Patent ID: 7004285

Claim:
An aerial work apparatus comprising: a base; a boom mounted to the base; a platform attached to the distal end of the boom, the platform having a load; a boom mechanism operationally attached to the boom for positioning the platform; a boom control module mounted with respect to the platform for controlling the boom mechanism; a vertical load-sensing mechanism mounted at the platform for measuring the platform load and generating a load signal based thereon the platform resting upon an uppermost portion of the load-sensing mechanism extending above a vertical holding column attached at the distal end of the boom wherein, the load-sensing mechanism fully supports the platform and the load-sensing mechanism is held in position by and vertically aligned with the holding column; and a controller operationally attached to the boom mechanism and the boom control module, whereby the boom control module controls the boom mechanism through the controller and wherein the controller receives the load signal and at least one position signal relating to the position of the platform and generates at least one control signal based thereon.