Abstract: A powered omni-directional aircraft and ordinance handling vehicle which, in one embodiment, includes a circular frame and two drive wheels capable of independent powered forward and rearward rotation about a horizontal axis. The drive wheels are adapted to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a vertical axis which intersects the horizontal axis midway between the drive wheels and which is generally centered in the circular frame. A turret is rotatively mounted to the frame such that it is capable of rotation about the vertical axis, and an articulated ordinance handling arm is mounted to the turret. A castor is mounted to the frame for supporting the frame on the ground. A control system enables the vehicle to rotate in place to change headings while maintaining ordinance carried by the arm motionless with respect to the ground and to perform repetitive precise multi-axis motion control of the vehicle.

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: A multi-function joystick system controls forklift mast, tilt and fork functions. The system includes a single joystick pivotable about two axes and having first, second and third buttons and a trigger. Combinations of pivoting the joystick alone or in combination with pressing buttons and triggers performs eight forklift functions including negative lift/lower, free lift/lower, maximum lift/lower, tilt forward/backward, left fork left/right, right fork left/right, both forks left/right, and fork open/close.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for a forklift. Based on the load state, it is determined whether to limit a maximum vehicle speed and an acceleration/deceleration during traveling of the forklift. Limitation contents regarding the maximum vehicle speed and the acceleration/deceleration is determined based on a determination result of whether to put the limitations. A speed of the engine is adjusted based on the determined limitation contents, thereby controlling driving of the forklift. When the determined limitation contents are changed, an acceleration/deceleration limitation value is selected from a plurality of acceleration/deceleration limitation values according to the pattern of the change of the limitation contents, and drive control related to the acceleration/deceleration is executed to limit the acceleration/deceleration of the forklift by using the selected acceleration/deceleration limitation value.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring a stationary condition of a drive device, a monitoring device provides the drive device with a temporally varying monitoring signal which, when a sensor device connected to the drive device functions properly, modulates a sensor output signal of the sensor device in accordance with the monitoring input signal. The monitoring device receives the sensor signal and monitors it for the presence of a corresponding signal component. In the absence of such a signal component, the monitoring device controls a safety device which converts the drive device into a safe state. When the drive device is controlled by means of at least two phase-shifted current regulators, it is possible for the monitoring device to monitor an output signal of at least one of the current regulators for constancy and to control the safety device when the output signal of the at least one current regulator changes.

Abstract: When a determination result of a limitation determining section during a driving of a forklift is positive, a control section limits a vehicle speed and adjusts an engine speed. If a limitation canceling condition is met while the vehicle speed is limited, a control section cancels a vehicle speed limitation state, and executes a loading priority control in which an actuation of a loading device is prioritized. Thus, when a loading device is actuated during driving with a speed limit, the stability of the forklift is ensured while improving the workability of the loading operation.

Abstract: Provided are an engine 111, a generator-motor 113, a clutch 112 connecting/disconnecting power therebetween, a battery 115, and a loading pump 117 for driving a fork 118. The generator-motor 113 is set either in a generator mode or in a motor mode. When a cargo handling load (detected by a loading lever position sensor 145 and the like) is smaller than a predetermined value, the clutch 112 is set to a disconnection state, the engine 111 is stopped or idled, and the loading pump 117 is driven by the generator-motor 113 in the motor mode. When the load is increased to the predetermined value or more during cargo handling work in a state where the clutch 112 is released, an increase of the number of revolution of the engine is started while an output of the generator-motor 113 is being increased. When the number of revolution of the engine 111 is made equal to the number of revolution of the generator-motor 113, the clutch 112 is set to a connected state, and the loading pump 117 is driven by the engine 111.

