A lighting accessory for a material handling vehicle may be provided. The lighting accessory may include a housing, a light source disposed within the housing, a window in the housing configured to allow light from the light source to illuminate a working area adjacent to the material handling vehicle, and a controller configured to selectively activate the light source based on data collected by a sensor. Light emitted from the light source may be projected substantially parallel to a ground plane. The housing may be configured to be coupled to a rotatable arm or a body of the material handling vehicle within or around an operator compartment of the material handling vehicle.
B60Q 1/04 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
B60Q 1/00 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
A material handling vehicle includes a plurality of forks and a platform attached to the plurality of forks. A post assembly is attached to the platform and the post assembly includes one or more vertical posts and one or more horizontal posts. A clamping assembly is secured with the post assembly and includes a clamping bar. The clamping bar includes a plurality of clamps positioned below the clamping bar. The plurality of clamps includes a main clamp and a plurality of auxiliary clamps that are spaced from the main clamp. The main clamp extends farther away from the clamping bar than the plurality of auxiliary clamps. The plurality of clamps are configured to secure a plurality of carts on the platform.
Systems and methods of obstacle detection and AGV control comprise and/or utilize a thermal imaging sensor; and an automation processing system (APS) having a processor and a memory, the APS coupled with the thermal imaging sensor and being configured to: receive sensor data based on an output of the thermal imaging sensor, process the sensor data to determine at least one of a presence or a motion of a heat-emitting obstacle in a vicinity of the AGV, generate, based on the processed sensor data, an output comprising an indication of a control action for the AGV, and send the generated output to the VCS.
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
G05D 1/243 - Means capturing signals occurring naturally from the environment, e.g. ambient optical, acoustic, gravitational or magnetic signals
G05D 101/15 - Details of software or hardware architectures used for the control of position using artificial intelligence [AI] techniques using machine learning, e.g. neural networks
A projection system for a material handling vehicle includes a real-time location system tag, a projector, and a control unit. The RTLS system detects a location of the material handling vehicle. The projector can be coupled to a motorized projector mount to project a projection image on a surface. The control unit receives system information including: the location and speed of the material handling vehicle, a set of rules specific to a facility where the material handling vehicle is operating, and a location of one or more other assets in the facility. The control unit determines if a projection image is required using the received system information and select a projection image, if required, based on the received information. The control unit can determine a location to project the projection image and move the motorized mount to move the projector to a position corresponding to the determined projection image location.
B66F 17/00 - Safety devices, e.g. for limiting or indicating lifting force
B60Q 1/50 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
On-line ordering services featuring material handling vehicles, forklift trucks, pallet trucks, order picker trucks, and structural parts and accessories therefor Downloadable mobile applications for accessing real-time warehouse productivity metrics, visualizing productivity data, streamlining warehouse process improvements and generating reports of the above
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Providing temporary use of on-line non-downloadable software for accessing real-time warehouse productivity metrics, visualizing productivity data, streamlining warehouse process improvements and generating reports of the above
8.
Motion Control Systems and Methods for a Material Handling Vehicle
A control arm lock assembly for a material handling vehicle can include an inner sleeve defining a central opening, an actuator, a stem, selectively actuated via the actuator, arranged within the opening, a bushing arranged within the central opening between the stem and an inner surface of the inner sleeve, and a resilient locking member arranged within the central opening. In one example, the resilient locking member is axially constrained between a head of the stem and the bushing. In one example, actuation of the stem via the actuator compresses the resilient locking member between the head and the bushing. In one example, compression of the resilient locking member causes the resilient locking member to engage the inner surface of the inner sleeve to lock the stem to the inner sleeve.
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
Material handling vehicles, namely forklift trucks, high-reach forklift trucks, pedestrian controlled forklift trucks and pallet trucks, order picker trucks, and structural parts therefor
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
Material handling vehicles, namely forklift trucks, high-reach forklift trucks, pedestrian controlled forklift trucks and pallet trucks, order picker trucks, and structural parts therefor
11.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication for Trajectory Awareness of a Material Handling Vehicle
Systems and methods provide assistance to an operator of a material handling vehicle. Provided systems and methods include receiving vehicle condition data at a first material handling vehicle from a second material handling vehicle when the second material handling vehicle is within a predetermined communication range, determining a first predicted vehicle position for the first material handling vehicle based on current vehicle conditions, determining a second predicted vehicle position for the second material handling vehicle based on the received vehicle condition data, and determining if the first predicted vehicle position for the first material handling vehicle overlaps with the second predicted vehicle position for the second material handling vehicle. Upon the determination that the first predicted vehicle position overlaps with the second predicted vehicle position, the operator of the first material handling vehicle is provided an indication.
