Abstract: A shipping and handling system for a fork lift truck that has a cab and rails extending vertically above the cab. A first bracket is secured to the back of the rails and a second bracket is secured to the back of the cab. One bracket is provided with wheel while the other is provided with legs so that the truck is able to rest on the brackets when it is tipped over upon its back. A special adaptor is provided that allows a second fork lift truck to hitch onto the unwheeled bracket and lift the bracket off the support surface whereupon the first truck can be easily maneuvered from place to place.

Abstract: A driver assist device is provided for an industrial truck (1) that has a load handling device (5). The driver assist device, when located on the industrial truck (1), projects a lighting effect onto the roadway (13). The lighting effect forms a position marking (12) of the load handling device (5) on the roadway (13) which will be reached by the load handling device (5) for a particular steering angle after the industrial truck (1) travels around a curve by a defined curve angle.

Abstract: A driver assist device is described for an industrial truck (1) with at least one steered wheel (21) at the rear end of the truck. The driver assist device is located on the industrial truck (1) and projects a lighting effect on the roadway (13). The lighting effect marks a peripheral path (12) of the external periphery (14) of the rear end (15) of the truck on the roadway (13) for a selected steering angle as the industrial truck travels in a curve.

Abstract: A lift truck includes systems and methods for improved stability control. Stability control features reduce or eliminate motion of the truck in one or more of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Some embodiments may include, alone or in combination with the stability control, vibration control to further stabilize the motion of the truck.

Abstract: A lift truck includes a secondary rechargeable energy storage device on a vertically movable platform that is separate from a primary rechargeable energy storage device on the lift truck's main tractor unit without the use of wires or hoses for transfer of power or controls between the main tractor unit and the platform. The quantity of energy stored in the secondary rechargeable energy storage device is sufficient to power platform electrical loads for a predetermined amount of time until the platform is lowered. When the platform is lowered, the secondary rechargeable energy storage device is recharged by the primary energy storage device.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a power unit, a mast assembly and a fluid supply system. The mast assembly is coupled to the power unit. The mast assembly comprises a weldment, a movable element and a ram/cylinder assembly coupled to the movable element to effect movement of the element. The fluid supply system includes manifold apparatus and at least one fluid line coupled to the manifold apparatus and the ram/cylinder assembly. The manifold apparatus provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the ram/cylinder assembly via the fluid line to raise the movable element. The manifold apparatus is mounted to the mast assembly.

Abstract: An unmanned trackless order picking forklift system includes a vehicle-driving system, a vehicle-position-adjusting system and a pallet-scanning system each of which is provided in a forklift truck and electrically connected with a CPU device. The vehicle-position-adjusting system is operated to detect a predetermined route so that the CPU device controls the vehicle-driving system to drive the forklift truck along the predetermined route from a first position to a second position. The pallet-scanning system is operated to scan a designated pallet along the predetermined route.

Abstract: A forklift includes a wheel driving device that includes a traveling motor and drives a wheel; and a cargo handling device that includes a cargo handling motor and drives a cargo handling mechanism. The cargo handling motor includes a wind generating mechanism that generates wind by the rotation of a motor shaft of the cargo handling motor; and a discharge port that discharges the wind generated by this wind generating mechanism. The cargo handling motor is arranged in a vehicle body of the forklift so that wind discharged from the discharge port reaches the wheel driving device.

Abstract: A lift indicator assembly for a pallet truck includes a lift sensor assembly, and a lift status display for determining a lift condition of a load wheel of the pallet truck. The lift sensor assembly is to be carried by a fork of the pallet truck and includes a housing section, and a primary sensor assembly. The primary sensor assembly includes a first primary arm coupled to the housing section, and a first primary contact switch carried by the housing section and adjacent the first primary arm. The first primary contact switch has an engaged position and a disengaged position based on position of the first primary arm. The lift status display determines the lift condition of the load wheel based on position of the first primary contact switch.

