Abstract: A forklift-truck remote operation system includes a forklift truck and a remote operation device. The forklift-truck remote operation system further includes: a camera mounted to the forklift truck and configured to capture an image of an area around the forklift truck; a display disposed in the remote operation device and configured to display the image captured by the camera; a pallet detector configured to perform image recognition processing of the image captured by the camera and detect a plurality of pallets; a display controller configured to control the display to display the image captured by the camera with an indication for pallet selection from the pallets detected by the pallet detector; and a travel controller configured to control the forklift truck to move to a position of the selected pallet.

Abstract: The movable lifting system (1, 2) comprising a telehandler (1) which in turn comprises: a movable lifting arm (11) provided at a distal end, with a coupling device (111) for the removable fixing of equipment (112) or of the type adapted to grip loads, such as a fork, grippers or the like, or of the type suitable for lifting persons and work tools such as a basket or the like; and a powertrain assembly for movement on the ground. The system (1, 2) further comprises: control means, arranged on board the telehandler (1), provided to manage the operation of the powertrain assembly, adapted to receive command signals and adapted to regulate the operation of the assembly according to the command signals; and command means (2), separate from the telehandler (1), to be activated by an operator (3) and predisposed to produce the command signals.

Abstract: A mobile elevating work platform includes a chassis and fixed wheels, caster wheels, and a driving and steering wheel secured to the chassis. A control implement coupled with the driving and steering wheel is configured to adjust a steering position of the driving and steering wheel. A drive motor is operable to drive the driving and steering wheel. A platform may be raisable and lowerable with a mast assembly. The control implement may be adjustable to accommodate operator physical characteristics.

Abstract: A horizontal conveying carriage includes: a carriage body including: a base part; a drive wheel; and a steering wheel; a forklift attached to the carriage body, and configured to pick up a conveyed object and unload the conveyed object; an extending and shrinking mechanism configured to extend and shrink the forklift in a front-and-rear direction; a lifting and lowering mechanism configured to lift and lower the forklift in a vertical direction; a supporting mechanism configured to support the forklift from a lower side; an own position estimation unit configured to estimate an own position of the carriage body; a positional relation recognition unit configured to recognize a positional relation between the own position and the conveyed object; and a control unit configured to control movement of the carriage body and to control an operation of the forklift based on the own position and the positional relation.

Abstract: An activation system and method for an optical alignment system that may comprise one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), and pressure sensors. The system may also comprise at least one limit switch. The sensors and switch provide signals containing information about the movement, position or orientation of the system to a controller. The controller uses the sensor and switch information to estimate the position or orientation, or both, of the system. The system activates the optical alignment light source when predetermined thresholds are exceeded. Filtering such as low-pass, high-pass, and other filtering such as Kalman filtering may be used to remove unwanted frequencies from the filter data prior to processing by the controller. The invention may comprise the activation system alone or in combination with an optical alignment system. An exemplary use is for forklift optical alignment systems.

Abstract: A forklift truck includes a truck body, a fork, a mast, tilting and lifting mechanisms, tilt and lift levers, tilting and lifting operation detectors, an auxiliary switch, a tilt angle detector and a controller. The tilt and lift levers are adapted to operate the tilting and lifting mechanisms, respectively. The auxiliary switch is disposed on the lift lever at a position where the auxiliary switch and the lift lever are operable by the same operator's hand. The controller is adapted to control the tilting and lifting mechanisms based on signals from the tilting and lifting operation detectors and the auxiliary switch. When the auxiliary switch is in operative position and the lifting operation detector detects that the lift lever is in operative position, the controller controls the tilting mechanism so as to tilt the fork to have a predetermined tilt angle based on a signal from the tilt angle detector.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle has front and rear sections that are connected via a vertically pivot, and the front section has one or more front wheels that pivot a horizontal plane. A first sprocket is mounted on a vertical axis, for movement with the front section, the axis of the first sprocket is offset from the axis of the pivot between the front and rear sections, a shaft transmit angular movement at a ratio of 1:1 and in the same direction from the front wheel or wheels to the first sprocket, and a second sprocket is mounted on the rear section of the vehicle coaxially of the axis of the pivot between the front and rear sections. The second sprocket is drivingly connected to a rotary sensor, the first and second sprockets are drivingly connected by way of a chain, and the first and second sprockets having a drive ratio of 1:1.

