Abstract: A forklift includes a vehicle body, a fork having a distal end extending in a first direction of a first axis, a mast extending along a second axis intersecting the first axis and holding a proximal end of the fork such that the fork is configured to slide along the second axis, and a first sliding mechanism configured to cause the mast to slide along the first axis such that the distal end of the fork protrudes from the vehicle body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a full free-lift triplex forklift mast assembly with increased operator forward view, including an outer mast, a middle mast, an inner mast and a carriage. The carriage includes a pair of lift cylinders, located rearwardly of the outer mast and mounted on top of lower cross-tie, which upon commands from the operator extend or retract, thus move the middle mast accordingly in vertical direction without the lift cylinders obstructing the space between the inner mast profiles. Mechanisms are also provided such that the inner mast, the carriage and free-lift chain pulleys can be moved in a vertical direction while providing maximized forward visibility through the mast assembly.

Abstract: Provided are a charged particle beam generator and a charged particle beam device that can improve insulation reliability as a result of reducing the high electric field generated around a connection section for a conductor. The charged particle beam generator 100 has: a plug 151 that guides high voltage from outside to a charged particle source that is in a vacuum; and a socket 251 having the charged particle source attached thereto. An electric field reduction ring 161 that electrically connects to one of a plurality of conductors that guide high voltage is embedded inside the tip of the plug 151. The plurality of conductors that guide the high voltage are arranged so as to penetrate the electric field reduction ring 161.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to impact dampening blocks that may be located in footprints of channels of a mast. The impact dampening blocks may facilitate relief of at least some tension from a lift chain when a moveable member is lowered onto the impact dampening blocks. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A gas can lifting assembly for lifting and tilting a gas can includes a cart that may be rolled along the support surface. A lift is coupled to the cart and the lift is selectively manipulated. A basket is pivotally coupled to the lift such that the lift selectively lifts and lowers the basket. A gas can is selectively positioned in the basket. In this way the gas can may be selectively lifted and lowered for refueling a machine. The basket is selectively positioned in a first position having the basket being horizontally oriented. Additionally, the basket is selectively positioned in a second position having the basket being tilted to pour gasoline from the gas can.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a lift truck comprises a feed-through cylinder communicating with a free lift cylinder and a lift cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed are power machines with an operator seat proximal to the rear or back of the power machine, hand grip operator supports which can have user input devices positioned thereon, and foot supports configured to comfortably allow an operator to operate the power machine from both seated and standing positions.

Abstract: A suspension stacker crane includes an upper truck frame, a pair of mast units, a transferring device, and an upper base. The upper truck frame includes driving trucks arranged side by side in a travelling direction, and a bogie structure that couples the driving trucks. Each of the pair of mast units is suspended from the bogie structure, and includes a lifting drive motor and a lifting drive transmission. The pair of mast units is arranged side by side in the travelling direction. The transferring device is driven to be lifted or lowered by the lifting drive motor and the lifting drive transmission. The upper base links the pair of mast units.

Abstract: A lifting assembly for a lift truck with a lifting mast having at least one mast frame and a load part, as well as a lift drive having at least one lifting chain that lifts the mast frame, is attached to the mast frame at a connecting point and is guided across a deflection point. The lifting assembly includes at least one tensioning component that is arranged on the mast frame between the connecting point and deflection point of the lifting chain.

Abstract: A stacker crane includes a lower carriage including a lower drive wheel, a lower travel motor, and a support located apart from the lower drive wheel; an upper carriage including an upper drive wheel and an upper travel motor that drives the upper drive wheel; and a mast fixed to the lower carriage, standing upward from the lower carriage and connected to the upper carriage, and including a transfer device capable of moving up and down. A displacement mechanism that raises and lowers the support is provided on the lower carriage between a grounded position supported by a lower rail and a retracted position lifted off the lower rail. The support is lowered to the grounded position when the stacker crane is installed between the lower rail and the upper rail and when the stacker crane is stopped for maintenance, and the support is raised to the retracted position when the stacker crane is operated.

Abstract: A lift cylinder comprises a deflection roller device for an industrial truck. The deflection roller device includes a roller support, a lifting chain deflection roller having a roller axle and a roller body rotatably carried on the roller axle, and a first additional deflection roller arranged axially adjacent to the lifting chain deflection roller. The roller axle includes a cylindrical bearing portion and fastening ends projecting axially outwards on either side of the cylindrical bearing portion and fastened to the roller support. The first additional deflection roller is supported on a first additional-deflection roller support such that the axis of rotation of the first additional deflection roller is offset relative to the axis of rotation of the lifting chain deflection roller, and the axis of rotation of the first additional deflection roller extends through the roller body of the lifting chain deflection roller.

