Abstract: Charging for one or more powered devices on a vehicle may be implemented on support components of a vehicle which may be movable with respect to one another to accomplish a function. When the support components are in a first position, a power unit in communication with a power source of the vehicle may be used to charge a powered rail for charging a rechargeable power storage unit in contact with the powered rail. The power storage unit, in turn, may provide power to one or more powered devices which may be separately housed. When the support components are in a second position, such as to accomplish a work function, the charged power storage unit may continue to provide power to the powered device(s) despite the power storage unit and the powered device(s) being distal to the powered rail.

Abstract: A bale opener for the take-off of fiber tufts from fiber bales includes a take-off tower, which is arranged on a horizontal drive or a rotating frame, and a take-off arm. The take-off arm is held on the take-off tower in a guide so as to be vertically adjustable. A single lifting spindle having a longitudinal axis in the movement direction of the take-off arm is provided for the vertical adjustment of the take-off tower. The lifting spindle is fastened on the take-off tower and the take-off arm is connected to the lifting spindle via a nut.

Abstract: A weight distribution carrier is provided. The weight distribution carrier includes a cart that has a base and a plurality of wheels, such as a first pair of wheels and a second pair of wheels. Connected to a base of the cart is a jack that can be raised and lowered. In some embodiments, the jack is automated. Mounted to the jack is a coupler that is configured to receive and lock in place a ball of a hitch. The base can include one or more retention units to store sway bars. The weight distribution carrier can be collapsed or folded to allow for easy storage when not in use.

Abstract: An industrial truck (1) has a load fork (7) comprising two fork tines (7a, 7b). A load carrier interlocking device (15) is formed by two pivotable cheeks (16a, 16b), each of which is provided with a toothed segment (17a, 17b) on end surfaces facing each other. The toothed segments (17a, 17b) secure the load carrier (L1, L2, L3) positively. The cheeks (16a, 16b) are biased by a spring device (30) toward a pick up position and an interlocking position. When the industrial truck (1) enters a load carrier (L1, L2, L3) with the load fork (7), the cheeks (16a, 16b) are pivoted outwardly away from each other by the load carrier (L1, L2, L3) against the force of the spring device (30). When the load carrier (L1, L2, L3) is completely picked up, the cheeks (16a, 16b) are actuated by the spring device (30) toward the interlocking position, in which the load carrier (L1, L2, L3) is secured positively in position by the toothed segments (17a, 17b).

Abstract: A wall mounted elevating mechanism that includes a frame and a sliding member arranged therein. The elevating mechanism also includes a support arm extending from the sliding member with a table secured to the support arm. A lifting mechanism is arranged between the frame and the sliding member. A switch is electronically connected to the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A method of handling a load comprising a plurality of articles (100) is disclosed. The method comprises providing a lifting assembly (10) comprising a plurality of carrying arrangements (12) arranged one above another. The carrying arrangements are movable between proximate and separated conditions, whereby adjacent carrying arrangements are spaced from each other by a greater distance in the separated condition than in the proximate condition. The method further includes disposing the articles on the carrying arrangements when the carrying arrangements are in the proximate condition, and moving the carrying arrangements to the separated condition, thereby moving the articles to a spaced configuration. With the carrying arrangements in the separated condition, the method includes delivering the articles to a support assembly (104) to dispose the articles at the support assembly in the spaced configuration.

Abstract: A forklift apparatus includes a base that moves in a generally horizontal direction. The base carries a mast that includes a lower section and an upper section. The upper section pivots relative to the lower section between a first storage orientation and a second operating orientation. In the second operating orientation, the upper section forms an upward continuation of the lower section. The mast carries a lifting structure that can selectively engage an object. A drive structure moves the lifting structure in a generally vertical direction when the upper section is in the second operating orientation.

Abstract: A forklift apparatus includes a base that moves in a generally horizontal direction. The base carries a mast that includes a lower section and an upper section. The upper section pivots relative to the lower section between a first storage orientation and a second operating orientation. In the second operating orientation, the upper section forms an upward continuation of the lower section. The mast carries a lifting structure that can selectively engage an object. A drive structure moves the lifting structure in a generally vertical direction when the upper section is in the second operating orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic apparatus comprising a hydraulic pump (30) which is connectable to a hydraulic fluid tank, an electric motor (2) as a drive means for the hydraulic pump (30), which electric motor comprises a motor shaft and a motor housing cover (4), and a control valve assembly (12) connected to the pump (30) to control at least one hydraulic consumer which is connectable to the pump (30) and is to be supplied by the pump (30) with hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid tank, wherein the pump (30) is fixed on the motor housing cover (4) and the motor housing cover (4) comprises a holding adapter (10) on which the control valve assembly (12) is fixed.

