Abstract: A scissors lift includes a scissors arm assembly secured at one end to a base and coupled with a lift mechanism that expands and contracts the scissors arm assembly. A platform is supported at an opposite end of the scissors arm assembly via a plurality of load sensing pins that detect a vertical load on the platform. An interface module receives signals from the load sensing pins and communicates with the lift mechanism, wherein the interface module controls operation of lift functions and the lift mechanism according to the signals from the load sensing pins. Preferably, the load sensing pins are sized substantially the same as the conventional pins they replace. As a consequence, no redesign or additional structures are necessary to install the load sensing system and provide a safe operation of the scissors lift machine.

Abstract: A stability measurement system is provided for a lifting vehicle including a vehicle frame, a turntable secured to the vehicle frame and supporting lifting components of the vehicle frame, and a turntable bearing disposed between the vehicle frame and the turntable. The stability measurement system includes a plurality of load sensors secured to the turntable bearing that measure vertical forces on the turntable bearing. A controller calculates a rotational moment applied to the vehicle frame from the turntable by processing the vertical forces on the turntable bearing measured by the plurality of load sensors. The forces are directly related to the stability of the machine. By monitoring the resulting moment according to a predetermined upper bound and lower bound, operation of the lifting machine can be controlled to substantially eliminate a tipping hazard.

Abstract: A measurement system uses dual axis force sensor pins to effectively assess the tipping moment of a load-bearing vehicle and anticipate imminent tipping in any direction. The pins are installed in the pivot points of the boom of a lift vehicle and its main lift cylinder, substituting the standard structural pins presently used. For non-traditional boom support arrangements, one sensor pin for each moving part attachment to non-moving turntable is required. Each of the sensors provides the actual force components acting on the sensor in two perpendicular axes. The output signals are then utilized to assess vehicle stability and detect when the machine is approaching instability in order to warn the operator and/or restrict vehicle movements.

Abstract: A scissors lift includes a scissors arm assembly secured at one end to a base and coupled with a lift mechanism that expands and contracts the scissors arm assembly. A platform is supported at an opposite end of the scissors arm assembly via a plurality of load sensing pins that detect a vertical load on the platform. An interface module receives signals from the load sensing pins and communicates with the lift mechanism, wherein the interface module controls operation of lift functions and the lift mechanism according to the signals from the load sensing pins. Preferably, the load sensing pins are sized substantially the same as the conventional pins they replace. As a consequence, no redesign or additional structures are necessary to install the load sensing system and provide a safe operation of the scissors lift machine.

Abstract: A stability measurement system is provided for a lifting vehicle including a vehicle frame, a turntable secured to the vehicle frame and supporting lifting components of the vehicle frame, and a turntable bearing disposed between the vehicle frame and the turntable. The stability measurement includes a plurality of load sensors secured to the turntable bearing that measure vertical forces on the turntable bearing. A controller calculates a rotational moment applied to the vehicle frame from the turntable by processing the vertical forces on the turntable bearing measured by the plurality of load sensors. The forces are directly related to the stability of the machine. By monitoring the resulting moment according to a predetermined upper bound and lower bound, operation of the lifting machine can be controlled to substantially eliminate a tipping hazard.

Abstract: A measurement system uses dual axis force sensor pins to effectively assess the tipping moment of a load-bearing vehicle and anticipate imminent tipping in any direction. The pins are installed in the pivot points of the boom of a lift vehicle and its main lift cylinder, substituting the standard structural pins presently used. For non-traditional boom support arrangements, one sensor pin for each moving part attachment to non-moving turntable is required. Each of the sensors provides the actual force components acting on the sensor in two perpendicular axes. The output signals are then utilized to assess vehicle stability and detect when the machine is approaching instability in order to warn the operator and/or restrict vehicle movements.

Abstract: An arrangement in or for a boom lift or other type of lift or load-bearing apparatus, in which a stabilizing moment is imparted based on at least one state of at least a portion of the boom or other portion of the lift or load-bearing apparatus. Also contemplated is an arrangement for redistributing mass responsively, based on at least one state of at least a portion of a load-bearing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle having at least one tire mounted on a support member. The tire has a centerline that substantially defines a first tipline of the vehicle. A device, which has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the tire, is attached to the support member. The device includes a contact surface having a centerline that substantially defines a second tipline of the vehicle. When the tire is loaded and deflects such that the device interacts with a support surface, the tipline of the vehicle is moved from the first tipline to the second tipline to improve the stability of the vehicle.