Abstract: A fork lift truck (10) has a truck body (12), a lift mechanism (14) connected to the truck body (12) by means of a vertically extending pivot (52) and means (24) for turning the lift mechanism (14) relative to the truck body (12) about said pivot (52) to steer the truck (10), the truck body (12) having a pair of rear ground engaging wheels (16) mounted on transverse axes, the lifting mechanism (14) having a single ground engaging front wheel (40) mounted centrally on a transverse axis, the front wheel (40) having independent drive means (44, 46).

Abstract: A fork lift truck (10) has a truck body (12), a lift mechanism (14) connected to the truck body (12) by way of a vertically extending pivot (52) and mechanism (24) for turning the lift mechanism (14) relative to the truck body (12) about the pivot (52) to steer the truck (10), the truck body (12) having a pair of rear ground engaging wheels (16) mounted on transverse axes, the lifting mechanism (14) having a single ground engaging front wheel (40) mounted centrally on a transverse axis, the front wheel (40) having independent drive mechanism (44, 46).

Abstract: A manipulator for use with a lift truck includes a guide assembly mountable on a mast of a lift truck, a carriage assembly supported for movement along the guide assembly, and an arm assembly mounted on the carriage assembly for supporting a lift truck attachment such as a clamping apparatus. The arm assembly may include two arms pivotable with respect to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The manipulator can move a load in a widthwise direction of a lift truck and between opposite widthwise sides of a lift truck.

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.

Abstract: A jig assembly which includes a universal joint to enable three-dimensional movement of a workpiece or handling device attached thereto. The assembly is particularly useful for enabling translation and rotational movement of heavy machinery and components for servicing and maintenance. The jig assembly may comprise one or more ball joints which may be moved by actuators such as hydraulic cylinder. The assembly may be provided on its own movable frame, or it may be attached to a front end of a loader.

Abstract: A transportable device, such as a cart, for transporting and elevating an imaging media cartridge into a press printer may include a base platform, first and second elevation members disposed thereon, a panel disposed between the first and second elevation members, and first and second elevator platforms. The panel may include a pair of opposite vertical faces along which the elevator platforms slide to mutually exchange elevations by vertically sliding the platforms in opposite directions. The device may be used for a method of transporting and elevating an imaging media cartridge into a press printer at an installation height above a floor. Additionally, the device may be used for a method of removing and storing an imaging media cartridge from a press printer at an installation height above the floor.

Abstract: A fork lift truck, adapted to be loaded on the rear of a carrying vehicle includes a chassis 1 bearing at least one power driven and steering rear wheel 8 and two fixed direction front wheels 16, 17. The front portion 2 of the fork lift truck that includes a mast 21 and two front wheels 16, 17, is pivotally interconnected to the chassis 1 about a vertical axis 3 so as to pivot between a use position in which the front portion 2 of the fork lift truck is aligned with the chassis 1 and a loading position in which the front portion 2 and the chassis 1 are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems for transporting a generally cylindrical package include: (a) a frame including a support device having at least one compressible support member and a pivot device for pivoting the support device about a generally vertical axis, the support device being movable along the generally vertical axis between (1) a first predetermined position spaced apart from and below an outer surface of a generally cylindrical package which is removably telescoped upon a generally horizontal member of a support at a first predetermined location and (2) a second predetermined position in which the compressible support member contacts and supports at least a portion of the outer surface of the generally cylindrical package; and (b) a carriage assembly connected to and supporting the frame, the carriage assembly including a carriage for moving the frame between (1) a first predetermined position proximate the support and (2) a second predetermined position horizontally spaced apart from the first predetermined

