Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for detecting a load on at least one fork of a material handling vehicle. The systems and methods can comprise a housing; at least one sensor positioned within the housing; a sensor arm pivotally coupled to the housing; at least one sensor flag integral with or coupled to the inside of the sensor arm; and wherein when the sensor arm pivots inward toward the housing the at least on sensor flag triggers the at least one sensor to identify at least a first load position and a second load position.

Abstract: A pallet detection assembly for a material handling vehicle is provided. The pallet detection assembly includes a body defining a cavity and having a proximity sensor housed at least partially within the cavity. The pallet detection assembly further includes an actuation plate having a tab coupled thereto and extending in a direction toward the body, and an actuator having a cylinder coupled to the body and a plunger slidably received within the cylinder and coupled to the actuation plate. The actuator is configured to movably couple the actuation plate to the body so that the actuation plate is configured to non-pivotally displace relative to the body.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle includes a mast, a load handling structure supported on the mast, one or more operator controls, and a lifting structure having a chain structure for performing a lifting and lowering of the load handling structure. The materials handling vehicle further includes a height sensor for generating a height signal corresponding to vertical movement of the load handling structure relative to the mast, and a vehicle control module for processing the height signal received from the height sensor and an operator control signal received from the one or more operator controls. The vehicle control module evaluates the height signal and the operator control signal and disables one or more vehicle functions if the height signal does not correspond to the operator control signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for detecting a load on at least one fork of a material handling vehicle. The systems and methods can comprise a housing; at least one sensor positioned within the housing; a sensor arm pivotally coupled to the housing; at least one sensor flag integral with or coupled to the inside of the sensor arm; and wherein when the sensor arm pivots inward toward the housing the at least on sensor flag triggers the at least one sensor to identify at least a first load position and a second load position.

Abstract: A device includes an elevating work platform affixed to a drive unit that can move in any direction and rotate in place.

Abstract: A lift truck can include a mast and a lift cylinder. The lift cylinder can include a piston rod and a cylinder housing. The lift truck also can include a piston rod retention mechanism that restricts movement of the lift cylinder in a direction lateral to an axial direction when the mast is in an extended position.

Abstract: A forklift includes a vehicle body 30, a fork 22 mounted on the vehicle body, a controller configured to adjust a position and an orientation of the vehicle body, a laser sensor 20 configured to measure distance data from the laser sensor to an object existing in a space set forward of the fork, and a control commander configured to, when the distance data measured by the laser sensor includes a load or a pallet 100 to be lifted, generate track data for moving the vehicle body to a loading position of the load or the pallet based on the distance data, and provide a command to the controller using the generated track data.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a lift actuator is added to a pallet truck to effect initially lifting a load and a traction command effects fully raising the load while a pallet truck moves. In other embodiments, an electronic controller is programmed to effect initially lifting a load when a lift actuator is engaged and to effect fully lifting the load while a pallet truck moves when a traction actuator is engaged.

Abstract: A hybrid power train system for a tractor scraper is provided. The hybrid power train system may include a primary power source coupled to a first set of traction devices, a generator coupled to the primary power source, a first electric motor coupled to a second set of traction devices, an inverter circuit coupled to the generator and the first electric motor, an energy storage device coupled to the inverter circuit, and a controller operatively coupled to the inverter circuit. The controller may be configured to engage a first operation mode enabling electrical energy, supplied by the generator and the first electric motor, to be stored in the energy storage device, and engage a second operation mode enabling electrical energy, stored in the energy storage device, to be supplied to the first electric motor to drive the second set of traction devices.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control apparatus is configured to determine, based on an automatic brake duration time and a vehicle speed reduction amount, whether to suppress a brake force due to an automatic brake control, the automatic brake duration time being from an automatic brake control starting timing to a current time point, the vehicle speed reduction amount corresponding to a value obtained by subtracting a vehicle speed at the current time point from the vehicle speed at the automatic brake control starting timing.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes an engine, a hydraulic pump, a cargo handling tool, a mast, a first hydraulic actuator, a second hydraulic actuator, an instruction member, a supply oil passage, and a controller. When the mast is being tilted forward, the controller performs revving control that raises the engine speed when detecting that an operation of the instruction member instructs a load operation that applies load to the engine.