Abstract: A lift truck includes a secondary rechargeable energy storage device on a vertically movable platform that is separate from a primary rechargeable energy storage device on the lift truck's main tractor unit. Wires or hoses for transfer of power or controls between the main tractor unit and the platform are reduced or eliminated. The quantity of energy stored in the secondary rechargeable energy storage device is sufficient to power platform electrical loads for a predetermined amount of time until the platform is lowered. When the platform is lowered, the secondary rechargeable energy storage device is recharged by the primary energy storage device.

Abstract: This invention includes a screw shaft 1, a screw thread 10 formed spirally on an outer periphery of the screw shaft, a plurality of rollers 2 arranged along the thread so as to be spaced from one another in a circumferential direction of the screw shaft to roll along a flank surface la of the screw thread via a rolling surface 2c, and a roller cage 3 accommodating the plurality of rollers so as to rotate each of the rollers on respective axes and constructed so that when the rollers are made to roll, the cage moves about the screw shaft in relative form with respect thereto; wherein the rollers each have a central axis 26 fixedly positioned with respect to the roller cage so that the roller takes a posture making a line imaginarily extended from the central axis intersect the screw shaft, and so that the central axis is inclined towards the flank surface with which the rolling surface comes into contact.

Abstract: [Object] To enable stable cargo handling operation and high-efficiency recovery of regenerative electric power by means of simple configuration. [Solution] In a forklift which includes linear actuators that convert rotational motion into linear motion, the linear actuators being provided in a plurality of fork parts of a cargo handling drive device, the forklift includes induction motors that drive each of the plurality of actuators provided in the plurality of fork parts, an inverter that drives the induction motors in the same manner, and a controller that controls the inverter, and the controller computes a slip frequency by using the lowest detection value among detection values from detectors that detect each of rotation speeds of the plurality of induction motors.

Abstract: In a method for utilizing a wedge engagement mechanism as means for retaining an output shaft without requiring a large driving power, there is a need for preventing fatigue life of an actuator from being reduced as a result of stress at contacting portions of parts of wedge engagement portions of the wedge engagement mechanism becoming large. In a linear actuator that converts rotary motion of a drive unit for rotation to linear motion through a rotary motion-to-linear motion conversion mechanism, a one-way mechanism is disposed upstream of the rotary motion-to-linear motion conversion mechanism in a rotational drive path, to thereby inhibit, with a small wedge engagement force, the output shaft from being driven by an external force, achieving reduction in the stress at the contacting portions.

Abstract: A motorized means of transporting loads includes a fork lift mechanism that features a set of anchored chains fitted to a set of lifting forks for lifting and lowering a load. With a combination electrical/hydraulic system, the lifting and lowering functions can be efficiently obtained. Two load supporting outriggers are provided which can be extended or retracted while transporting a load to aid in navigating constricted spaces. A tilting mast and fork assembly allows for a manipulation of the center of gravity while transporting loads. A joystick function controls the forward, turning, reverse, lifting, and extending and retracting the outriggers. A battery enabled transport provides for flash charging of the onboard batteries to extend useful life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for picking up and setting down objects capable of being picked up, such as plant pots, from or onto a surface for the objects. The device comprises a movable frame such as a forklift truck, a guide on the frame, a fork and a drive with at least one spacer which during use defines a minimal space between the fork and the surface. The invention also relates to an assembly. This comprises a fork which is at least connectable to a guide on a movable frame and which is adapted to carry at least one of the objects, and at least one spacer which during use defines a space between the fork and the surface. The invention also relates to a method for picking up objects from a surface with a fork on a movable frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for controlling automatic lifting and lowering type platform that can correct the inclination of a mobile power generator and that can always maintain the level while carrying out automatic lifting and lowering of the generator. The apparatus includes vertical outer cases which are extended or withdrawn in the horizontal directions from or into both sides at both ends of the chassis ?; vertical inner cases which are inserted into the vertical outer cases and extended or withdrawn in the vertical directions; and an allotter which allots output to jacks so that inclination detected by an angle sensor can always be corrected.

