A mobile processing device is paired to industrial equipment by reading indicia associated with industrial equipment, and by extracting from the indicia, an electronic identifier of the industrial equipment. An authorization request is communicated to a remote server for authorization to operate the industrial equipment, where the authorization request includes the electronic identifier of the industrial equipment and an identifier of the operator desiring to operate the industrial equipment. Responsive to the authorization request, an access response is received from the remote server. Responsive to the access response granting access to the operator to use the industrial equipment, the process extracts pairing information and utilizes the extracted pairing information to pair the mobile processing device with a short range transceiver of the industrial equipment. Upon successful pairing of the mobile processing device and the industrial equipment, the industrial equipment is enabled for normal operation.
A process for enabling an industrial vehicle comprises an industrial vehicle determining whether the industrial vehicle includes a lanyard that is associated to the industrial vehicle. The industrial vehicle receives login credentials from an operator. If the lanyard transitions from an unsecured state to a secured state, then the industrial vehicle is enabled.
A62B 35/00 - Safety belts or body harnessesSimilar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion
B60R 25/00 - Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
B66F 17/00 - Safety devices, e.g. for limiting or indicating lifting force
G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
G06F 21/35 - User authentication involving the use of external additional devices, e.g. dongles or smart cards communicating wirelessly
B60P 1/00 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
A45F 5/00 - Holders or carriers for hand articlesHolders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
B66F 11/04 - Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for for movable platforms or cabins, e.g. on vehicles, permitting workmen to place themselves in any desired position for carrying out required operations
3.
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN LANYARD AND INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE
A process for enabling an industrial vehicle comprises an industrial vehicle determining whether the industrial vehicle includes a lanyard that is associated to the industrial vehicle. The industrial vehicle receives login credentials from an operator. If the lanyard transitions from an unsecured state to a secured state, then the industrial vehicle is enabled.
Processes and systems using the processes for configuring a sensor mounted to a vehicle are disclosed. The process starts by determining an orientation of the sensor by collecting a scan from the sensor, determining a field of view of the sensor based on the scan, and deriving an orientation of the sensor on the vehicle relative to the vehicle based on the field of view. After the orientation (including a position on the vehicle) of the sensor is derived, a configuration for the sensor is determined based on the orientation of the sensor with respect to the vehicle and independent of any other sensors that may be present on the vehicle. Then, the sensor is configured based on the orientation of the sensor relative to the vehicle.
Processes and systems using the processes for configuring a sensor mounted to a vehicle are disclosed. The process starts by determining an orientation of the sensor by collecting a scan from the sensor, determining a field of view of the sensor based on the scan, and deriving an orientation of the sensor on the vehicle relative to the vehicle based on the field of view. After the orientation (including a position on the vehicle) of the sensor is derived, a configuration for the sensor is determined based on the orientation of the sensor with respect to the vehicle and independent of any other sensors that may be present on the vehicle. Then, the sensor is configured based on the orientation of the sensor relative to the vehicle.
A process uses electronic badges to convey a condition associated with an environment to an industrial vehicle. The process comprises identifying a condition in a limited, defined environment and associating the identified condition with a badge ID. The process also comprises programming an electronic badge based upon the identified condition and positioning the electronic badge within a work area of industrial vehicles. Still further, the process comprises receiving, by a processor on an industrial vehicle, information from the electronic badge including at least one of the associated badge ID and the identified condition. The information is received via a badge communicator that communicates with electronic badges that are within a predetermined range of the industrial vehicle via a first wireless communication link. The process also determines the condition from the information from the electronic badge, and controls the industrial vehicle to take a predetermined action based upon the determined condition.
H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
H04W 4/30 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes
H04W 4/44 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-pedestrians [V2P] for communication between vehicles and infrastructures, e.g. vehicle-to-cloud [V2C] or vehicle-to-home [V2H]
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
A tool for calibrating a sensor is provided. The tool includes an elongate rail structure including a first end and a second end, wherein a direction of elongation of the rail structure is defined in a lateral direction between the first and second ends. A first plate element extends from the rail structure at least partially in a first direction that is transverse to the lateral direction, and a second plate element extends from the rail structure at least partially in the first direction and is spaced apart from the first plate element in the lateral direction. An alignment member extends from the rail structure at least partially in the first direction, the alignment member being located between the first and second plate elements.
Goods storage and retrieval systems and materials handling vehicles are provided. The goods storage and retrieval system includes a multilevel warehouse racking system; a materials handling vehicle comprising a mast assembly, a picking attachment, and vehicle-based cart engagement hardware; a mobile storage cart; and a transporter comprising transporter-based engagement hardware. The transporter-based engagement hardware enables the transporter to engage, transport, and disengage the mobile storage cart. The vehicle-based cart engagement hardware is coupled to the mast assembly to (i) engage and disengage the mobile storage cart and (ii) transport the mobile storage cart to multiple levels of the multilevel warehouse racking system. The mast assembly and the picking attachment are configured to access multiple levels of the multilevel warehouse racking system. The picking attachment is configured to transfer totes between the multilevel warehouse racking system and the mobile storage cart.
10.
MATERIALS HANDLING AND OTHER VEHICLES WITH FUNCTIONAL RESPONSES TO RUNTIME CALCULATION
Battery management systems, removable battery assemblies with integrated battery management systems, and vehicles are provided for implementing the various runtime calculations disclosed herein. A vehicle, which may be a materials handling vehicle, is provided comprising a drive subsystem, a removable battery assembly, and vehicle control hardware. The battery assembly comprises a battery management system programmed to input or generate a state of charge signal representing a state of charge SOC of the battery assembly, implement a first EWMA signal filter F1 to calculate a succession of contemporary current calculations IC, implement a second EWMA signal filter F2 to calculate a runtime current IR, wherein the runtime current calculation IR comprises the contemporary current calculations IC from the first EWMA signal filter F1, and implement a remaining runtime calculation such that the vehicle control hardware responds functionally to the runtime calculation.
