Abstract: A method and apparatus for avoiding collisions of moving vehicles uses a position and motion locating system to track vehicle location and motion within a preconfigured operational zone. Each of a plurality of operational vehicles has a positioning device that communicates with a server to track the location and movement of each vehicle. The collision-avoidance system receives information on the position of each vehicle and determines a predicted trajectory for each vehicle. Based upon the predicted trajectories, the system predicts potential collisions by determining areas of intersection of a vehicle with other vehicles or stationary objects. When a collision is predicted, instructions are transmitted to units within each vehicle within an area of intersection to provide a collision warning to the vehicle operator and/or to control the vehicle speed in order to prevent the predicted collision.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antenna system for reading RFID tags and/or transmitting and receiving wireless network signals, including for example wireless local area network (WLAN) signals, in a material handling environment. A ruggedized antenna can be mounted on the load backrest of a lift truck and configured to accomplish the reading of RFID tags that indicate particular pallet storage locations and the reading of RFID tags that indicate warehouse locations, such as specific loading docks. The antenna system can also be configured to accomplish transmitting and receiving WLAN signals for communication with a warehouse.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, an order-picking system includes a picking cart having a radio frequency (RF) antenna arranged above an object-stacking surface of the picking cart. The order-picking system further includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader coupled to the RF antenna. The RFID tag reader is configured to identify a first RFID tag attached to a first tagged object placed on the picking cart and further configured to eliminate identification of a second RFID tag attached to a second tagged object located outside a perimeter of the object-stacking surface of the picking cart.

Abstract: A removable mount for mounting an electronic system component on a forklift includes, in one embodiment, a mounting plate having a major surface for mounting the electronic system component and an inverted J-shaped part located at a top portion of the mounting plate. The inverted J-shaped part is adapted for mounting the mounting plate on an unmodified original equipment manufacture (OEM) carriage of the forklift or an unmodified OEM sideshifter of the forklift. The mounting plate also has a slot to accommodate a fastener for anchoring the mounting plate to the unmodified OEM carriage or to the unmodified OEM sideshifter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antenna for reading RFID tags in a material handling environment. At least one ruggedized, upward-looking antenna is mounted on the fork (or other base-level platform) of a pallet jack or pallet truck. The antenna can be configured to read RFID tags on pallets that are loaded on the pallet jack and communicate the tag information to a warehouse management system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tine-mounted antenna for reading RFID tags in a warehouse environment using RFID technology operating at ultra-high frequencies (UHF) or microwave frequencies and backscatter coupling techniques. At least one ruggedized antenna is mounted on the tine (or other base-level platform) of a lift truck (e.g., a forklift). The antenna can be configured to read RFID tags on pallets that are loaded on the lift truck and communicate the tag information to a warehouse management system.

Abstract: In one of several embodiments, an RFID system for a forklift incorporates a metal plate to which is attached an electronic circuit assembly. Also attached to the metal plate, is an antenna assembly housing an RFID interrogator antenna and/or a wireless local area network (WLAN) antenna. The metal plate operates as a ground plane to the antenna assembly and also serves as a mounting plate for mounting the RFID system on a sideshifter or a carriage of the forklift.

Abstract: A wireless network access point enclosure sized to fit in place of a panel in a standard hanging acoustical-panel ceiling. The enclosure includes a sealed pan that houses the network access point outside the room space, typically in the building space above the ceiling. The enclosure is designed to meet fire code regulations that apply to devices placed within a building's air-handling space. The enclosure includes a ventilated cover that mounts to the pan. The cover is substantially flush with the ceiling when attached to the pan. Only a small antenna, which mounts to a receptacle in the cover, extends into the room space. Power and communications cables for the network access point may be routed above the ceiling and through a cable receptacle in the pan. The enclosure also includes a plate within the enclosure for mounting the network access point and maintaining a ventilation space between the device and the enclosure pan.