Abstract: An industrial truck (1) has a lifting device (9) including a movable load bearing implement (11) having a fork-shaped load handling attachment (14) and a towing device (20). The load handling attachment (14) has at least one load segment (14b) which is mounted so that it can be pivoted around an essentially horizontal pivoting axis (15). In one embodiment of the invention, the towing device (20) is located in the vicinity of the lifting device (9).

Abstract: The powered hand truck has a chassis supported at one end by a single axle with two independently operable drive wheels. A prime mover is provided generally medially on the chassis, driving the drive wheels and powering the forklift mechanism. An operator console extends from the end of the chassis opposite the wheels, with an operator platform extending beyond the base of the operator console. The forklift mechanism has a pantograph arrangement supported by a pivotally mounted column. The forklift mast remains parallel to the column at all times and includes a manually actuated upper extension. A storage rack and dolly may be installed upon a suitable transport vehicle for transporting the powered hand truck. The hand truck forks engage the storage rack dolly, with the dolly translating along the rack to allow the truck to be deployed from, or loaded onto, the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A wheeled cart includes a lift platform mounted for vertical movement on a frame, an actuating system for effecting movement of the platform, a brake system acting against a wheel to prevent movement of the cart, a tank containing compressed air and an air conduit system for directing compressed air to the actuating system and the brake system.

Abstract: A lift system is coupled between a work platform and a mast on a mast lift. The lift system includes at least one lifting rope connected between the work platform and the mast via an idler roller and a hoist drum connected to the work platform. The idler roller is displaceable between an engaged position and a disengaged position based on an amount of tension on the lifting rope. A spring is connected to the idler roller and urges the idler roller toward the engaged position. A carriage latch assembly includes a carriage latch hook coupled with the idler roller and a pin secured to the mast. When the idler roller is disposed in the engaged position, the carriage latch hook is engageable with the pin.

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.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame including a longitudinal centerline and an operator compartment; first and second front wheels coupled to the frame; a rear steer wheel assembly coupled to the frame; mast apparatus coupled to the frame and including a pair of forks; and a battery associated with the frame and having a center of gravity. The battery is preferably positioned such that the battery center of gravity is laterally offset from the longitudinal center line. A stability triangle for the vehicle is defined by a first point at the first front wheel, a second point at the second front wheel and a third point at the rear steer wheel assembly. Preferably, the stability triangle defines a scalene triangle.

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.

Abstract: A piano lyre crutch includes a panel having a top and a fixture for temporarily attaching the panel to a top of a grand piano lyre. A panel depending portion includes a length greater than a length of the depending lyre, which facilitates breakdown of the piano for transport without jeopardizing the lyre by the piano weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive axle (A) for a self-propelled work machine, in particular an industrial truck, in which two traction motors (EF1, EF2) spaced apart from each other and an electric motor (E1) arranged axially in between them and provided to drive a hydraulic pump (P1) are integrated. In order to utilize the installation space available optimally, according to the invention the electric motor (E1) is arranged at right angles to the traction motors (EF1, EF2), as based on the longitudinal center line of the drive axle (A).

Abstract: A lift truck (6) for the transport of a battery block (1) of an industrial truck, such as a fork-lift truck. The lift truck (6) includes at least one electrical unit. The electrical unit can be connected with the battery block (1) to be transported for supplying electrical energy to the lift truck (6). The lift truck (6) may not have its own battery. The electrical unit can be an electrical traction drive motor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses either an apparatus that is adapted for selective mounting to and demounting from a pallet jack for use therewith or a transport vehicle having an apparatus permanently mounted thereto, which can effectively and efficiently transport articles or stacks of objects, such as boxes, furniture, trays, or the like from one location to another. The apparatus comprises a housing and an article engaging and lifting member, which includes a base and a back support member for supporting the article or stacks of objects. The article engaging and lifting member is pivotally mounted to the housing, preferably adjacent the bottom of the back support member. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a first clamp member for maintaining the article adjacent the back support member.

Abstract: A person-guided vehicle (PGV) is provided for transporting and manipulating at least one carrier containing items such as semiconductor wafers to be loaded or unloaded at a load port. The PGV includes a wheeled cart having a frame configured to align with the load port. A carrier support assembly is mounted to the frame. The carrier support assembly includes a cradle configured to support the carrier, a lifting mechanism operative to raise and lower the cradle vertically, and a horizontal slide mechanism operative to move the cradle horizontally to and from a position outboard of the cart. A damping system is coupled to the cart and operative to dampen vibrations of the carrier in the carrier support assembly. One side of the cart is free of structural members to allow operator access to the carrier support assembly and to allow ready manipulation of the cart by the operator.

