Industrial Lift Truck Or Required Component Thereof (e.g., Forklift) Patents (Class 187/222)
  • Patent number: 7845657
    Abstract: A load wheel assembly for a materials handling vehicle includes first and second spaced side members, at least one rotatable roller extending between the first and second side members and a retainer for holding the roller in the side members. An interface structure provides a substantially rigid connection between the load wheel assembly and a mounting structure on the materials handling vehicle. The load wheel assembly can be moved vertically or horizontally into a mounted position within the outrigger and at least a portion of the interface structure mates with the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Lucas B. Waltz, Ryan M. Snodgrass, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric P. Gasser
  • Patent number: 7815017
    Abstract: A lifting station for vertically moving an object, in particular a vehicle body, in a surface treatment installation includes a fixed support structure and a vertically movable lifting cradle which is supported on the support structure and on which at least one conveying device is arranged. Energy for actuating the conveying device can be stored in an energy accumulator arranged on the lifting cradle. In this way, a trailing cable which supplies the conveying device with energy in different lifting positions is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Eisenmann Anlagenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joerg Robbin, Juergen Hanf
  • Patent number: 7789188
    Abstract: A tiller head with a switch arrangement for operating a lifting mechanism of a forklift includes an operating element mounted on the tiller head, where the operating element has an actuator, and a magnetic field sensor operatively connected with the actuator without contact so that the magnetic field sensor's electrical characteristic varies when the operating element is actuated. The actuator includes magnetic field sources arranged on both sides of the magnetic field sensor, the magnetic field sensor and the magnetic field sources being arranged so that magnetic field lines generated by the magnetic field sources pass through the magnetic field sensor. The operating element comprises a rocker switch that pivots about an axis on the tiller head, the rocker switch having a recess which extends transversely to an operating direction defined by the axis and into which the magnetic sensor extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Rema Lipprandt GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Kurt Standke
  • Patent number: 7757798
    Abstract: Fork lift truck comprising a drive unit and a load unit which may be raised and lowered relative to the drive unit, the drive unit having a fixed operator's platform which may be accessed via a rear entrance, from where steering, controlling the drive motor and actuating the load unit may be operated, the operator's platform being defined by side walls and being fastened to the frame of the drive unit, on the frame a lower wall portion of the side walls being configured, which is formed integrally with the frame or is welded to the frame and an upper wall portion is formed with its lower edge which is complementary to the upper edge of the lower wall portion and may be releasably connected by means of screw connections to the frame and/or the lower wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karlheinz Niemeier
  • Patent number: 7735586
    Abstract: An industrial truck and a method for its delivery are proposed, the mobile base of the industrial truck being transported to the delivery destination on a load transport vehicle. At the delivery destination, an operating device that is also supplied is used as a mobile operating device for issuing control instructions for the traction operations of the base vehicle, in order to drive the base vehicle with its own drive units off the load transport vehicle over a ramp or the like and thus to set it down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Robert Hämmerl
  • Publication number: 20100102609
    Abstract: A lift truck includes a seat assembly having a first frame and a seat bottom pivotably mounted to the frame for pivotable movement between a standing operating position and a sitting operating position. The seat bottom has an upper facing surface for supporting an operator sitting on the seat bottom when the seat bottom is in the sitting operator position and a lower surface facing outwardly when the seat bottom is in the standing operator position for supporting an operator leaning against the seat bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas W. Confer, Gregory W. Smiley, David B. Howe, Craig Cochran, Mark Berkobin, Baker Whisnant, Robert Holben, William Conway, Howard Scott Ryan, Douglas M. Russell, David L. Fergot
  • Patent number: 7706947