Abstract: This invention relates to a piggyback forklift truck and a method of operating same. The piggyback forklift truck comprises a motive power unit which includes an electric motor, a rechargeable battery pack powering the electric motor, a battery pack charging unit, a first electricity power supply connector in electrical communication with the battery pack charging unit, a DC/AC converter in electrical communication with the battery pack charging unit, and a second electricity power supply connector in electrical communication with the DC/AC converter, the second electricity power supply being arranged for reception of an electrical power take off feed from a carrying vehicle. In this way, the piggyback forklift truck can be charged by the mains supply when the carrying vehicle is not in transit and can be trickle charged while the carrying vehicle is in transit. This will maximize the operating time of the electrically powered piggyback forklift truck while it is making deliveries to customers.

Abstract: A steering system for a motor vehicle equipped with a cargo-handling machine including a pair of left and right loading portions is provided. The steering system includes a turning actuator that turns a steered wheel according to an operation of a steering member, and a side shift actuator that shifts the pair of loading portions in the left-right direction. A control unit that controls driving of the side shift actuator includes a target side shift amount calculating section that calculates a target side shift amount of the pair of loading portions based on lateral acceleration detected by a lateral acceleration sensor.

Abstract: An industrial truck comprising a pair of wheel arms, which at their free end in each case comprise a wheel arm end, each of which comprising a bearing body and a pair of load wheels, the load wheels in each case being rotatably mounted on a rocker, and the rocker being pivotably mounted on the bearing body in a region located between the load wheels, the bearing body comprising a bearing projection on which the rocker is mounted such that the rocker laterally defines the wheel arm end.

Abstract: An industrial truck (1) has a lifting device (9) including a movable load bearing implement (11) having a fork-shaped load handling attachment (14) and a towing device (20). The load handling attachment (14) has at least one load segment (14b) which is mounted so that it can be pivoted around an essentially horizontal pivoting axis (15). In one embodiment of the invention, the towing device (20) is located in the vicinity of the lifting device (9).

Abstract: A fork-lift truck has a battery-electric drive system, a driver's stand (10) having a driver's platform (11) for a standing operator formed between a load part (1) and a drive part (5) having a counterweight. The counterweight is formed by a battery pack device having at least one battery pack (9). The driver's stand (10) extends over the entire vehicle width. In this case, the drive part (5) has an equipment area (6), the battery pack device being arranged in a battery compartment (8), which is arranged above and/or adjacent to the equipment area (6), of the drive part (5).

Abstract: This invention relates to a component surface (side section 1a), in particular a vehicle surface, with a three-dimensional surface texture. This invention further relates to a method for the creation of a component surface (side section 1a), in particular a vehicle surface, with a three-dimensional surface texture. To keep the effort and expense required for the achievement of a three-dimensional surface texture low, the invention teaches that a film is glued to the component surface (side section 1a), which film has been provided prior to the gluing with a plurality of coats of paint, each using the screen printing process, which in their totality form a three-dimensional surface texture.

Abstract: A shipping and handling system for a fork lift truck that has a cab and rails extending vertically above the cab. A first bracket is secured to the back of the rails and a second bracket is secured to the back of the cab. One bracket is provided with wheel while the other is provided with legs so that the truck is able to rest on the brackets when it is tipped over upon its back. A special adaptor is provided that allows a second fork lift truck to hitch onto the unwheeled bracket and lift the bracket off the support surface whereupon the first truck can be easily maneuvered from place to place.

Abstract: A multi-stage lift having an adjustable height steering handle/loading bar. The steering handle/loading bar is rotatably mounted to the lift, and can be rotated and locked at different positions.

Abstract: An industrial truck has a lifting mast and vertically movable load handling device located on the lifting mast. The lifting mast has a lifting height measurement system having a light emitter that emits a light beam, a receiving element, an optical alignment element, a target element, and a measurement path located between them, the length of which measurements path varies with the lifting height. The alignment element and/or the light emitter has a beam-forming optical system, in particular a beam-expanding optical system, so that at the maximum lifting height the reflecting target is inside the expanded light beam of the light emitter in all positions of the allowable maximum bending of the lifting mast.

Abstract: A load wheel assembly for a materials handling vehicle includes first and second spaced side members, at least one rotatable roller extending between the first and second side members. An interface structure provides a substantially rigid connection between the load wheel assembly and a mounting structure on the materials handling vehicle. The mounting structure includes a transverse bar and the interface structure includes a portion that engages and mates with the transverse bar to form a rigid connection between the interface structure and the transverse bar.

