Actuator for hydraulic systems in transportable mobile platforms

Abstract

In a self-transportable aerial platform, an operator employs a handle for controlling the vertical, horizontal and lateral movements of the platform in order to place the basket or platform at a preferred location. The operator-controlled handle operates a linkage which actuates one valve of a control to produce a first mode of platform movement; the handle is movable in a second direction to displace separately and distinctly a second valve for a further mode of operation; and the handle can further be twisted or turned to effect a separate and distinct movement of a third valve for the final mode of platform movement. The linkage consists of parallelogram linkage having the capability that one of said links can serve as a pivot for the other link, both of said links can be pivoted in unison as part of a parallelogram linkage, and both links of the parallelogram linkage can serve as journals for twisting movement of the handle which effects the additional mode of platform movement. Each of the described handle movements separately, independently and distinctly operate an associated valve so that movement of the platform can be isolated to vertical, horizontal, or lateral movements or a combination of handle movements will effect concurrent and composite movements of the platform in the direction determined by the handle operation.