    Abstract: A forward-control counterweight fork-lift truck has a liftable and tiltable load-lifting device (1), a traction drive and operating drives for the movement of the load-lifting device (1). A calculation model (D) is stored in a control device (SE), to which directly or indirectly acting sensors (S) are connected for detecting the lifting load (L), the lifting height (H), the tilting angle (WM), the load torque (M), the direction of travel (R), the driving speed (V), and the steering angle (WL). The control device (SE) is designed to determine a driving and load state (Z) based on the detected physical variables (L, H, WM, M, R, V, WL) and the stored calculation model (D) and is operatively connected to the traction drive and the operating drives. Depending on the driving and load state (Z) determined, the operating speed, starting and braking acceleration, and driving speed are each reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Linde Material Handling GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Bozem, Andreas Carlitz, Bernhard Götz, Jürgen Roth, Frank Schröder
  • Patent number: 7699141
    Abstract: The invention is a device mounted on a forklift to provide the operator with information of the distance from the pallet load to the upright part of the fork/tines. The invention has a source of a range determining signal such as sonic waves but other signals such as infra red or radar waves may be used. The emitted signals hit the palletized goods and are reflected to a detector or sensor and processed. The range information is transferred to a distance display device. The range/distance between the upright part of forklift tines and the palletized load combined with knowledge of the length of floor parallel tines of the forks will provide information to prevent any excessive penetration of the pallet hollow which excessive penetration can cause damage to either truck trailer walls, warehouse structures, or other palletized loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventors: David A. Fossier, William Chemick
  • Publication number: 20100038180
    Abstract: A floor conveyor, with a frame on which a drive unit and a load unit are attached, the load unit having a load carrying means adjustable in its height, further with two parallel wheel arms which are adapted to be mounted on the outer sides of the frame, each wheel arm mounting one load wheel, and with means for reducing the distance of the wheel arms from each other, wherein a frame portion or a frame plate is fixedly connected to the frame on each outer side thereof, said frame portion or frame plate having an outer bearing surface and holes which result in a first hole pattern, wherein a wheel arm plate is connected to the wheel arms, which has first through bores resulting in a second hole pattern, and an inner bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Rainer Faehndrich, Lars Hildebrand, Matthias Roder
  • Patent number: 7658259
    Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes first and second control handles positioned at opposing ends of an operator compartment. The first control handle is positioned adjacent the forks for driving the vehicle in a fore or forks first direction, and the second control handle is positioned adjacent the back of the vehicle for driving the vehicle in the aft or forks trailing direction. The aft control handle is provided in a twist grip style, which can be gripped easily by an operator facing the aft of the material handling vehicle. The control handles provide stability for the operator and an intuitive operator interface irrespective of direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Smiley, Robert J. Lewis, Kurt R. Werner, H. Scott Ryan
  • Patent number: 7648325
    Abstract: An industrial truck, in particular a stacker vehicle, having a mobile base, a cab, which can be moved in relation to the mobile base, for an operator, a load-receiver and a device, which is arranged on the mobile base, for moving the load-receiver in relation to the mobile base, wherein the device for moving the load-receiver has a multiple-element articulated arm as a support, which can be moved in a controllable manner, for the load-receiver, and wherein the articulated arm, starting from a base-side articulation point beneath the cab or starting from a base-side articulation point above the cab, extends to the load-receiver, the elements of the articulated arm being connected to one another by pivot bearings—and being capable of being moved in relation to one another in order to manipulate the load-receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Carsten Schottke
  • Patent number: 7610977
    Abstract: A lift truck is provided comprising: a power unit assembly comprising a power unit base, a wheel coupled to the base, and a system for driving the wheel; and a main frame assembly detachably connected to the power unit assembly. The main frame assembly comprises a main frame base, a mast assembly coupled to the main frame base, a carriage assembly coupled to the mast assembly, and hydraulic drive apparatus coupled to the mast assembly. Preferably, substantially the entirety of the hydraulic drive apparatus is provided on the main frame assembly such that the main frame assembly is detachable from the power unit assembly without requiring disconnecting hydraulic connections to the power unit assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Leroy M. Kluver, Jay L. Kuck
  • Publication number: 20090260924