Abstract: Ground-accessing elevator systems and methods are provided for transporting personnel between the ground level and one or more decks of multi-level vehicle such as a fixed-wing aircraft. The vehicle elevator systems and methods may be implemented using a multi-track guide rail system configured to guide an elevator car between the ground and two or more levels within a vehicle. The multi-track guide rail system may include an intra-vehicle track fixed to the vehicle structure and configured to guide the elevator car between decks of the vehicle, and a separate deployment track may be configured to telescope downward from the intra-vehicle guide rail track to guide the elevator car during deployment to the ground from the vehicle.

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: Devices and methods to relieve lift chains from being maintained under constant, or nearly constant, tension are provided.

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. Wires or hoses for transfer of power or controls between the main tractor unit and the platform are reduced or eliminated. 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: An upright for a lift truck includes a first group of mast sections in a first stagger arrangement where a first mast section of the first group of mast sections is fixed to the lift truck. The upright further includes a second group of mast sections in a second stagger arrangement that is reverse nested inside the first stagger arrangement. Further, the upright includes a drive system for telescopingly extending and retracting the second mast sections relative to the first mast section.

Abstract: The invention provides an electric lifter, comprising a fixed mast structure, a movable mast structure that is movable relative to the fixed mast structure at feast one transmission means (chain or cog drive belt or rack or similar), and a load carrier, in particular a fork load carrier, being connected to the at least one transmission means and configured to carry a load, wherein the at least one transmission means is movably connected to the movable mast structure while being configured to move along a dosed loop path, the closed loop path being stationary relative to the movable mast structure.

Abstract: A lift truck includes systems and methods for improved vibration control. A corrective yaw input mechanism reduces or eliminates torsional vibration motion of the lift truck about the Z-axis. Some embodiments may include, alone or in combination, drive wheel control and load wheel control.

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 bearing assembly for lift chain rollers in a multiple lift mast for high-lift fork trucks which mast has a fixed mast, a middle mast, and an inner telescoping mast, each of which has two parallel-distanced mast profiles, wherein at an upper end of each the mast profiles of the middle mast, a lift chain roller is mounted for each of at least one lift chain for lifting the inner mast, wherein the lift chain roller is disposed in front of the inner mast crosswise to a web of the middle mast profile, wherein a separate bearing component for the lift chain roller is placed onto the mast profile or onto a cross-beam joining the tops of the mast profiles from top, and welded thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus for braking relative vertical movement between two vertical members includes linkage connected either directly or indirectly to a cable pulley-mount that is spring loaded and moves cams that wedge in between two vertically moveable members when cable tension is not present at the pulley. A broken cable, for example, will create a situation where there is no cable tension between a plurality of cable pulleys, the lack of cable tension moves the mechanical cam style linkage to engage the braking members.

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: A pallet truck including a controller that calculates the height of the fork carriage without the use of mechanical devices such as switches or sensors. A calculated carriage height is derived by adding the amount of time that a carriage is commanded to be raised and offsetting that by the amount of time that the carriage lower button is depressed. The calculated carriage height is essentially an accumulated lift time where the time that the carriage is lifting is a positive value and the time that the carriage is lowering is a negative value. When these values are combined, the result is the present calculated carriage height. The controller further monitors the calculated carriage height such that if the carriage is too close to the ground, the maximum speed of the pallet truck is limited to prevent damage to the forks or ground due to striking or scraping between them.

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. Wires or hoses for transfer of power or controls between the main tractor unit and the platform are reduced or eliminated. 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 mast includes a base section, an outer telescopic section and an inner telescopic section which are raised and lowered by a pair of main lift cylinders. A fork carriage is slidably mounted to the inner telescopic section and is raised and lowered thereon by a pair of free lift cylinders. The mast elements are arranged to form two mast columns which produce minimum obstruction to the truck operator's field of view when looking forward through the mast.

Abstract: An industrial truck has a lifting mast (1) with a fixed mast (1a) and at least one movable mast (1b) that can move vertically in relation to the fixed mast. A load lifting device (2) can be moved up and down on the movable mast (1b). Located on the movable mast (1b) and/or on the load lifting device (2) is at least one electrical component which is connected with at least one electrical cable (3). The cable (3) is guided through a cable storage device (4) which is constructed according to the pulley block principle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for raising and lowering a three-stage forklift mast assembly having a reduced overall lowered height. A first linkage system on the outer and middle masts creates a 2:1 movement ratio of the middle mast with respect to movement of a piston arm in the first linkage system. A second linkage system on the middle and inner masts creates a 2:1 movement ratio of the inner mast with respect to the movement of the middle mast and an overall 4:1 movement ratio with respect to the movement of the piston arm in the first linkage system. A third linkage system on the inner mast creates a 2:1 movement ratio of a set of forks on the inner mast with respect to the movement of a piston arm in the third linkage system, allowing free lift of the forks.

