Abstract: A one-piece unitary composite tubular support column. The tubular column includes relatively thin and strong sidewalls, capable of withstanding axial load distributions of at least 6,000 psi without failure of the composite. An embodiment includes a neck piece for mounting telescopically into an upper open end of the composite tubular support column.

Abstract: A neck piece for mounting upon a composite tubular support column. A high-strength plastic neck body includes an insertable portion and a contacting face extending radially outward from the insertable portion. The insertable portion is configured and dimensioned for telescopic insertion into the upper open-end of the composite support column. The radially-extending contacting face abuts against the upper open-end face of the column in end-to-end contact sufficient to enable axial load transfer between the neck body and the thin walls of the plastic support column.

Abstract: A traditional architectural column support. A one-piece unitary column body is hollow and tubular, and is comprised of a fiber-reinforced low-grade polyester system. The column body tapers radially inwardly from the lower third of the body to the upper end thereof in the manner of traditional architectural design. The tubular walls of the column body are exceptionally thin and capable of resisting significant architectural axial load distributions.

Abstract: A backhoe pivotally supported from a prime mover is disclosed wherein the hydraulic boom cylinder operably interconnecting the frame of the prime mover and the boom member for operably moving the boom assembly generally vertically relative to the prime mover is provided with a decelerator to slow the flow of hydraulic fluid from the cylinder as the cylinder becomes completely collapsed, corresponding to a placement of a boom assembly into a transport position. The decelerator is formed as a piston extension detachably connected to the piston of the hydraulic cylinder and having an orifice therethrough to permit passage of hydraulic fluid at a slower rate once the piston extension seal has passed the corresponding port. An annular gap between the piston extension and the wall of the boom cylinder permits the flow of hydraulic fluid through the decelerator to reach the exhaust port irrespective of the radial location of the orifice through the piston extension relative to the exhaust port.