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
H04W 4/46 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-pedestrians [V2P] for vehicle-to-vehicle communication [V2V]
12.
Load Handling Sensors for a Material Handling Vehicle
A material handling vehicle can include a first camera to determine the position of an object in a first camera field of view, and a second camera to determine the position of an object in a second camera field of view. The vehicle may further include a fork position sensor to determine whether one or more forks of the material handling vehicle are extended and/or retracted. In one example, a controller can be in communication with the first sensor, the second sensor, and the fork position sensor, the controller to autonomously control the material handling vehicle to pick-up or drop-off a load based on information from the first camera, the second camera, and the fork position sensor.
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
A load position verification system for detecting a load on a pair of forks of a material handling vehicle. The system includes a first arm extending parallel with a first fork of the material handling vehicle and a second arm, opposite the first arm, extending parallel with a second fork of the material handling vehicle. In one example, the system includes one or more sensors, each sensor having a transmitter configured to transmit a beam and a receiver configured to receive the beam, positioned within the arms. In one example, the system may indicate that no load is on the forks when the receiver receives the beam from the transmitter. In another example, the system may indicate that a load is on the forks when the receiver does not receive the beam from the transmitter.
An operator ride enhancement system that is coupleable to the frame of a vehicle includes a counterweight platform moveably coupled to the frame, and a resilient member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform. The mass of the counterweight platform is configured to be approximately at least equal to a total mass supported by the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle. The operator ride enhancement system attenuates and/or inhibits movement of the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle.
Systems and methods for generating a coverage field for obstacle detection. The system includes a sensor to detect obstacles. The system further includes a material handling vehicle guided by a guidance system and a controller. The controller is configured to: generate a coverage field for the sensor, receive position characteristics of the material handling vehicle, determine a position of the material handling vehicle relative to the guidance system based on the position characteristics, and transform the coverage field based on the determined position of the material handling vehicle.
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
G05D 1/24 - Arrangements for determining position or orientation
G05D 1/617 - Safety or protection, e.g. defining protection zones around obstacles or avoiding hazards
G05D 105/20 - Specific applications of the controlled vehicles for transportation
G05D 107/70 - Industrial sites, e.g. warehouses or factories
A material handling vehicle may include a clamp assembly, the clamp assembly including a housing, a grip assembly, and a power source. The grip assembly may be pivotally engaged with the housing. The power source may be in electrical communication with the grip assembly. The grip assembly includes a lobe pivotally engaged with the housing and a contact supported by the lobe, the contact being electrically conductive.
An article of attire for enhanced communication includes an article of attire and a communication device. The article has an upper portion, an outer surface, an inner surface, and an interior cavity bounded by the outer surface and the inner surface. The communication device has at least one speaker, at least one microphone, at least one power source, at least one processor, at least one transmitter, and at least one receiver. The at least one speaker and the at least one microphone are positioned adjacent to or on the outer surface of the upper portion. The communication device is coupled to the article. The communication device is configured to receive one or more wireless first inputs from the at least one receiver and deliver the first inputs to the at least one speaker via the at least one processor.
The present disclosure generally relates to autonomous operation of material handling vehicles within a facility, such as a factory or warehouse. An unmanned, autonomous material handling vehicle can encounter a variety of issues operating within the facility, and may need assistance to resolve such issues. The unmanned, autonomous material handling vehicle can transmit a request for assistance to a manned, non-autonomous material handling vehicle, and a human operating the manned, non-autonomous material handling vehicle can assist the unmanned, autonomous material handling vehicle.
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
A system for a remotely controllable material handling vehicle switchable between a manual mode and a travel request mode is provided. The system can include a control handle configured to at least control a speed and direction of the material handling vehicle when the material handling vehicle is in the manual mode and a remote control device in communication with the material handling vehicle and configured to provide a request to the material handling vehicle to move forward. The system can also include a mode switch configured to switch the material handling vehicle from the manual mode to the travel request mode and an operator compartment sensor configured to trigger a flag when a weight on a floor of an operator compartment of the material handling vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined weight.
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
G01S 17/931 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
G05D 1/223 - Command input arrangements on the remote controller, e.g. joysticks or touch screens
G05D 1/228 - Command input arrangements located on-board unmanned vehicles
Systems and methods for enhanced MHV operation using an automation processing system for bystander detection and bystander pose estimation to control operation of the MHV.
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
G06V 10/70 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning
G06V 40/10 - Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestriansBody parts, e.g. hands
25.