B60L 1/00 - Supplying electric power to auxiliary equipment of electrically-propelled vehicles
B60L 15/20 - Methods, circuits or devices for controlling the propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles, e.g. their traction-motor speed, to achieve a desired performanceAdaptation of control equipment on electrically-propelled vehicles for remote actuation from a stationary place, from alternative parts of the vehicle or from alternative vehicles of the same vehicle train for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
11.
ADAPTIVE ACCELERATION FOR SEMI-AUTOMATED DRIVING OPERATION OF A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE
A method for operating a materials handling vehicle in a semi-automated driving operation is provided comprising: monitoring, by a controller, a first vehicle drive parameter corresponding to a first direction of travel of the vehicle during a first manual operation of the vehicle by an operator and concurrently monitoring, by the controller, a second vehicle drive parameter corresponding to a second direction different from the first direction of travel during the first manual operation of the vehicle by an operator. The controller receives, after the first manual operation of the vehicle, a request to implement a first semi-automated driving operation. Based on the first and second monitored vehicle drive parameters during the first manual operation, the controller controls implementation of the first semi-automated driving operation.
11 to calculate a succession ( 0CC, 1CC, 2CC2RRC11, and (iv) implement a remaining runtime calculation such that the vehicle control hardware is programmed to respond functionally to a runtime calculation R. The battery-powered materials handling vehicle (100) is programmed to implement a forward-looking remaining runtime calculation R of the onboard battery assembly (30), and respond functionally to the runtime calculation R to create a technical operational effect in the materials handling vehicle (100).
B66F 9/00 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes
B60L 50/50 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells
G01R 31/36 - Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
A materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space define an axis; the removable battery assembly comprises a battery-side connector assembly and a vehicle-side connector assembly, each configured to electrically couple the removable battery assembly and an electrical system of the materials handling vehicle; the battery-side and vehicle-side connector assemblies each comprises a connector housing and an electrical coupler; the respective electrical coupler of each connector assembly are configured to couple together electrically; the electrical coupler of the battery-side connector assembly or the vehicle-side connector assembly is an omnidirectional biasing coupler, wherein the omnidirectional biasing coupler comprises an omnidirectional biasing element which secures the omnidirectional biasing coupler against the respective connector housing of the omnidirectional biasing coupler.
B62B 5/00 - Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
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
B62B 3/06 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor involving means for grappling or securing in place objects to be carriedLoad handling equipment for simply clearing the load from the ground, e.g. low-lift trucks
15.
OMNIDIRECTIONAL BIASING ELEMENTS FOR A BATTERY COUPLING IN A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE, AND MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME
A materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space define an axis; the removable battery assembly comprises a battery-side connector assembly and a vehicle-side connector assembly, each configured to electrically couple the removable battery assembly and an electrical system of the materials handling vehicle; the battery-side and vehicle-side connector assemblies each comprises a connector housing and an electrical coupler; the respective electrical coupler of each connector assembly are configured to couple together electrically; the electrical coupler of the battery-side connector assembly or the vehicle-side connector assembly is an omnidirectional biasing coupler, wherein the omnidirectional biasing coupler comprises an omnidirectional biasing element which secures the omnidirectional biasing coupler against the respective connector housing of the omnidirectional biasing coupler.
A spacer assembly and method for using same to fix a first component to a second component are provided. The method includes positioning the first and second spacer segments between the first and second components, the first and second spacer segments each including an inner face, an opposite outer face, and an exterior surface extending along a longitudinal axis between the inner face and the outer face. The exterior surfaces of the first and second spacer segments are coaxially aligned and secured by a securing device such that the inner faces of the first and second spacer segments define supplementary non-perpendicular angles relative to the longitudinal axis and the outer faces of the first and second spacer segments are parallel to one another. The securing device and the first and second spacer segments are removed after the first component is mechanically coupled to the second component.
B23K 37/04 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work
17.
MODIFY VEHICLE PARAMETER BASED ON VEHICLE POSITION INFORMATION
A materials handling vehicle includes: a power unit including: a steered wheel, and a steering device for generating a steer control signal; a load handling assembly coupled to the power unit; a controller located on the power unit for receiving the steer control signal; and a sensing device on the power unit and coupled to the controller. The sensing device monitoring areas in front of and next to the vehicle. Based on sensing device data, the controller may modify at least one of the following vehicle parameters: a maximum allowable turning angle or a steered-wheel-to-steering-device ratio.
B60Q 1/32 - 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 vehicle sides
G01S 7/481 - Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
G01S 17/931 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
G05D 1/222 - Remote-control arrangements operated by humans
G05D 1/223 - Command input arrangements on the remote controller, e.g. joysticks or touch screens
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
A boom assembly including an upper boom portion, a base mount, and an adapter coupling the base mount to the upper boom portion, in which the adapter is configured to (i) maintain the boom assembly in a normal operating position when the upper boom portion is subjected to one or more external forces causing one or more internal forces in the adapter below a yield force threshold of the adapter; and (ii) yield when the upper boom portion is subjected to one or more external forces causing one or more internal forces in the adapter equal to or in excess of the yield force threshold of the adapter. Also provided is a materials handling vehicle including a boom assembly.
A boom assembly including an upper boom portion, a base mount, and an adapter coupling the base mount to the upper boom portion, in which the adapter is configured to (i) maintain the boom assembly in a normal operating position when the upper boom portion is subjected to one or more external forces causing one or more internal forces in the adapter below a yield force threshold of the adapter; and (ii) yield when the upper boom portion is subjected to one or more external forces causing one or more internal forces in the adapter equal to or in excess of the yield force threshold of the adapter. Also provided is a materials handling vehicle including a boom assembly.