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 pallet jack with a pallet engaging fork having separate and independently movable first and second fork arms connected to independently controlled and operable first and second fork arm elevating means, for lifting a pallet loaded with a stack of items so that when the stack of items leans and is out of balance one fork arm can be elevated higher than the other to compensate and restore balance to the stack of items.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a vehicle power unit having a longitudinal centerline, a monomast coupled to the vehicle power unit and having a centerline offset from and generally parallel with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle power unit, and a fork carriage apparatus movably coupled to the monomast.

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial truck, comprising a vehicle frame, a lifting framework (14), the lifting framework (14) having a first lifting frame (20) which is attached to the vehicle frame, and at least one lifting arrangement (22, 24) which is movable in the vertical direction (V) relative to the first lifting frame (20), and a measuring arrangement (32, 38, 40) which is provided in order to detect a movement of the first lifting frame (20) and/or of the lifting arrangement (22, 24) relative to the vehicle frame. In this case, it is provided according to the invention that the measuring arrangement comprises at least one optical sensor (32) by means of which the movement of the first lifting frame (20) and/or of the lifting arrangement (22, 24) can be sensed contactlessly.

Abstract: A pallet truck including a controller that calculates the height of the fork carriage without the use of mechanical devices such as switches or sensors. A calculated carriage height is derived by adding the amount of time that a carriage is commanded to be raised and offsetting that by the amount of time that the carriage lower button is depressed. The calculated carriage height is essentially an accumulated lift time where the time that the carriage is lifting is a positive value and the time that the carriage is lowering is a negative value. When these values are combined, the result is the present calculated carriage height. The controller further monitors the calculated carriage height such that if the carriage is too close to the ground, the maximum speed of the pallet truck is limited to prevent damage to the forks or ground due to striking or scraping between them.

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 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 mast assembly of a forklift truck has outer and inner masts, a lift cylinder, a rearward projection and a cylinder support. The outer mast is supported by the truck body at the front thereof. The inner mast is movable upward and downward relative to the outer mast. The lift cylinder moves the inner mast relative to the outer mast. The rearward projection extending toward the truck body is mounted to the outer mast. The cylinder support is mounted to the rearward projection for supporting the lift cylinder at the bottom end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for raising and lowering a three-stage forklift mast assembly having a reduced overall lowered height. A first linkage system on the outer and middle masts creates a 2:1 movement ratio of the middle mast with respect to movement of a piston arm in the first linkage system. A second linkage system on the middle and inner masts creates a 2:1 movement ratio of the inner mast with respect to the movement of the middle mast and an overall 4:1 movement ratio with respect to the movement of the piston arm in the first linkage system. A third linkage system on the inner mast creates a 2:1 movement ratio of a set of forks on the inner mast with respect to the movement of a piston arm in the third linkage system, allowing free lift of the forks.

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: A bearing assembly for lift chain rollers in a multiple lift mast for high-lift fork trucks which has a fixed mast, a middle mast, and an inner telescoping mast each of which has two parallel-distanced mast profiles, wherein the mast profiles of the middle mast, at the upper end, mount a lift chain roller each for at least one lift chain each to lift the inner mast, wherein the lift chain roller is disposed in front of the inner mast crosswise to the web of the middle mast profile, wherein a separate bearing component for the lift chain roller is placed onto the mast profile or onto a cross-beam joining the mast profiles from top, and is welded thereto.

Abstract: A lifting framework for an industrial truck has an extendible mast guided on a guide mast by rollers. Means are provided for bracing the extendible mast with the guide mast so as to prevent the extendible mast from inclining in the lateral direction of the lifting framework relative to the guide mast. The bracing means are configured such that, when the extendible mast is located in the top end position, a vertical movement of the extendible mast relative to the guide mast is prevented in the region of each of the two columns. A hydraulic lifting cylinder and a stop for the top end position of the extendible mast are arranged here in the region of each column.

Abstract: A mast includes a base section, an outer telescopic section and an inner telescopic section which are raised and lowered by a pair of main lift cylinders. A fork carriage is slidably mounted to the inner telescopic section and is raised and lowered thereon by a pair of free lift cylinders. The mast elements are arranged to form two mast columns which produce minimum obstruction to the truck operator's field of view when looking forward through the mast.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rack serving device (1) with a load-bearing means (4) displaceable in the height direction of a mast (2), the mast (2) being guided by means of bogie assemblies (7, 8) on bottom and top guide tracks and mounted so as to be displaceable along the guide tracks by means of a bottom and top friction-locking displacement drive (13, 14). The bottom and the top adjusting mechanisms are guided by means of height and lateral guide elements on the guide track and are designed to be displaceable relative to the guide tracks by means of a drive system (33).