Abstract: A lift truck, especially for use in air cargo handling, includes a drive part having at least one driving wheel and a load part guided at the drive part and having at least one roller. Two lifting devices are operable in sequence. The lifting devices each set a height of the load part relative to the drive part in a respective lifting stage.

Abstract: An elevator handtruck having four wheels for allowing loads to be moved like an elevator and raised and lowered out from the raised rear edges of a truck such as a pickup truck, moving van, and the like. Safety straps can attach the handtruck to flanges mounted on the wheel wells within a flat bed of the truck vehicle. A motorized carriage having a set of wheels can be slidably mounted on shafts on the rear of a two wheeled handtruck. The carriage wheels can be folded downward when not in use. During use, the carriage wheels sit on the edge of the truck bed such as the tailgate. A user holding a hand control can press buttons causing the carriage to slide up and down causing the entire handtruck to raise upward to the flat bed or downward to the ground. Power can be supplied by attaching jumper cable clip ends connected to the carriage motor on the handtruck to the terminals on the standard vehicle battery.

Abstract: An automated guided vehicle for carrying a load comprises a mast, a lift carriage, a ball screw drive assembly and a ball screw joint. The ball screw drive assembly has a lift nut and a vertically oriented ball screw. The ball screw joint operatively couples the drive assembly to the lift carriage so as to transmit upward vertical forces from the drive assembly to the lift carriage. The ball screw joint includes first, second, third and fourth shafts which permit the lift nut to move in any horizontal direction and to pivot about any horizontal axis with respect to the lift carriage. As a result, the ball screw joint advantageously prevents the transmission of horizontal forces and angular moments between the ball screw and the lift nut, thereby reducing the wearing out effects of component misalignment on the ball screw assembly.

Abstract: A power option is provided for a manually-operated material lift that employs a telescoping mast system which is extended or retracted by a winch. In one embodiment a reversible electric motor is connected to the winch via two-way reduction gearing that remains in the drive train during manual operation and requires no clutches or disconnect means. In a second embodiment a crankshaft that operates the winch is provided with slide couplings that either engage the manual operating handles or release the handles and engage the motorized drive. The power option is initiated by selecting the position of a reversing switch that controls the motor, and closing an on/off switch which energizes the motor for rotation in the selected direction. When the on/off switch is open, the lift may be manually operated in the conventional manner.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved wheeled, light-weight lift which meets standards for airline ground support vertical lift devices, specifically being capable of use on airport tarmacs in winds up to 90 mph. On and off-loading ramps are provided which are rotatable between an upright stored position and a horizontal working position. The ramps comprise a bridge structure supporting a plurality of louvred deck plates. Each louvre is linked to the others so as to remain oriented horizontal regardless of the ramps position for minimizing their aerodynamic profile and overturning moment. Outriggers are extendible from the frame so as to increase its base dimensions and thus the moment needed to overturn the lift. The outriggers retract into the frame to minimize storage. The outriggers are horizontally movable along their longitudinal axis to minimize the deployment space required.

Abstract: A method, device and system are provided that is a portable lifting system for easy movement of moderately heavy items, including a base member, a vertical support member connected to the base member and a load member slideably connected along the vertical support member. The system is typically small in size, allowing for ease of loading, lifting, transporting and unloading of moderately heavy objects of 25 to 100 pounds. The system is typically used in enclosed areas such as an office, home, workshop, garage or basement. The actual load member varies depending upon the type of load being lifted. A common type connector is used allowing interchangeability between the various load members. The system can further include a mechanical advantage member including a screw or a motor to control load member height. The mechanical advantage member may be controlled manually, or electronically.

Abstract: An improved pallet truck, having an extended length pair of forks capable of supporting multiple, side-by-side, pallets which may be raised well above the floor to assist an operator in an order selection operation, includes a first fork lifting mechanism connected to one end of a pair of primary forks. A pair of load wheels are mounted on levers at a other end of the forks and are mechanically connected to the first fork lifting mechanism which causes the other end of the primary forks to be raised from a lower level to an upper level simultaneously with the raising of the first end thereby to maintain the primary forks level while lifting the maximum capacity of the truck. A pair of secondary forks are mounted above the primary forks and are movable from a nested position with respect to the first forks to a raised position by a second fork lifting mechanism carried by the primary forks.

