Abstract: A clamping assembly for a load-carrying vehicle capable of exerting an adjustable clamping force, comprises first and second clamp arms, and first and second clamp arm sensing elements. The first and second clamp arms are movable towards and away from each other to contact and exert a clamping force on a load sufficient for lifting the load and transporting the load. The first clamp arm sensing elements are positioned at spaced apart locations on the first clamp arm. The second clamp arm sensing elements are positioned at spaced apart locations on the second clamp arm. The first clamp arm sensing elements and the second clamp arm sensing elements are configured sense and feed back forces exerted by the first and second clamp arms, respectively, in engaging the load such that the clamp arms can be moved relative to each other to adjust the clamping force applied to the load.

Abstract: A force sensing carriage for a load carrying vehicle with lift capability has a first carriage component, a second carriage component and at least one bladder filled with a fluid at a predetermined pressure positioned between the second carriage component and the first carriage component. The first carriage component is configured for mounting to the load carrying vehicle. The second carriage component is for contacting a load to be moved and is positionable in alignment with the first carriage component. The bladder at least partially supports the second carriage component in an operating position in which a portion of the second carriage component is spaced away from the first carriage component. Forces exerted on the bladder by the second carriage component increase pressure in the bladder. An indicator circuit with an indicator indicates a warning if a predetermined threshold pressure is exceeded.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for a load-carrying vehicle capable of exerting an adjustable clamping force, comprises first and second clamp arms, and first and second clamp arm sensing elements. The first and second clamp arms are movable towards and away from each other to contact and exert a clamping force on a load sufficient for lifting the load and transporting the load. The first clamp arm sensing elements are positioned at spaced apart locations on the first clamp arm. The second clamp arm sensing elements are positioned at spaced apart locations on the second clamp arm. The first clamp arm sensing elements and the second clamp arm sensing elements are configured sense and feed back forces exerted by the first and second clamp arms, respectively, in engaging the load such that the clamp arms can be moved relative to each other to adjust the clamping force applied to the load.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for a load-carrying vehicle capable of exerting an adjustable clamping force, comprises first and second clamp arms, and first and second clamp arm sensing elements. The first and second clamp arms are movable towards and away from each other to contact and exert a clamping force on a load sufficient for lifting the load and transporting the load. The first clamp arm sensing elements are positioned at spaced apart locations on the first clamp arm. The second clamp arm sensing elements are positioned at spaced apart locations on the second clamp arm. The first clamp arm sensing elements and the second clamp arm sensing elements are configured sense and feed back forces exerted by the first and second clamp arms, respectively, in engaging the load such that the clamp arms can be moved relative to each other to adjust the clamping force applied to the load.

Abstract: A hydraulic force control system is disclosed for controlling the clamping force applied to a load by the clamp arms of a clamping attachment of a load-lifting vehicle to prevent the arms from over- or under-clamping the load. The system includes a force control circuit interposed between the vehicle's conventional hydraulic circuit and clamp cylinders of the attachment that operate the arms. When a manual control valve in the conventional circuit is moved to operate the clamp arms, a load sense cylinder in the control circuit lifts a load carriage of the attachment, causing the pressure side of the sense cylinder to sense the weight on the load carriage. Carriage movement actuates a sequence valve in the control circuit to hydraulically connect the pressure sides of said sense and clamp cylinders so that clamping force applied to a load by the clamp arms is proportionate to the weight of the load.

Abstract: A push-pull slipsheet handler is attachable to a conventional forklift truck and includes a push-plate assembly mounted to slide over a platen. A push-plate mounted to the assembly may be raised and lowered so that its lower edge may capture and grip a slipsheet edge with a lower leading edge of the push-plate assembly. A single motor mounted to the assembly engages a chain fixed at each of its ends to a base end and free end of the platen, respectively. The apparatus is mounted to a forklift with the forks below the platen for support, and with L-shaped locks attached to the platen and extending behind the fork uprights to secure the apparatus.