Abstract: Cargo pendant assemblies for transporting cargo with aircraft and other cargo movers are disclosed herein. A pendant assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a pendant line having a first end portion opposite a second end portion. The second end portion is configured to be releasably attached to the aerial vehicle or other type of cargo transporter. The pendant assembly also includes a swivel attached to the first end portion of the pendant line, and a hook attached to the swivel. The hook is configured to releasably retain the cargo and rotate about the swivel independent of the pendant line and without twisting the pendant line. The pendant assembly further includes a release actuator that extends through at least a portion of the swivel and is operably coupled to the hook. The release actuator allows a user to release the cargo from the hook.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a first hydraulic circuit, a second hydraulic circuit and a connection between the first hydraulic and the second hydraulic circuit. The first hydraulic circuit is operatively coupled to a first side of the vehicle, and is selectively controllable to move the first side of the vehicle. The second hydraulic circuit is operatively coupled to a second side of the vehicle, and is selectively controllable to move the second side of the vehicle. The first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit operate together in a first mode when the connection between the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit is opened to move the first and second sides of the vehicle in a same direction. The first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit operate independently of each other in a second mode when the connection is closed.

Abstract: A computerized monitoring system is provided for sensing, displaying and storing a plurality of vehicle parameters for determining efficiency and to provide a detailed history of the vehicle throughout a work shift. The system is primarily intended for use on vehicles that carry heavy payloads many times a day such as are used in mining and general off-road, heavy-duty construction. The system incorporates up to 40 sensors to monitor vehicle parameters such as payload weight fluid temperatures, fluid pressures, fluid levels, shift position, direction of vehicle motion and vehicle speed. The system is provided with a display for showing the information to a vehicle operator. In addition, a central processing unit monitors the sensors and continuously compares the sensor output against predetermined maximum and minimum levels which indicate a "normal" range of operation. The system is initialized by a computer card that must be inserted into a card reader.

Abstract: A lift truck fork positioner for respective inner and outer pairs of load-handling forks includes power actuators for selectively extending and retracting the outer pair of forks and latch assemblies for selectively detachably connecting an inner fork fixedly to a respective adjacent outer fork in spaced relation thereto automatically in response to the extension of the outer forks beyond a predetermined inner range of extension. Each latch assembly, when connecting the inner fork to the outer fork, fixedly prevents any narrowing of the spacing between the interconnected inner and outer forks, as well as fixedly preventing any widening of such spacing.

Abstract: A load-lifting mast especially adapted for an automatically-guided, driverless vehicle has automatic features for ensuring accuracy and reliability of operation despite the absence of a driver. For load-lowering purposes, a slack chain sensor senses whether or not the load-supporting carriage is supported by the mast, and the carriage is withdrawn from the load when no support by the mast is indicated. The slack chain sensor also cooperates with a carriage height control system by overriding it to cause lowering past a target height until the carriage is supported independently of the mast. A carriage height sensor self-calibration system continually recalibrates the height-sensor readings automatically while the mast is in use to compensate for height sensor slip, chain stretching, and other mechanical variables.

Abstract: A side shifter having a quick-mounting anchor bracket for mounting on a conventional hook-type lift truck carriage without the need for welding of any side shifter components, such as a hydraulic ram anchor, to the lift truck carriage. The side shifter features alternative upper and lower hydraulic ram anchors and interlocking relatively movable components which are prevented from disassembly when the side shifter is detached from the lift truck carriage. Friction-reducing bushings for accommodating the transverse sliding motion of the side shifter are engaged with the quick-mounting anchor bracket in such a way so as to prevent not only transverse motion but also upward motion of the bushings which might otherwise occur under the influence of the load moment. The side shifter features lower hook assemblies capable of supporting the side shifter at an elevated position when detached from the lift truck carriage, and capable of exceptionally fine vertical adjustment.