Abstract: A robotic shelf handling apparatus usable with a power lifting device such as a swingreach or forklift which can be used to remove and replace large capacity conventional storage shelves. The shelf handling apparatus defines or pockets or slots for receiving a power lifting device fixedly secured thereinto and is positioned between vertically extending corner stanchions of shelving immediately below its shelf to be removed. The apparatus includes a frame with a shelf deck positioning device vertically movable upwardly therefrom to remove a shelf deck. Further the design includes a lateral stabilization means including a plurality of wheels and guide rollers adapted to engage the vertically extending stanchions of the shelving for maintaining lateral stability of the handling apparatus. Also a support bar positioning device is included which is adapted to hold the support bars used for supporting of the deck plates and removing them from engagement with the vertical stanchions as desired.

Abstract: A four wheel hand truck with elevator in which one pair of wheels are stationary as in a typical hand truck and the other pair of wheels are slidable upon vertical shafts and powered by a cable and winch assembly. A person can place the slidable pair of wheels on the outward edge of a pick-up truck bed and lower the entire hand truck and associated load to the ground or vice versa.

Abstract: A hand cart for carrying sheets and other stacked objects has a motorized self-leveling platform, so the things being carried are kept at a constant elevation convenient to a worker, whether things are being added or removed from the platform. For carrying sheets, such as moving sheets of paper in document processing operations, the cart upright and platform are tilted, and the upright has opposing wings extending at 90 degree. Thus, sheets tend to move against the wings and their alignment is either obtained or maintained. When the cart is tilted to move it about, the cart design and load positioning system desirably keep the upward force which a worker must apply to the cart handle at low levels.

Abstract: A device for tilting, carrying and transporting a grand piano (2) comprises a wheeled frame (3, 4) designed to run underneath the grand piano. Elements for gripping (5), lifting (14) and tilting (17) the grand piano are fitted on the frame. The gripping elements (5) are made U-shaped to grip at least the bottom face (6), an adjacent end (7) face and the top face (8) of the grand piano. The gripping elements (5) are provided with wheels (11) and are detachably connected to the lifting and tilting devices. After lifting and then turning the piano through 90.degree. and the like, the piano can be moved independently with the gripping elements by detaching the lifting and tilting devices. The gripping elements can form part of a case for protecting against damage during further transportation.

Abstract: A control system for a materials-handling device, especially for a shelf storage and retrieval device. The device includes a horizontal travelling mechanism having a horizontal drive; a lift truck which can be raised and lowered on a mast via a lifting drive; and a storage/retrieval drive for storage and/or retrieval of the goods to be handled. The present system provides a simplified assembly and a design with respect to the supply of current. The simplified assembly and design is accompanied by supplying the electrical power for the storage/retrieval drive and for data transmission with a signal converter through the use of contact conductors arranged on the mast and the power is picked up from the contact conductors by sliding contacts on the lift truck.

Abstract: A lift has a member for supporting a material handling tool. The lift has a housing defining an interior and a longitudinally elongated slot orientated in the vertical direction. The housing has a wall encircling the slot. The member extends through the slot in the housing and moves in the longitudinal direction. A flexible closure strip has a length of at least twice the longitudinal length of the slot and is connected to the member at an approximate midpoint of the flexible closure strip and movable with the member. The flexible closure strip is in slideably sealing engagement with the slot. A pair of scroll boxes accumulates and dispenses the flexible closure strip as the member moves in the longitudinal direction. One of the scroll boxes is located in proximity to an upper wall portion of the wall and the other scroll box located in proximity to a lower wall portion of the wall.

Abstract: A vertical run drive unit 30 for driving an upward and downward movable carriage 16 mounted to one side of a support post 12A comprises a pair of sheaves 36, 40 arranged in vertically spaced apart relation, and a vertical run drive mechanism 33 interlockingly connected to one of the sheaves 36. There are provided wires 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D which are each passed over the upper sheave 20 and trained about the lower sheave 36 from opposite directions, the wires 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D being connected at one end to the carriage 16 and at the other end to counterweights 51A, 51B. A load applied to both ends of each wire can be caused to act toward tensioning the wire relative to the sheaves, thereby to exert a strong force of friction on the wire, so that sufficient force of movement can be obtained. The counterweights need not be large-sized to provide a strong frictional force and can be made relatively low in height, it being thus possible to set a longer stroke for the carriage.