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 forklift truck (1) of the type suitable for mounting on the rear of a carrying vehicle, the forklift truck comprising a u-shaped chassis (3) having a vertical mast (17) mounted thereon. The vertical mast carries a side shift mechanism (21), the side shift mechanism comprising a fixed carriage (23) with a movable carriage (25) slidably mounted thereon. A pair of fluid actuated rams (27, 29) is provided to slide the movable carriage (25) laterally relative to the fixed carriage (23). A rotating cylinder (49) is provided to rotate a pair of forks (19) mounted on the movable carriage. The configuration achieves greater side shift without the use of rollers or chains and permits the use of a rotating cylinder.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus contemplate a variable mast tilting feature that restricts mast tilt speeds and tilt ranges at a time when the forks are relatively high. Conversely, when the forks are low, no restrictions exist other than operating set-points. A High/Low switch on the mast determines when the forks are high or low. A tilt angle sensor (preferably a linear actuator on the tilt cylinder) determines the amount of mast tilt. A vertical masting feature automatically makes a mast substantially perpendicular to the ground. Activation of a vertical function change button, in combination with an activated tilt lever, causes the mast to upright itself (in either the forward or reverse directions of movement). Also, if the mast is relatively high, the speed of mast “uprighting” will be relatively slower than if the mast is relatively low. Hydraulic and electric circuit diagrams, to name a few, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The device measures distance from the forklift mast to a fixed point on the forklift roof (overhead guard) proper. The device has an electronic signal producing source which signal is reflected from a surface on the mast of the forklift. The reflected signal is accepted by a signal receiver. These reflected signals are electronically analyzed and displayed on an analog display device. The display device indicates if the mast is in an upright position or if the mast is forward or rearward from the center. This device is useful for retrieving high bay pallets with goods. The electronic signal is an ultrasonic signal. The electronic signal producing source and receiver may be housed as a single unit.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a system that immediately after the supply of the molten metal is stopped, the molten metal that resides in the pipe can be prevented from dripping from the pipe.

Abstract: Provided are an engine 111, a generator-motor 113, a clutch 112 connecting/disconnecting power therebetween, a battery 115, and a loading pump 117 for driving a fork 118. The generator-motor 113 is set either in a generator mode or in a motor mode. When a cargo handling load (detected by a loading lever position sensor 145 and the like) is smaller than a predetermined value, the clutch 112 is set to a disconnection state, the engine 111 is stopped or idled, and the loading pump 117 is driven by the generator-motor 113 in the motor mode. When the load is increased to the predetermined value or more during cargo handling work in a state where the clutch 112 is released, an increase of the number of revolution of the engine is started while an output of the generator-motor 113 is being increased. When the number of revolution of the engine 111 is made equal to the number of revolution of the generator-motor 113, the clutch 112 is set to a connected state, and the loading pump 117 is driven by the engine 111.

Abstract: The present invention easily improves the accuracy of connection level alignment between an elevating guide rail and a fixed side guide rail in a path switching device which switches vertically a traveling path of a conveyance carriage or the like via an elevating guide rail, and in an upper and lower path switching device for a traveling body for transportation, including an elevating guide rail supported horizontally by an elevating body, upper fixed guide rails to be connected to the elevating guide rail at a lifted position of the elevating body, and lower fixed guide rails which are connected to the elevating guide rail at a lowered position of the elevating body, the elevating guide rail is supported movably vertically in a predetermined range with respect to the elevating body, and receiving members for receiving the elevating guide rail at a level at which the elevating guide rail is connected to the lower fixed guide rails before the elevating body reaches a lower limit thereof are provided.

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: 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 distributed control system including a plurality of controllers mounted on a forklift, and a network providing connections between or among the plurality of controllers within the forklift. A first controller out of the plurality of controllers is configured to control a function in response to an interfacing signal received from a second controller out of the plurality of controllers. When not receiving the interfacing signal during a predetermined period, the first controller controls the function using data stored in the first controller in place of the interfacing signal.

Abstract: An electric vehicle has traveling units, first and second electric motors for driving the respective traveling units, a speed adjusting lever for adjusting a speed of the traveling units, a speed adjustment mechanism for generating a speed adjusting signal in response to operation of the speed adjusting lever, and a control unit for controlling rotation of the first and second electric motors in accordance with the speed adjusting signal generated by the speed adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A camera lifting apparatus is used in an industrial vehicle equipped with a cargo handling apparatus for lifting a cargo carrying carriage up and down along a mast provided on a vehicle body. The carriage has a cargo carrying apparatus. The camera lifting apparatus comprises a camera unit attached to the cargo carrying apparatus. The camera unit has a camera for picking up an image of a work area of the cargo carrying apparatus. A moving mechanism moves the camera unit relatively to the cargo carrying apparatus. An actuator drives the moving mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a movable load sensor (1) for identifying and monitoring a load on a forklift (7). Said load sensor (1) detects the load, the lifting fork (2), and the environment located in front of the forklift (7). The detected sensor data is then evaluated by means of a computing unit (4). The inventive load sensor (1) is mounted so as to be movable relative to the mast (5) of the forklift (7) in synchrony with the load carrying means (6) while also being movable relative to the load carrying means (6) such that dynamic changes in the surroundings of the forklift (7) can be taken into consideration during the docking process, even in difficult lighting conditions.