Abstract: A control device of a forklift engine that secures operability by keeping down fuel consumption when the accelerator pedal is floored in an unloaded or lightly loaded state, and once a heavy cargo is loaded, by lifting the cargo at a maximum lifting speed and traveling with maximum travel performance without acceleration problems. At least two maximum torque curves of different magnitudes are set in advance on a torque curve diagram. Then, the weight the cargo loaded on an attachment is measured. A threshold value for selecting at least two maximum torque curves is determined. If the measured weight is less than the threshold value, the maximum torque curve with a smaller maximum torque value is selected. If the measured weight is not less than the threshold value, the maximum torque curve with a larger maximum torque value is selected. The engine is controlled using the selected maximum torque curve.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle has front and rear sections that are connected via a vertically pivot, and the front section has one or more front wheels that pivot a horizontal plane. A first sprocket is mounted on a vertical axis, for movement with the front section, the axis of the first sprocket is offset from the axis of the pivot between the front and rear sections, a shaft transmit angular movement at a ratio of 1:1 and in the same direction from the front wheel or wheels to the first sprocket, and a second sprocket is mounted on the rear section of the vehicle coaxially of the axis of the pivot between the front and rear sections. The second sprocket is drivingly connected to a rotary sensor, the first and second sprockets are drivingly connected by way of a chain, and the first and second sprockets having a drive ratio of 1:1.

Abstract: A lift truck includes a frame defining a main structural component of the lift truck, a mast assembly secured to the frame, first and second lower forks, first and second upper forks, and first and second pallet stops. The lower forks are secured to the frame and are provided for supporting a lower load carried by the lift truck. The upper forks are located above the lower forks and are provided for supporting an upper load carried by the lift truck. The upper forks are movable with respect to the lower forks along the mast assembly. The pallet stops position the lower load on the lower forks and are secured in place between the mast assembly and the frame at laterally spaced apart locations. Each pallet stops includes a surface for contacting the lower load and for maintaining the lower load at a desired axial position.

Abstract: A carriage frame includes first and second side members supporting a floating fork pin, where the floating fork pin is movably mounted in respective fork pin slots in the first and second side members and is adapted to receive load carrying forks. The first and second side members each includes a locking aperture positioned spaced from the fork pin slots. A pair of lock plates are secured to ends of the floating fork pin, respectively, where each of the lock plates includes a lock pin slot and a lock pin hole positioned in substantial alignment with the locking apertures in the first and second side members. A pair of fork pin locks extend through the locking apertures of the first and second side members and are selectively extended through one of the lock pin slot and the lock pin hole.

Abstract: The issue is to show displayed items on a display device of a cargo-handling vehicle, where only a display device having a small display space can be used, so that operations accompanying the operating sequence of the cargo-handling vehicle can be performed. The device has a tilt angle sensor, which detects forward tilt or backward tilt by a mast provided at the front of the cargo handling vehicle, a hydraulic pressure sensor, which measures the supply hydraulic pressure to a lift cylinder that is provided on the mast and raises and lowers a fork, and a calculation unit, which converts the cylinder supply hydraulic pressure detected by said hydraulic pressure sensor to the weight of the cargo loaded on the aforementioned fork. A selection display area is also provided, which selectively displays the tilt angle and the weight in the same location outside of the vehicle speed display area.

Abstract: A forklift apparatus includes a base that moves in a generally horizontal direction. The base carries a mast that includes a lower section and an upper section. The upper section pivots relative to the lower section between a first storage orientation and a second operating orientation. In the second operating orientation, the upper section forms an upward continuation of the lower section. The mast carries a lifting structure that can selectively engage an object. A drive structure moves the lifting structure in a generally vertical direction when the upper section is in the second operating orientation.