Abstract: A system includes a detection device configured to transmit and receive one or more signals in a generally vertical direction above a vehicle. Additionally, the system may include a processing device configured to measure a time of flight associated with the transmission and receipt of the one or more signals in the generally vertical direction. A distance travelled by the one or more signals may be determined based, at least in part, on the measured time of flight, and the distance travelled may be compared with a threshold distance to determine an overhead clearance of the vehicle. In response to determining the overhead clearance, a vehicle system may be activated.

Abstract: An enhanced visibility system for utility vehicles is disclosed. The visibility system may enhance an operator's view from the utility vehicle by making an obstruction appear transparent to the operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial truck (10; 15) comprising a truck body (20) and a load supporting member (30). The load supporting member (30) is movable in a vertical direction (40) and in a horizontal direction (50; 80) in relation to the truck body (20). According to the invention, the industrial truck (10; 15) is adapted to reduce the maximum allowed acceleration of the load supporting member (30) in the vertical direction (40) when the load supporting member is located at specific horizontal positions in relation to the truck body (20). The invention also pertains to a corresponding method and a computer program.

Abstract: An engine control device for a forklift that suppresses an increase in fuel consumption amount and noise by limiting an engine rotation speed when the forklift is driven without the need to increase the engine speed according to the accelerator operation even when the accelerator is depressed hard. Determining means in a controller determines whether all of the following conditions are satisfied: a neutral position of the traveling direction instructing means; a lift raising switch and first, second and third attachment switches are turned off. When all of the above conditions are satisfied, it is determined whether the forklift is driven in any of a plurality of states. An engine control means generates and outputs a control command to obtain the engine speed based on the accelerator pedal depression with the upper limit value of the engine speed set as an upper limit value of the engine speed.

Abstract: A suspension work platform hoist system for raising and lowering a work platform is provided. The system incorporates at least one hoist attached to the work platform and in electrical communication with a hoist control system that may have a data transmitter to transmit data to a remote location, a data receiver to receive data from the remote location, and/or a monitoring and diagnostic system to monitor and record at least one of a plurality of operating characteristics of the hoist. The hoist control system may also include a GPS tracking device that transmit a hoist location and may prevent operation of the motor if the hoist location is not in an authorized area of operation. The hoist control system may further include a safety lock out system that requires authentication of an operator prior to the hoist control system causing movement of the hoist system.

Abstract: A forklift truck includes a truck body, a fork, a mast, tilting and lifting mechanisms, tilt and lift levers, tilting and lifting operation detectors, a lifted height detector, a load detector, an auxiliary switch, a tilt angle detector and a controller. The controller controls the lifting and tilting mechanisms based on signals from the tilting and lifting operation detectors and the auxiliary switch. The controller controls the lifting and tilting mechanisms to cause the fork to be lifted and tilted to horizontal position of the fork if a load is present on the fork, the fork is in a lower lift region where the lifted height of the fork is at or lower than a first threshold value, the lift lever is placed in operative position to lift the fork, the auxiliary switch is in operative position and the fork is not in the horizontal position of the fork.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided including: a support structure including a fixed member; a movable assembly coupled to the support structure; a hydraulic system; and a control system. The support structure further includes lift apparatus to effect movement of the movable assembly relative to the support structure fixed member. The lift apparatus includes at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The hydraulic system includes a motor, a pump coupled to the motor to supply a pressurized fluid to the at least one ram/cylinder assembly, and at least one electronically controlled valve associated with the at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The control structure may estimate a speed of the movable assembly from a speed of the motor and calculate an updated pump volumetric efficiency using the estimated movable assembly speed and a determined movable assembly speed.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus with a first and a second drive wheel aligned about an axis of rotation. The lifting apparatus structure has a longitudinal dimension defined perpendicular to the axis or rotation and adapted to rotatably support the first and second drive wheels. The lifting apparatus has at least one motive device adapted to drive, either together or independently, the first and second drive wheels. The lifting apparatus structure further supports a lifting mechanism with a lifting surface longitudinally offset from the first and second drive wheels.

Abstract: A joystick controller is disclosed for controlling speed of a boom lift platform, the controller having motors or the like that provide tactile feedback that is intuitively interpreted and adjusted by the user of the joystick speed control, the joystick being neutrally-biased to effect a null velocity when the joystick is positioned in a neutral position, but the tactile feedback forcing the joystick away from neutral to a degree that represents the platform's actual speed.