Abstract: Device for aiding stacking and unstacking for a stacker truck, with the following features: a height measuring device which measures the height of a forklift of the stacker truck, a video camera which is associated with the forklift, a control device for the actuation of the forklift to which the signals of the height measuring device and the video camera are transmitted and which contains a fork elevation height pre-selection menu and a video menu, a screen connected to the control device for the operator of the stacker truck, a pre-selection unit connected to the control device for pre-selecting the fork elevation height of the forklift, whereby the control device automatically drives the forklift via the fork elevation height pre-selection menu to the pre-selected height and produces a display on the screen, the control device switching to the video menu and switching the signal of the video camera to the screen, when the forklift enters a region close to the pre-set height of the forklift.

Abstract: A boom lift vehicle includes a tower boom pivotally coupled at one end to a vehicle base for tower lift function and rotatable relative to the vehicle base for swing function. A main boom is pivotally coupled to an opposite end of the tower boom for main lift function. A tower boom elevation angle is defined as a maximum allowable tower boom angle relative to the vehicle base for transport. When the tower boom is below the tower boom elevation angle, the main boom angle relative to gravity is maintained at a set point angle, which is determined as the main boom angle (1) at the start of the swing function or vehicle drive, or (2) at a conclusion of the main lift function when combined with at least one of the swing function or vehicle drive. Additional control of the tower boom is effected when the tower boom is above the tower boom elevation angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive axle (A) for a self-propelled work machine, in particular an industrial truck, in which two traction motors (EF1, EF2) spaced apart from each other and an electric motor (E1) arranged axially in between them and provided to drive a hydraulic pump (P1) are integrated. In order to utilize the installation space available optimally, according to the invention the electric motor (E1) is arranged at right angles to the traction motors (EF1, EF2), as based on the longitudinal center line of the drive axle (A).

Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes an armrest and a plurality of operating members. The armrest extends in a front-and-rear direction of the vehicle. The operating members are arranged in front of the armrest. At least two of the operating members each have an operating portion. The operating portions are arranged along an operational orbit of an operator's hand in a state that the operator's arm is rested on the armrest.

Abstract: A fork-lift reach truck having an extraction mast which is adapted to be displaced, by means of a mast drive, towards and away from a driving portion of the fork-lift truck on a horizontal guide, a load-carrying means which is mounted on a side shift, a side shift guide which is supported by the extraction mast in a height-adjustable way and is adapted to be actuated by means of a lifting and lowering drive, which guides the side shift in a laterally movable way, and a side shift drive, and an electric control and regulation device for the respective drives which is connected to operating members for the lifting and lowering modes, the mast extraction mode, and the side shift mode, wherein an analog sensor detecting the position of the side shift is provided the position signal of which is sent to the control and regulation device, and that the control and regulation device is connected to a separate operating member for the side shift or the operating member for the side shift is configured in such a way tha

Abstract: A lift truck (6) for the transport of a battery block (1) of an industrial truck, such as a fork-lift truck. The lift truck (6) includes at least one electrical unit. The electrical unit can be connected with the battery block (1) to be transported for supplying electrical energy to the lift truck (6). The lift truck (6) may not have its own battery. The electrical unit can be an electrical traction drive motor.

Abstract: A lifting truck such as a forklift truck which can be provided with a supply container which is especially easy to build. To this end, space is made on a carrier between a lifting device for the lifting platform of the forklift truck, a pump and two U-shaped guards. The supply container is arranged in this space. Since it lies there protected, there is no danger of impact-like stresses so that the supply container can be made of a relatively light-weight plastic, a feature that significantly simplifies both the production and also the assembly.

