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: 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 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: A construction machine includes a boom and a control system. The control system is configured to receive at least a first motion command for repositioning the boom when the boom is deployed. In response to receiving the first motion command, the control system is also configured to reposition the boom in one of i) a substantially vertical path between a first position and a second position, or ii) a substantially horizontal path between the first position and the second position. As a result, the control system facilitates motion of the boom between the first position and the second position along a substantially linear, non-arcuate, path.