Abstract: A self-propelled container handling apparatus handles a container in a container yard. The container handling apparatus reads an identification code borne on the container and senses a position of the container to be handled. On the basis of the container identification code read by the container handling apparatus and the container position sensed by the container handling apparatus, the inventory data for the containers stored in the container yard are updated.

Abstract: A skid steering loader capable of performing on-the-spot rotation. The loader has a wheel-type handle, an accelerator pedal, and a drive lever for setting the loader to forward, neutral, and rearward positions. A control device receives a handle turn angle signal, an accelerator pedalling angle signal, and a drive instruction signal from the drive lever. The control device controls a drive mechanism for driving left and right wheels in response to these signals to thereby separately control the numbers of turns of and directions of rotation of the wheels. The skid steering loader can be operated by manipulating the accelerator, handle, and drive lever in same manner as an ordinary automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A loading vehicle has a boom pivotally mounted thereon for movement in a vertical plane, the boom supporting a loading unit at its distal end. A fluid control system includes a boom cylinder for raising and lowering the boom, a loading unit cylinder for tilting the loading unit relative to the boom, a tank for holding fluid and a pump for selectively pumping fluid to the cylinders through manually controlled selector valves. The loading unit attitude is controlled by a system including a bypass valve, a flow splitting valve and a boom position detector for actuating the bypass valve. Fluid forced from a lowering chamber of the boom cylinder as the boom is raised is applied to the bypass valve. As long as the boom is in a position falling within a lower range of positions the boom position detector does not actuate the bypass valve and all fluid from the lowering chamber is diverted to the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to cargo-handling vehicles and the like which comprise a handling device such as a bucket or a fork. A balancing device in equipped either at the front or the rear of the vehicle in such a way as to be rotatable on an axle which is horizontal and at right angles to the running direction of the vehicle, the balancing device comprising a balance weight coupled with a vehicle body by the axle, and an elastic body and a shock absorber provided between the balance weight and the vehicle body. Pitching phenomenon of a cargo-handling vehicle or the like can be automatically restrained in a responsive manner. It is possible to prevent the vehicle from overturning caused by an unexpected imbalance. The running stability can be improved and a comfortable ride accomplished.

Abstract: A restraining device for limiting forward movement of an operator of a wheeled mechanical vehicle in case of a collision includes two restraining bars pivotally mounted at opposite sides of a seat and extending toward one another. The restraining bars are mounted so as to pivot in a vertical plane about axes which are parallel to each other and lie on opposite sides of the seat. The restraining bars are synchronized or interlocked so that when one bar is raised or lowered by the occupant of the seat the other bar is also moved. A lock or retention device on one side of the seat holds the restraining bars in the lowered or raised position after they have been positioned by the occupant. The vehicle may be a forklift or front end loader and the run controls and load controls of the vehicle are interlocked with the synchronizing mechanism so that the run and load controls cannot be operated when the restraining bars are not in the occupant restraining position.

Abstract: A loader includes a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine, a radiator for cooling an engine cooling liquid, a cooling fan and a radiator for cooling a working oil all of which are accommodated within an engine room. One of both the radiators is so disposed as to face a rear maintenance opening of the engine room, and the other radiator is so disposed as to face an upper maintenance opening of the engine room. Cooling air is sucked from an air-induction port of an upper cover member and is discharged from an air-discharge port of a rear cover member after passing through the other radiator, the cooling fan, the one radiator in order.

Abstract: A system for preventing a vehicle from turning sideways comprises a unit for measuring the weight of a cargo on the vehicle, a unit for measuring the height of gravitational center of the cargo on the vehicle, a unit for measuring the steering angle of the vehicle, and a unit for measuring the running speed of the vehicle. The static stability of the vehicle is derived from the weight and the height of gravitational center of the vehicle and the measured weight and height of gravitational center of the cargo. The dynamic instability of the vehicle during turning is derived from the measured steering angle and running speed. First and second allowable limits are determined according to the static stability. When the dynamic instability exceeds the first allowable limit, the clutch of the vehicle is disengaged, and when the instability exceeds the second limit, the vehicle is braked. Upon the dynamic instability exceeding each allowable limit, information to that effect is given.

Abstract: A first shaft coupled to a steering wheel at one end is coupled for at least limited relative rotation at its other end to a second shaft via a threading engagement so that relative rotation of the first and second shafts will also result in relative axial movement. A detector detects the axial movement of either the first shaft or a linearly movable member attached thereto, and a servomotor rotates the second shaft in a direction to return the first and second shafts to their neutral relative position.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing a vehicle from overturning on a curve due to a too high speed. First and second signals are produced, respectively, in proportion to the square root of the vehicle speed and in proportion to the sine of the steering angle. The first and second voltages are summed and amplified to produce a third signal. The third is compared with a reference voltage and fourth signal is produced if the third signal exceeds the reference voltage. An operational parameter of the vehicle such as the required force to operate the power steering unit or the fuel flow rate to the carburetor is varied to prevent overturn.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a tractor shovel or the like includes a front frame and a rear frame having generally U-shaped cross-sections. The frames are pivotally joined by a vertical shaft. A rectangular parallelopiped hydraulic fluid tank is internally mounted in the front frame, and its side and front edges are secured by welding or the like to the front frame plates. Similarly, a rectangular parallelopiped fuel tank is internally mounted in the rear frame, and its side and rear edges are welded or the like to the rear frame plates. The arrangement offers increased frame strength and rigidity with no increase in weight, and the tanks are better protected by reason of their internal mountings.

Abstract: An inching control system for an industrial vehicle includes an air booster whose hydraulic output pressure is branched to a brake system via a limiting valve and to a clutch system via a threshold pressure responsive clutch control valve. The latter is set to engage/disengage the clutch at a pressure level higher than that at which the brakes are actuated, whereby single pedal inching control is implemented while at the same time initial backsliding is prevented when the vehicle is on an incline.