Abstract: A lift truck with variable range with at least three wheels and a telescopic arm. The lift truck includes a steerable rear wheel and two front wheels, a driver station and a motor propulsion group secured to a chassis. The chassis has a compact configuration and is elongated in the longitudinal direction of advance of the truck, and has safety elements against the risk of loss of lateral stability. The safety elements are adapted to oppose turning over of the truck. The truck also includes a device to limit the maximum speed of advance based on a turning angle of the steerable wheel.

Abstract: In a load handling apparatus for a counterbalance type forklift, a single tiltable operating lever is disposed on a body of the forklift, a mast which is tiltable in an anteroposterior direction is disposed on the forklift, a liftable fork is disposed on the mast, and a tilting speed of the mast and lifting and lowering speeds of the fork are controlled by a degree of opening of a solenoid proportional control valve, the degree of opening being proportional to a tilting angle of the operating lever, and the operation of a switch, which is attached to the operating lever.

Abstract: A fluid power load-clamping system includes at least one fluid valve for variably regulating the maximum fluid pressure causing closure of the clamp. Preferably the valve increases the maximum fluid pressure automatically in relation to the measured magnitude of the weight of the load to regulate the load-gripping force. A controller causes the valve to permit a relatively high maximum fluid pressure as the clamp closes toward the load to enable high initial clamp closure speed. Thereafter the valve automatically reduces the maximum pressure as the clamping surfaces close into a predetermined relationship with the load, and then increases the maximum pressure to regulate the gripping force. Other preferable features include continuous weight-responsive automatic regulation of the gripping pressure while the load is supported by the clamp, and compensation of the weight measurement for the longitudinally-extensible position of the lifting mechanism, to maximize the accuracy of the load-weight measurement.

Abstract: An operator station for a lift truck or other vehicle including a scalloped arm rest providing a plurality of arm rest positions for operators of varying sizes. The arm rests are positioned approximate an operator control handle, such that operators can operate vehicle controls while resting their arms in a selected one of the scalloped arm rests.

Abstract: A fork-lift reach truck having an extraction mast which is adapted to be displaced, by means of a mast drive, towards and away from a driving portion of the fork-lift truck on a horizontal guide, a load-carrying means which is mounted on a side shift, a side shift guide which is supported by the extraction mast in a height-adjustable way and is adapted to be actuated by means of a lifting and lowering drive, which guides the side shift in a laterally movable way, and a side shift drive, and an electric control and regulation device for the respective drives which is connected to operating members for the lifting and lowering modes, the mast extraction mode, and the side shift mode, wherein an analog sensor detecting the position of the side shift is provided the position signal of which is sent to the control and regulation device, and that the control and regulation device is connected to a separate operating member for the side shift or the operating member for the side shift is configured in such a way tha

Abstract: A process for monitoring load conditions on a lifting machine having a rated load moment includes determining an actual load moment of the lifting machine due a weighted load. The actual load moment may be determined by measuring a tilt pressure within a hydraulic tilt cylinder of the lifting machine, and then calculating the actual load moment from the tilt pressure within the hydraulic tilt cylinder. The location of a center of gravity of the weighted load is also determined by measuring a lift pressure within a hydraulic lift cylinder of the lifting machine, and then calculating the weight of the weighted load from the lift pressure. Once the weight is determined, the location of the center of gravity of the weighted load may be found using the actual load moment and the calculated weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive axle (A) for a self-propelled work machine, in particular an industrial truck, in which two traction motors (EF1, EF2) spaced apart from each other and an electric motor (E1) arranged axially in between them and provided to drive a hydraulic pump (P1) are integrated. In order to utilize the installation space available optimally, according to the invention the electric motor (E1) is arranged at right angles to the traction motors (EF1, EF2), as based on the longitudinal centre line of the drive axle (A).

Abstract: A method of dynamically damping an electric motor (12) that is controlled by an H-bridge driver (16) by interdigitating power pulses with braking pulses by switching from a power switch mode to a shorting circuit mode with switches (22 and 26) closed that brakes the electric motor.

Abstract: A fork lift with a traverse travel system, wherein a pair of right and left front wheels (3) and a pair of rear wheels (4) can be steered to face sideways at a right angle relative to a body (2), the front wheel (3) is mounted to a turning member (27) installed on a mast (6) to be turnable around a vertical axis (26) and a rotating means (40) is provided for the turning member (27), the front wheel (3) is operatively connected to a travel drive means (30) installed on the turning member (27), and the travel drive means (30) can also be rotated together with the turning member (27) when the front wheels (3) are steered sideways at a right angle and positioned outside of the outer surface of the mast. Thus, the mast (6) needs not be disposed unnecessarily forward of the front wheels (3) for the sake of the travel drive means (30), and the balance of the body in the longitudinal direction can be preferably kept without increasing its self weight.