Abstract: A suspension work platform hoist system powered by an input power source for raising a work platform on a rope. The system includes a hoist having a motor that drives a traction mechanism designed to cooperate with the rope, and a reactive power reducing input power system in electrical communication with the motor and the constant frequency input power source. The reactive power reducing input power system includes an AC-DC converter and a regulator system, wherein the regulator system is in electrical communication with a DC-AC inverter that is in electrical communication with the motor. The system may include an isolation system to electrically isolate the DC-AC inverter from the motor when the DC-AC inverter is not transmitting power to the motor. The system may accept multiple alternating current voltage sources including both single phase and three phase sources.

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 suspension work platform hoist system having a variable acceleration motor control system and a tilt control system. The tilt control system includes at least one tilt sensor to sense a tilt angle of the work platform and generate a tilt signal. A tilt controller receives the tilt signal and generates a speed control signal, which is used by the variable acceleration motor control system to control the operation of the hoist motors to maintain a tilt angle setpoint as the work platform is raised and lowered. The tilt control system may include a settling mode having a settling tilt angle setpoint, wherein the settling mode prevents the work platform from being raised or lowered until the tilt angle of the work platform reaches the settling tilt angle setpoint.

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: Operation of an industrial vehicle, such as one that lifts and transports loads, is controlled based on the weight of a removable battery. A control method involves reading a battery weight value from an electronic memory attached to a battery. That battery weight value is compared to a specified battery weight value for the industrial vehicle. The operation of the industrial vehicle is restricted to less than the normal operating characteristics when the battery weight value is less than the specified battery weight value. For example, the height to which a load can be raised is limited or the speed at which the industrial vehicle is limited when a battery installed on the industrial vehicle weighs less than the specified battery weight for effectively counterbalancing a load.

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: A suspension work platform hoist system having reduced reactive power to produce a hoist system power factor of at least 0.95 when operating at a steady state full-load condition as the motor raises the work platform. The hoist system power factor takes into account all the power consuming devices of the suspension work platform hoist system as well as a suspended conductor system that connects the constant frequency input power source to the hoist, which is often in excess of several hundred feet. The hoist system power factor may be achieved by incorporating a reactive power reducing input power system into the suspension work platform hoist system. The reactive power reducing input power system decreases the magnitude of the reactive power of the motor producing a high hoist system power. The reactive power reducing input power system may include an AC-DC converter and a regulator system in electrical communication with a DC-AC inverter that is in electrical communication with the motor.

Abstract: A lift has two tines that project forward and are movable up-and-down to raise and lower pallets and skids. Two outriggers are pivotal between a stored position and a deployed position, and the outriggers project forward in the deployed position to stabilize the lift when the tines are elevated.

Abstract: Equipment having an energy management system includes an articulated arm, a work implement, an energy management system, and a hydraulic circuit. The articulated arm includes hydraulic actuators designed to maneuver the articulated arm, and the work implement is fastened to the articulated arm. The energy management system is adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration, and includes a hydraulic rotating machine and an electric rotating machine coupled to the hydraulic rotating machine. When the energy management system is in the first configuration, the hydraulic rotating machine and the electric rotating machine function as an electric motor powering a hydraulic pump. When the energy management system is in the second configuration, the hydraulic rotating machine and the electric rotating machine function as a hydraulic motor powering an electric generator.

Abstract: A pallet jack is disclosed that comprises a left tine and a right tine. The pallet jack includes a lifting mechanism that may include an electrically powered hydraulic pump to effectuate the lifting motion. The pallet jack may also include power-driven wheels that are connected by an axle, thereby facilitating translational motion of the pallet jack. The wheels may be maximally spaced by using a maximum-length axle that is slightly longer than the width of the pallet jack body, thereby optimizing load stability.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a commercial vehicle with a control unit connected with the drive of the commercial vehicle and to a method for controlling a commercial vehicle.

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: An extendable frame work vehicle offering enhanced versatility, safety and effectiveness. The vehicle includes an adjustable frame with front and rear portions that extend or retract with respect to each other. The front portion is supported by a first pair of wheels and said rear portion is supported by a second pair of wheels. Each wheel is independently driven and steered. The vehicle also includes an engine mounted on the rear portion of the frame. Incorporated into the vehicle is an electro-hydraulic assembly which enables extension and retraction of the adjustable frame. The assembly includes a sensor-responsive microprocessor controller, at least one hydraulic pump, at least one hydraulic drive motor and at least one valve network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the load-handling elements of a fork-lift truck, the load-handling elements being used in the method to grip the load to be handled. The load-handling elements are operated using an electrically controlled operating device, which is controlled using an analog control voltage formed using an electromechanical controller. In addition, the analog control voltage coming from the electromechanical controller is regulated actively externally on the basis of measurement data and set criteria, before the analog control voltage formed by the electromechanical controller is conducted to the electrically controlled operating device. The analog control voltage coming from the electromechanical controller is regulated using a feed external to the electromechanical controller, in parallel with the electromechanical controller. The invention also relates to a corresponding operating system and regulating apparatus.

