Abstract: An apparatus is provided that quickly elevates and maintain a construction equipment engine coolant to operating temperature in order to lower the dwell time for the operator's cab to reach a comfortable temperature level during a period when the engine is in idle and main crane functions are not operated. The apparatus includes an auxiliary hydraulic circuit for rapidly bringing engine coolant temperature up to operating temperature. Engine coolant operating temperature is achieved by inducing a hydraulic load to the engine. By inducing a hydraulic load, a horsepower load is exerted on the engine causing the engine to generate heat sufficient to raise the engine coolant to operating temperature for heating the cabin. A pressure reducing relieving valve and a pilot operated relief valve result in precise hydraulic horsepower load to the construction equipment engine. Operation of the pilot operated relief valve also warms hydraulic fluid for a hydraulic reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for compensating for fluid contraction in a hydraulic powered telescoping boom may include a monitor determining the elevation angle of the telescoping boom, a supply of hydraulic fluid, and a fluid control responsive to the monitor. The fluid control provides the hydraulic fluid from the supply to a hydraulic cylinder controlling extension of the telescoping boom when the elevation angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle to compensate for thermal contraction of hydraulic fluid and thus prevent uncommanded boom retraction. A method in accordance with the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for compensating for fluid contraction in a hydraulic powered telescoping boom may include a monitor determining the elevation angle of the telescoping boom, a supply of hydraulic fluid, and a fluid control responsive to the monitor. The fluid control provides the hydraulic fluid from the supply to a hydraulic cylinder controlling extension of the telescoping boom when the elevation angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle to compensate for thermal contraction of hydraulic fluid and thus prevent uncommanded boom retraction. A method in accordance with the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that quickly elevates and maintain a construction equipment engine coolant to operating temperature in order to lower the dwell time for the operator's cab to reach a comfortable temperature level during a period when the engine is in idle and main crane functions are not operated. The apparatus includes an auxiliary hydraulic circuit for rapidly bringing engine coolant temperature up to operating temperature. Engine coolant operating temperature is achieved by inducing a hydraulic load to the engine. By inducing a hydraulic load, a horsepower load is exerted on the engine causing the engine to generate heat sufficient to raise the engine coolant to operating temperature for heating the cabin. A pressure reducing relieving valve and a pilot operated relief valve result in precise hydraulic horsepower load to the construction equipment engine. Operation of the pilot operated relief valve also warms hydraulic fluid for a hydraulic reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for compensating for fluid contraction in a hydraulic powered telescoping boom may include a monitor determining the elevation angle of the telescoping boom, a supply of hydraulic fluid, and a fluid control responsive to the monitor. The fluid control provides the hydraulic fluid from the supply to a hydraulic cylinder controlling extension of the telescoping boom when the elevation angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle to compensate for thermal contraction of hydraulic fluid and thus prevent uncommanded boom retraction. A method in accordance with the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transport and storage container for artillery shells and other projectiles has a base member and cover each of molded plastic rectangular box-like form defining four (4) projectile compartments. The base member has supporting hardware including a vertical central tube, hoop frames around the exterior of the base member and transverse connecting rods between the central tube and the hoop frames. Corner recesses in the base member provide access to the respective corner portions of the hoop frames allowing the corner portions to be used as attachment and lifting points so that containers can be coupled together in groups. The cover is attached to the base member via a central latch rod which threads into the central base member tube. A projectile self-latching mechanism is provided in each projectile compartment of the base member.