Abstract: A vehicle lift control maintains multiple points of a lift system within the same horizontal plane during vertical movement of the lift engagement structure by synchronizing the movement thereof. A vertical trajectory is compared to actual positions to generate a raise signal. A position synchronization circuit synchronizes the vertical actuation of the moveable lift components by determining a proportional-integral error signal.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as an extendible boom forklift, that includes a personnel work platform (PWP). The personnel work platform includes a shut-off switch that is connected to the electronic controls for the extendible boom forklift. The operational controls of the extendible boom forklift include a personnel work platform control system that modifies the operation of the extendible boom forklift when the forklift is in a PWP mode. The PWP control system receives inputs from the shut-off switch, a PWP system actuation switch, a service brake pressure switch and a level sensor/switch such that the control system enables the PWP mode only upon satisfying certain safety-related concerns. In the PWP mode, the control system engages the parking brake, declutches the transmission, locks the frame stabilizing cylinder, deactivates the auxiliary and tilt hydraulic functions and limits the frame leveling rate to slow speeds.

Abstract: A method for the sensorless drive control of an electric vehicle, especially an industrial truck, driven by a rotating field motor operated by a power converter, the power converter being supplied by an associated constant voltage source, includes calculating actual values of the flow chain of the rotating field motor and at least one other variable dependant on the actual values from a recorded stator voltage and at least n−1 measured phase flows, and regulating the stator flow of the rotating field drive, which is defined by the phase flows, based upon the actual values.

Abstract: A fluid power load-clamping system includes at least one fluid valve for variably regulating the maximum fluid pressure causing closure of the clamp. Preferably the valve increases the maximum fluid pressure automatically in relation to the measured magnitude of the weight of the load to regulate the load-gripping force. A controller causes the valve to permit a relatively high maximum fluid pressure as the clamp closes toward the load to enable high initial clamp closure speed. Thereafter the valve automatically reduces the maximum pressure as the clamping surfaces close into a predetermined relationship with the load, and then increases the maximum pressure to regulate the gripping force. Other preferable features include continuous weight-responsive automatic regulation of the gripping pressure while the load is supported by the clamp, and compensation of the weight measurement for the longitudinally-extensible position of the lifting mechanism, to maximize the accuracy of the load-weight measurement.

Abstract: A fluid power load-clamping system includes at least one fluid valve for variably regulating the maximum fluid pressure causing closure of the clamp. Preferably the valve increases the maximum fluid pressure automatically in relation to the measured magnitude of the weight of the load to regulate the load-gripping force. A controller causes the valve to permit a relatively high maximum fluid pressure as the clamp closes toward the load to enable high initial clamp closure speed. Thereafter the valve automatically reduces the maximum pressure as the clamping surfaces close into a predetermined relationship with the load, and then increases the maximum pressure to regulate the gripping force. Other preferable features include continuous weight-responsive automatic regulation of the gripping pressure while the load is supported by the clamp, and compensation of the weight measurement for the longitudinally-extensible position of the lifting mechanism, to maximize the accuracy of the load-weight measurement.

Abstract: In a load handling apparatus for a counterbalance type forklift, a tiltable operating lever is disposed on a body of the forklift, a mast which is tiltable in an anteroposterior direction is disposed on the forklift, a liftable fork is disposed on the mast, and a tilting speed of the mast and lifting and lowering speeds of the fork are controlled by a degree of opening of a solenoid proportional control valve, the degree of opening being proportional to a tilting angle of the operating lever, wherein a number of the operating lever disposed on the body is one, a switch is attached to the operating lever, and the apparatus comprises a controller which performs controls in the following manner: when the operating lever is tilted under a state where the switch is operated, a signal for tilting the mast is output; when only the operating lever is operated, a signal for lifting or lowering the fork is output; and, when the switch is changed to a inactive condition under a state where the operating lever is in an t