    Abstract: A 3-point suspension forklift scale adapted for quick and easy attachment/detachment to/from a forklift—without the need for leveling or other pre-operation setup procedures. Further, due to the single lower reaction point of the forklift scale, there is no concern that the initially installed position of the forklift scale will change during use as a result of a loose adjuster, repositioning due to impact, etc. The forklift scale is designed to accurately determine the weight of a load placed on the forks or other lifting elements of the forklift, regardless of the position of the load thereon. Preferably, a forklift scale of the present invention includes a central viewing window that allows an operator see through the forklift scale when operating an associated forklift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Rice, Ben T. Siefker, Mitchell A. Tobias, Darin E. Foley
  • Patent number: 7599777
    Abstract: A load handling system of an industrial vehicle includes a pantograph attachment that provides a variable reach. A sensor provides position feedback for the pantograph attachment. A processor then determines a maximum allowable reach of the pantograph attachment according to the position feedback and other vehicle operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: NMHG Oregon, LLC
    Inventors: Gianni Passeri, Riccardo Appiani
  • Publication number: 20090236182
    Abstract: A fuel cell forklift using a fuel cell unit, which includes a fuel cell system and which is replaceable by a lead-acid battery. The forklift includes a motor which generates drive force when supplied with power from the fuel cell unit or lead-acid battery. A voltmeter measures voltage of the fuel cell unit or lead-acid battery. A vehicle controller controls operation of the forklift and restricts operation when the measured voltage is less than a threshold voltage. The fuel cell unit includes a capacitor charged by the fuel cell system. A voltage conversion unit converts voltage of power from the capacitor to a target voltage, which is set to be greater than or equal to the threshold voltage, and supplies a power supply destination, which includes the motor, with the power of which voltage has been converted to the target voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Tomohiro YAMAGAMI
  • Publication number: 20090205908
    Abstract: A powered omni-directional aircraft and ordinance handling vehicle which, in one embodiment, includes a circular frame and two drive wheels capable of independent powered forward and rearward rotation about a horizontal axis. The drive wheels are adapted to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a vertical axis which intersects the horizontal axis midway between the drive wheels and which is generally centered in the circular frame. A turret is rotatively mounted to the frame such that it is capable of rotation about the vertical axis, and an articulated ordinance handling arm is mounted to the turret. A castor is mounted to the frame for supporting the frame on the ground. A control system enables the vehicle to rotate in place to change headings while maintaining ordinance carried by the arm motionless with respect to the ground and to perform repetitive precise multi-axis motion control of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 7568708
    Abstract: A pallet truck steer wheel safety guard is provided. In combination with a steering assembly of a pallet truck, a steer wheel safety guard is disposed behind the steer wheel and defines a length parallel to the axis of rotation of the steer wheel. The safety guard defines a height perpendicular to such length, the height extending below the axis of rotation of the steer wheel. The safety guard includes a bumper, and may also include at least one strut extending from the bumper for attachment to the pallet truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Gesualdo Vietri, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7548166
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tine-mounted antenna for reading RFID tags in a warehouse environment using RFID technology operating at ultra-high frequencies (UHF) or microwave frequencies and backscatter coupling techniques. At least one ruggedized antenna is mounted on the tine (or other base-level platform) of a lift truck (e.g., a forklift). The antenna can be configured to read RFID tags on pallets that are loaded on the lift truck and communicate the tag information to a warehouse management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: EMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Roeder, Donald L. Runyon, Richard W. Sorenson, Jr., Michael Sayre Clott
  • Publication number: 20090145696
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-wheeled vehicle (10), in particular industrial truck, comprising at least one stabilizing arrangement (28), which comprises a support element (40; 140) which may be fastened or is fastened to the underside of the vehicle chassis (30) of the vehicle (10) on a mounting (36) for the stabilized support of the vehicle (10) on the ground (34), when the vehicle has a tendency to tilt over. According to the invention, it is proposed that the stabilizing arrangement (28) is configured such that the support element (40; 140) may be mounted or/and may be adjusted on the vehicle (10) in a position ready for operation in which the vehicle (10) is located with its wheels (14, 18) on the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Bergmeier, Carsten Schoettke
