Abstract: Lift trucks are designed with a common chassis and can accommodate different form factors and different energy sources. According to one example, a chassis for a configurable sit-down counterbalanced forklift truck comprises a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side. A chassis compartment is situated between the front side and the rear side and between the left side and right side of the chassis. The chassis compartment is configured to fit within the chassis compartment one of a plurality of different types of power plants for the forklift truck and one of a plurality of different types of power sources. The chassis compartment is configured to hold one of a plurality of different designs of counterweights on or in a rear portion of the chassis compartment. The chassis is configured to support one of a plurality of different operator compartment modules attached atop the chassis.

Abstract: A stack current controller may be configured to request a current magnitude from a fuel cell. The current magnitude requested is based at least on a battery state of charge and is performed in a stepwise manner among a plurality of current magnitude steps, where each current magnitude step includes a debounce range with respect to at least one other current magnitude step. The stack current controller may be configured to control the fuel cell to output the requested current magnitude, determine an average current output by the fuel cell over a time period, and modify a current magnitude associated with one of the current magnitude steps based on the average current.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle controller communicating over a first communication system with actuators for changing the state of vehicle systems. A signal module communicates with the vehicle controller via the first communication system. One or more signal sources communicate with the signal module via a second communication system, and transmit signals to the signal module. Based on one or more signals and one or more user inputs, the signal module generates and transmits control signals to the vehicle controller. The vehicle controller actuates the actuator based on the control signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods can prevent or reduce jerk during operation of a materials-handling vehicle that is unloaded or carrying a load. The vehicle comprises one or more user input devices configured to receive from an operator a request to perform an action and a processor. The processor is configured to determine, before performing the action requested by the operator, a force acting on the load carried by the materials-handling vehicle as a result of the action requested by the operator. The processor determines whether the force would result in a jerk if the action is performed as requested. If it is determined that the force would result in a jerk, the action is modified so as to reduce the force. If it is determined that the force would not result in a jerk, the materials-handling vehicle performs the action as requested by the operator without modification to reduce the force.

Abstract: A method controls the reverse speed of a materials-handling vehicle having a forward-facing operator seat, a front end, a back end, a reverse-consent sensor, and a controller. The method detects, via the reverse-consent sensor, whether an operator of the vehicle is in a position to view a path of the vehicle when the vehicle is driven in a reverse direction; limits, via the controller, the reverse speed of the vehicle to a first maximum reverse speed when the operator is not detected to be in such a position when the vehicle is driven in a reverse direction; and limits, via the controller, the reverse speed of the vehicle to a second maximum reverse speed when the operator is detected to be in such a position. The first maximum reverse speed of the vehicle may be lower than the second maximum reverse speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: Materials-handling vehicles, such as counterbalanced lift trucks, can incorporate a counterweight that includes a frame, a cavity, and a sensor-mounting recess. The counterweight may be configured to provide an unobstructed horizontal line of sight of at least 180 degrees for a sensor, such as an object-detection sensor, that is mounted within the sensor-mounting recess. A lift truck can include a lift assembly comprising a mast and a pair of forks, an operator compartment comprising truck steering and speed controls, a plurality of wheels, an energy source, a counterweight comprising a frame and a sensor-mounting recess, and a sensor.

Abstract: A fitting assembly may seal a wire within a tube to inhibit ingress of fluid outside the tube into the tube and into contact with the wire. The fitting assembly may optionally include a body and a nut, with a part of the nut received within the body. The nut may be threadedly connected to the body, such that threading and/or unthreading the nut translates the part of the nut within the body. Optionally, the nut may include a ring extension that is received within a ring cavity of the body, and an interfacing between the ring extension and the ring cavity may create a seal to inhibit leaking of the fluid past the seal. A method of sealing a wire within a tube may comprise positioning a tube with a wire therein within such a fitting assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the status and health of a fleet of vehicles operating in a common space. A centralized monitoring operator receives status information and has the capability to independently interact with each vehicle in the fleet.

Abstract: A modular fork assembly for a pallet truck includes a discrete elongate body, a discrete load wheel module, and a discrete fork tip that may be detachably connected by the same or different types of interlocking mechanisms that are adapted to inhibit sheer forces. The load wheel module includes a frame and a load wheel assembly that includes a load wheel that is operatively connected to the frame.

