Abstract: A system and a method for validating items gathered (i.e., picked) as part of a logistics process are disclosed. The picking system uses one or more sensors to sense the physical attributes of an item (e.g., weight, color, size/shape, etc.). The sensed-physical attributes are compared to expected-physical attributes stored for the item. Based on the comparison, a user may receive feedback confirming or rejecting the picked item. In some embodiments, the picking system uses the collected physical data to improve, or add to, the expected-physical attributes. The picking system may also be integrated with a powered-industrial vehicle and/or a warehouse management system to improve usability and effectiveness.

Abstract: A system and a method for validating items gathered (i.e., picked) as part of a logistics process are disclosed. The picking system uses one or more sensors to sense the physical attributes of an item (e.g., weight, color, size/shape, etc.). The sensed-physical attributes are compared to expected-physical attributes stored for the item. Based on the comparison, a user may receive feedback confirming or rejecting the picked item. In some embodiments, the picking system uses the collected physical data to improve, or add to, the expected-physical attributes. The picking system may also be integrated with a powered-industrial vehicle and/or a warehouse management system to improve usability and effectiveness.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle positioning system and method are presented. The system includes a first imaging subsystem for acquiring a first indicia image and a second imaging subsystem for acquiring a second indicia image. An image analysis subsystem is configured for analyzing the first indicia image to acquire a first location designation, and for analyzing the second indicia image to acquire a second location designation. A processor is configured for determining the location of the industrial vehicle based upon the first location designation and the second location designation.

Abstract: A docking station to secure and charge a portable computer such as a hand held terminal to allow the operator to easily and quickly remove the portable computer. When the docking station is energized, an electromagnetic contact is capable of magnetically retaining the portable computer. Upon activation of a release on either the portable computer or the docking station, the electromagnetic contact is de-energized and the portable computer is detached. In an exemplary embodiment, the docking station is mounted on a vehicle and the electromagnetic contact receives power from the battery of the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion. When the vehicle is halted and turned off, the electromagnetic contact may be de-energized but the portable computer may still be held in place by a mechanical retention port.

Abstract: A docking station to secure and charge a portable computer such as a hand held terminal to allow the operator to easily and quickly remove the portable computer. When the docking station is energized, an electromagnetic contact is capable of magnetically retaining the portable computer. Upon activation of a release on either the portable computer or the docking station, the electromagnetic contact is de-energized and the portable computer is detached. In an exemplary embodiment, the docking station is mounted on a vehicle and the electromagnetic contact receives power from the battery of the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion. When the vehicle is halted and turned off, the electromagnetic contact may be de-energized but the portable computer may still be held in place by a mechanical retention port.

Abstract: A system and method display information using a vehicle-mount computer. The system includes: (i) a computer touch screen for inputting and displaying information; (ii) a motion detector for detecting vehicle motion; and (iii) a vehicle-mount computer in communication with the computer touch screen and the motion detector. The vehicle-mount computer includes a central processing unit and memory. The vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to store information associated with user-selected information from the computer touch screen. Further, the vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to receive vehicle-motion information from the motion detector. Moreover, the vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to control the display of a zoomed view of the user-selected information on the computer touch screen in response to the motion detector's detection of motion.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle positioning system and method are presented. The system includes a first imaging subsystem for acquiring a first indicia image and a second imaging subsystem for acquiring a second indicia image. An image analysis subsystem is configured for analyzing the first indicia image to acquire a first location designation, and for analyzing the second indicia image to acquire a second location designation. A processor is configured for determining the location of the industrial vehicle based upon the first location designation and the second location designation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for avoiding collisions of moving vehicles uses a position and motion locating system to track vehicle location and motion within a preconfigured operational zone. Each of a plurality of operational vehicles has a positioning device that communicates with a server to track the location and movement of each vehicle. The collision-avoidance system receives information on the position of each vehicle and determines a predicted trajectory for each vehicle. Based upon the predicted trajectories, the system predicts potential collisions by determining areas of intersection of a vehicle with other vehicles or stationary objects. When a collision is predicted, instructions are transmitted to units within each vehicle within an area of intersection to provide a collision warning to the vehicle operator and/or to control the vehicle speed in order to prevent the predicted collision.