A boom assembly is provided comprising: an upper boom portion, a base mount, and an adapter coupling the base mount to the upper boom portion. The upper boom portion may be aligned with the base mount when the boom assembly is in a normal operating position. Further provided is an integrity monitoring system comprising at least one sensor associated with the boom assembly.
A materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes lateral battery faces, each including a longitudinal guide structure; the battery receiving space includes opposing guide blocks, each arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each including a securement portion and a replaceable portion; the replaceable portion of each guide block including a friction-inducing surface and a guiding surface; each friction-inducing surface facing an opposing one of the lateral battery faces; and each guiding surface facing an opposing surface of the longitudinal guide structure, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space.
A process for implementing a materials handling vehicle feature monitor includes receiving wirelessly, from a fleet of materials handling vehicles, electronic vehicle records. Each electronic vehicle record comprises travel-related data recorded by an associated materials handling vehicle and an operator identification of the corresponding operator of the vehicle. The vehicle records are parsed for each operator to extract dashboard data, which can include a travel distance that the materials handling vehicle has traveled. An expected travel distance under remote control to total travel distance for the predetermined period of time is established. For each operator, an electronic measurement of the expected travel distance under remote control to total travel distance for the predetermined period of time compared to the recorded travel distance under remote control to total travel distance for the predetermined period of time is generated. A graphical representation of the generated measurements is outputted to a dashboard.
G07C 5/12 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time in graphical form
G05D 1/223 - Command input arrangements on the remote controller, e.g. joysticks or touch screens
G05D 1/644 - Optimisation of travel parameters, e.g. of energy consumption, journey time or distance
G05D 1/692 - Coordinated control of the position or course of two or more vehicles involving a plurality of disparate vehicles
G06Q 10/0639 - Performance analysis of employeesPerformance analysis of enterprise or organisation operations
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
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
24.
CALCULATING MISSED MESSAGES EXPECTED TO BE RECEIVED BY A CENTRAL DEVICE FROM A PERIPHERAL DEVICE
A method is provided for wireless communication between a wireless remote control device comprising a peripheral device and a controller on a materials handling vehicle comprising a central device. The method may comprise: polling via a plurality of connection event requests, by the central device, communicated with the peripheral device with which the central device is paired, the peripheral device comprising one or more activatable switches. Based on the status of one or more activatable switches, the peripheral device sending reply messages to at least a portion of the plurality of connection requests in accordance with at least one communication operating mode of the peripheral device, wherein each reply message is indicative of the status of the one or more activatable switches. Calculating, by the central device, a number of missed messages.
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
25.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RELATIVE POSE DETERMINATION AND FIELD ENFORCEMENT OF MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES USING ULTRA-WIDEBAND RADIO TECHNOLOGY
According to the embodiments described herein, system and methods for determining relative pose of materials handling vehicles in an industrial environment may include utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna array systems respectively mounted on the materials handling vehicles to send mutually received information to determine the relative pose between the vehicles, determining one or more fields of each materials handling vehicle, and determining one or more overlapping fields between the materials handling vehicles based on the determined one or more fields and the relative pose. A vehicle control may be implemented based on the determined relative pose and the overlapping fields as a field enforcement, such as a control action to avoid collision between the vehicles.
G05D 1/242 - Means based on the reflection of waves generated by the 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
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 5/10 - Position of receiver fixed by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements
G05D 1/24 - Arrangements for determining position or orientation
G05D 1/243 - Means capturing signals occurring naturally from the environment, e.g. ambient optical, acoustic, gravitational or magnetic signals
G05D 1/69 - Coordinated control of the position or course of two or more vehicles
G05D 105/80 - Specific applications of the controlled vehicles for information gathering, e.g. for academic research
G05D 107/70 - Industrial sites, e.g. warehouses or factories
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
A materials handling vehicle is provided having: a power unit comprising at least one wheel; a mast assembly coupled to the power unit comprising at least one mast weldment; and a platform assembly. The platform assembly comprising: a floorboard upon which an operator may stand; a support wall connected to the floorboard and positioned adjacent to the mast assembly, the floorboard and the support wall defining an operator compartment of the platform assembly; at least one operator control assembly positioned to allow for operation by an operator located within the operator compartment; and a non-horizontal viewing window provided in the support wall.
According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an industrial facility is provided comprising a tag layout and at least one ingress/egress zone. The tag layout comprises at least one double row of tags. The ingress/egress zone is located outside of an area of the vehicle travel plane occupied by the aisle path and is bounded in its entirety by the double row of tags, by two or more double rows of tags, by a combination of one or more double rows of tags and one more selected facility boundaries, or by combinations thereof. The double row of tags is arranged in an n×m matrix that is configured for successive detection of the inner and outer rows of tags that is dependent on the point-of-origin of a sensor transit path across the double row of tags. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
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
E04H 5/02 - Buildings or groups of buildings for industrial purposes, e.g. for power-plants or factories
G01C 21/00 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
A steering shaft assembly including an adapter plate; a steer housing spaced apart from and secured to the adapter plate and including a boss extending toward the adapter plate; a bearing secured within the boss; a steering shaft coupled to the bearing to allow rotation about a steering axis; and one or more friction and/or spring discs positioned about the steering shaft between the shoulder and the bearing, in which the steering shaft includes a shoulder extending outwardly from an outer surface of a main body and positioned between the adapter plate and an upper surface of the boss. The shoulder and the bearing exert a load on the one or more friction and/or spring discs such that the one or more friction and/or spring discs provide a constant steering resistance. The steering shaft assembly may include a spacer that is configured to redirect condensation.
