Abstract: A processor implemented stabilization system for load handling equipment monitors at least a portion of the equipment weight load at an equipment support member. Reduction below or increase above predetermined values signals an approaching tip over condition and triggers alarm condition responses for stabilization of the equipment. In a counterbalanced lift truck, the equipment weight load on a rear steer wheel is carried by an outer bearing race of a spindle and is transferred from the race to a load cell which is positioned between the race and a shoulder of a mounting tube. The load cell output is received at a processor which monitors the cell to determine if there is an approaching longitudinal tip over condition (toward or away from the load) as well as a lateral tip over condition.

Abstract: A processor implemented stabilization system for load handling equipment monitors at least a portion of the equipment weight load at an equipment support member. Reduction below or increase above predetermined values signals an approaching tip over condition and triggers alarm condition responses for stabilization of the equipment. In a counterbalanced lift truck, the equipment weight load on a rear steer wheel is carried by an outer bearing race of a spindle and is transferred from the race to a load cell which is positioned between the race and a shoulder of a mounting tube. The load cell output is received at a processor which monitors the cell to determine if there is an approaching longitudinal tip over condition (toward or away from the load) as well as a lateral tip over condition.

Abstract: Hydraulic hose lines between an inner rail and an adjacent outer rail of a lift truck mast are reeved within a hollow chain guideway. Opposite ends of the chain are fixed to vertical channels; one channel is mounted to the outer rail and the other, to a center support of the inner rail, with the lowermost portion of the chain looped between the channels. The distance between the chain portions seated in each channel provides an unobstructed operator viewing window. Elevating the inner rail causes the chain to progressively separate from the outer rail channel and engage the inner rail channel while lowering of the inner rail causes the chain to separate from the inner rail channel and engage the outer rail channel.

Abstract: A drive train assembly for motorized vehicles, for example lift trucks. The rotational movement of the output shaft of a motor, for example an electrical motor, is transmitted to a drive wheel by a single drive shaft having at one end a gear interface assembly consisting of a gear on the end of the output shaft and a gear on an end of the drive shaft, and at the other end of the drive shaft by a second gear interface assembly consisting of a gear on the drive shaft and a gear fixedly mounted on the inside of the rim of the drive wheel. The drive train assembly allows for strong, reliable transfer of rotational torque to the drive wheel in a compact, non-complex arrangement with a minimum number of drive parts, bearings and gears. The drive wheel is independently rotatably supported on a spindle mounted to the chassis of the vehicle and bears a majority of the external load and stresses, relieving the drive train assembly of a substantial amount of such load and stresses.

Abstract: A method for handling conventional stacks of baked goods trays for the baking industry. A platen is moved underneath side-by-side stacks of trays. The platen supports the underside of the stacks of trays and prevents lateral movement of the bottom of the stacks by guiding the platen into channels that exist in the bottom of the trays. The platen is attached to an upright which is tiltable and which extends along one side of the baked goods trays when on the platen to support the stacks along their vertical height. Tilting of the upright causes the platen to lift and the trays to tilt against the upright where they are supported underneath and along the side and thus can be moved and handled. By utilizing the split platen and the tall tiltable upright with a motorized vehicle, an economical and efficient method of handing baked goods tray stacks is possible, eliminating significant manual labor and risk of worker injury.