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: A facility management computer system is automatically configured when a material handling asset, such as a lift truck, is installed at the facility. A memory stores metadata comprising an asset identification and data specifying characteristics and parameters of the asset that are necessary or desirable in order to enable the facility management computer system to utilize the asset and perform functions, such as assigning work tasks, evaluating asset performance, and scheduling maintenance and repairs, for example. During asset installation the memory is electrically connected to facility management computer system. Upon that connection, the metadata are transferred automatically from the memory into the facility management computer system. Thereafter, the facility management computer system uses the metadata to manage operation of the material handling asset.

Abstract: A home position indicator that enhances the functionality of an incremental encoder with characteristics of an absolute encoder includes a target flag having a plurality of marks. In one embodiment, pairs of adjacent marks of the plurality of marks define sections between each adjacent pair of marks of the plurality of marks. Each section has a width, wherein one of the sections has a width greater than a width of another of the sections. A sensor sequentially senses two adjacent marks of said plurality of marks to determine a width of the section defined between the two adjacent marks.

Abstract: A lift cylinder for a mast assembly of a vehicle and a vehicle implementing the same. The lift cylinder includes a cylinder housing with a piston received therein. The piston is movable along an axis of extension between an extended position and a retracted position. The piston is formed of a composite material having a reinforcement phase oriented along the axis of extension of the piston, thereby increasing the buckling resistance of the piston. This improved buckling resistance potential allows for increased lift cylinder extension and/or more compact lift cylinder design.

Abstract: A hydraulic system has a cylinder and ram assembly that raises and lowers a load carrying carriage on a material handling vehicle. The fluid exhausting from the cylinder, while the carriage is lowering, is controlled to recover energy from that fluid. A first path routes the exhausting fluid to drive the pump as a hydraulic motor. A second path routes the exhausting fluid to a reservoir, bypassing the pump. In a first lowering mode, the second path is closed and the first path is opened. In a second lowering mode, both the first and second paths are open and the flow through each one is proportionally controlled. In a third lowering mode, only the second path is opened. The mode to use is selected based on the desired lowering speed of the carriage.

Abstract: A forked vehicle forms part of an assembly including a transporting vehicle having a powered lift gate. The forked vehicle includes a releasable grip securing the forked vehicle relative to the lift gate. The releasable grip is fixed relative to one of the lift gate and the forked vehicle and engages the other of the lift gate and forked vehicle to secure the forked vehicle relative to the lift gate.

Abstract: A lift truck includes systems and methods for improved stability control while turning, including a rotatable drive unit having a steerable drive tire. A first slide mechanism is coupled to the rotatable drive unit, and a second slide mechanism is mounted to a caster plate. A steering mechanism coupled to the rotatable drive unit is moved to steer the steerable drive tire, causing the first slide mechanism to interact with the second slide mechanism and to produce a downward pressure and/or reduce the downward pressure on a caster mounted to the caster plate.

Abstract: A load wrapping and transporting vehicle includes a vehicle frame, and a load support is connected to the vehicle frame for supporting a palletized load. An endless track is connected to the vehicle frame and extends about the load support. A spindle supports a roll of wrapping film and is guided by the endless track about the load support to wrap the palletized load with wrapping film dispensed by the roll of wrapping film.

Abstract: A lift truck includes systems and methods for improved stability control. Stability control features reduce or eliminate motion of the truck in one or more of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Some embodiments may include, alone or in combination with the stability control, vibration control to further stabilize the motion of the truck.

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 without the use of wires or hoses for transfer of power or controls between the main tractor unit and the platform. 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: An operator ride enhancement system that is coupleable to the frame of a vehicle includes a counterweight platform moveably coupled to the frame, and a resilient member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform. The mass of the counterweight platform is configured to be approximately at least equal to a total mass supported by the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle. The operator ride enhancement system attenuates and/or inhibits movement of the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: An operator ride enhancement system that is coupleable to the frame of a vehicle includes a counterweight platform moveably coupled to the frame, and a resilient member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform. The mass of the counterweight platform is configured to be approximately at least equal to a total mass supported by the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle. The operator ride enhancement system attenuates and/or inhibits movement of the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A biased clamping device for use with a cart carrier that includes a cart support and a clamping channel moveable between an open position and a clamped position is disclosed. The biased clamping device includes a biasing member associated with the clamping channel that biases the clamping channel to the clamped position. The biasing member includes a first end attached to the cart support and a second end attached to the clamping channel. The biasing member loads when the clamping channel is moved between the clamped position and the open position.