Abstract: A method of operating a lift truck, the method including the steps of actuating an override to move the lift truck from a safety configuration into a working configuration, positioning a load onto a front end assembly movably attached to the lift truck, disengaging the override, whereby the lift truck may move into the safety configuration once the load is removed from the front end assembly. The lift truck includes a motorized mover, a front end assembly movably coupled to the motorized mover, and a load sensor coupled to the front end assembly. The front end assembly is positionable between a safety configuration and a working configuration. The load sensor detects the presence of the load on the front end assembly. The front end assembly is moved into the safety configuration when the load sensor does not sense the load on the front end assembly.

Abstract: A method for counting the pallets or loads moved by a lift truck using internal sensors is disclosed. The lift truck includes a weight sensor for weighing a load, a height sensor, for measuring a height of the forks, and a distance sensor for determining whether the vehicle has moved. When the data from each of these sensors exceeds a corresponding minimum value, a vehicle control system increments a pallet counter. A count of the number of pallets moved is therefore maintained without the need for tracking specific pallets of for adding expensive components and devices.

Abstract: A powered controlled acceleration suspension work platform hoist system for raising and lowering a work platform at a predetermined acceleration. The system incorporates several hoists attached to the work platform and in electrical communication with the motor control system. The motor control system is attached to the work platform and is in electrical communication with a constant frequency input power source and the hoist motors. The motor control system controls the acceleration of the work platform as it is raised and lowered by controlling the hoist motors. The controlled acceleration hoist system also includes a platform control system attached to the work platform that is in electrical communication with the motor control system and the hoist motors. Acceleration control is achieved by converting the constant frequency input power to a variable frequency power supply. This may be accomplished through the use of a variable frequency drive(s).

Abstract: A lifting station for vertically moving an object, in particular a vehicle body, in a surface treatment installation includes a fixed support structure and a vertically movable lifting cradle which is supported on the support structure and on which at least one conveying device is arranged. Energy for actuating the conveying device can be stored in an energy accumulator arranged on the lifting cradle. In this way, a trailing cable which supplies the conveying device with energy in different lifting positions is not required.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle lift apparatus is provided, having an infrared wireless controller and a wired controller for operating the lift. The wired controller includes an infrared sensor for receipt of the signals from the wireless controller. The wired controller is removably attached to the vehicle lift apparatus in a position normally capable of receiving the infrared control instructions.

Abstract: An energy recovering system of a hydraulic lift device for a battery operated industrial truck. With the system, working oil can be supplied to other hydraulic actuators while energy recovering operation is performed by the hydraulic lift device, and energy recovering efficiency is increased. A hydraulic motor (6) is disposed in a fluid path for recovering pressurized working fluid from a lift cylinder (1) via a control valve (10) to a working fluid reservoir tank (8) so that the hydraulic motor (6) is driven by the pressurized working fluid returning from the lift cylinder (1). The hydraulic motor (6) is connected to an electric motor (4) for driving a hydraulic pump (3), which supplies pressurized fluid to the lift cylinder (1), by means of a one-way clutch (7) which performs torque transmission only from the hydraulic motor (6) to the electric motor (4).

Abstract: An energy recovering system in a hydraulic lift device of a battery operated industrial truck. With the system, working oil can be supplied to other hydraulic actuators while energy recovering operation is performed by the hydraulic lift device, occurrence of pressure pulsation in the working oil can be prevented, and energy recovering efficiency is increased. The hydraulic lift device comprises a lift cylinder (1) for lifting a fork F, an electric motor (4) rotated by power supply from a battery (5), a hydraulic pump (3) for supplying pressurized oil to the lift cylinder (1), a control valve (14) disposed in a pressurized oil supply path (23), and a controller (17).

