Abstract: A load handling system and method of handling a load includes a load handling device with a load support that is configured for engaging a load and a first drive is adapted to drive said load support with respect to a load. A conveyor is moveable along the load support and a second drive is adapted to propel the conveyor with respect to the load support. The first and second drives are operated to handle a load. The load support may be a pair of forks or a platen or the like.

Abstract: A load handling system and method of handling a load includes a load handling device with a load support that is configured for engaging a load and a first drive is adapted to drive said load support with respect to a load. A conveyor is moveable along the load support and a second drive is adapted to propel the conveyor with respect to the load support. The first and second drives are operated to handle a load. The load support may be a pair of forks or a platen or the like.

Abstract: An automated guided vehicle for carrying a load comprises a mast, a lift carriage, a ball screw drive assembly and a ball screw joint. The ball screw drive assembly has a lift nut and a vertically oriented ball screw. The ball screw joint operatively couples the drive assembly to the lift carriage so as to transmit upward vertical forces from the drive assembly to the lift carriage. The ball screw joint includes first, second, third and fourth shafts which permit the lift nut to move in any horizontal direction and to pivot about any horizontal axis with respect to the lift carriage. As a result, the ball screw joint advantageously prevents the transmission of horizontal forces and angular moments between the ball screw and the lift nut, thereby reducing the wearing out effects of component misalignment on the ball screw assembly.

Abstract: A connector assembly for interconnecting a vehicle and a trailer having a hitch element includes a gripper assembly which is operable to engage the hitch element. The gripper assembly includes a plurality of jaws which are pivotally connected with and are disposed in a circular array on a base. A rotatable ring circumscribes the circular array of jaws. A motor is connected with the ring and is operable to rotate the ring in a first direction to pivot the jaws toward each other. The motor is operable to rotate the ring in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, to pivot the jaws away from each other. The ring and jaws are interconnected by a plurality of links. The motor is connected with the ring by a drive chain. A hitch element detector detects when the hitch element is positioned in the gripper assembly. A ring position detector detects when the ring is in predetermined positions relative to the base.