A layover bracket system is provided for supporting an industrial vehicle in a horizontal position on a floor surface. The layover bracket system includes a base section removably attached to a first portion of the vehicle at a first location, and an extension section removably attached to a second portion of the vehicle at a second location spaced apart in a first direction from the first location. The first direction is parallel to a vertical axis of the vehicle when positioned in an upright position. The extension section is pivotably coupled to the base section.
B62B 3/10 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor characterised by supports specially adapted to objects of definite shape
30.
BATTERY LOCKING MECHANISMS, REMOVABLE BATTERY ASSEMBLIES, AND MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME
A materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes a battery body and a battery locking mechanism; the battery locking mechanism includes a spring-loaded battery handle and a spring-loaded locking pin; the battery receiving space includes a battery latch positioned to receive the spring-loaded locking pin; the spring-loaded battery handle includes a planar handle cam surface and the spring-loaded locking pin includes a planar pin cam surface such that the handle cam surface engages the pin cam surface with movement of the battery handle relative to the battery body; the spring-loaded battery handle is spring-biased in a locked position; and the spring-loaded locking pin is spring-biased in an extended position and is movable to a retracted position in response to movement of the battery handle from the locked position to an unlocked position.
H01M 50/264 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders with fastening means, e.g. locks for cells or batteries, e.g. straps, tie rods or peripheral frames
B60K 1/04 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
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
31.
ADAPTIVE ACCELERATION FOR MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE
A method is provided for operating a materials handling vehicle comprising: monitoring, by a processor, vehicle acceleration in a direction of travel of the vehicle during a manual operation by an operator of the vehicle when the vehicle is traveling in a first vehicle orientation; collecting and storing, by the processor, data related to the monitored vehicle acceleration; receiving, by the processor, a request to implement a semi-automated driving operation; calculating, by the processor, a maximum vehicle acceleration based on acceleration data comprising the stored data, wherein the data related to the monitored vehicle acceleration used in calculating the maximum vehicle acceleration comprises only the vehicle acceleration data in the direction of travel of the vehicle collected when the vehicle is traveling in the first vehicle orientation. Based at least in part on the maximum vehicle acceleration, controlling, by the processor, implementation of the semi-automated driving operation.
G05D 13/62 - Control of linear speedControl of angular speedControl of acceleration or deceleration, e.g. of a prime mover characterised by the use of electric means, e.g. use of a tachometric dynamo, use of a transducer converting an electric value into a displacement
B60K 31/00 - Vehicle fittings, acting on a single sub-unit only, for automatically controlling vehicle speed, i.e. preventing speed from exceeding an arbitrarily established velocity or maintaining speed at a particular velocity, as selected by the vehicle operator
B62B 5/00 - Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
A materials handling vehicle comprising a hitch system, and a drive mechanism. The hitch system comprises a hitch and a hitch controller. The hitch comprises a latch, one or more sensors, an actuator, and a receiving member. The latch is positionable between open and closed positions. The actuator is positionable between retracted, intermediate, and extended positions. The receiving member is configured to lead a cart hook to engage the latch when in the closed position. The one or more sensors are configured to detect a position of the latch and a presence of the cart hook received within the receiving member. The hitch controller is configured to position the actuator in one of the retracted position, the intermediate position, and the extended position, and to position the latch in one of the open position and the closed position in response to signals received from the one or more sensors.
B60D 1/36 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers
B60D 1/28 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for preventing unwanted disengagement, e.g. safety appliances
A tool for calibrating a sensor is provided. The tool includes an elongate rail structure including a first end and a second end, wherein a direction of elongation of the rail structure is defined in a lateral direction between the first and second ends. A first plate element extends from the rail structure at least partially in a first direction that is transverse to the lateral direction, and a second plate element extends from the rail structure at least partially in the first direction and is spaced apart from the first plate element in the lateral direction. An alignment member extends from the rail structure at least partially in the first direction, the alignment member being located between the first and second plate elements.
B60L 1/00 - Supplying electric power to auxiliary equipment of electrically-propelled vehicles
B60L 15/20 - Methods, circuits or devices for controlling the propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles, e.g. their traction-motor speed, to achieve a desired performanceAdaptation of control equipment on electrically-propelled vehicles for remote actuation from a stationary place, from alternative parts of the vehicle or from alternative vehicles of the same vehicle train for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
A tamper resistant connector assembly is provided for restricting access to a latch assembly of a plug that is connected to equipment. While the tamper resistant connector assembly is assembled to the plug, the plug cannot be released from the equipment.
A tamper resistant connector assembly is provided for restricting access to a latch assembly of a plug that is connected to equipment. While the tamper resistant connector assembly is assembled to the plug, the plug cannot be released from the equipment.
An operator control system is provided for a materials handling vehicle, the materials handling vehicle including an operator station having a support structure. The operator control system includes an operator control assembly having a housing mounted to or integral with the support structure, and at least one control element for controlling a function of the vehicle. One or both of the housing and/or the control element is positionable in a plurality of positions.
A pneumatic tool includes a body portion, an inlet port for delivering air to the body portion, a first handle, and a second handle. The second handle includes an exhaust port for discharging air from the body portion.
An operator control system is provided for a materials handling vehicle, the materials handling vehicle including an operator station having a support structure. The operator control system includes an operator control assembly having a housing mounted to or integral with the support structure, and at least one control element for controlling a function of the vehicle. One or both of the housing and/or the control element is positionable in a plurality of positions.
An operator control system is provided for a materials handling vehicle, the materials handling vehicle including an operator station having a support structure. The operator control system includes an operator control assembly having a housing mounted to or integral with the support structure, and at least one control element for controlling a function of the vehicle. One or both of the housing and/or the control element is positionable in a plurality of positions.