Abstract: A suspension support device is provided movably on the upper surface of a building for suspending, by means of ropes, an outer wall working machine having fitting and moving members which can be fittedly engaged in a pair of guide grooves formed vertically on an outer wall surface of the building, and lowering and lifting the outer wall working machine along the guide grooves.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift mechanism adapted for use particularly in the accessway of a train car is disclosed which comprises a generally planar collapsible platform assembly for receiving a wheelchair and its occupant thereon; a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the platform between first and second elevations; a vertical support column mounted inside the train car adjacent the accessway having a support portion rotatably mounted thereto; and an extensible lift mechanism support assembly attached between the support portion and the lift mechanism frame to move the lift mechanism and platform assembly horizontally between a retracted position and an extended position away from the vertical support column to provide lateral clearance for the platform assembly outside the vehicle in the deployed position. The extensible assembly comprises a pair of parallel fixed sleeve members and a pair of parallel slide members telescopically attached between the frame and the support portion.

Abstract: An attachment for industrial trucks, especially lift trucks, is designed as a multi-articulated lever mechanism (11), preferably as a three-hinge arm. This is articulated to a support plate (1), which can be locked and/or fixed in a bracket of the industrial truck. The lever arms (5, 6, 7) of the lever mechanism (11) are rotatable in relation to one another in articulated axles (3, 8, 10), and can be driven, individually and/or in a simultaneous movement, at least in the horizontal direction by mechanical, hydraulic and/or electrical devices. A load pickup device (12), which can be used preferably as a pivoting retractable fork, is arranged at the last, freely hanging lever arm (7). At least one of the lever arms (5 or 6 or 7) is adjustable in height along its articulated axle (3 or 8 or 10).

Abstract: A forklift truck has front and rear wheeled sections coupled by a central pivot. The wheels of the rear section are driven independently of one another. In order to prevent tire scrub when the two sections are in an extreme position in which the center of turning lies under or close to one of the driven wheels, the driving of the rear wheels controlled to stop or reverse the drive of the wheel closer to the turning point.

Abstract: A digital computer based power control system for automatically aligning a first, moveable object with a second, fixed object to aid a human operator in effecting contact or engagement of the first object with the second object in a precise manner. A camera and light assembly on the first object form images of the second object as the first object is automatically positioned. These images are stored in digital form and compared to an ideal image which indicated proper alignment of the first and second objects. This condition is indicated to the human operator to allow movement of the first object to the point of proper alignment. The system includes a main processor, a ROM for storage of control programs, RAM for storage of images, a camera and light assembly, operator controls, and power electronics.

Abstract: This apparatus relates to an attachment to the boom of a boom-type vehicle for lifting and supporting a panel assembly of the type having a panel and a purline. The purline is securely attached to the panel and disposed at an angle thereto. The attachment comprises attachment devices connectable to a forward end of the boom of the vehicle for supporting at least a portion of the purline and at least a portion of the panel. The attachment device provides selective movement between the purline, the panel, and the boom for permitting the panel assembly to be maneuvered in the desired manner at the construction site. A panel handler assembly is connectable to a forward portion of a mast assembly.

Abstract: A potato harvester having cooperative elements serving the functions of prividing an overall frame for the harvester with wheels for locomotion. A de-vining system utilizing a de-vining chain running between large top roller and a smaller bottom roller a pallet and worker stand, a sorting area to sort potatoes three ways and an area and system for discharge of filled pallets which cooperate in an assembly line process allowing for the intervention and participation of field workers with an automated process. The chief inventive portions being a pallet stand with an unloading forklift; Separation or sorting of potatoes onto conveyors which load the potatoes into the appropriate pallets depending on size while allowing for separation by hand of large and small potatoes from the average sized into three distinct areas by hand with waste disposal finished by hand; a refined digging and de-vining system designed to clear vines from the potatoes and carrier chain in a assembly line process.

