Abstract: Lift mast transporting arrangements frequently encounter loading which is detrimental to its operation and life. A transport device connects a lift mast assembly to first and second spaced apart guide rails and guides movement of the lift mast assembly along the guide rails, a power device having a shaft moves the transport device along the first and second guide rails between first and second spaced apart positions, and a coupling connects the power device to the transport device and provides a preselected amount of free movement of the transport device relative to the shaft and in directions transverse of the first and second guide rails. Thus, the aforementioned problems related to loading of lift mast transport arrangement is alleviated. The lift mast transporting arrangement is particularly suited for use on a material handling vehicle.

Abstract: Axle assemblies having a sensor of the mechanical input shaft type are difficult to access and subjected to radial and axial loads which cause premature failure. A connecting arrangement affixes a sensor body to a support bracket adjacent a second end of a rotatable spindle and maintains an input shaft of the sensor within a preselected range of axially aligned positions with respect to a spindle axis. A coupling arrangement couples the second end portion of the spindle to the input shaft and transfers only rotational motion from the spindle to the input shaft. The coupling arrangement permits a preselected amount of freedom of movement of the spindle relative to the sensor in axial and radial directions. Thus, damage to and premature failure of the sensor is alleviated and accessability is substantially improved. The axle assembly is particularly suited for use on an automatic guided vehicle.

Abstract: Sensors of the type capable of delivering a signal representative of the rotated position of an output member frequently fail prematurely because of excessive side and axial loading and electrical conductor damage. A mounting arrangement for a first sensor has an apparatus for connecting an input shaft of the first sensor to an output member, and apparatus for connecting a body of the first sensor to a housing and maintaining the body against rotation about an input shaft axis and thereby reducing the force applied to the sensor body caused by wobble of the first sensor. The mounting arrangement has a connecting shaft and guide assembly, which guides and protects an electrical conductor both internally and externally of the housing, and the first apparatus permits the passing of the electrical conductor thereby. Therefore, premature failure of and damage to the electrical conductor and the first sensor is substantially reduced.