master-slave arrangement and which operate inversely with respect to each other. A mechanical check valve is carried by each piston which allows excess hydraulic fluid to flow through the check valve to allow the piston to travel to the end of its stroke to resynchronize the steering.

Abstract: A new and distinct Begonia rex cultorum cultivar named ‘BRXPE11’ is disclosed, characterized by bright foliage with a metallic sheet, and vigorous year round growth, including during the dark winter months. The new variety is a Begonia, and is normally used as an ornamental plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Begonia rex cultorum cultivar named ‘BRXCA17’ is disclosed, characterized by an rose colored foliage with a metallic sheen, vigorous year round growth, including the dark winter months. The flexible petioles characteristic of the new variety resist breakage. The new variety is a Begonia, and is normally used as an ornamental plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Begonia rex cultorum cultivar named ‘BRXBR15-0’ is disclosed, characterized by strong, burgundy colored foliage with a very well defined dark purple margin, vigorous year round growth, including the dark winter months. The flexible petioles characteristic of the new variety resist breakage. The new variety is a Begonia, and is normally used as an ornamental plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Begonia rex cultorum cultivar named ‘BRXSI13-0’ is disclosed, characterized by pronounced basal branching, vigorous year round growth, including the dark winter months. Plants produce small sized foliage and flexible petioles resistant to breakage. The new variety is a Begonia, and is normally used as an ornamental plant.