Abstract: A facility management computer system is automatically configured when a material handling asset, such as a lift truck, is installed at the facility. A memory stores metadata comprising an asset identification and data specifying characteristics and parameters of the asset that are necessary or desirable in order to enable the facility management computer system to utilize the asset and perform functions, such as assigning work tasks, evaluating asset performance, and scheduling maintenance and repairs, for example. During asset installation the memory is electrically connected to facility management computer system. Upon that connection, the metadata are transferred automatically from the memory into the facility management computer system. Thereafter, the facility management computer system uses the metadata to manage operation of the material handling asset.

Abstract: An electric actuator replaces the hydraulic reach actuator in a reach carriage for a reach truck. The electric actuator may be a linear actuator and may have a rotary motor and a combination ball screw and ball assembly for converting the rotary motion of the motor into linear motion to extend and retract a rod. A force limiter can be disposed between the motor and the ball screw, and may be coupled to the motor and the ball screw. The force limiter prevents a contact force on the rod from damaging the motor. The force limiter allows the reach carriage to operate normally until a contact force occurs, then disengages if a threshold level of force is exceeded. The force limiter may be a torque limiter that automatically reengages after the contact force has attenuated.

Abstract: Systems and methods maintain a lift truck within defined bounds. A controller analyzes actual and/or predicted lift truck behavior, and based on the analyzed lift truck behavior, the controller control at least one lift truck performance parameter. The performance parameter is controlled to maintain the lift truck center of gravity within a stability map, the stability map to define a three-dimensional range of center of gravity positions that maintains lift truck stability. The performance parameter is also controlled to maintain an intended path of the lift truck within an allowable deviation map, the allowable deviation map defining a two-dimensional envelope of allowable lift truck travel deviation from the intended path of the lift truck.

Abstract: A lift truck includes systems and methods for improved vibration control. A corrective yaw input mechanism reduces or eliminates torsional vibration motion of the lift truck about the Z-axis. Some embodiments may include, alone or in combination, drive wheel control and load wheel control.

Abstract: An electromagnetic brake system and brake for controlling motion between a first machine body (32) and a second machine body (34) is provided. The electromagnetic brake system and brake include an interior core member (36), the interior core member coupling with the first body (32). The electromagnetic brake includes an outer exterior member (38), the outer exterior member enclosing the interior core member, the outer exterior member coupling with the second body.