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor detects whether a piston is at the lowest position. The sensor is not affected by the environment or damaged by contact with other objects. The sensor is located in the bottom of a mast cylinder, transmits ultrasonic waves to the bottom of a piston and receives ultrasonic waves reflected by the piston. The sensor then outputs electric signals based on the received ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic sensor is electrically connected to a transmitter-receiver, which, in turn, is electrically connected to a controller. The transmitter-receiver includes an ultrasonic wave generator and sends ultrasonic wave transmitting signal having a predetermined frequency to the ultrasonic sensor based on control signals from the controller. The controller measures time from when it outputs the ultrasonic wave transmitting signal to when the sensor receives a reflected wave. The controller then compares the measured time with a threshold value thereby judging whether the piston is at the lowest position.

Abstract: In a load handling apparatus for a counterbalance type forklift, action and speed conditions of tilting a mast and lifting and lowering a fork are operated by use of a single operating lever and a single switch attached to the operating lever. Also, a controller is provided that prevents simultaneous operation of action conditions. The controller includes an inhibiting circuit that halts all action conditions when the operational state of the switch is changed during operation, and thus, unintended action conditions due to erroneous operation of the switch are prevented.

Abstract: A lift control valve is switched based on the manipulation of a lift lever, so that a lift cylinder extends or retracts to move a fork, supported on a mast, to move up or down. A check valve, which is actuated with a pilot pressure, is placed between the lift control valve and the lift cylinder. A pilot pipe led out from a pipe directly coupled to an oil tank is connected to a port of the check valve. A tilt control valve is switched based on the manipulation of a tilt lever, so that a tilt cylinder extends or retracts to tilt the mast. An electromagnetic valve is disposed between the tilt cylinder and the tilt control valve. When values necessary to drive the fork are detected, a controller control the electromagnetic valve based on those values.

Abstract: A multi-function lever for an industrial truck has a lever that can be pivoted around at least a first axis and at least one control element located on the lever. By pivoting the lever around the first axis and by actuating the control element, it is possible to actuate at least one function each of the industrial truck. The invention teaches that the control element can be actuated by pivoting around a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis. The control element can be actuated with the index finger of a hand gripping the hand grip. By pivoting the lever, a vertical movement of the load holding device can be controlled, and by pivoting the control element, a tilting of the load holding device can be controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus in a forklift for detecting the height of a fork in stages. Two sensors are arranged longitudinally on the mast. Each sensor includes a switch that has two states. The state of each switch can be changed by movement of the fork. Each switch is connected to input terminals of a controller. The signal at each input terminal changes between two levels in accordance with the state of a corresponding switch. A memory in the controller stores data that defines the relationship between ranges of movement of the fork, or zones, and the combination of the signals. The controller judges the height of the fork when the combination of signals corresponds to a combination that exists in the data. The controller judges that there is an abnormality when the combination does not exist in the data. This permits detection of malfunctioning switches and a cut and a short-circuited wiring.

Abstract: A hydraulic device for a forklift is disclosed. The forklift includes a tilting mast and a fork supported by the mast so that the fork is lifted and lowered. A tilt cylinder operates to tilt the mast by means of oil supplied by a tilt valve. A restricting valve is arranged in an oil passage connecting the tilt cylinder with the tilt valve. When the mast is tilted with the fork carrying an object and located higher than a predetermined reference position, the restricting valve closes the oil passage so that the angle of the tilting mast is limited. A check valve is arranged between the tilt cylinder and the restricting valve. The check valve blocks oil flow from the tilt cylinder to the restricting valve so that the position of the mast is maintained. This prevents unintentional movement of the mast.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle for transporting loads includes a vehicle body and a control console connected to the vehicle body in a first position. The control console can be moved to a second position on the vehicle body by a user. The vehicle may include various devices for positioning the control console with respect to the body. For example, the devices may include separate post openings, a slot, a track, or a pivoting arm. In addition, the control console may include a stability support for the operator and various controls for operating the vehicle. The operator is able to maintain stability by holding the stability support with his or her hand. Furthermore, the operator does not need to remove his or her hand from the stability support in order to operate the various controls. The controls may be mounted on the stability support or may be located in relatively close proximity to the stability support.

Abstract: A load stabilizing bi-directional vehicle having a steerable front and a steerable rear wheel and a pair of lateral wheels for maintaining the balance of the bi-directional vehicle.