Abstract: Apparatuses and systems that yield a zero torque steer for a pallet truck or similar vehicle are disclosed. In an embodiment, a motor is attached to a final drive. The final drive is equipped to a steer assembly such as a tiller that includes a drive wheel that is offset from the steering axis. The offset is determined on the basis of the drive wheel radius, divided by the ratio of the final drive. The ratio of the final drive is determined by selection of the sizes of a first and second gear. In embodiments, the first and second gears provide a right angle drive. The drive wheel creates a torque due to the offset that counteracts torque imposed by operation of the drive motor. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: Container handlers including improved fork assemblies. One embodiment includes a vehicle having a chassis and a hoist apparatus pivotably coupled with the chassis. The hoist apparatus is movable between a stowed position and an extended position with respect to the chassis. The hoist apparatus further includes a pivotable fork assembly. The fork assembly comprises a frame and a carriage movably coupled with the frame. One or more tines are coupled with the carriage. At least one actuator is coupled between the frame and the carriage and is operative to move between a first position and a second position. Movement of the at least one actuator from the first position toward the second position causes the carriage to move substantially parallel to the frame.

Abstract: Container handlers including improved fork assemblies. One embodiment includes a vehicle having a chassis and a hoist apparatus pivotably coupled with the chassis. The hoist apparatus is movable between a stowed position and an extended position with respect to the chassis. The hoist apparatus further includes a pivotable fork assembly. The fork assembly comprises a frame and a carriage movably coupled with the frame. One or more tines are coupled with the carriage. At least one actuator is coupled between the frame and the carriage and is operative to move between a first position and a second position. Movement of the at least one actuator from the first position toward the second position causes the carriage to move substantially parallel to the frame.

Abstract: A system is provided of tracking objects loaded into a receptacle, where the receptacle defines a chamber having an open side for receiving the objects and has a perimeter about the open side. The system comprises a radio frequency identification antenna spaced from the receptacle and attached to the perimeter about the open side, and a radio frequency identification reader attached to the receptacle for receiving a signal from the antenna. The system further comprises a control unit attached to the receptacle communicating with the reader for processing the signal from the antenna.

Abstract: A system is provided of tracking objects loaded into a receptacle, where the receptacle defines a chamber having an open side for receiving the objects and has a perimeter about the open side. The system comprises a radio frequency identification antenna spaced from the receptacle and attached to the perimeter about the open side, and a radio frequency identification reader attached to the receptacle for receiving a signal from the antenna. The system further comprises a control unit attached to the receptacle communicating with the reader for processing the signal from the antenna.

Abstract: A heating assembly, for use as an electric blanket or personal heating pad, includes a flexible heating panel and an electric circuit for heating the panel. An electrical heating element is mounted directly on the panel and includes inner and outer coaxial coil conductors separated by an electrically insulating layer and surrounded by an outer electrically insulating layer. A two-core flexible electric cable connects the heating element to the power supply, and to an electric control switch for controlling operation of the heating element, a fuse being located in the circuit to be actuated in the event of a short circuit occurring between the conductors of the heating element, due to breakdown of the inner insulating layer. The electric circuit also includes a device for controlling the temperature of the heating element.