  • Publication number: 20090050396
    Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes first and second control handles positioned at opposing ends of an operator compartment. The first control handle is positioned adjacent the forks for driving the vehicle in a fore or forks first direction, and the second control handle is positioned adjacent the back of the vehicle for driving the vehicle in the aft or forks trailing direction. The aft control handle is provided in a twist grip style, which can be gripped easily by an operator facing the aft of the material handling vehicle. The control handles provide stability for the operator and an intuitive operator interface irrespective of direction of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory W. Smiley, Robert J. Lewis, Kurt R. Werner, H. Scott Ryan
  • Publication number: 20090020368
    Abstract: Industrial truck, in particular fork lift, having an exchangeable battery block (13) and a battery case (3) which accommodates the battery block (13), with the battery case (3) having a lateral access opening (7) to slide the battery block (13) with a first end first into the battery case (3) and pull the battery block (13) with its first end last out of the battery case (3), with the battery block (13) accommodated in the battery case (3) being supported near its first end with at least one independent roller (25) on the battery case bottom (5), characterized in that that on the battery block (13) accommodated in the battery case (3), a projection (21) at the first end opposite the second end of said battery block, which projects over a front edge section (29) of the battery case bottom (5) near the access opening (7) and over the underside of the battery case bottom (5) downward, is provided as lifting abutment for a battery transport device (33), in particular a fork lift device to lift the battery block (
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rolf Bogelein, Franz Hatzl, Oleg Plastinin, Ralf Werner, Christoph Zeidler
  • Publication number: 20090020369
    Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly kit composed of quickly easily interchangeable modular components that can be reconfigured in a number of different ways into a number of different versions of a self supporting frame on wheels to form a multimode and multifunction implement carrier. The purpose is: i) to take advantage of a number of different propulsion means, and ii) to accommodate more suitably a wider range of dependent attached small equipment implements than are presently possible on current known related versions of machines referred to as implement carriers, for example utility tractors, front end loader machines and hydraulic boom excavators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Christopher Warachka
  • Publication number: 20090008951
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle incorporates a mechanical lift including a horizontal extension and a vertical back. The vehicle has a protective bumper designed for engaging and protecting materials carried by the vehicle. The protective bumper includes a base located on the vertical back of the lift. A compressible, resilient body is located adjacent the base, and is adapted for absorbing impact of materials loaded onto the lift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Robert D. Whetstine, Eric O. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20080308359
    Abstract: A load wheel assembly for a materials handling vehicle includes first and second spaced side members, at least one rotatable roller extending between the first and second side members and a retainer for holding the roller in the side members. An interface structure provides a substantially rigid connection between the load wheel assembly and a mounting structure on the materials handling vehicle. The load wheel assembly can be moved vertically or horizontally into a mounted position within the outrigger and at least a portion of the interface structure mates with the mounting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Lucas B. Waltz, Ryan M. Snodgrass, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric P. Gasser
  • Patent number: 7464778
    Abstract: Provided are an engine 111, a generator-motor 113, a clutch 112 connecting/disconnecting power therebetween, a battery 115, and a loading pump 117 for driving a fork 118. The generator-motor 113 is set either in a generator mode or in a motor mode. When a cargo handling load (detected by a loading lever position sensor 145 and the like) is smaller than a predetermined value, the clutch 112 is set to a disconnection state, the engine 111 is stopped or idled, and the loading pump 117 is driven by the generator-motor 113 in the motor mode. When the load is increased to the predetermined value or more during cargo handling work in a state where the clutch 112 is released, an increase of the number of revolution of the engine is started while an output of the generator-motor 113 is being increased. When the number of revolution of the engine 111 is made equal to the number of revolution of the generator-motor 113, the clutch 112 is set to a connected state, and the loading pump 117 is driven by the engine 111.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Norihiko Kato, Masaru Sugai