Material handling vehicle mode transition systems and methods
Systems and methods for transitioning a material handling vehicle between a manual mode and a remote mode is provided. The method includes automatically transitioning the material handling vehicle from the remote mode to the manual mode in response to a determination, by a floor mat sensor, that an operator is positioned within an operator compartment of the material handling vehicle. The vehicle is prevented from entering the remote mode while the floor mat sensor indicates that the operator is positioned within the operator compartment. A mode selection switch, positioned on the material handling vehicle, is actuated from a first position to a second position and back to the first position, permitting the vehicle to enter the remote mode after the floor mat sensor ceases to indicate that the operator is positioned within the operator compartment.
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
26.
Obstacle Detection Functionality for Material Handling Vehicles Based on Location
A material handling vehicle and associated systems and methods involve controlling obstacle detection functionality for the material handling vehicle based on a location of the material handling vehicle. Multiple parameters for operating the material handling vehicle, such as various parameters related to obstacle detection functionality, can be controlled based on a specific zone within a facility that the material handling vehicle is in.
A material handling vehicle is provided, which includes a counterweight assembly. The counterweight assembly includes a counterweight, a positioning member, and a position adjuster. The position adjuster is configured to advance or retreat the positioning member to adjust a distance the positioning member emerges from the counterweight thereby adjusting a position of the counterweight relative to a frame of the material handling vehicle.
The present disclosure generally relates to navigation alignment systems and methods for assisting material handling vehicles (MHVs), specifically in the navigation of the MHVs maneuver into, out of, or within a navigation space.
Sensor location and orientation systems and methods assist MHV manufacturers and operators in determining the precise location and orientation of MHV sensors by using a location tracking system.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
A material handling vehicle that comprises a power section supported by a vehicle frame, a platform, and an operator compartment between the power section and the platform. The material handling vehicle also comprises a post assembly attached to the platform and a clamping assembly secured with the post assembly. The post assembly comprises one or more vertical posts and one or more horizontal posts. The clamping assembly comprises two space apart actuators connected with a clamping bar. The clamping bar comprises a plurality of clamps. The clamping bar is configured to move relative to the post assembly between a first state and a second state.
Systems, methods, and media for safety reinforcement for a personal protective equipment (PPE) device for a material handling vehicle are provided. The safety reinforcement system can include a control unit co-located with the material handling vehicle and configured to receive an identification from the PPE device, communicate the identification to a server, receive an operating routine for the identified PPE device from the server in response to the identification, receive a first operational data from the PPE device, and transmit a limiting instruction to a subsystem of the material handling vehicle according to the operating routine. The operating routine may comprise at least one of a translation routine and a governing rule. The limiting instruction may limit a function of the material handling vehicle.
B66F 17/00 - Safety devices, e.g. for limiting or indicating lifting force
A62B 35/00 - Safety belts or body harnessesSimilar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion
H04W 4/40 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-pedestrians [V2P]
H04W 4/90 - Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
A charging system for a material handling vehicle includes a charger plate assembly that is pivotally moveably coupled to a distal end of the mounting assembly arm. The charger plate assembly includes a first electrical contact that is configured to electrically couple with a second electrical contact of a charging port of the material handling vehicle. The charger plate assembly is configured to move relative to the mounting assembly arm when the first electrical contact electrically couples with the second electrical contact, which causes a scrubbing action between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contacts, thereby passively cleaning the contacts.
A location determination system for a material handling vehicle operating near a charging node. The system may include a power receptor configured to receive power from the charging node and provide current to the material handling vehicle. The system may include a sensor electrically coupled to the power receptor and configured to measure the current provided by the power receptor, and a controller configured to determine a current profile based on the measured current and determine a distance of the power receptor to the charging node based on the current profile. The system may determine the distance of the material handling vehicle from the charging node and may determine the location of the material handling vehicle based on a predetermined location of the charging node. The system may comprise multiple power receptors each with a current profile and may determine a speed and/or direction based on the multiple current profiles.
H02J 50/90 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
B60L 53/126 - Methods for pairing a vehicle and a charging station, e.g. establishing a one-to-one relation between a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver
B60L 53/65 - Monitoring or controlling charging stations involving identification of vehicles or their battery types
Systems and methods provide a torsion bar assembly coupled to one or more casters of a material handling vehicle (MHV). The torsion bar assembly is configured to maintain contact between a travel surface of the MHV (e.g., ground) and a drive wheel of the material handling vehicle throughout the service life of the drive wheel.