Abstract: A vehicle has a steerable subframe articulated to the remainder of the vehicle, a set of lifting forks projecting forwardly from the subframe and supported thereon by a linkage permitting lifting, tilting and lateral movement of the forks, and a counterweight balancing a load carried by the forks across the subframe, the counterweight projecting rearwardly from the subframe beneath the remainder of the vehicle. Interchangeable units are engageable with the forks to transport thereby to a worksite, such as pallet units, a work platform, a crane and a cable dispenser.

Abstract: A beverage truck having unique unloading and loading apparatus. The apparatus, which may be mounted to an existing beverage truck, or built into one as original equipment, has a framework at the front and back of the truck body which supports a track that spans the length of the body roof along its longitudinal center line. A trolley is carried on the track and moved by a powered chain drive from one end of the body to the other. Mounted to the trolley is a pivoting telescoping arm assembly that carries at the end of the arm a fork lift assembly. By operating simple controls, the user can move the trolley, extend the arm, raise, lower, rotate and tilt the forks to cause the forks to enter into the cargo area of the body, under the roof, to unload cargo from the truck and place it, e.g., on a loading dock or on the ground.

Abstract: A wheel chair is provided which is adapted to permit the chair to be separated from the wheeled chassis so that the chair may be positioned on a seat of an automobile. The wheeled chassis provides support for the chair on the side of the chair so that the chair may be brought into the automobile through the open door with the wheeled chassis moving beneath the automobile. The support for the chair is rotatably on the wheeled chassis so that the chair can be rotated into alignment with the seat in the automobile. The support for the chair is also vertically adjustable so that the chair may be lowered to rest on the automobile seat. The wheeled chassis and support for the chair may then be disassembled and stored in the automobile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for automatically loading a transport vehicle with unit loads by automatically moving the unit loads from a predetermined loading position to prescribed positions in the transport vehicle. The present invention uses a loading vehicle which receives loads from a staging device which positions the unit loads in the predetermined loading position. A unit load transfer device transfers the unit loads from the staging device to the loading vehicle. The loading vehicle uses on-board sensors in combination with placement information provided by a staging processor to perform translational and operational movements which are processed by an on-board loading vehicle processor. Unit loads can be deposited throughout the transport vehicle by maintaining a guidance path which is internally generated within the transport vehicle and can be either internally or externally generated outside the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting system for stacker cranes designed for handling materials in warehouse storage racks which system includes a depending cylindrical crane supporting post member carried by a suitable overhead track and carriage support structure for permitting the supporting post member to be moved transversely and longitudinally with respect to the warehouse storage racks. The mounting system on the supporting post member includes a radial/thrust bearing mounted on the post which provides vertical and lateral support for the load, and roller means spaced axially along the post from the bearing to engage the outer cylindrical surface of the post to provide lateral support for the crane mounted on the post while permitting the crane to be rotated through an arc of 360.degree. about the axis of the post, the system also including an electrical connection between the post and the crane to permit power to be provided to an electric power source mounted on the crane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stacker crane comprising an upright rigid mast rotatably connected at its upper end to a horizontally movable trolley, an intermediate mast that is vertically movable relative to the rigid mast, and a load supporting carriage guided for vertical motion by both masts and raised and lowered by a winch on the trolley. The intermediate mast has an upwardly projecting pilot portion that is telescopingly received within the rigid mast to guide the intermediate mast for motion between a lowered position near floor level and a raised position wherein the top of the intermediate mast is contiguous to the bottom of the rigid mast. The carriage is guided by a pair of vertical rails on each mast, at its opposite sides, the rails on the intermediate mast being aligned with respective rails on the rigid mast. The intermediate mast is biased upward by a force that can be overcome by the weight of the carriage.

Abstract: Use of a laterally-shiftable C-shaped frame which supports an auxiliary mast above its upper and lower extremities allows a lift truck to handle wider loads in a given aisle width, and decreases bending moments and inertial forces.

Abstract: Provision of an auxiliary mast which is tiltable, as well as being laterally shiftable and rotatable about a vertical axis, allows loads to be handled without the top of the mast damaging previously-stored loads or limiting fork entrance into a storage rack.