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 method of operating a construction machine that includes a base, support arms each pivotally coupled to the base, and a plurality of wheel assemblies each coupled to the one of the support arms, the method including, in a transport mode of the construction machine, turning a wheel of each of the wheel assemblies, independently from a wheel of another of the wheel assemblies, to a toe out orientation. The method also includes driving each support arm to a deployed condition of the support arm in an operational mode of the construction machine. Driving each support arm to the deployed condition causes the distal ends of each of the support arms to move away from one another and outwardly from the base. The method also includes locking each support arm in the deployed condition and controlling steering of each wheel in the operational mode of the construction machine.

Abstract: A support system for a vehicle includes a base and at least a first and a second support arm. Each of the first and the second support arms include a base end pivotally coupled to the base through a respective hinge assembly. Each of the first and the second support arms further include a distal end opposite the base end. The support system also includes a respective wheel assembly coupled to each distal end. Each wheel assembly includes an independently powered and steerable wheel configured to engage a travel surface, a propelling motor configured to drive a respective first support arm between a stowed condition and a deployed condition unaided while the vehicle remains stationary, and a steer actuator configured to change an angle of the wheel with respect to a respective support arm.

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: An aerial work vehicle (AWV) includes a boom, and a work platform coupled to a distal end of the boom, where the work platform has a forward end in a direction of travel and an aft end opposite the forward end. The AWV also includes a first control device mechanically coupled to one of the forward end of the work platform or the aft end of the work platform and configured to control operation of at least the boom. In addition, the AWV includes an alternate, second, control device configured to control operation of at least the boom, which may be at least one of wireless and/or mechanically coupled to the work platform at a location different from a location of the first control device.

Abstract: A support system for a vehicle includes a base and at least a first and a second support arm. Each of the first and the second support arms include a base end pivotally coupled to the base through a respective hinge assembly. Each of the first and the second support arms further include a distal end opposite the base end. The support system also includes a respective wheel assembly coupled to each distal end. Each wheel assembly includes an independently powered and steerable wheel configured to engage a travel surface, a propelling motor configured to drive a respective first support arm between a stowed condition and a deployed condition unaided while the vehicle remains stationary, and a steer actuator configured to change an angle of the wheel with respect to a respective support arm.