Abstract: A power steering system, particularly advantageous for use on electric powered vehicles, in which the hydraulic pump operates only when steering commands are given. Torque applied to the steering shaft by rotation of the steering wheel is translated to axial stress on a thin walled tube, the direction and intensity of which depend on the direction and amount of steer angle change commanded. The axial stresses are detected by strain gages, and the motor which powers the hydraulic pump is activated only when stress is detected. Manual steering inputs enter the pump on one side, and the powered servo motor inputs enter on the opposite side, thus permitting the vehicle to be steered by manual input alone if the powered input fails. The components of the system are arranged in coaxial alignment, providing a compact system with improved heat dissipation qualities.

Abstract: A controller (10) for the traction motor of an industrial truck comprises an actuator spool (56) which is axially shiftable by a manual selector member (12) for actuating a plurality of control switches (44,46,48). Detents (86,78,82,84) hold the spool in forward, reverse or park positions and a return spring (66) urges the spool toward neutral position. The actuator spool (56) is adapted for rotational movement about its axis for automatic release of the detents and return of the spool to neutral position. A seat occupancy detector (18) is actuated when the driver leaves the seat and imparts rotational movement to the spool which releases the detents and returns the spool to neutral. The controller is also adapted to provide manual and automatic control of a parking brake (6). Then the selector member is in the park position, cams (184) on the actuator spool actuates a control switch (48) to apply the vehicle brake.

Abstract: A ventilation system for electric vehicles in which a fan draws air into a housing surrounding the pump motor. A portion of the air entering the housing flows through ports in the pump motor to cool the motor before leaving the system through an exit port in the motor. The remainder of the air drawn into the housing flows through a duct and into a manifold from where a portion of the air flows through ports in the drive motor to cool the drive motor, a portion of the air flows through a duct to the pump motor S.C.R. control, and the remainder of the air flows through a duct and into the drive motor S.C.R. control, for cooling those units. A filter may be provided over the intake for the fan to prevent dust and other contaminants from reaching the motors and control mechanisms, thus minimizing the risk or fouling of the motors and controls.

Abstract: A system for reducing the lateral bending moments and deflection in side loading telescopic uprights, such as for lift trucks. Hydraulic actuated restraint device is mounted between each adjacent pair of upright rails, as well as between the inner rails and fork carriage in a lift truck. The restraint device is energized under controlled conditions, such as when a load on a fork carriage is extended to one side of the upright, to lock together each adjacent pair of upright rails and the fork carriage so as to form a rigid column of each side of the upright.

Abstract: At least three elongated flexible elements bonded together lengthwise to form constraint means arcuate in cross-section for forcing said elements to move in a predetermined path in which the flexible elements are bent longitudinally to form a loop of substantially uniform radius intermediate the ends thereof so that at least a portion of the loop is forced into a flat cross-section while the straight portions or trailing lengths of said elements on opposite sides of the loop are self-constrained in relatively stiff and straight runs whether either straight portion is pulled or pushed in relation to the loop, such that the flexible elements move as if reeved on a reel, sheave or the like.

Abstract: Material storage frames or rack assemblies in warehouses are set up in long parallel spaced rows which form narrow aisles therebetween. Each rack assembly has vertical columns and horizontal rows of bins for the storage of material. A pair of Z-rails confront each other from opposite sides of each aisle having oppositely extending bottom flanges secured rigidly to the floor and upper flanges extending inwardly of the aisle which form guide tracks with the web of the Z and the floor. Vertical support posts of the rack located adjacent the aisle are spaced longitudinally of the aisle and rest upon the adjacent floor mounted Z-rail flange, whereas the lowermost row of stored material units, usually palletized, are adapted to be supported by the respective upper flange portion of each Z-rail between the pairs of vertical posts or each storage rack.

Abstract: A method for repairing a roof comprising the steps of: spreading a porous conformable membrane over the existing roofing materials, moistening the membrane to cause it to conform to the roofing surface, tacking the membrane through the existing roofing materials and into the roofing substrate, applying a sealing adhesive to the membrane, and covering the membrane with a waterproof roof coating.

Abstract: A power steering system for electric vehicles in which an electric drive motor for the supply pump of a power steering system is controlled by a motor control which is in turn controlled by the steering demand of the operator. The motor and pump are operated only during steering operations and only at the power level required for any steering demand.

Abstract: A light reference system for generating .[.a collimated beam of light and converting.]. and projecting .[.the same as.]. a relatively intense fan-shaped or diverging plane of light from an operator manipulatable device on a machine or a vehicle to an object or opening which may be positionally referenced to the device in a selected predetermined relation by operator control of the machine or vehicle and manipulatable device, thus enabling the operator to observably locate a sharply defined resulting line of light so as to establish such selected relation. The light reference system is capable of a number of different embodiments or forms, a few of which are disclosed herein. An exemplary embodiment of the machine or vehicle with which such a system is combined herein is of a fork lift truck vehicle on which the light reference system in various forms is mounted on the elevatable load handling device or fork carrier for generating .[.a collimated beam of light and for converting the same into.].