A cradle system for a material handling vehicle including two or more elongated legs configured to removably attach to a mast of the material handling vehicle and two or more sleighs configured to removably attach to a base of the material handling vehicle. The cradle system may include a brace configured to removably attach to the legs and a crossmember configured to removably attach to the sleighs. The cradle system has a vehicle configuration in the various components are coupled with a material handling vehicle. With the material handling vehicle in a horizontal position, the attached elongated legs and the attached sleighs support the material handling vehicle above a surface. The cradle system has a storage configuration in which the various components are nested together to minimize the area of the cradle system.
B65D 85/68 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for machines, engines or vehicles in assembled or dismantled form
39.
Material Handling Vehicle Guidance Systems and Methods
Guidance systems and methods for a material handling vehicle are provided. A guidance system can include a sensor and a processor unit. The sensor can be configured to measure a distance to an external object within a field of view of the sensor and output distance information corresponding to the measured distance. The processor can be configured to receive the distance information from the sensor, transform the distance information from a sensor coordinate system to a material handling vehicle coordinate system, perform pattern recognition on the transformed distance information to identify an aisle feature, create an aisle model based on the identified aisle feature, and determine a guidance instruction for the material handling vehicle based on the aisle model. The aisle model can include information corresponding to the aisle feature. The guidance instruction may be configured to align the material handling vehicle within an aisle.
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
A hitch configured to selectively latch to a tow bar is provided. The hitch includes a housing, a frame defining a receiving cavity, a moveable arm, an actuator configured to move the arm between an unlatched position and a latched position, and a contact sensor mounted within the housing on a slotted mounting plate. The arm is configured to engage the tow bar when in the latched position. The slotted mounting plate is configured to enable a position of the contact sensor to be adjusted based on a geometry of the tow bar. The actuator is activated by the contact sensor sensing the presence of the tow bar within the receiving cavity.
B60D 1/36 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers
B60D 1/26 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for remote control, e.g. for releasing
42.
Material Handling Vehicle Charging Systems and Methods With Position Compensation
A charging device for charging a battery of a material handling vehicle includes a stand having a stationary portion, a moveable portion that moves relative to the stationary portion, and one or more actuators to move the moveable portion. A charging plate and a sensing array can be supported on the moveable portion. The sensing array detects a position of the charging plate relative to a collector plate of the material handling vehicle. The sensing array includes a first sensor to detect a first position of the charging plate along a first direction and a second sensor to detect a first position of the charging plate along a second direction. Based on signal from the sensing array, a position controller operates the one or more actuators to move the moveable portion to align the charging plate with the collector plate for charging.
B60L 53/37 - Means for automatic or assisted adjustment of the relative position of charging devices and vehicles using optical position determination, e.g. using cameras
B60L 53/30 - Constructional details of charging stations
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.
A back pad assembly for a material handling vehicle is provided that includes a back pad, a framework, and a mounting frame. The back pad includes a center portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion. The first side portion defines a first curved profile, and the second side portion defines a second curved profile. The first curved profile and the second curved profile are arranged on laterally-opposing sides of the center portion. The framework includes a first mounting bar and a second mounting bar. The framework is coupled to the back pad. The first and second mounting bars are adjustably supported by the mounting frame to enable the back pad to be selectively mounted at varying heights along the mounting frame.
Systems and methods provide a travel control system to augment a supplemental object detection system of a material handling vehicle. Speed limits can be calculated for material handling vehicles based on properties of the vehicle, and a field of view of the object detection systems of the material handling vehicle. For given steer angles or ranges of steer angles, the speed of the material handling vehicle can be limited to ensure that the vehicle could stop before contact with a newly-detected object that was previously outside the field of view of the object detection system.
Systems and methods provide assistance to an operator of a material handling vehicle. Provided systems and methods include receiving vehicle condition data at a first material handling vehicle from a second material handling vehicle when the second material handling vehicle is within a predetermined communication range, determining a first predicted vehicle position for the first material handling vehicle based on current vehicle conditions, determining a second predicted vehicle position for the second material handling vehicle based on the received vehicle condition data, and determining if the first predicted vehicle position for the first material handling vehicle overlaps with the second predicted vehicle position for the second material handling vehicle. Upon the determination that the first predicted vehicle position overlaps with the second predicted vehicle position, the operator of the first material handling vehicle is provided an indication.
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
H04W 4/46 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-pedestrians [V2P] for vehicle-to-vehicle communication [V2V]
A bumper assembly for a material handling vehicle is provided. The material handling vehicle includes a vehicle frame. The bumper assembly includes a first bumper coupled to a first side of the vehicle frame and having a first slot extending along a portion of the first bumper and a first protruding portion. The first protruding portion extends outwardly at an angle past a plane defined by the first side of the vehicle frame. The bumper assembly further includes a second bumper coupled to a second side of the vehicle frame opposite to the first side and having a second slot extending along a portion of the second bumper and a second protruding portion. The second protruding portion extends outwardly at an angle past a plane defined by the second side of the vehicle frame.