A batten- charger for a battery system is provided. The battery system may be adapted to provide power to a vehicle. The battery charger may comprise; a housing; a charger connector adapted to be connected with a mating connector of the battery system; memory storing executable instructions; and a processor in communication with the memory. The processor when executing the executable instructions may: determine that identification information from the battery system is received by the processor via the charger connector. After the identification information from the battery system is received, the processor may generate first information indicating that the battery charger is connecting with the battery system.
A work assist system is provided for an industrial vehicle. The work assist system includes a support structure having a portion including a predefined cross-sectional shape. The work assist system further includes a clamp member having coupling structure for removably coupling the clamp member to the support structure portion, and mounting structure that removably supports a work assist item that is usable by an operator located in an operator compartment of the vehicle.
F16M 13/02 - Other supports for positioning apparatus or articlesMeans for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
44.
ADAPTIVE ACCELERATION FOR MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE
A method for operating a materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: monitoring, by a controller, a first vehicle drive parameter corresponding to a first direction of travel of the vehicle during a first manual operation of the vehicle by an operator and concurrently monitoring, by the controller, a second vehicle drive parameter corresponding to a second direction different from the first direction of travel during the first manual operation of the vehicle by an operator. The controller receives, after the first manual operation of the vehicle, a request to implement a first semi-automated driving operation. Based on the first and second monitored vehicle drive parameters during the first manual operation, the controller controls implementation of the first semi-automated driving operation.
A materials handling vehicle including a vehicle-side charging contact assembly coupled to a battery, a steerable drive wheel defining a drive wheel track width W, and a pair of load wheels defining a load wheel gap G between the pair of load wheels that is larger than the drive wheel track width W. A charging station includes a pair of floor-side charging contacts configured to transfer charging current to the vehicle-side charging contact assembly. The pair of floor-side charging contacts define an inner contact spacing S1 that is larger than the drive wheel track width W, and an outer contact spacing S2 that is larger than the inner contact spacing S1 and smaller than the load wheel gap G to permit passage of the steerable drive wheel between the floor-side charging contacts, followed by passage of the pair of load wheels outside of the floor-side charging contacts.
A materials handling vehicle comprises a processor, a throttle, and a zone sensing subsystem coupled to the processor. The processor, responsive to the zone sensing subsystem detecting that the materials handling vehicle is in a restricted operational zone, controls the materials handling vehicle by applying a maximum vehicle operational limit of the materials handling vehicle to a magnitude that is at or below an operational limit of the restricted operational zone. Further, the processor overrides the maximum vehicle operational limit based on application of a throttle neutral action.
B60K 31/00 - Vehicle fittings, acting on a single sub-unit only, for automatically controlling vehicle speed, i.e. preventing speed from exceeding an arbitrarily established velocity or maintaining speed at a particular velocity, as selected by the vehicle operator
B60Q 9/00 - Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
49.
System comprising a multilevel warehouse racking system comprising tote transfer zones, materials handling vehicles, and transporters, and methods of use thereof
Goods storage and retrieval systems and materials handling vehicles are provided. The goods storage and retrieval system includes a multilevel warehouse racking system; a materials handling vehicle comprising a mast assembly, a picking attachment, and vehicle-based cart engagement hardware; a mobile storage cart; and a transporter comprising transporter-based engagement hardware. The transporter-based engagement hardware enables the transporter to engage, transport, and disengage the mobile storage cart. The vehicle-based cart engagement hardware is coupled to the mast assembly to (i) engage and disengage the mobile storage cart and (ii) transport the mobile storage cart to multiple levels of the multilevel warehouse racking system. The mast assembly and the picking attachment are configured to access multiple levels of the multilevel warehouse racking system. The picking attachment is configured to transfer totes between the multilevel warehouse racking system and the mobile storage cart.
A process to schedule an industrial vehicle for maintenance comprises constructing a warehouse model based upon a warehouse configuration to define a dimensionally constrained environment and virtual industrial vehicles operating within the environment. A workflow model defines tasks of the virtual industrial vehicles within the defined environment of the warehouse model. A kinematic model is based upon vehicle specifications for the virtual industrial vehicles, kinematic functions of the virtual industrial vehicles, constraints of the defined environment of the warehouse model, and a cutback curve computed for a parameter of a kinematic function of the virtual industrial vehicle. The kinematic model is applied to the workflow model to evaluate virtual industrial vehicle performance to determine ideal results. Actual use data of the industrial vehicle is collected during the industrial vehicle operation. The industrial vehicle is scheduled for maintenance based on a comparison of the actual use data to the ideal results.
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
B60L 58/10 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries
G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations
G06Q 10/0631 - Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
G06Q 10/0639 - Performance analysis of employeesPerformance analysis of enterprise or organisation operations
G06Q 10/067 - Enterprise or organisation modelling
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
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
51.
Systems and methods for optical target based indoor vehicle navigation
Vehicles, systems, and methods for navigating or tracking the navigation of a materials handling vehicle along a surface that may include a camera and vehicle functions to match two-dimensional image information from camera data associated with the input image of overhead features with a plurality of global target locations of a warehouse map to generate a plurality of candidate optical targets, an optical target associated with each global target location and a code; filter the targets to determine a candidate optical target; decode the target to identify the associated code; identify an optical target associated with the identified code; determine a camera metric relative to the identified optical target and the position and orientation of the identified optical target in the warehouse map; calculate a vehicle pose based on the camera metric; and navigate the materials handling vehicle utilizing the vehicle pose.