Abstract: A wheel support assembly for use with a vehicle is disclosed that comprises a vehicle mount coupleable to the vehicle, a recess formed in the vehicle mount, a bearing seated at least partially within the recess, an axle engaged with the bearing and extending away from the bearing, and a wheel supported by the axle. To inhibit the transfer of heat from the bearing to the wheel the bearing is in thermal communication with the vehicle mount and the wheel is spaced apart from the bearing along a longitudinal axis of the axle. The vehicle mount is configured as a heat sink such that a larger portion of the heat generated by the bearing is transferred to the heat sink as compared to the portion transferred to the axle.

Abstract: Operation of an industrial vehicle is controlled based on the location of that vehicle at a facility. The control method includes storing, in a memory device onboard the industrial vehicle, a definition of a first area in a facility. Radio signals are transmitted to the industrial vehicle from at least three transmitters, and for each radio signal, determining a propagation time from the transmitter to the industrial vehicle. A location of the industrial vehicle is derived from the propagation times of the radio signals, and the location is employed to determine when the industrial vehicle is within the first area. Operation of the industrial vehicle is altered in response to the industrial vehicle being within the first area. For example, the industrial vehicle may be disabled, its maximum travel speed limited or an alert is sent to the operator, when the industrial vehicle is within the first area.

Abstract: A steering mechanism includes a handle with a tiller arm coupled to the handle via a flexible joint allowing relative movement of the handle about the tiller arm. A handle centering mechanism forming part of the steering mechanism includes a first end fixedly secured to the handle and a second end extending into a channel of the tiller arm. The second end compresses bumpers disposed on opposing sides of the second end. The bumpers urge the handle toward a neutral position wherein when a force is applied to move the handle away from a home position relative to the tiller arm, one of the compressed bumpers of the pair of compressed bumpers is further compressed. When the force is removed, the handle is returned to the home position by action of the pair of compressed bumpers. Preferably, the steering mechanism includes a torque sensing arrangement having a sensor and a magnet.

Abstract: As an autonomously guided industrial vehicle travels through a facility images of the adjacent environment are acquired, by either a still camera or a video camera. An image file containing a plurality of the images is stored onboard the vehicle. During that travel, the location of the vehicle is determined. Upon occurrence of a predefined incident, such as encountering an obstacle or impacting an object, an incident message is transmitted wirelessly from the vehicle to a remote management computer. The incident message contains an indication of the type of incident, an indication of a location of the vehicle, and the plurality of the images. The remote management computer responds to the incident message by providing a notification about the incident to one or more persons. The contents of the incident message enables the person notified to take corrective action.

Abstract: A power steering assist system for a hand-steered pallet truck includes a joint assembly having a pivot joint, handle biasing mechanism, and a torque sensing arrangement. The pivot joint includes a pair of needle bearings and pivot pin disposed within a pivot block that provides a flexible connection between a handle and a tiller arm. The handle biasing mechanism includes a cantilevered beam spring and two cam rollers that resists an operator steering force applied to the handle and further, centers the handle with respect to the tiller arm after the force is released. The torque sensing arrangement includes a magnet and a non-contact magnetoresistive (MR) sensor that measures movement of the handle relative to the tiller arm which is used to determine operator steering intent, i.e., the amount of steering force applied to the handle. The MR sensor provides accurate torque measurements regardless of the angle of the tiller arm.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes a cyclonic motor cooling system for a motor compartment that accommodates an ergonomically designed operator compartment. Together, the motor compartment and cyclonic motor cooling system include a generally cylindrical housing with a tangentially arranged cooling air injection port at a lower end and exhaust port at a radially and axially opposite end. An air blower directs cooling air into the compartment where a cyclonic cooling air flow and a vortex cooling flow is produced. The cyclonic air flow cools more effectively than conventional linear air flow while also reducing dust contamination and buildup of the motors in the motor compartment.

Abstract: Operation of an industrial vehicle, such as one that lifts and transports loads, is controlled based on the weight of a removable battery. A control method involves reading a battery weight value from an electronic memory attached to a battery. That battery weight value is compared to a specified battery weight value for the industrial vehicle. The operation of the industrial vehicle is restricted to less than the normal operating characteristics when the battery weight value is less than the specified battery weight value. For example, the height to which a load can be raised is limited or the speed at which the industrial vehicle is limited when a battery installed on the industrial vehicle weighs less than the specified battery weight for effectively counterbalancing a load.