B60R 19/48 - Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects combined with, or convertible into, other devices or objects, e.g. bumpers combined with road brushes, bumpers convertible into beds
B60R 19/42 - Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects extending primarily along the sides of, or completely encircling, a vehicle
B60R 19/02 - Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects
B60R 19/04 - Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects formed from more than one section
Systems and methods provide assistance to an operator of a material handling vehicle. A training reinforcement assistance device has a frame supporting an optical system, the optical system being configured to display virtual content on a display, and to enable viewing of at least a portion of a surrounding environment; an imager operably coupled with the frame; an accelerometer operably coupled with the frame and configured to detect an orientation of the frame; an eye-tracking unit operably coupled with the frame and configured to detect a viewing direction of an operator; and a controller operably coupled with the imager and the display. The controller receives environmental information from at least one of the imager, the accelerometer, or the eye-tracking unit and to overlay the image of the environment to assist the operator in maneuvering a material handling vehicle based on vehicle kinematics of the material handling vehicle.
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.
An alignment and task indication system is provided. The alignment and task indication system includes a conveyor cart having a first cart sensor, a second cart sensor, a first cart reflector, and a second cart reflector, and a stationary conveyor including a stationary sensor and a stationary reflector. The first cart sensor and the second cart sensor are attached to a first side of the conveyor cart and the first cart reflector and the second cart reflector are attached to a second opposite side of the conveyor cart. The first cart sensor and the first cart reflector are arranged at a first height and the second cart sensor and the second cart reflector are arranged at a second height.
An operator ride enhancement system that is coupleable to the frame of a vehicle includes a counterweight platform moveably coupled to the frame, and a resilient member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform. The mass of the counterweight platform is configured to be approximately at least equal to a total mass supported by the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle. The operator ride enhancement system attenuates and/or inhibits movement of the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle.
A method of controlling a hydraulic control system of a material handling vehicle is provided. The method includes detecting an elevated height of a fork assembly, determining if the elevated height is above a first predetermined height threshold, and actuating a first low pressure control valve from a control valve closed position to a control valve open position to provide fluid communication from a supply passage to the first low pressure relief valve when the elevated height is above a first predetermined height threshold.
F15B 11/10 - Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action with only one servomotor in which the servomotor position is a function of the pressure
F15B 11/16 - Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action with two or more servomotors
Systems and methods for material handling vehicle simulation are provided. In one aspect, a method for material handling vehicle simulation using a material handling vehicle includes connecting a simulation controller to a simulation port, providing an input to a soft switch on a touch screen, upon providing the input to the soft switch on the touch screen, triggering the material handing vehicle to transition from the standard mode to the simulation mode, and projecting a simulated environment onto a simulation display. The simulated environment is configured to simulate operation of the material handling vehicle on the simulation display.
B66F 9/20 - Means for actuating or controlling masts, platforms, or forks
G06F 30/20 - Design optimisation, verification or simulation
G09B 9/042 - Simulators for teaching or training purposes for teaching control of vehicles or other craft for teaching control of land vehicles providing simulation in a real vehicle
G09B 9/052 - Simulators for teaching or training purposes for teaching control of vehicles or other craft for teaching control of land vehicles characterised by provision for recording or measuring trainee's performance
G09B 19/00 - Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass
62.
Systems and methods for evaluation of vehicle parameters of a remotely controllable material handling vehicle
A system for a remotely controllable material handling vehicle switchable between a manual mode and a travel request mode is provided. The system can include a controller including a processor and a memory, where vehicle condition data previously evaluated by the controller can be stored in the memory. A remote control device can be in communication with the controller, where a travel control function on the remote control device can be configured to provide a travel request to the controller to cause the material handling vehicle to move forward when the material handling vehicle is in the travel request mode. In some aspects, the controller can be configured to receive the travel request, recall at least one previously evaluated vehicle condition data stored in the memory, and, based on the at least one vehicle condition data stored in the memory, command the material handling vehicle to move forward.
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
63.
Systems and methods for control of a remotely controllable material handling vehicle
A system for a remotely controllable material handling vehicle switchable between a manual mode and a travel request mode is provided. The system can include a control handle configured to at least control a speed and direction of the material handling vehicle when the material handling vehicle is in the manual mode and a remote control device in communication with the material handling vehicle and configured to provide a request to the material handling vehicle to move forward. The system can also include a mode switch configured to switch the material handling vehicle from the manual mode to the travel request mode and an operator compartment sensor configured to trigger a flag when a weight on a floor of an operator compartment of the material handling vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined weight.
