Abstract: A multi-task capable work assist vehicle is designed for transporting an operator and items to be handled by the operator and for elevating the operator with such items supported upon a load tray elevated with the operator. Preferably the load tray is mounted for positioning along a telescoping mast which supports and elevates the operator. A load deck or load platform is provided on a body of the vehicle in addition to the load tray so that items such as packages, tools, parts, merchandise and the like can be carried by the vehicle. Load shelves may also be provided adjacent the load deck to add flexibility and capacity to the load carrying capability of the vehicle. Uses of the vehicle include order picking, in-house service maintenance, stock management, cargo delivery and the like. It is designed to be compact in size and highly maneuverable for use in narrow storage aisles and tight quarters.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle including a frame supporting a set of wheels and a rider compartment having a platform on which an operator may stand. Shock dampeners are provided positioned between the platform and the frame to isolate an operator standing on the platform from vibrations experienced by the frame. The platform includes a pair of pedals for controlling operation of the materials handling vehicle and the shock dampeners are preferably resilient members such as compression springs for receiving vibrations transmitted from the frame.

Abstract: A lift truck having a hydraulic circuit with a muffler for reducing noise created by the hydraulic pump and motor assembly. The muffler includes a cylindrical body and first and second end caps which define an expansion volume which reduces the magnitude of pressure pulsations generated by the pump, thereby reducing noise. In one embodiment, the muffler includes mounting pads, located on the muffler body, for attaching the muffler to the truck frame, and a flexible hose interconnects the muffler and pump.

Abstract: An improved valve assembly is disclosed, in which the valve assembly is provided with noise attenuation and is especially well-suited for use in refrigeration compressors. The valve assembly includes a retainer member fixed to a valve plate having a flow opening therethrough with a movable valve member therein between the retainer member and the valve plate. The retainer member edges are spaced relatively close to the valve plate to define a relatively small effective flow area therebetween, with additional effective flow area being provided by one or more openings through the valve plate. This arrangement provides for rapid fluid pressurization in the area between the valve member and the retainer member during valve opening in order to minimize impact forces transmitted from the valve member to the retainer member, thereby reducing noise emanating from the valve assembly.