Abstract: A floor conveyor, with a frame on which a drive unit and a load unit are attached, the load unit having a load carrying means adjustable in its height, further with two parallel wheel arms which are adapted to be mounted on the outer sides of the frame, each wheel arm mounting one load wheel, and with means for reducing the distance of the wheel arms from each other, wherein a frame portion or a frame plate is fixedly connected to the frame on each outer side thereof, said frame portion or frame plate having an outer bearing surface and holes which result in a first hole pattern, wherein a wheel arm plate is connected to the wheel arms, which has first through bores resulting in a second hole pattern, and an inner bearing surface.

Abstract: A lift assembly installable on a vehicle. The lift assembly includes a support structure securable to the vehicle, a pair of parallel vertically extending geared tracks and a vertically moveable drive assembly. The drive assembly includes (a) a mounting structure; (b) a selectively reversible motor; (c) a pair of gears; and (d) a moveable first tread. The gears are engaged with the tracks and rotatably supported on the mounting structure. The gears are also drivingly coupled with the motor wherein operation of the motor selectively raises and lowers the mounting structure relative to the support structure. The moveable first tread is secured to the mounting structure and is adapted to support an operator whereby raising and lowering the mounting structure raises and lowers an operator positioned on the first tread. In some embodiments, the lift assembly includes water-resistant foot-operable switches to control the raising and lowering of the mounting structure.

Abstract: An industrial truck with a load support which is adjustable in its height along a lifting frame and whose taken load is detected by a load sensor, wherein a control unit is provided in which one or several load gravity centres can be selected and which determines an admissible lifting height for the one or several selected load gravity centres on the basis of the detected load.

Abstract: An improved activity detection system for use on a lift truck can be generally stated as including a detection apparatus and a processor apparatus. The detection apparatus can be generally stated as including at least one of a load detector and a movement detector. The processor apparatus can be generally stated as including a storage for storing an output from the detection apparatus.

Abstract: An unmanned trackless order picking forklift system includes a vehicle-driving system, a vehicle-position-adjusting system and a pallet-scanning system each of which provided in a forklift truck and electrically connected with a CPU device. The vehicle-position-adjusting system is operated to detect a predetermined route so that the CPU device controls the vehicle-driving system to drive the forklift truck along the predetermined route from a first position to a second position. The pallet-scanning system is operated to scan a designated pallet along the predetermined route.

Abstract: In an industrial truck, in particular a fork-lift truck, having a vehicle frame and a load pickup means (16), which can be displaced in relation to the vehicle frame, at least one wheel which is closer to the load pickup means and, at a distance from this, at least one wheel (20) which is further away from the load pickup means being provided on the vehicle frame, the wheel axle (18) of at least one wheel (20) being capable of moving in relation to the vehicle frame along a movement trajectory with a movement component which is orthogonal with respect to the standing area of the industrial truck, in addition a loading force (B), which is caused by the tare weight of the industrial truck and a load (L) which may have been picked up by said industrial truck, acting on the at least one moveable wheel axle (18), which loading force changes operationally, the at least one moveable wheel axle (18) in addition has or can have an arbitrarily variable additional force applied to it.

Abstract: An industrial truck has a vehicle frame (1), a lifting framework (4) attached to the vehicle frame (1) and two wheel arms which extend in the horizontal direction. The wheel arm is connected to the vehicle frame (1) and at the free end of which at least one running wheel (3) is arranged. Each wheel arm has a first longitudinal structural part (2) which is a component of the vehicle frame (1) and has a second longitudinal structural part (5) which is a component of the lifting framework (4). The running wheel (3) is arranged on the first longitudinal structural part (2).

Abstract: The electric-vehicle control device is used in an electric vehicle which is provided with a vehicle body having a driving tire and an axle shaft and with a driving motor which imparts torque to the driving tire. The electric-vehicle control device issues a motor control command to the driving motor. The electric-vehicle control device is provided with a control unit, and the control unit gives feedback control to the driving motor by vibration parameters indicating vertical vibration of the electric vehicle at the center of the axle shaft.