Abstract: A reciprocating fluid pump includes a pump body, a subject fluid chamber, a first plunger located within the subject fluid chamber of the pump body and having a first head portion and a first bellows, the first plunger configured to expand and compress in a reciprocating action to pump the subject fluid through the subject fluid chamber within the pump body, wherein the first head portion and the first bellows have a first cross-sectional dimension, and a second plunger located within the subject fluid chamber of the pump body and having a second head portion and a second bellows, the second plunger configured to expand and compress in a reciprocating action to pump the subject fluid through the subject fluid chamber within the pump body, wherein the second head portion and the second bellows have a second cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension.

Abstract: An object-sensing bumper extension comprises a durable and flexible material. The bumper extension is connected to the bumper of a vehicle such as a lift truck to detect encroachment and/or impact between the vehicle and an operator or other object. A non-contact sensor detects encroachment of an object within an impact danger zone arranged immediately in front of and near the sides of the vehicle. An impact sensor detects impact between the vehicle and an object. A control system receives sensor signals and initiates a reaction operation of the vehicle in response to sensor activity. The reaction operation can include slowing the vehicle down, stopping the vehicle, and/or reversing the vehicle. The bumper extension can include a plurality of outwardly angled, substantially parallel ridges that deform outwardly and downwardly to push an impacted object away from danger and to fill a gap between the vehicle and the ground.

Abstract: A removably attachable handle apparatus includes brackets coupleable to canvas art with handles coupleable to the brackets. Brackets may be positioned on opposite sides of the canvas art. An artist may then grasp the handles to create art (e.g., acrylic pours) or may otherwise transport wet art without fear of smudging the art.

Abstract: A pump may include a stator, a rotor, and an impeller. The stator may include one or more electromagnets and one or more permanent magnets. The rotor may include an armature, one or more complementary permanent magnets, and a pull magnet configured to position the rotor in an axial direction. The rotor may be disposed within the stator. The complementary permanent magnets and the one or more permanent magnets of the stator may create magnetic bearings. The armature may be aligned with at least one of the electromagnets of the stator and configured to rotate the rotor with respect to the stator. The impeller may be coupled to the rotor.

Abstract: An electric actuator for a steering system is adapted to control an angle of steered wheels on a vehicle to adjust a direction of travel of the vehicle. The electric actuator includes a housing assembly, an electric motor, and an actuation unit. The housing assembly is arranged around the electric motor and the electric motor is coupled with the actuation unit and configured to cause an actuator rod of the actuation unit to move relative to the housing assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the status and health of a fleet of autonomous vehicles operating in a common space. A centralized monitoring operator receives status information and has the capability to independently interact with each autonomous vehicle in the fleet.

Abstract: Disclosed are a full-automatic storage shelf assembly production line and an operation method thereof. The production line includes a logistics channel, a stand column-based feeding area, a supporting beam-based feeding area, an in-line logistics system, a shelf assembly area, a finished product area, and a control system. The stand column-based feeding area, the supporting beam-based feeding area, the shelf assembly area, and the finished product area are connected in series by means of the in-line logistics system to form an integrated production line.

Abstract: A pump may include a stator, a rotor, and an impeller. The stator may include one or more electromagnets and one or more permanent magnets. The rotor may include an armature, one or more complementary permanent magnets, and a pull magnet configured to position the rotor in an axial direction. The rotor may be disposed within the stator. The complementary permanent magnets and the one or more permanent magnets of the stator may create magnetic bearings. The armature may be aligned with at least one of the electromagnets of the stator and configured to rotate the rotor with respect to the stator. The impeller may be coupled to the rotor.

Abstract: A reciprocating fluid pump may include a pump body, one or more subject fluid chambers within the pump body, one or more drive fluid chambers within the pump body, and a shuttle valve for shifting flow of pressurized drive fluid between two or more conduits. The shuttle valve includes a valve body and a spool disposed within the valve body and configured to move between a first position and a second position within the valve body. The shuttle valve also includes one or more magnets carried by the spool. The magnets are located and configured to impart a force on the spool responsive to a magnetic field such that the spool is magnetically biased away from an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A removably attachable handle apparatus includes brackets coupleable to canvas art with handles coupleable to the brackets. Brackets may be positioned on opposite sides of the canvas art. An artist may then grasp the handles to create art (e.g., acrylic pours) or may otherwise transport wet art without fear of smudging the art.

Abstract: An on-demand heater includes a plurality of heater banks disposed in series with one another between a heater fluid inlet and heater fluid outlet. Power to one or more of the heater banks is adjusted when a sensed exit fluid temperature from a heater bank differs from the partial fluid temperature increase assigned to that heater bank, such that the total desired fluid temperature increase is achieved at the heater fluid outlet in a controlled manner.