  • Publication number: 20080302608
    Abstract: A fork-lift truck has a battery-electric drive system, a driver's stand (10) having a driver's platform (11) for a standing operator formed between a load part (1) and a drive part (5) having a counterweight. The counterweight is formed by a battery pack device having at least one battery pack (9). The driver's stand (10) extends over the entire vehicle width. In this case, the drive part (5) has an equipment area (6), the battery pack device being arranged in a battery compartment (8), which is arranged above and/or adjacent to the equipment area (6), of the drive part (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: LINDE MATERIAL HANDLING GMBH
    Inventor: Paul John Eckersley
  • Publication number: 20080296095
    Abstract: A communication link arrangement for a cargo moving device comprises an electrical infrastructure that is mechanically coupled to a cargo moving device. The cargo moving device includes a cargo retaining structure and a main body coupled to the cargo retaining structure. The electrical infrastructure includes a single conductor electrically coupling the cargo retaining structure and the main body for delivering power and data signals between the cargo retaining structure and the main body. The electrical infrastructure further includes one or more conductors. A first networking element is mechanically coupled to the cargo retaining structure and is electrically coupled to the single conductor. A second networking element is mechanically coupled the main body and is also electrically coupled to the single conductor. A high-speed network link over power line carries data over the single conductor in the electrical infrastructure that supplies power between the main body and the cargo retaining structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Innovative American Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: DAVID L. FRANK
  • Publication number: 20080277890
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for improving stability in a lifting vehicle, such as a fork-lift, by operatively attaching one or more wheels of the vehicle to a chassis of the vehicle in such a manner that a steering axis of the wheel may be selectively moved between a narrow track orientation thereof and a wide track orientation thereof, while the wheel remains in rolling contact with a surface supporting the lifting vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Roger D. Boster, II, Danny Lee Denney
  • Publication number: 20080271952
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting manufacturing rings is provided. The lifting apparatus includes an attachment part having an opening extending therethrough, and a plurality of elongated legs extending from the attachment part. Each of the elongated legs has a slit disposed therein. A plurality of support rods are movably disposed in the slits. The support rods are pivotable between a lowered position in which each support rod extends from the associated slit and a raised position in which each support rod is disposed within the associated slit. The lifting apparatus further includes an actuating part operably associated with the support rods and for moving the support rods between the raised position and the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Donald O. Rican, Daniel E. Guhde, Paul D. Christenson
  • Publication number: 20080264728
    Abstract: A control lever unit includes a lever, a sensor, an urging body and an elastically undeformable restricting member. The lever is pivoted tiltably from a neutral position in any direction within 360 degrees including two main operation directions and intermediate directions therebetween; The sensor detects tilt angle of the lever in the two respective main operation directions. The urging body puts the lever back to the neutral position. The restricting member has an interior wall for surrounding the lever to restrict tilting range of the lever. Contour of the interior wall of the restricting member includes main operation stop portions for specifying tilt limit of the lever in the main operation directions and intermediate stop portions for specifying tilt limit of the lever in the intermediate directions. The main operation stop portions are positioned outside a quadrangle with the intermediate stop portions at apexes thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Kazushi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 7428943
    Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes first and second control handles positioned at opposing ends of an operator compartment. The first control handle is positioned adjacent the forks for driving the vehicle in a fore or forks first direction, and the second control handle is positioned adjacent the back of the vehicle for driving the vehicle in the aft or forks trailing direction. The aft control handle is provided in a twist grip style, which can be gripped easily by an operator facing the aft of the material handling vehicle. The control handles provide stability for the operator and an intuitive operator interface irrespective of direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Smiley, Robert J. Lewis, Kurt R. Werner, H. Scott Ryan
