Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a material handling vehicle which enables or disables a vehicle's suspension system. Pilot-to-open check valves are mounted on hydraulic cylinders secured between the axle and frame of the vehicle. In a first embodiment, a pneumatically actuated check valve is opened or closed to permit or prevent fluid communication between the hydraulic cylinders. The absence of pneumatic pressure in the pneumatic circuit causes the check valves to close, thereby locking the axle to the frame for stability. The presence of pneumatic pressure in the circuit opens the check valves to permit fluid communication between the cylinders. In an alternative embodiment, a second electro-hydraulic circuit is provided in place of the pneumatic circuit for opening and closing pilot-to-close check valves mounted on the hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a material handling vehicle which enables or disables a vehicle's suspension system. Pilot-to-open check valves are mounted on hydraulic cylinders secured between the axle and frame of the vehicle. In a first embodiment, a pneumatically actuated check valve is opened or closed to permit or prevent fluid communication between the hydraulic cylinders. The absence of pneumatic pressure in the pneumatic circuit causes the check valves to close, thereby locking the axle to the frame for stability. The presence of pneumatic pressure in the circuit opens the check valves to permit fluid communication between the cylinders. In an alternative embodiment, a second electro-hydraulic circuit is provided in place of the pneumatic circuit for opening and closing pilot-to-close check valves mounted on the hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A method for esterifying an unsweated, oil containing wax oxidate includes the use of an alcohol such as methanol and an organic sulfonic acid such as methane sulfonic acid. The use of methane sulfonic acid results in the clean separation of the ester from water which is used to wash the acid catalyst from the ester after esterification. Previously, the use of a strong mineral acid such as sulfuric acid resulted in an emulsion forming after the esterification of an unsweated oil containing wax oxidate.