Abstract: Industrial truck, in particular fork lift, having an exchangeable battery block (13) and a battery case (3) which accommodates the battery block (13), with the battery case (3) having a lateral access opening (7) to slide the battery block (13) with a first end first into the battery case (3) and pull the battery block (13) with its first end last out of the battery case (3), with the battery block (13) accommodated in the battery case (3) being supported near its first end with at least one independent roller (25) on the battery case bottom (5), characterized in that that on the battery block (13) accommodated in the battery case (3), a projection (21) at the first end opposite the second end of said battery block, which projects over a front edge section (29) of the battery case bottom (5) near the access opening (7) and over the underside of the battery case bottom (5) downward, is provided as lifting abutment for a battery transport device (33), in particular a fork lift device to lift the battery block (

Abstract: An industrial vehicle having a hybrid system controls a distribution of power generated by an engine and power generated by an electric motor. The vehicle includes an engine for supplying power to one of a running unit and a loading-and-unloading unit; a first motor for supplying power to one of the running unit and the loading-and-unloading unit; a second motor for supplying power to the running unit; a required-power calculating unit for calculating running power, and loading-and-unloading power; a clutch unit for controlling the power transmitted from the engine to the running unit; and a power-distribution calculating unit for selecting a destination to be supplied with power from the engine and the first motor based on the control status of the clutch unit, and for calculating a distribution of power which the engine, the first motor, and the second motor supply based on the calculating running power and loading-and-unloading power.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a power unit, a mast assembly and a fluid supply system. The mast assembly is coupled to the power unit. The mast assembly comprises a weldment, a movable element and a ram/cylinder assembly coupled to the movable element to effect movement of the element. The fluid supply system includes manifold apparatus and at least one fluid line coupled to the manifold apparatus and the ram/cylinder assembly. The manifold apparatus provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the ram/cylinder assembly via the fluid line to raise the movable element. The manifold apparatus is mounted to the mast assembly.

Abstract: A lift truck attachment for attaching a device, such as a scale to the lift truck includes an upper carriage support, a lower carriage support spaced from and opposing the upper carriage support and a device attachment region disposed between and essentially flush with the upper and lower carriage supports. The device is attached between the upper and lower carriage supports and nests with the upper and lower carriage supports to reduce the effective distance between the lift truck mast and the load carrying members, such as the loading forks.

Abstract: A stabilizer system for an industrial vehicle includes one or more stabilizer cylinders mounted to the industrial vehicle, wherein the stabilizer cylinders are configured to contact the ground when deployed. The stabilizer system further includes a pressure sensor configured to determine a hydraulic system pressure, and a processor configured to calculate a stabilizing pressure to be applied to the one or more stabilizer cylinders. The stabilizing pressure is based on the hydraulic system pressure in order to improve a forward stability of the industrial vehicle when the one or more stabilizer cylinders are deployed.

Abstract: A lifting device comprising a lift, a platform, a support bar which secures the platform to the lift, a golf cart, and an attachment means which connects the lift to the golf cart wherein when the mower lifting device is coupled with the golf cart the lift enables the platform to raise from a lower position to an upper position, and the golf cart easily operates while the platform is in the upper position. The mower-lifting device enables the golf cart to conveniently transport a greens mower from a plurality of greens in a golf course. This allows for faster maintenance of the greens, and less damage to the lawns and to the grounds keeper's vehicles.

Abstract: A lift truck includes a secondary rechargeable energy storage device on a vertically movable platform that is separate from a primary rechargeable energy storage device on the lift truck's main tractor unit without the use of wires or hoses for transfer of power or controls between the main tractor unit and the platform. The quantity of energy stored in the secondary rechargeable energy storage device is sufficient to power platform electrical loads for a predetermined amount of time until the platform is lowered. When the platform is lowered, the secondary rechargeable energy storage device is recharged by the primary energy storage device.

Abstract: A motorized means of transporting loads includes a fork lift mechanism that features a set of anchored chains fitted to a set of lifting forks for lifting and lowering a load. With a combination electrical/hydraulic system, the lifting and lowering functions can be efficiently obtained. Two load supporting outriggers are provided which can be extended or retracted while transporting a load to aid in navigating constricted spaces. A tilting mast and fork assembly allows for a manipulation of the center of gravity while transporting loads. A joystick function controls the forward, turning, reverse, lifting, and extending and retracting the outriggers. A battery enabled transport provides for flash charging of the onboard batteries to extend useful life.