A process for calibrating a distance and range measurement device coupled to an industrial vehicle comprises taking a first measurement of an emission from the device at a first yaw angle relative to a roll axis of the device. A second measurement of the emission at a second yaw angle relative to the roll axis is taken. The second yaw angle is within an angular tolerance of the first yaw angle but in an opposite direction. The device is calibrated relative to the roll axis when the first and second measurements are within a tolerance of each other.
A process for aligning an industrial vehicle for putaway operation comprises traveling to a position associated with a putaway location. A sensor mounted to the industrial vehicle determines whether the putaway location is empty, and if the putaway location is empty, the industrial vehicle completes a pivot maneuver such that a portion of the industrial vehicle is inside the putaway location while the pivot maneuver is in progress.
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
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 process for aligning an industrial vehicle for putaway operation comprises traveling to a position associated with a putaway location. A sensor mounted to the industrial vehicle determines whether the putaway location is empty, and if the putaway location is empty, the industrial vehicle completes a pivot maneuver such that a portion of the industrial vehicle is inside the putaway location while the pivot maneuver is in progress.
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 process for aligning an industrial vehicle for putaway operation comprises traveling to a position associated with a putaway location. A sensor mounted to the industrial vehicle determines whether the putaway location is empty, and if the putaway location is empty, the industrial vehicle completes a pivot maneuver such that a portion of the industrial vehicle is inside the putaway location while the pivot maneuver is in progress.
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 process of providing industrial vehicle feedback comprises storing, in memory, data identifying a vehicle-based event that characterizes an operation of an industrial vehicle. Further, operation information collected from an electronic component on the industrial vehicle that is associated with the vehicle-based event is stored in the memory. The collected operation information characterizes a current operating state of the industrial vehicle as the industrial vehicle is being operated. The vehicle-based event is detected based upon the collected operation information. After detecting that the vehicle-based event has occurred, geo-location information is assembled with the collected operation information into an event record to capture a vehicle state and a location surrounding the detected event, which is transmitted to a remote server.
Controlling a maximum vehicle speed for an industrial vehicle includes determining, by a processor of the industrial vehicle, a torque applied to the traction wheel of the industrial vehicle; converting the torque to an equivalent force value; and determining an acceleration of the industrial vehicle while the torque is applied to the traction wheel. Additional steps include calculating a load being moved by the industrial vehicle, based at least in part on the acceleration and the equivalent force value; and controlling the maximum speed of the industrial vehicle based on the calculated load being moved by the industrial vehicle.
System comprising a multilevel warehouse racking system comprising tote transfer zones, materials handling vehicles, and transporters, and methods of use thereof
Goods storage and retrieval systems and materials handling vehicles are provided. The goods storage and retrieval system includes a multilevel warehouse racking system; a materials handling vehicle comprising a mast assembly, a picking attachment, and vehicle-based cart engagement hardware; a mobile storage cart; and a transporter comprising transporter-based engagement hardware. The transporter-based engagement hardware enables the transporter to engage, transport, and disengage the mobile storage cart. The vehicle-based cart engagement hardware is coupled to the mast assembly to (i) engage and disengage the mobile storage cart and (ii) transport the mobile storage cart to multiple levels of the multilevel warehouse racking system. The mast assembly and the picking attachment are configured to access multiple levels of the multilevel warehouse racking system. The picking attachment is configured to transfer totes between the multilevel warehouse racking system and the mobile storage cart.
A materials handling vehicle includes: a power unit including: a steered wheel, and a steering device for generating a steer control signal; a load handling assembly coupled to the power unit; a controller located on the power unit for receiving the steer control signal; and a sensing device on the power unit and coupled to the controller. The sensing device monitors areas in front of and next to the vehicle. Based on sensing device data, the controller may modify at least one of the following vehicle parameters: a maximum allowable turning angle or a steered-wheel-to-steering-device ratio.
B66F 9/07 - Floor-to-roof stacking devices, e.g. stacker cranes, retrievers
B60Q 1/32 - 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 vehicle sides
G01S 7/481 - Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
G01S 17/931 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
G05D 1/222 - Remote-control arrangements operated by humans
G05D 1/223 - Command input arrangements on the remote controller, e.g. joysticks or touch screens
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
According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an industrial facility is provided comprising a tag layout and at least one ingress/egress zone. The tag layout comprises at least one double row of tags. The ingress/egress zone is located outside of an area of the vehicle travel plane occupied by the aisle path and is bounded in its entirety by the double row of tags, by two or more double rows of tags, by a combination of one or more double rows of tags and one more selected facility boundaries, or by combinations thereof. The double row of tags is arranged in an n×m matrix that is configured for successive detection of the inner and outer rows of tags that is dependent on the point-of-origin of a sensor transit path across the double row of tags. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
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
E04H 5/02 - Buildings or groups of buildings for industrial purposes, e.g. for power-plants or factories
G01C 21/00 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
A system that controls an industrial vehicle responsive to encountering working environment tags comprises a tag reader mounted on an industrial vehicle. Further, a tag is incorporated into a harness that is to be worn by an operator of the industrial vehicle. An information processing device on the industrial vehicle is communicably coupled to the tag reader and comprises a processor that is programmed to receive an identifier of the tag in the harness, access a predetermined action based upon the identifier of the detected tag, and communicate information across a vehicle network bus to an electronic component of the industrial vehicle to perform the predetermined action. The predetermined action automatically modifies a working state of the industrial vehicle to a first action when the harness worn by the operator is not clipped in, and a second action when the harness worn by the operator is clipped in.
