Abstract: Dynamic industrial vehicle monitoring for modification of vehicle operator behavior comprises identifying a metric that characterizes an event associated with the operation of an industrial vehicle, the metric having at least one behavior modification action and at least one performance parameter to evaluate the event against. Monitoring operation of the industrial vehicle is carried out for the event. Upon detecting an occurrence of the event, event data is recorded that characterizes a response of a vehicle operator to the event. The recorded event data is evaluated against at least one performance parameter associated with the corresponding metric to determine whether the vehicle operator demonstrated appropriate behavior for the event. A vehicle operator score is updated based upon the evaluation and the updated vehicle operator score is communicated.

Abstract: A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises a wearable control device, and a corresponding receiver on the materials handling vehicle. The wearable control device is donned by an operator interacting with the materials handling vehicle, and comprises a wireless transmitter to be worn on the wrist of the operator and a travel control communicably coupled to the wireless transmitter. Actuation of the travel control causes the wireless transmitter to transmit a first type signal designating a request to the vehicle. The receiver is supported by the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter.

Abstract: A remote control device worn by an operator in combination with a materials handling vehicle includes a wireless transmitter and control structure in communication with the wireless transmitter. The control structure is actuated by the operator to cause the wireless transmitter to generate a travel request signal. The vehicle includes a traction control system, a receiver for receiving travel request signals from the wireless transmitter, at least one sensor, and a controller. The sensor(s) is configured to detect objects near the vehicle or to detect a person on a vehicle operating platform. The controller is configured to decide not to cause the traction control system to advance the vehicle in response to a travel request signal from the receiver if the status from one or more of the at least one sensor is indicative of the presence of either: an object near the vehicle; or a person on the platform.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle includes a power unit, a load handling assembly, at least one first obstacle detector, and at least one second obstacle detector. The at least one first obstacle detector is mounted at a first location on the power unit to detect an object located along a path of travel of the power unit beyond a non-detect zone of the at least one first obstacle detector. The at least one second obstacle detector is mounted at a second location on the power unit, spaced from the first location in a first direction, and is capable of detecting an object in the non-detect zone of the at least one first obstacle detector.

Abstract: A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises a wearable control device, and a corresponding receiver on the materials handling vehicle. The wearable control device is donned by an operator interacting with the materials handling vehicle, and comprises a wireless transmitter to be worn on the wrist of the operator and a travel control communicably coupled to the wireless transmitter. Actuation of the travel control causes the wireless transmitter to transmit a first type signal designating a request to the vehicle. The receiver is supported by the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a frame; a set of wheels supported on the frame to allow the materials handling vehicle to move across a floor surface; a rider compartment located within the frame for receiving an operator; and an operator support assembly. The operator support assembly comprises a suspended floorboard upon which the operator may stand when located within the rider compartment and an energy absorbing structure coupled to the frame and the suspended floorboard for absorbing and dissipating at least a portion of energy resulting from disturbances encountered by the vehicle as it moves across the floor surface prior to the energy portion reaching the operator standing on the suspended floorboard, the energy absorbing structure including a damping element for effecting a dampening function.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a frame; a set of wheels supported on the frame to allow the materials handling vehicle to move across a floor surface; a rider compartment located within the frame for receiving an operator; and an operator support assembly. The operator support assembly comprises a suspended floorboard upon which the operator may stand when located within the rider compartment and an energy absorbing structure coupled to the frame and the suspended floorboard for absorbing and dissipating at least a portion of energy resulting from disturbances encountered by the vehicle as it moves across the floor surface prior to the energy portion reaching the operator standing on the suspended floorboard, the energy absorbing structure including a damping element for effecting a dampening function.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a frame; a set of wheels supported on the frame to allow the materials handling vehicle to move across a floor surface; a rider compartment located within the frame for receiving an operator; and an operator support assembly. The operator support assembly comprises a suspended floorboard upon which the operator may stand when located within the rider compartment and an energy absorbing structure coupled to the frame and the suspended floorboard for absorbing and dissipating at least a portion of energy resulting from disturbances encountered by the vehicle as it moves across the floor surface prior to the energy portion reaching the operator standing on the suspended floorboard, the energy absorbing structure including a damping element for effecting a damping function.

Abstract: A pneumatic vibrator is disclosed including a tubular housing having closed ends, an inlet port in the housing through which a fluid, such as air can flow into the housing, and a free-floating piston in the housing having two passageways through which the pressurized air entering the housing through the inlet port flows to act alternately against opposite ends of the piston and cause the piston to reciprocate in the housing. Exhaust ports are located in the housing through which the air ahead of the moving piston is exhausted from the housing. A plurality of relatively small openings is located in the housing through which pressurized air can flow into the housing and provide a fluid bearing between the piston and the housing, and means are provided to supply the inlet port opening with air under pressure.