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
A material handling vehicle is provided. The material handling vehicle includes a vehicle frame having a drive wheel and an offset wheel arranged under the vehicle frame. The material handling vehicle further includes a rear load wheel assembly pivotally coupled to the vehicle frame via an articulating axle assembly. The rear load wheel assembly includes a first load wheel and a second load wheel. The pivotal coupling between the rear load wheel and the vehicle frame provided by the articulating axle assembly is configured to maintain the drive wheel and the offset wheel in contact with a floor on which the drive wheel and the offset wheel travel.
A hitch configured to selectively latch to a tow bar is provided. The hitch includes a housing, a frame defining a receiving cavity, a moveable arm, an actuator configured to move the arm between an unlatched position and a latched position, and a contact sensor mounted within the housing on a slotted mounting plate. The arm is configured to engage the tow bar when in the latched position. The slotted mounting plate is configured to enable a position of the contact sensor to be adjusted based on a geometry of the tow bar. The actuator is activated by the contact sensor sensing the presence of the tow bar within the receiving cavity.
B60D 1/36 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers
A battery management system is provided. The battery management system includes a controller comprising at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory comprising instructions executed by the at least one processor to receive load information about a load from a load sensor, receive battery operating information from a battery sensor, determine a number of battery modules needed to supply the load and operate each battery module at or below a preferred discharge rate based on the load information and the battery operating information, select a group of battery modules included in the battery based on the number of battery modules and the battery operating information, each battery module included in the group of batteries having a current depth of discharge within the preferred depth of discharge range, and instruct the battery to supply the load using the group of battery modules.
Systems and methods for material handling vehicle task classification are provided. A method for task characterization on a material handling vehicle comprises monitoring data communicated between one or more on-board sensors and a vehicle controller on the material handling vehicle. The method further comprises identifying a repletion or pattern in the monitored data, and determining that the repetition or pattern in the monitored data is a vehicle task. The method also comprises modifying an operational parameter of the material handling vehicle based on the determined vehicle task.
G05B 19/41 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by interpolation, e.g. the computation of intermediate points between programmed end points to define the path to be followed and the rate of travel along that path
G05B 19/4155 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by programme execution, i.e. part programme or machine function execution, e.g. selection of a programme
Systems and methods for temperature control for an energy source of a material handling vehicle. The system includes a battery management system in communication with the energy source that can also be in communication with a charger. The system further includes a counterweight case that supports the energy source, and a plurality of resistive heating elements positioned along one or more surfaces of the counterweight case.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
B60L 53/60 - Monitoring or controlling charging stations
B60L 3/00 - Electric devices on electrically-propelled vehicles for safety purposesMonitoring operating variables, e.g. speed, deceleration or energy consumption
B60L 58/27 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries for controlling the temperature of batteries by heating
H01M 10/46 - Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus
B60L 50/64 - Constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles
H01M 50/204 - Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
H01M 10/48 - Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
70.
Systems and methods for a clamp with power and communications contacts
A material handling vehicle may include a clamp assembly, the clamp assembly including a housing, a grip assembly, and a power source. The grip assembly may be pivotally engaged with the housing. The power source may be in electrical communication with the grip assembly. The grip assembly includes a lobe pivotally engaged with the housing and a contact supported by the lobe, the contact being electrically conductive.
A method for transferring route information between material handling vehicles is provided. The method includes operating a first material handling vehicle along a route and collecting operation information, transferring the operation information to a warehouse management system that includes a transfer matrix, processing operation information with the transfer matrix, and transferring the processed operation information to a second material handling vehicle.
The present disclosure provides a material sorting system adapted to engage a material handling vehicle. The material sorting system can include a base including fork pockets adapted to receive a pair of forks from the material handling vehicle and a carousel assembly coupled to the base. The carousel assembly can include a plurality of storage units, and an actuation mechanism configured to move the plurality of storage units relative to the base. The base can also include at least one electrical contact within the base and in electrical communication with the carousel assembly.
A method for controlling a hydraulic control system that includes a variable pressure relief valve and may include steps for calibrating the hydraulic control system. The hydraulic control system may be calibrated by: controlling, with the controller, the variable pressure relief valve to move to a fully open position, increasing, with the pump, a fluid pressure upstream of the variable pressure relief valve, controlling, with the controller, the variable pressure relief valve to move from the fully open position toward a fully closed position by adjusting a control signal supplied to the variable pressure relief valve, monitoring, with the controller, the pressure detected by the pressure sensor, and recording, with the controller, a parameter of the control signal supplied to the variable pressure relief valve when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches a target pressure.
