Pneumatically telescoping mast having lighting and DC operated controls

• US 20050241885A1
• Filed: 09/27/2004
• Published: 11/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Will-Burt Company
• Original Assignee: The Will-Burt Company
• Inventors: Christensen, Jerry Albert, Burgess, Scott Alan, Bohurjak, Michael Allen
• Granted Patent: US 7,989,979 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 187/297
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/245 Searchlights, e.g. adjustable from within the vehicle adjustable headlights B60Q1/06
• CPC Class Codes: B66B 9/04 actuated pneumatically or hydraulically platforms for lifting or lowering through short distances B66F7/00

Abstract

A control system for a pneumatically operated mast has a first control, a second control, and a positioning member. A first serial link communicates the first control with the second control. A second serial link communicates the second control with the positioning member. A relay system communicates with the first and second control and the positioning member. The relay system accommodates a 12 voltage or 24 voltage source.

Claims

1. A control system for a pneumatically operated mast, comprising:

a first control;

a second control; and

,

a positioning member;

wherein a first serial link communicates said first control with said second control, and a second serial link communicates said second control with said positioning member;

and a relay system communicating with said first and second control and said positioning member;

wherein said relay system accommodates a 12 voltage or 24 voltage source.

2. The control system of claim 1, wherein said first serial link comprises a RS-485 link.

3. The control system of claim 1, wherein said second serial link comprises a RS-485 link.

4. The control system of claim 1, further comprising a pulse width modulator communicating with said relay system to adjust voltage output to be 12 volts.

5. The control system of claim 1, wherein said positioning member provides AC power to an associated light system of said mast.

6. The control system of claim 1, wherein said second control provides DC power to said positioning member.

7. The control system of claim 1, further comprises a contact closure provided to indicate when the mast is in a fully stowed position, said contact closure communicates with said second control.

8. The control system of claim 1, further comprising an input system in communication with said second system for initiating and disengaging power to said mast.

9. The control system of claim 8, wherein said input system comprises a first input that initiates power to said mast when said first input is placed in a closed position.

10. The control system of claim 9, wherein said input system further comprises a second input that disconnects power from said mast when said second input is placed in a opened position.

11. The control system of claim 9, wherein said first input is momentarily closed prior to raising said mast via said first, remote control.

12. The control system of claim 7 wherein said contact closure is opened by raising the mast from its stowed position.

13. The control system of claim 10, further comprising an actuator communicating with said first input and said second input to activate one of said first input and said second output.

14. The control system of claim 13, wherein said actuator is moved to a first position to activate said first input.

15. The control system of claim 13, wherein said actuator is moved to a second position to activate said second input.

16. The control system of claim 1, wherein said second control communicates with an actuator motor of said mast and monitors current to said motor to determine that the mast is in the stowed position.

17. The control system of claim 1, further comprising a pair of valves, wherein a first valve acts as an air valve and a second valve acts as a vent valve, wherein said valves are in communication with an air supply connected to said mast assembly.

18. The control system of claim 17, wherein energization of said first and second valves raises said mast to an elevated position.

19. The control system of claim 17, wherein energization of said vent valve maintains a position of said mast.

20. The control system of claim 17, wherein de-energization of said air valve and said vent valve lowers said mast to a stowed position.

21. The control system of claim 1 wherein said first control comprises a hand-held remote control.

22. The control system of claim 21, wherein said first control comprises a keypad comprising control buttons.

23. The control system of claim 1, wherein said second control is positioned on a base of said associated mast.

24. The control system of claim 1, wherein said positioning member is positioned adjacent a top end of said mast.

25. The control system of claim 17, wherein said first valve is a three-way valve.

26. The control system of claim 17, wherein said second valve is a three way valve.

27. The control system of claim 22, wherein said first control comprises an LED digital message display.

28. The control system of claim 27, wherein said message display indicates a fault code.

29. The control system of claim 1, wherein said second serial link comprises a pair of wires.

30. A remote control system for use with a pneumatic mast lighting system, comprising:

a serial communications link for communicating with an associated base control of said mast lighting system;

a connector for connecting said mast lighting system to a computer; and

a keypad comprising a plurality of LED message displays.

31. The control system of claim 30, wherein said serial communications link comprises a RS-485 link.

32. The control system of claim 30, wherein said serial communications link comprises a pair of wires.

33. The control system of claim 30, wherein each of said message displays indicates a specific fault code.

34. The control system of claim 33, wherein each of said fault codes comprise an error, a board number, and a specific fault message.

35. A positioning system for a pneumatic mast and lighting system, comprising:

a serial link to communicate said positioning system with a base control of said mast and lighting system; and

a relay that accommodates 12 volt and 24 volt power input.

36. The control system of claim 35, wherein said serial link comprises a RS-485 link.

37. The positioning system of claim 35, wherein said relay comprises a hybrid MOSFET relay.