Abstract: A system and a method for validating items gathered (i.e., picked) as part of a logistics process are disclosed. The picking system uses one or more sensors to sense the physical attributes of an item (e.g., weight, color, size/shape, etc.). The sensed-physical attributes are compared to expected-physical attributes stored for the item. Based on the comparison, a user may receive feedback confirming or rejecting the picked item. In some embodiments, the picking system uses the collected physical data to improve, or add to, the expected-physical attributes. The picking system may also be integrated with a powered-industrial vehicle and/or a warehouse management system to improve usability and effectiveness.

Abstract: A system and method display information using a vehicle-mount computer. The system includes: (i) a computer touch screen for inputting and displaying information; (ii) a motion detector for detecting vehicle motion; and (iii) a vehicle-mount computer in communication with the computer touch screen and the motion detector. The vehicle-mount computer includes a central processing unit and memory. The vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to store information associated with user-selected information from the computer touch screen. Further, the vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to receive vehicle-motion information from the motion detector. Moreover, the vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to control the display of a zoomed view of the user-selected information on the computer touch screen in response to the motion detector's detection of motion.

Abstract: A system and method display information using a vehicle-mount computer. The system includes: (i) a computer touch screen for inputting and displaying information; (ii) a motion detector for detecting vehicle motion; and (iii) a vehicle-mount computer in communication with the computer touch screen and the motion detector. The vehicle-mount computer includes a central processing unit and memory. The vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to store information associated with user-selected information from the computer touch screen. Further, the vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to receive vehicle-motion information from the motion detector. Moreover, the vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to control the display of a zoomed view of the user-selected information on the computer touch screen in response to the motion detector's detection of motion.

Abstract: A system and method display information using a vehicle-mount computer. The system includes: (i) a computer touch screen for inputting and displaying information; (ii) a motion detector for detecting vehicle motion; and (iii) a vehicle-mount computer in communication with the computer touch screen and the motion detector. The vehicle-mount computer includes a central processing unit and memory. The vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to store information associated with user-selected information from the computer touch screen. Further, the vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to receive vehicle-motion information from the motion detector. Moreover, the vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to control the display of a zoomed view of the user-selected information on the computer touch screen in response to the motion detector's detection of motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for capturing and preserving vehicle event data. A vehicle-mount computer is adapted to capture video and other data relating to the operation of the vehicle. Event sensors inform the system of the occurrence of a vehicle event, which may include a sudden deceleration or change in yaw indicative of a vehicle accident. Upon the occurrence of a vehicle event, the system preserves the data for later use in the investigation of the vehicle event.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension is provided that includes a frame supporting a pair of laterally spaced apart suspension members pivotally supported on the frame and movable in a vertical direction. Each of a pair of wheel ends is supported respectively on one of the suspension members. A stabilizer bar is supported on the frame laterally between the suspension members. The stabilizer bar includes opposing ends each respectively proximate one of the suspension members. Each of a pair of resilient stabilizer bar links respectively interconnects one of the ends and one of the suspension members and transmits torsional force to the stabilizer bar in response to movement of the suspension members in the vertical direction during roll conditions. The links have first and second deflection rates during the roll condition with the first rate being less than the second deflection rate.

Abstract: A pneumatic counterbalance spring includes a hollow cylinder defining a first internal chamber divided into a compression compartment and an extension compartment by a piston movably mounted in the chamber. The compression compartment contains pressurized gas and a seal assembly mounted on the piston prevents the gas from escaping into the extension compartmint. A piston rod is slibably mounted in the open end of the cylinder and has its inner end connected to the piston. The piston rod includes a hollow portion defining a second internal chamber which is fluidly connected to the compression compartment by a flow passage. As a result, the compression compartment has an effective volume of A+B, where A represents the volume of the compression compartment and B represents the volume of the piston rod internal chamber. This design is advantageous in applications where a low spring rate is desired and where the length of the spring needs to be minimized.