  • Publication number: 20080230320
    Abstract: The vehicle for high lift work 10 comprises: a lifting and lowering device 4, 5 disposed on the vehicle; a work platform 9 which is attached to the lifting and lowering device 4, 5 and raised and lowered by the lifting and lowering device 4, 5; an operating device 20, provided on the work platform 9, for operating the lifting and lowering device 5; and a hoisting device 30, provided on the work platform 9, for lifting a heavy load 60 up and down toward the work platform 9, wherein the operating device 20 and the hoisting device 30 are disposed in the vicinity of one of margins (91a) forming a floor face 91 of the work platform 9.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA AICHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masanobu Soeda, Masakazu Yakuwa
  • Publication number: 20080202858
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame including structure for defining an operator compartment and structure for defining a battery compartment; first and second front wheels coupled to the frame; a rear steer wheel assembly coupled to the frame; an electric motor; and a controller coupled to a front wall of the frame to control the operation of the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles F. Borchers, Andrew D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7408314
    Abstract: An encoder 13 determines the remaining travel distance of a stacker crane to perform deceleration control. When a linear sensor 8 determines an absolute distance from the stop position, the linear sensor 8 performs deceleration control, and when a mark sensor 26 detects a mark 36, the mark sensor 26 performs stop control. Likewise, deceleration control is performed based on the remaining elevation distance determined by an encoder 19. When a linear sensor 9 determines an absolute distance from the stop position, the linear sensor 9 performs deceleration control, and when the mark sensor 26 detects the mark 36, the mark sensor 26 performs stop control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takao Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20080179141
    Abstract: Ground conveyor for ride-along operation with a load-bearing means, which is adjustable in height by means of a lifting device on a frame and at least one steerable drive wheel driven by a drive motor, a platform for an operator and control elements for the drive motor, the steering of the drive wheel, the lifting device and suchlike, wherein the platform in the frame is swivel mounted on a vertical axis and can be positioned in a desired angle position with respect to the frame by rotating drive means or traction drive means, at least one drive wheel is mounted on the bottom side of the platform, the control elements are provided on an uptight part attached to the platform and the steering takes place with the help of the rotating drive means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Niebuhr
  • Publication number: 20080142306
    Abstract: An industrial truck, in particular counterbalance fork-lift truck, has a front drive axle (2) which has at least one electric drive motor and is fastened together with other components (K) to a vehicle frame (1). A component carrier (T) adjoining the drive axle (2) at the rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is rigidly connected to the drive axle (2) and at least one vibration-producing and/or vibration-transmitting component (K) is fastened on the component carrier (T). The drive axle (2) with the component carrier (T) and the components (K) fastened thereon form a preassembled axle assembly, which is elastically mounted on the vehicle frame (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: LINDE MATERIAL HANDLING GMBH
    Inventors: Boris Cajan, Mark Hanke, Ulrich Kriegsmann, Udo Herrmann
  • Patent number: 7377362
    Abstract: An improved RV lift mechanism according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the lift functions by way of an elongated, rotatably mounted acme screw. A bracket slides parallel to the acme screw, securing to an acme screw and an object to be lifted. The acme nut is threaded onto the acme screw and further held from rotation by the bracket. Thus, as the acme screw turns, it presses against the bracket, lifting or lowering both it and its payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: RBW Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Blodgett, Jr., Benjamin J. Fletes
  • Publication number: 20080115990
    Abstract: A battery storage device for forklifts is used in storing a battery. The battery storage device includes a vehicle frame having a battery storage room, a front support plate provided on the vehicle frame for supporting a front surface of the battery received in the battery storage room, a rear support plate provided at a rear side of the battery storage room for supporting a rear surface of the battery received in the battery storage room, the rear support plate detachably fixed to the vehicle frame in such a manner that, when detached, the rear support plate becomes movable toward or away from the front support plate in conformity with a size of the battery, and a position adjustor for position-adjustably fixing the rear support plate in one position selected from a plurality of fixing positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Kun Uk Jung, Gyou Ryeon Chung