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
G05D 1/223 - Command input arrangements on the remote controller, e.g. joysticks or touch screens
G05D 1/69 - Coordinated control of the position or course of two or more vehicles
G06Q 10/06 - Resources, workflows, human or project managementEnterprise or organisation planningEnterprise or organisation modelling
G06Q 10/0631 - Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
G06Q 10/0639 - Performance analysis of employeesPerformance analysis of enterprise or organisation operations
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
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
A process for automating control of an industrial vehicle based on location comprises scanning an environment, by using an optical scanner affixed to the industrial vehicle. A marker defined by a series of tags is identified by recursively receiving a reflection of the optical scanner; determining if the reflection is indicative of an optical tag; and concatenating the indication of an optical tag to the marker. Once the marker is identified, the marker is transformed into an environmental condition and a status of the vehicle is determined, where the status correlates to the environmental condition. Further, an automated control is applied on the industrial vehicle based on the environmental condition and the status of the industrial vehicle.
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
65.
BATTERY GUIDE PINS FOR A BATTERY RECEIVING SPACE OF A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE, AND MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME
Disclosed is a materials handling vehicle (100) which includes a battery receiving space (130), and a removable battery assembly (200).The battery receiving space (130) includes opposing pairs of battery guide pins (132a, 132b), each opposing pair arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space (130), and each opposing pair includes a latching pin (132a', 132b') and a guiding pin (132a'', 132b''). The removable battery assembly (200) includes a battery locking mechanism (220); and the battery locking mechanism (220) includes spring-loaded locking pins (240a, 240b) that are spring-biased in extended positions and are movable from the extended positions to respective retracted positions. The latching pin (132a', 132b') of each opposing pair of battery guide pins (132a, 132b) includes a recess forming a battery latch (150a, 150b) that is positioned to receive a leading portion of one of the spring-loaded locking pins (240a, 240b) in the extended position. This structure enables stable mounting of the removable battery assembly (200) into the battery receiving space (130).
B60S 5/06 - Supplying batteries to, or removing batteries from, vehicles
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 9/07 - Floor-to-roof stacking devices, e.g. stacker cranes, retrievers
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Object detection systems comprised of LiDAR apparatus for
use in indoor environments; object detection systems
comprised of ultra-wide band positioning systems, namely,
transmitters and receivers used to detect the location of
people, devices and assets for use in indoor environments;
electronic control systems for controlling materials
handling vehicles and electronic devices in the nature of
LiDAR apparatus, namely, cameras, transmitters and receivers
used to detect the location of people, devices and assets
and position detection systems comprised of LiDAR apparatus
for use in indoor environments; electronic control systems
for controlling materials handling vehicles and electronic
devices in the nature of ultra-wide band positioning systems
comprised of transmitters and receivers forming a real time
location system used to detect the location of people,
devices and assets and position detection systems using
ultra-wide band technology for use in indoor environments;
electronic control systems for controlling materials
handling vehicles and electronic devices in the nature of
ultra-wideband positioning systems, namely, transmitters and
receivers used to detect the location of people, devices and
assets; object detection systems comprised of LiDAR
apparatus sold as an integral component of materials
handling vehicles; object detection systems comprised of
ultra-wide band positioning systems, namely, transmitters
and receivers used to detect the location of people, devices
and assets sold as an integral component of materials
handling vehicles; position detection systems comprised of
LiDAR apparatus sold as an integral component of materials
handling vehicles; position detection systems comprised of
ultra-wide band positioning systems, namely, transmitters
and receivers used to detect the location of people, devices
and assets sold as an integral component of materials
handling vehicles.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Object detection systems comprised of LiDAR apparatus for
use in indoor environments; object detection systems
comprised of ultra-wide band positioning systems, namely,
transmitters and receivers used to detect the location of
people, devices and assets for use in indoor environments;
electronic control systems for controlling materials
handling vehicles and electronic devices in the nature of
LiDAR apparatus, namely, cameras, transmitters and receivers
used to detect the location of people, devices and assets
and position detection systems comprised of LiDAR apparatus
for use in indoor environments; electronic control systems
for controlling materials handling vehicles and electronic
devices in the nature of ultra-wide band positioning systems
comprised of transmitters and receivers forming a real time
location system used to detect the location of people,
devices and assets and position detection systems using
ultra-wide band technology for use in indoor environments;
electronic control systems for controlling materials
handling vehicles and electronic devices in the nature of
ultra-wideband positioning systems, namely, transmitters and
receivers used to detect the location of people, devices and
assets; object detection systems comprised of LiDAR
apparatus sold as an integral component of materials
handling vehicles; object detection systems comprised of
ultra-wide band positioning systems, namely, transmitters
and receivers used to detect the location of people, devices
and assets sold as an integral component of materials
handling vehicles; position detection systems comprised of
LiDAR apparatus sold as an integral component of materials
handling vehicles; position detection systems comprised of
ultra-wide band positioning systems, namely, transmitters
and receivers used to detect the location of people, devices
and assets sold as an integral component of materials
handling vehicles.
Embodiments provided herein include systems and methods for object detection in an environment. One embodiment of a system includes a vehicle with a wireless communication receiver for receiving communication from a wireless communication transmitter that is placed on a first object and a computing device that includes a memory component and a processor. The memory component may store logic that causes the system to receive a communication from the wireless communication transmitter, receive proximity data related to a second object, and determine a second location of the second object. Some embodiments cause the system to determine a control zone along a current path of the vehicle based on a speed of the vehicle, and in response to determining that at least one of the following enters the control zone: the first object or the second object, reduce the speed of the vehicle.
Embodiments provided herein include systems and methods for object detection in an environment. One embodiment of a system includes a vehicle with a wireless communication receiver for receiving communication from a wireless communication transmitter that is placed on a first object and a computing device that includes a memory component and a processor. The memory component may store logic that causes the system to receive a communication from the wireless communication transmitter, receive proximity data related to a second object, and determine a second location of the second object. Some embodiments cause the system to determine a control zone along a current path of the vehicle based on a speed of the vehicle, and in response to determining that at least one of the following enters the control zone: the first object or the second object, reduce the speed of the vehicle.