Abstract: A pallet and product protector for use with a forklift having a pair of L-shaped forks, including a front plate including a first bracket having a height, a middle plate having a height, a second bracket having a height, a first horizontally elongated portion having a height and extending between the first bracket and the middle plate, and a second horizontally elongated portion having a height extending between the second bracket and the middle plate, the height of the first horizontally elongated portion and the height of the second horizontally elongated portion being less than the height of the first bracket, the height of the middle plate, and the height of the second bracket; a vertically elongated plate disposed rearward of the front plate and coupled thereto, the vertically elongated plate further including a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of L-shaped members disposed adjacent the top end and extending rearward therefrom; and a clamping member disposed proximate to the middle plate of the front pla

Abstract: Platforms for detecting, identifying and/or designating objects. Platforms according to one embodiment of the invention include an extendable mast connected to a skid via a linkage that allows pivoting of the mast with respect to the skid, and preferably does not permit rotation of the mast; at least two actuators connected to the mast; at least one inclination sensor; at least one detection sensor connected to the mast for detecting presence of an object; and circuitry that receives information from the inclination sensors and plumbs the mast. Coupling and actuator mechanisms are disclosed for connecting the mast to the skid in a manner that allows the mast to be stable for accurate use of the sensors, yet easily and quickly deployable for such use, whether the platform is deployed from the bed of a truck or when the skid is on the ground and the mast is fully extended.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular lift truck unit (10) comprising three separate modules, namely a front mast module (11), a rear power or drive unit module (12) and an intermediate counterbalancing module (13). The rear side of the mast module is detachably bolted to the front side of the counter weight module (13), while the rear side of the counter weight module is detachably bolted to front of the power or drive unit module (12). The modules (11, 12, 13) are provided with matching connection points to enable each of the modules to be detachably secured to another module by a plurality of securing bolts.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes an operator compartment having two operator control handles, a deadman switch accessible by an operator using either control handle, and a traction system. The traction system is controlled by the control handles to drive the vehicle in a selected direction, wherein an operator can control the traction system while facing one of the selected directions and the deadman switch is selectively activatable to enable operation from both control handles.

Abstract: A cargo transportation device includes a lift assembly for raising and lowering cargo and an operator cabin in which an operator controls the lift assembly. A load backrest is coupled to the cabin, and an automatic data collection device, which is configured to interrogate wireless communication devices, is coupled to the load backrest. The cargo transportation device includes a computing device having logic for controlling the automatic data collection device and logic for controlling the lift assembly, and a display device in communication with the computing device. The display device is coupled to the cabin and configured to provide the operator with information from the computing device.

Abstract: A lift truck includes a magneto-rheological damper coupled between the base frame and a frame holding a vertically sprung suspended wheel. The damper is electrically connected to a vehicle control system, which increases and decreases the damping force as a function of at least one of a weight of a load on the forks of the lift truck, a height of the mast of the lift truck, and a speed of the lift truck. As the weight of the load, height of the mast and speed of the vehicle increase, the damping force is increased. As the weight of the load, height of the mast, and speed of the vehicle decrease, the damping force is decreased. When the damper is activated to increase the damping force, the truck can maintain a four point stance, providing a larger footprint for the center of gravity, thereby limiting truck sway or oscillation.

Abstract: A forklift truck (10) comprising a truck body, a fork mechanism at one end of the body, and at least one wheel (18) at an opposite end of the body, said at least one wheel (18) being mounted on the body for translational movement relative to the body between a working position and a storage position.

Abstract: A load wheel assembly for a materials handling vehicle includes first and second spaced side members, at least one rotatable roller extending between the first and second side members. An interface structure provides a substantially rigid connection between the load wheel assembly and a mounting structure on the materials handling vehicle. The mounting structure includes a transverse bar and the interface structure includes a portion that engages and mates with the transverse bar to form a rigid connection between the interface structure and the transverse bar.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame including structure for defining an operator compartment and structure for defining a battery compartment; first and second front wheels coupled to the frame; a rear steer wheel assembly coupled to the frame; an electric motor; and a controller coupled to a front wall of the frame to control the operation of the electric motor.