Patent ID: 6405114
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: B66F

Abstract:
An aerial work apparatus comprising:a base; a platform; a boom having a plurality of boom sections connecting the platform and the base; a hydraulic system for moving the boom sections; and a boom control for controlling the hydraulic system in response to operator input to move the boom sections in accordance with the operator input, said boom control comprising: a first control module on the base responsive to an operator for providing boom motion commands for causing the boom to move in a desired direction; a second control module on the platform responsive to an operator for providing boom motion commands for causing the boom to move in a desired direction; and a controller area network interconnecting the first control module and the second control module; said boom control including: a microprocessor programmable with parameters which control operation of the apparatus wherein said parameters include one or more of the following: parameters which define an envelope within which the boom is permitted to operate; parameters which cause the boom to automatically retract in certain positions in response to certain operator requested actions; parameters which define ramping up speeds or ramping down speeds of boom movement; parameters which define sequential functions of the boom; parameters which define simultaneous functions of the boom; or parameters which define time periods based on the status of various switches during which time periods the boom is permitted to operate.