Abstract: An aerial lift apparatus unit includes at least a lower boom pivotally interconnected to a transport unit for raising and lowering of the lower boom. An upper boom is pivotally connected to the outer end of the lower boom for raising and lowering of the upper boom with respect to the lower boom. A single integrated lifting and compensating cylinder unit includes an elongated cylinder with a piston and piston rod journaled in the one end and operable to extend outwardly therefrom. The cylinder defines a dual operating cylinder with a base end from which the piston rod extends and an inner base end extending from the base end and defining an upper boom/compensating unit. A hydraulic control system includes a first hydraulic gated control system for raising and positioning of the upper boom relative to the lower boom.

Abstract: An aerial lift apparatus unit includes at least a lower boom pivotally interconnected to a transport unit for raising and lowering of the lower boom. An upper boom is pivotally connected to the outer end of the lower boom for raising and lowering of the upper boom with respect to the lower boom. A single integrated lifting and compensating cylinder unit includes an elongated cylinder with a piston and piston rod journaled in the one end and operable to extend outwardly therefrom. The cylinder defines a dual operating cylinder with a base end from which the piston rod extends and an inner base end extending from the base end and defining an upper boom/compensating unit. A hydraulic control system includes a first hydraulic gated control system for raising and positioning of the upper boom relative to the lower boom.

Abstract: A tie exchanger assembly is mounted upon a truck and is used for removal and insertion of ties in a railroad roadbed. A boom is mounted to a rail clamp table which is vertically movable between an upper stored position and a lowered operable position. The boom is mounted to the center of the rail clamp support table and is rotatable 180.degree. about a vertical axis so that the boom may be used for manipulating ties on both sides of the vehicle. Rail clamps and rail engagement wheels are mounted to the underside of the rail clamp table. The boom is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis. A tie clamp is mounted at a distal end of the boom. A self-aligning tie clamp may advantageously be used so as to clamp concrete ties or other ties with irregular or concave surfaces.

Abstract: A fumigant composition comprising a pressurized mixture of a diluent gas and phosphine in predetermined proportions within a container adapted for release of gaseous fumigant. A method of preparing the composition comprises the steps of pumping a predetermined quantity of phosphine under pressure into the container and filling the container with a liquified diluent gas. A method of fumigating a substantially closed space by liberating the composition is also disclosed.