  • Patent number: 7366600
    Abstract: A distributed control system including a plurality of controllers mounted on a forklift, and a network providing connections between or among the plurality of controllers within the forklift. A first controller out of the plurality of controllers is configured to control a function in response to an interfacing signal received from a second controller out of the plurality of controllers. When not receiving the interfacing signal during a predetermined period, the first controller controls the function using data stored in the first controller in place of the interfacing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuniharu Osaki, Toru Saito
  • Patent number: 7347299
    Abstract: An operator's compartment for an industrial vehicle comprises a platform floor, an operator's seat, at least one presence sensing device and a control module. The operator's seat has a base structure coupled to the platform floor and an operator support coupled to the base structure such that the operator support may be rotated with respect to the platform floor. Each provided presence sensing device is arranged to sense an operator's presence in a predetermined location in or about the operator's compartment and the control module is configured to control at least one operation of the vehicle based upon a rotational position of the operator's seat and a signal from at least one of the presence sensing device(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Billger, Michael P. Gallagher, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric J. Kaiser, Leroy M. Kluver, Jay L. Kuck, Steven R. Pulskamp, Craig J. Rekow, Adam M. Ruppert, Gary L. Topp, George R. Wetterer
  • Patent number: 7325655
    Abstract: A steering arm for a walking/rider pallet truck, the truck having a housing with an upper side and the steering arm having a steering rod which is linked to the upper side of the housing with one end, and carries a steering head at the other end. The steering head includes actuation elements for the control of functions of the pallet truck, the steering rod having an upper surface and lateral surfaces which join to the upper surface, at least the lateral surfaces being covered by a cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Lohmann, Matthias Roder
  • Patent number: 7322444
    Abstract: A fork-lift truck having a mast, a load-carrying means having a load-carrying fork which is supported by the mast and is adjustable in height by means of a lifting and lowering drive wherein the load-carrying fork is adjustable with respect to the horizontal line by means of an inclination drive, and an electric control and regulation device for the respective drives which is connected to operating members for the lifting and lowering drive and inclination drive, wherein an analog sensor detecting the inclined position of the load-carrying fork is provided the inclination signal of which is sent to the control and regulation device and that the control and regulation device is connected to a separate operating member for the inclination drive or the operating member for the inclination drive is configured in such a way that actuating it causes the load-carrying fork to be automatically moved to a predetermined position, preferably a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Junghrinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uwe Allerding, Carsten Oestmann, Matthias Duewel
  • Patent number: 7320385
    Abstract: A camera lifting apparatus is used in an industrial vehicle equipped with a cargo handling apparatus for lifting a cargo carrying carriage up and down along a mast provided on a vehicle body. The carriage has a cargo carrying apparatus. The camera lifting apparatus comprises a camera unit attached to the cargo carrying apparatus. The camera unit has a camera for picking up an image of a work area of the cargo carrying apparatus. A moving mechanism moves the camera unit relatively to the cargo carrying apparatus. An actuator drives the moving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Kenichi Katae, Hisashi Ichijo, Torahiko Yamanouchi
  • Publication number: 20080011553
    Abstract: Battery pack for an industrial truck with an elongate battery box for accommodating a plurality of battery cells, the longitudinal extension thereof extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the industrial truck, the battery box having a U-shape and a housing for a charging unit being arranged between the arms of the U-shaped battery box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Mielke
  • Patent number: 7308972
