Abstract: A stack current controller may be configured to determine a stack current request based on a state of charge of a battery, an error based on a difference between an actual coolant temperature and a coolant temperature setpoint, or both. A plurality of stack current levels may be implemented corresponding to different battery state-of-charge thresholds. The determined stack current magnitude may be the lowest current magnitude that provides sufficient heat to maintain a coolant temperature at the coolant temperature setpoint or within the coolant temperature threshold. The determined stack current magnitude may be the highest current magnitude that provides sufficient power while maintaining a coolant temperature at the coolant temperature setpoint or within the coolant temperature threshold.

Abstract: A universal fuel-supply assembly is adaptable during manufacturing to be made for use with one of multiple different fuel types (e.g., gasoline or diesel fuel). A method for assembling a fuel-supply assembly includes providing a plate structure configured to be secured to a fuel tank. The plate structure has multiple bosses. According to one example, the method determines whether the fuel-supply assembly is for use as a diesel fuel-supply assembly or as a gasoline fuel-supply assembly. The method provides an opening through one of two different bosses that communicates with both the top side and the bottom side of the plate structure depending on whether the fuel-supply assembly is for use as a diesel fuel-supply assembly or a gasoline fuel-supply assembly.

Abstract: A modular fork assembly for a pallet truck includes a discrete elongate body, a discrete load wheel module, and a discrete fork tip that may be detachably connected by the same or different types of interlocking mechanisms that are adapted to inhibit sheer forces. The load wheel module includes a frame and a load wheel assembly that includes a load wheel that is operatively connected to the frame.

Abstract: Materials-handling vehicles, such as counterbalanced lift trucks, can incorporate a counterweight that includes a frame, a cavity, and a sensor-mounting recess. The counterweight may be configured to provide an unobstructed horizontal line of sight of at least 180 degrees for a sensor, such as an object-detection sensor, that is mounted within the sensor-mounting recess. A lift truck can include a lift assembly comprising a mast and a pair of forks, an operator compartment comprising truck steering and speed controls, a plurality of wheels, an energy source, a counterweight comprising a frame and a sensor-mounting recess, and a sensor.

Abstract: A universal fuel-supply assembly is adaptable during manufacturing to be made for use with one of multiple different fuel types (e.g., gasoline or diesel fuel). A method for assembling a fuel-supply assembly includes providing a plate structure configured to be secured to a fuel tank. The plate structure has multiple bosses. According to one example, the method determines whether the fuel-supply assembly is for use as a diesel fuel-supply assembly or as a gasoline fuel-supply assembly. The method provides an opening through one of two different bosses that communicates with both the top side and the bottom side of the plate structure depending on whether the fuel-supply assembly is for use as a diesel fuel-supply assembly or a gasoline fuel-supply assembly.

Abstract: Lift trucks designed with a common chassis can include an ergonomically improved operator compartment, wheels, lift assembly, power plant, energy source, steering, seat, and counterweight components. Modular chassis designs can accommodate different form factors and different energy sources to accommodate different end uses of the lift truck, including lift trucks having a low floor, seatside steering, and/or a combination of operator-inaccessible compartments for high-reliability components and operator-accessible components for components that may require more frequent or convenient access. In one embodiment, the energy source is a lithium-ion battery bank in an operator-inaccessible compartment under a low, broad floor that facilitates easy entry into and exit from the operator compartment as well as ergonomic operation by the operator.

Abstract: A housing for a hydraulic actuator unit of a pallet truck is disclosed. The housing includes a lift motor mount for mounting a lift motor to the housing and a pump mount for mounting a hydraulic pump to the housing, and couples the pump to the lift motor when each are mounted. The housing includes a hydraulic cylinder with a cylinder rod, which is positioned based on the fluid level in the hydraulic cylinder; a reservoir to store fluid for actuation of the cylinder rod; and one or more fluid galleries that extend, internal to the housing, among the fluid reservoir, the pump mount, and the hydraulic cylinder. A traction motor mount mounts the traction motor, which is coupled to a steering unit of the pallet truck and controls actuation of a traction wheel of the pallet truck when the traction motor is mounted to the traction motor mount.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle controller communicating over a first communication system with actuators for changing the state of vehicle systems. A signal module communicates with the vehicle controller via the first communication system. One or more signal sources communicate with the signal module via a second communication system, and transmit signals to the signal module. Based on one or more signals and one or more user inputs, the signal module generates and transmits control signals to the vehicle controller. The vehicle controller actuates the actuator based on the control signal.

Abstract: Lift trucks can have an operator compartment designed with an ergonomically improved cab door having a door frame, a set of glass sheets, upper and lower hinges, a handle, a door catch assembly, a door support member, and one or more operator handlebars. The door support member and operator handlebars can be sized and/or positioned to provide structural strength to the door. The cab door can have an unobstructed door design to facilitate maximum operator visibility. The catch assembly can maintain the door in an open position and the operator can readily close the door when desired. In one embodiment, the door includes a vertical operator handlebar and a horizontal operator handlebar that facilitate easy entry into and exit from the operator compartment without unduly obscuring operator visibility through the door.