Abstract: Controlling a functional system of a materials handling vehicle includes monitoring a current delivered by an energy storage system for powering the functional system, wherein the energy storage system may include at least one of a battery and a fuel cell. When the current delivered by the energy storage system exceeds a first predetermined amount, performance of the functional system is reduced from a first operating level to a second operating level for at least one task of the functional system to attempt to reduce the current delivered by the energy storage system.

Abstract: Controlling a functional system of a materials handling vehicle includes monitoring a current delivered by an energy storage system for powering the functional system, wherein the energy storage system may include at least one of a battery and a fuel cell. When the current delivered by the energy storage system exceeds a first predetermined amount, performance of the functional system is reduced from a first operating level to a second operating level for at least one task of the functional system to attempt to reduce the current delivered by the energy storage system.

Abstract: A method for operating a materials handling vehicle includes activating the materials handling vehicle and performing a warm up cycle. During the warm up cycle, energy is provided to at least one valve within the materials handling vehicle so as to energize the valve without providing a working fluid to the valve. Providing energy to the at least one valve effects a heating of oil located within the at least one valve.

Abstract: A method for operating a materials handling vehicle includes activating the materials handling vehicle and performing a warm up cycle. During the warm up cycle, energy is provided to at least one valve within the materials handling vehicle so as to energize the valve without providing a working fluid to the valve. Providing energy to the at least one valve effects a heating of oil located within the at least one valve.

Abstract: Seat repositioning systems for vehicles comprise an operator's seat having a seat bottom and optionally, a seat back, where the operator's seat further comprises an adjustable characteristic, such as seat rotation, seat height adjustment, tilt, or X-Y position. A seat release control is operable to release the operator's seat from a locked position for repositioning of the adjustable characteristic of the operator's seat.

Abstract: Seat repositioning systems for vehicles comprise a seat release element that is operable to cause an operator's seat to be temporarily released from a locked position such that the operator's seat may be adjusted to a new position. By optionally positioning the seat release element proximate to an operator's working position, a vehicle operator may reposition the seat while simultaneously performing another task. Moreover, a control module may be provided that is capable of deciding whether or not to allow the operator's seat to be released based upon vehicle parameters such as vehicle speed or load handling conditions. Still further, the control module may temporarily disable select features of the vehicle depending upon the position of the seat.

Abstract: A lift truck control system which utilizes a distributed control network including at least a display module, a distribution module, a traction module, a brake module and a steering module. The display and steering modules each are configurable by software which controls the module and the various drivers in each module. In the preferred embodiment, the display module includes flash memory which stores application software and can be rewritten so that the performance characteristics of the modules are software configurable. The display module is connectable to a programmable cartridge which includes nonvolatile flash memory that carries application software for the display and steering modules. When connected, the cartridge downloads the particular application software which is written over the stored software in flash memory for the display and steering modules.

Abstract: A lift truck control system which utilizes a distributed control network including at least a display module, a distribution module, a traction module, a brake module and a steering module. The display and steering modules each are configurable by software which controls the module and the various drivers in each module. In the preferred embodiment, the display module includes flash memory which stores application software and can be rewritten so that the performance characteristics of the modules are software configurable. The display module is connectable to a programmable cartridge which includes nonvolatile flash memory that carries application software for the display and steering modules. When connected, the cartridge downloads the particular application software which is written over the stored software in flash memory for the display and steering modules.

Abstract: A variable braking force electric brake for materials handling vehicles, such as fork lift trucks, utilizes two sets of springs to urge brake pads against a rotor of a disc brake. The first set of springs provide a first level of braking force, typically one-third of the total braking force. The second set of springs provide a second level of braking force, typically two-thirds of the total. A pair of electromagnetic elements act on armatures placed between the springs and a non-magnetic brake pad support plate to selectively permit either the first set of springs alone to provide braking, the second set of springs alone, or both sets together. Initially, the current to the electromagnetic elements is strong, to insure that the associated armature is pulled toward the electromagnet, and afterwards, the current is reduced to minimize heating and power requirements.

Abstract: In a material handling vehicle having an operator platform, a sideshift carriage mounted for lateral movement relative to the platform, a traverse carriage mounted for lateral movement relative to the sideshift carriage and forks mounted to the traverse carriage, an improved sideshift control system monitors the position of the sideshift carriage to define home positions for the sideshift carriage relative to the platform. Two home positions are defined, one for the forks facing to each side of the vehicle. The home positions offset the sideshift carriage to one or the other side of the platform to substantially center the load on the vehicle such that a portion of the base of the forks extends a set distance beyond one side of the platform, and the load supported on the forks extends approximately an equal distance beyond the opposite side of the platform.