Abstract: A multistage mast assembly for use on a lift truck and method of operation for staging first and second mast sections of the multistage mast assembly. Each mast section has a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus includes a mast staging hydraulic circuit which diverts hydraulic fluid from the second mast section actuator to the first mast section actuator using a multi-position valve having an open position and a restricted flow position. In the restricted flow position, hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic line supplying the second mast section increases to divert hydraulic fluid to the first mast section actuator before the second mast section reaches its extended position.

Abstract: A coordinated lift system with user selectable RF channels coordinates the raising and lowering of a vehicle relative to a surface by using wireless communications. The lift system includes at least two lift mechanisms each having support frame, including a post, a carriage, an actuating device, and a control device with a channel selector switch. The carriage is slidably mounted on the post and is configured to support a portion of the vehicle. The actuating device is engaged between the support frame and the carriage and is activated to move the carriage relative to the post. The control device is interfaced with the actuating device and includes an RF transceiver to enable communication by RF signals with the other control device. The channel on which the transceiver operates is user selectable in the field. A rechargeable battery may provide power to the control device to allow for increased mobility of the lift system.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle including a truck body and a fork assembly adjacent the truck body. A link arm extending between the truck body and the fork assembly has a proximal end and a distal end. A first pivot pin is fixed to the body and pivotally links the proximal end of the link arm to the body. A second pivot pin is fixed to the fork assembly and pivotally links the distal end of the link arm to the fork assembly. At least one of the first and second pivot pins includes an eccentric body interposed between ends. The eccentric body defines a first axis, and the ends define a second axis, wherein the link arm pivots about the first axis and rotation of the pivot pin about the second axis moves the first axis relative to the truck body to change the position of the fork assembly relative to the truck body.

Abstract: A lifting truck with a telescoping mast and a balancing cylinder is disclosed. The stages of the mast are each constructed with three vertical beams. A mechanism for extending the mast are contained in or near the side beams. The balancing cylinder exerts an upward force to counter the dead weight of the telescoping stages and other parts of the truck that are lifted. The balancing cylinder is connected to the lower portion of the first stage and the upper portion of the second stage. The beams making up the stages of the mast can be tubular or U-shaped to allow space for the balancing cylinder and/or hydraulic lines or control leads.

Abstract: A mast apparatus that includes a cross member assembly that permits an operator to see through portions of the assembly is provided. The cross member assembly includes upper and lower horizontal members that are slanted for general alignment with the line of sight of the operator. Moreover, some vertical stiffener members are removed thereby allowing a line of sight between the upper and lower horizontal members. To maintain structural strength, vertical stiffener members are added in the center portion and at the location of couplers or mounts for attachment to the lift hydraulic jacks.

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 mast includes a base section, an outer telescopic section and an inner telescopic section which are raised and lowered by a pair of main lift cylinders. A fork carriage is slidably mounted to the inner telescopic section and is raised and lowered thereon by a pair of free lift cylinders. The mast elements are arranged to form two mast columns which produce minimum obstruction to the truck operator's field of view when looking forward through the mast.

Abstract: An industrial truck has a chassis (1), a lifting frame (5), a load holding device (10) that can move vertically along the lifting frame (5), and at least one movement device to move the lifting frame (5) relative to the chassis (1). The acceleration and/or the speed of movement of the lifting frame (5) that can be achieved by the movement device can be controlled as a function of at least one operating parameter of the industrial truck. The operating parameter is measured at least approximately continuously. One operating parameter is the current lifting height of the load holding device (10). An additional operating parameter is the weight of a load that is being held by the load holding device (10).

Abstract: An support structure is provided comprising: (a) a mast extending upwards; (b) a center bar extending horizontally from the mast, the center bar configured to extend along the bottom of the light vehicle; (c) a T bar extending from the center bar, along the bottom of the light vehicle to a T bar end at a lateral side of the light vehicle; and (d) a first truss member extending upwards on an incline from the first T bar end to a truss position on the mast. A counter load bearing mount may be attached to the center bar at the second end of the vehicle. Also taught is a load bearing apparatus comprising a support structure of the invention and at least one load bearing member selected from the group consisting of a dump box, 3-point hitch, hitch, dump bucket, log skidder, pallet forks, backhoe, agricultural plow, folding forks, tiller, scraper, disk harrow, disk harrow, hydraulic hammer, auger, grinder, and grapples.