Abstract: A traveling operation detecting portion detects traveling operation and non-traveling operation selectively. The traveling operation corresponds to operator operation that involves traveling of an industrial vehicle. The non-traveling operation corresponds to operator operation that does not involve the traveling of the industrial vehicle. An upper setting portion selectively sets a first engine speed upper limit and a second engine speed upper limit, which are different from each other, as an upper limit of an acceptable speed range of an engine in correspondence with a detection result of the traveling operation detecting portion. Thus, maximum advantage of the performance of the engine is ensured in correspondence with operation of the industrial vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for controlling automatic lifting and lowering type platform that can correct the inclination of a mobile power generator and that can always maintain the level while carrying out automatic lifting and lowering of the generator. The apparatus includes vertical outer cases which are extended or withdrawn in the horizontal directions from or into both sides at both ends of the chassis ?; vertical inner cases which are inserted into the vertical outer cases and extended or withdrawn in the vertical directions; and an allotter which allots output to jacks so that inclination detected by an angle sensor can always be corrected.

Abstract: A forward-control counterweight fork-lift truck has a liftable and tiltable load-lifting device (1), a traction drive and operating drives for the movement of the load-lifting device (1). A calculation model (D) is stored in a control device (SE), to which directly or indirectly acting sensors (S) are connected for detecting the lifting load (L), the lifting height (H), the tilting angle (WM), the load torque (M), the direction of travel (R), the driving speed (V), and the steering angle (WL). The control device (SE) is designed to determine a driving and load state (Z) based on the detected physical variables (L, H, WM, M, R, V, WL) and the stored calculation model (D) and is operatively connected to the traction drive and the operating drives. Depending on the driving and load state (Z) determined, the operating speed, starting and braking acceleration, and driving speed are each reduced.

Abstract: Hydraulic valve circuitry adapted for automatic weight-responsive control of load-clamping members of a load-lifting system having a free lift mast. The load-lifting system generally includes one or more fluid power actuator for applying a gripping force to a load, at least one elongate, longitudinally-extensible fluid power lifting device having a free lift range of motion and at least one main lift range of motion, and manually operated load-clamping and load-lifting selector valves. The hydraulic valve circuitry provides, independently, weight-responsive control of the load-clamping members when lifting a load, full-time automatic weight-responsive force control of the load-clamping members without concurrent manual actuation of load-clamping or load-lifting selector valves, and equalization of sensed load weight so that the sensed load weight is substantially independent of the longitudinally-extensible position of the lifting device.

Abstract: A method for counting the pallets or loads moved by a lift truck using internal sensors is disclosed. The lift truck includes a weight sensor for weighing a load, a height sensor, for measuring a height of the forks, and a distance sensor for determining whether the vehicle has moved. When the data from each of these sensors exceeds a corresponding minimum value, a vehicle control system increments a pallet counter. A count of the number of pallets moved is therefore maintained without the need for tracking specific pallets of for adding expensive components and devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a configuration of a plurality of lifting devices (12, 13) in a lifting system (11), wherein a lifting device (12, 13) is defined as a master lifting device with the node address 1, wherein subsequently a node address n+1 is generated and stored for the subsequent lifting device (12b, 13b) so that the number and assignment of the lifting devices (12, 13) will be detected.

Abstract: A powered controlled acceleration suspension work platform hoist system for raising and lowering a work platform at a predetermined acceleration. The system incorporates several hoists attached to the work platform and in electrical communication with the motor control system. The motor control system is attached to the work platform and is in electrical communication with a constant frequency input power source and the hoist motors. The motor control system controls the acceleration of the work platform as it is raised and lowered by controlling the hoist motors. The controlled acceleration hoist system also includes a platform control system attached to the work platform that is in electrical communication with the motor control system and the hoist motors. Acceleration control is achieved by converting the constant frequency input power to a variable frequency power supply. This may be accomplished through the use of a variable frequency drive(s).

Abstract: A fork assembly lift mechanism is disclosed that is configurable for use in a material handling vehicle for moving a fork assembly, including a fork trail assembly, between a lowered position and a raised position. The fork assembly lift mechanism comprises a master cylinder coupled to a truck body and the fork assembly for moving the fork assembly between the lowered position and the raised position, and a slave cylinder coupled to the fork assembly and the fork trail assembly for moving the fork trail assembly between the retracted position and the extended position. The slave cylinder is in fluid communication with the master cylinder such that actuation of the master cylinder results in actuation of the slave cylinder to move the fork assembly between the lowered position and the raised position, and to move the fork trail assembly between the retracted position and the extended position.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle including a lifting device, a hydraulic system having two or more pump motors that provide hydraulic flow to the lifting device, a load-handling device, and a second hydraulic system fluidly coupled to the main hydraulic system. The hydraulic system diverts the hydraulic flow from one of the pump motors to the second hydraulic system when an actuation of the load handling device is detected.