A method of controlling a hydraulic control system of a material handling vehicle is provided. The method includes detecting an elevated height of a fork assembly, determining if the elevated height is above a first predetermined height threshold, and actuating a first low pressure control valve from a control valve closed position to a control valve open position to provide fluid communication from a supply passage to the first low pressure relief valve when the elevated height is above a first predetermined height threshold.
F15B 11/10 - Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action with only one servomotor in which the servomotor position is a function of the pressure
F15B 11/16 - Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action with two or more servomotors
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Downloadable Computer software and firmware and wireless hardware in the nature of transceivers for connecting, and operating networked vehicles in the internet of things (IoT); Near-field communication (NFC) tags for pairing short-range communication to wireless communication to control forklift or pallet trucks remotely; Scanners and sensors, namely, laser sensors used to maintain pre-configured distances from fixed objects; LIDAR apparatus, namely, laser sensors and indicators for providing visual or audible feedback on positioning and configuration of vehicle; all of the above sold as an integral component of forklifts and pallet trucks or sold as an after-market kit for installing on forklifts and pallet trucks; remote controls for operation of forklift or pallet trucks sold as a unit with forklifts, pallet trucks or in after-market kits; Wireless controllers to remotely monitor and control the function and status of forklift or pallet trucks sold as a unit with forklifts, pallet trucks or in after-market kits
84.
Systems and methods for a battery panel assembly on a material handling vehicle
A battery panel assembly for a material handling vehicle having a battery is provided. The battery panel assembly includes an inner counterweight panel configured to couple to the battery assembly. The inner panel including a battery service cutout. The battery panel assembly further includes an outer panel configured to couple to the inner panel. The outer panel includes a cutout configured to align with the battery service cutout and an access door dimensioned to cover the cutout.
An alignment and task indication system is provided. The alignment and task indication system includes a conveyor cart having a first cart sensor, a second cart sensor, a first cart reflector, and a second cart reflector, and a stationary conveyor including a stationary sensor and a stationary reflector. The first cart sensor and the second cart sensor are attached to a first side of the conveyor cart and the first cart reflector and the second cart reflector are attached to a second opposite side of the conveyor cart. The first cart sensor and the first cart reflector are arranged at a first height and the second cart sensor and the second cart reflector are arranged at a second height.
An automation arbitration controller system is provided. The automation arbitration controller is configured to arbitrate a multiple of automation requests on a material handling vehicle, which includes a material handling vehicle controller. The automation arbitration controller can be connected to at least one automation controller via an automation communication bus. The automation controller can be configured to send one or more automation requests. The automation arbitration controller can also be connected to a material handling vehicle controller via a vehicle communication bus. The material handling vehicle controller can be configured to send one or more automation requests.
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
B60R 16/023 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided forArrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems
G06F 13/16 - Handling requests for interconnection or transfer for access to memory bus
H04L 12/403 - Bus networks with centralised control, e.g. polling
G06V 20/58 - Recognition of moving objects or obstacles, e.g. vehicles or pedestriansRecognition of traffic objects, e.g. traffic signs, traffic lights or roads
87.
Systems and methods for a material handling vehicle with a multi-piece bumper assembly
A bumper assembly for a material handling vehicle is provided. The bumper assembly includes a main body which includes at least one cutout. The bumper assembly also includes a window plate that may be removably coupled to the main body and cover the at least one cut out. The bumper assembly can also include a lower section that may be removably coupled to the main body and includes a protection plate extending below the at least one cutout.
B60R 19/48 - Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects combined with, or convertible into, other devices or objects, e.g. bumpers combined with road brushes, bumpers convertible into beds
G01S 13/931 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
B60R 19/02 - Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects
A load handling module for a material handling vehicle can include a first camera configured to determine the position of an object in a first camera field of view, and a second camera positioned above the first camera and configured to determine the position of an object in a second camera field of view. A fork tip sensor can be secured to at least one fork proximate the tip end thereof, and can be configured to detect the presence of an object within a fork sensor field of view extending in front of the fork. A controller can be in communication with the first sensor, the second sensor, and the fork tip sensor, the controller being configured to autonomously control the material handling vehicle to pick up or drop-off a load.
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
B66F 9/14 - PlatformsForksOther load-supporting or load-gripping members laterally movable, e.g. swingable, for slewing or transverse movements
89.
Pallet detection systems and methods for a material handling vehicle
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.
