The CPU system features a signal line from the pump load sense controller through the power core of the valve stack to tank that is drained until a function is activated (a spool is moved). When a lift, telescoping, tilt or auxiliary spool is moved, the signal line is blocked, the pressure builds and the pump goes to its compensated setting. This signal channel is supplied with oil though a 0.035 in. orifice which connects the power core to the open center passage.Individual spools meter the required flow and pressure to the function. The pump delivers the required flow at the pump compensator pressure setting. The pump is at standby (unloaded at approximately 350 psi) when all functions are in neutral. The CPU system makes it easier to start the engine and prevents "ghost" movements when the functions are in neutral.

In the future, it''s conceivable that static geo-location router devices will be incorporated in the design of all new buildings and retrofitted into existing structures. It would be particularly useful in skyscrapers to have routers positioned at the corners of every floor, perhaps attached to every exit sign, yielding the ability to automatically track the location of all firefighters during a fire.The Orange County tests also identified some issues with GPS accuracy on standard commercial GPS devices, Godfrey says. Civilian GPS can experience drift, limiting accuracy to plus or minus 50 - 60 feet. The accuracy of civilian GPS is limited by the Department of Defense, which controls the satellites and reserves the most accurate readings for military operations.

When we last looked at mini-backhoe loaders several years ago, the market for these machines was under 4000 units annually, but growing. Today, suppliers are selling over 6000 units and the demand keeps rolling along. The companies involved in mini-backhoes include Terramite, Allmand Brothers, Dig-It, EarthForce, Ingersoll Equipment, Kubota and Waldon. Two companies - Lely, which sold Kioti backhoes and K-D Manitou, the French manufacturer- dropped out of the market in 1999. Terramite is the recognized leader in this product and is the largest producer in the world. The company, founded in 1965, has been a family-owned, global business since its beginning. The Charleston, W.Va., company offers three models - the T5C, T5D and T6. The T5C has been around for 10 years, the T6 was introduced in 1997 and the T5D was just added in 1999. Digging depth on the smaller models is about 8 ft., while the larger T6 has a dig depth of 10 ft.

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