    Abstract: A fabricated metal carrier apparatus includes a carrier member having downwardly facing parallel spaced channels for receiving the forwardly projecting parallel forks of a forklift truck or vehicle. The carrier member has a rotatable vertical shaft located between the forks and connected to support a suspended member adapted to be attached to a load to be transported. A locating and locking arm projects rearwardly from the carrier member and engages the forks to prevent sliding movement of the carrier member on the forks. When not in use, the carrier apparatus is supported and stored in a suspended and conveniently viewed elevated position by an A-frame which has a depending hook for engaging the carrier member. The frame permits the forklift vehicle to pick up and lock on the carrier apparatus and return while the vehicle operator remains in his seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Pax Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Pax, Eric A. Sudhoff, Terry L. Vogel
  • Publication number: 20070215412
    Abstract: The invention is a device mounted on a forklift to provide the operator with information of the distance from the pallet load to the upright part of the fork/tines. The invention has a source of a range determining signal such as sonic waves but other signals such as infra red or radar waves may be used. The emitted signals hit the palletized goods and are reflected to a detector or sensor and processed. The range information is transferred to a distance display device. The range/distance between the upright part of forklift tines and the palletized load combined with knowledge of the length of floor parallel tines of the forks will provide information to prevent any excessive penetration of the pallet hollow which excessive penetration can cause damage to either truck trailer walls, warehouse structures, or other palletized loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: David A. Fossier, William Chemick
  • Patent number: 7266904
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial truck having a first load-bearing component (12) and a second load-bearing component (14) which are provided such that they can move in relation to one another for the purpose of carrying out a conveying movement, a sensor scale (22) being provided on one of the load-bearing components (14) (scale load-bearing component) for the purpose of detecting the relative movement between the two load-bearing components (12, 14), and a sensor (24), which is designed to detect the sensor scale (22), being provided on the respective other load-bearing component (12) (sensor load-bearing component). The industrial truck is characterized in that the sensor scale (22) is designed integrally on the scale load-bearing component (14) such that a section (14a) of the scale load-bearing component (14) itself is the sensor scale (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Hämmerl, Carsten Schöttke, Klaus Schröder
  • Patent number: 7267349
    Abstract: A material handling lift for moving a load horizontally over a surface and vertically with respect to that surface and a suspension system for the material handling lift. The material handling lift includes a frame with wheels for traveling over the surface. At least one of the wheels is a drive wheel mounted on a vertically-oriented steering column. The steering column is connected to the frame by a parallelogram type suspension system which includes swing arms that are pivotally connected to the frame. A stabilizer bar is connected between the free ends of the swing arms and a shock dampener is connected between the frame and a swing arm. The suspension system helps dampen the shock of traveling over uneven terrain, helps to keep the steering column vertical and the wheels of the vehicle on the ground thereby helping to maintain constant traction with the surface and control of the steering, braking and acceleration of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Beech Engineering & Manufacturing
    Inventors: Patsy L. Sica, Jeremiah J. Beck
  • Patent number: 7246685
    Abstract: A guard for use with a forklift including a carriage and at least one fork coupled to the carriage. The guard includes a first member configured to be coupled to the carriage, a second member configured to be coupled to the carriage opposite the first member, and a fork interface member extending between the first member and the second member. The fork interface member is adapted to adjustably secure the at least one fork relative to the carriage when the at least one fork is only partially coupled with the carriage. Fork racks and systems for removing, replacing, and/or storing forks provide additional advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry C. Tyree
  • Publication number: 20070163842
    Abstract: Low lift truck, with a load part, which has a load carrying means and is coupled with a drive part via a lift cylinder arrangement and a bar linkage for load wheels of the load carrying means, a steered drive wheel, which forms with a drive motor a drive unit, which is rotatably bearing mounted around a vertical axis by the frame of the drive part, a drawbar, pivotable in the drive part around a horizontal and a vertical axis, which is in a driving connection with the drive unit, an hydraulic power pack for the hydraulic lift cylinder arrangement, and a battery causing, connected with the load part, whereby the drive motor is a wheel hub motor and the battery casing (34) is disposed above the drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Sebastian Huther