Jlg Industries, Inc.

James Latin Smith

Andrew Jay Bean

A multiple envelope control system and method expands the operating capabilities of a lift vehicle. The vehicle includes a platform mounted to a telescoping main boom. The main boom is configured for lift/lower function and telescope function. The multiple envelope control system includes a selector switch for selecting between a plurality of capacity modes including at least a low load mode and a high load mode. A plurality of sensors are strategically positioned on the main boom to cooperatively define position zones of the platform. A control system determines in which position zone the platform located according to signals from the plurality of sensors. The control system controls an envelope of the platform based on a position of the selector switch. By strategically positioning the sensors to define the position zones, inexpensive switches, such as limit switches or the like, can be used, thereby reducing manufacturing costs of the machine.

Lift vehicle with multiple capacity envelope control system and method

A tower boom path is controlled in a boom lift vehicle such that the tower boom nose pin follows a predetermined path. The boom lift vehicle includes a telescoping lift tower boom pivotally coupled at one end to a vehicle base. A main boom is pivotally coupled to the tower boom nose pin at an opposite end of the tower boom. Raising and lowering of the tower boom between a fully retracted position and a raised position is effected by pivoting the tower boom relative to the vehicle base and telescoping the tower boom. The raised position is defined according to any position up to a maximum angle of the tower boom relative to the vehicle base and a maximum boom length. In order to reduce vehicle weight and expedite the tower boom lift function, pivoting of the tower boom relative to the vehicle base and telescoping of the tower boom are performed simultaneously so that the tower boom nose pin follows the predetermined path. With this arrangement, positions of the tower and main booms conventionally generating large turning moments on the vehicle can be avoided, and consequently, a counterweight of lower mass can be used.

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Chambersburg, PA, United States of America

James Latin Smith