A modular battery system for a material handling vehicle is provided. The modular battery system includes a counterweight assembly, a battery assembly enclosing a power source and including a battery base, and a pair of channels removably coupled to the battery base and laterally separated from one another to define a counterweight slot therebetween. The battery assembly is configured to be slidably installed onto the counterweight assembly with the counterweight assembly received within the counterweight slot defined between the pair of channels.
H01M 50/244 - Secondary casingsRacksSuspension devicesCarrying devicesHolders characterised by their mounting method
H01M 50/249 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders specially adapted for aircraft or vehicles, e.g. cars or trains
H01M 50/258 - Modular batteriesCasings provided with means for assembling
H01M 50/262 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders with fastening means, e.g. locks
B60L 50/64 - Constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles
91.
Systems and methods for positioning a counterweight on a material handling vehicle
A material handling vehicle is provided, which includes a frame having an aperture directed through the frame and configured to receive a battery pack, and a counterweight assembly. The counterweight assembly includes a counterweight having a first opening, and an opposite second opening, a first positioning rod having a first end, and an opposite second end. The first end is directed through the first opening. A first nut is threadingly engaged with the second end of the first positioning rod. The first nut is rotated in a first direction to advance the first end of the first positioning rod farther through the first opening to contact the frame, thereby adjusting the position of the counterweight relative to the frame.
A material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle including a vehicle body, an operator compartment, and a mast. The mast has a mounting platform, a first support member coupled to the mounting platform, a second support member coupled to the mounting platform, and a detection system coupled to the mast. The mast is coupled to the vehicle body at a frontward location relative to the operator compartment. The position of the mast on the vehicle body prevents the mast from impeding a field of view of an operator positioned in the operator compartment.
B66F 9/07 - Floor-to-roof stacking devices, e.g. stacker cranes, retrievers
B66F 9/12 - PlatformsForksOther load-supporting or load-gripping members
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
A bumper assembly for a material handling vehicle is provided. The material handling vehicle includes a vehicle frame. The bumper assembly includes a first bumper coupled to a first side of the vehicle frame and having a first slot extending along a portion of the first bumper and a first protruding portion. The first protruding portion extends outwardly at an angle past a plane defined by the first side of the vehicle frame. The bumper assembly further includes a second bumper coupled to a second side of the vehicle frame opposite to the first side and having a second slot extending along a portion of the second bumper and a second protruding portion. The second protruding portion extends outwardly at an angle past a plane defined by the second side of the vehicle frame.
B60R 19/48 - Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects combined with, or convertible into, other devices or objects, e.g. bumpers combined with road brushes, bumpers convertible into beds
B60R 19/42 - Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects extending primarily along the sides of, or completely encircling, a vehicle
B60R 19/02 - Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects
B60R 19/04 - Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects formed from more than one section
94.
Extendable mast systems and methods for a material handling vehicle
Extendable mast systems and methods for a material handling vehicle include a base mast having a first web connecting a first web first flange and a first web second flange; a base mast bearing; a base mast bumper; a vertically extendable mast having a second web connecting a second web first flange and a second web second flange; and a vertically extendable mast bearing. The base mast bearing is spaced apart from the second web first flange defining a base mast bearing space between the base mast bearing and the second web first flange. The vertically extendable mast bearing is spaced apart from the first web first flange defining a vertically extendable mast bearing space between the vertically extendable mast bearing and the first web first flange. And the base mast bumper maintains the base mast bearing space between the base mast bearing and the second web first flange.
An operator ride enhancement system that is coupleable to the frame of a vehicle includes a counterweight platform moveably coupled to the frame, and a resilient member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform. The mass of the counterweight platform is configured to be approximately at least equal to a total mass supported by the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle. The operator ride enhancement system attenuates and/or inhibits movement of the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle.
A modular battery system for use with a material handling vehicle, the modular battery system comprises a battery assembly and a counterweight assembly. The battery assembly can include a power source and a battery base, and the counterweight assembly can include a counterweight base configured to slidably receive the battery base and be removably secured thereto.
Some aspects of the present disclosure provide a material handling vehicle configured for selectively coupling with any of a plurality of material handling attachments. In some configurations, the material handling vehicle includes a vehicle frame and a universal mounting assembly. The universal mounting assembly includes a universal mount coupled to the vehicle frame and having at least one linear actuator and at least one hinge, and a universal frame having at least one cradle rod pivotally coupled to the hinge and at least one bracket coupled to the linear actuator. Selective actuation of the at least one linear actuator pivots the universal frame relative to the vehicle frame.
B62B 3/02 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor involving parts being adjustable, collapsible, attachable, detachable, or convertible
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