Embodiments provided herein include systems and methods for object detection in an environment. One embodiment of a system includes a vehicle with a wireless communication receiver for receiving communication from a wireless communication transmitter that is placed on a first object and a computing device that includes a memory component and a processor. The memory component may store logic that causes the system to receive a communication from the wireless communication transmitter, receive proximity data related to a second object, and determine a second location of the second object. Some embodiments cause the system to determine a control zone along a current path of the vehicle based on a speed of the vehicle, and in response to determining that at least one of the following enters the control zone: the first object or the second object, reduce the speed of the vehicle.
A materials handling vehicle includes a camera, odometry module, processor, and drive mechanism. The camera captures images of an identifier for a racking system aisle and a rack leg portion in the aisle. The processor uses the identifier to generate information indicative of an initial rack leg position and rack leg spacing in the aisle, generate an initial vehicle position using the initial rack leg position, generate a vehicle odometry-based position using odometry data and the initial vehicle position, detect a subsequent rack leg using a captured image, correlate the detected subsequent rack leg with an expected vehicle position using rack leg spacing, generate an odometry error signal based on a difference between the positions, and update the vehicle odometry-based position using the odometry error signal and/or generated mast sway compensation to use for end of aisle protection and/or in/out of aisle localization.
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 9/20 - Means for actuating or controlling masts, platforms, or forks
G06V 20/56 - Context or environment of the image exterior to a vehicle by using sensors mounted on the vehicle
72.
Goods-to-man warehousing comprising multilevel racking, mobile storage units, storage unit transporters, and pick-place vehicle
A goods-to-man warehousing system comprises a multilevel racking system, a plurality of mobile storage units, a storage unit transporter, a pick-place vehicle, a mobile storage unit transfer node, and a warehouse management computing hub. The multilevel racking system comprises a vertically and horizontally distributed array of storage bays. One or more of the mobile storage units are positioned in respective ones of the storage bays of the multilevel racking system. The pick-place vehicle comprises pick-place hardware that enables the pick-place vehicle to transfer mobile storage units between a plurality of different, vertically displaced storage bays of the multilevel racking system and the mobile storage unit transfer node of the goods-to-man warehousing system. The storage unit transporter comprises storage unit engagement hardware that enables the storage unit transporter to transport mobile storage units to or from the mobile storage unit transfer node of the goods-to-man warehousing system.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) Object detection systems comprised of LiDAR apparatus for use in indoor environments; object detection systems comprised of ultra-wide band positioning systems, namely, transmitters and receivers used to detect the location of people, devices and assets for use in indoor environments; electronic control systems for controlling materials handling vehicles and electronic devices in the nature of LiDAR apparatus, namely, cameras, transmitters and receivers used to detect the location of people, devices and assets and position detection systems comprised of LiDAR apparatus for use in indoor environments; electronic control systems for controlling materials handling vehicles and electronic devices in the nature of ultra-wide band positioning systems comprised of transmitters and receivers forming a real time location system used to detect the location of people, devices and assets and position detection systems using ultra-wide band technology for use in indoor environments; electronic control systems for controlling materials handling vehicles and electronic devices in the nature of ultra-wideband positioning systems, namely, transmitters and receivers used to detect the location of people, devices and assets; object detection systems comprised of LiDAR apparatus sold as an integral component of materials handling vehicles; object detection systems comprised of ultra-wide band positioning systems, namely, transmitters and receivers used to detect the location of people, devices and assets sold as an integral component of materials handling vehicles; position detection systems comprised of LiDAR apparatus sold as an integral component of materials handling vehicles; position detection systems comprised of ultra-wide band positioning systems, namely, transmitters and receivers used to detect the location of people, devices and assets sold as an integral component of materials handling vehicles.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) Object detection systems comprised of LiDAR apparatus for use in indoor environments; object detection systems comprised of ultra-wide band positioning systems, namely, transmitters and receivers used to detect the location of people, devices and assets for use in indoor environments; electronic control systems for controlling materials handling vehicles and electronic devices in the nature of LiDAR apparatus, namely, cameras, transmitters and receivers used to detect the location of people, devices and assets and position detection systems comprised of LiDAR apparatus for use in indoor environments; electronic control systems for controlling materials handling vehicles and electronic devices in the nature of ultra-wide band positioning systems comprised of transmitters and receivers forming a real time location system used to detect the location of people, devices and assets and position detection systems using ultra-wide band technology for use in indoor environments; electronic control systems for controlling materials handling vehicles and electronic devices in the nature of ultra-wideband positioning systems, namely, transmitters and receivers used to detect the location of people, devices and assets; object detection systems comprised of LiDAR apparatus sold as an integral component of materials handling vehicles; object detection systems comprised of ultra-wide band positioning systems, namely, transmitters and receivers used to detect the location of people, devices and assets sold as an integral component of materials handling vehicles; position detection systems comprised of LiDAR apparatus sold as an integral component of materials handling vehicles; position detection systems comprised of ultra-wide band positioning systems, namely, transmitters and receivers used to detect the location of people, devices and assets sold as an integral component of materials handling vehicles.
75.
Alignment spacer assemblies for welding and methods for using same
A spacer assembly and method for using same to fix a first component to a second component are provided. The method includes positioning the first and second spacer segments between the first and second components, the first and second spacer segments each including an inner face, an opposite outer face, and an exterior surface extending along a longitudinal axis between the inner face and the outer face. The exterior surfaces of the first and second spacer segments are coaxially aligned and secured by a securing device such that the inner faces of the first and second spacer segments define supplementary non-perpendicular angles relative to the longitudinal axis and the outer faces of the first and second spacer segments are parallel to one another. The securing device and the first and second spacer segments are removed after the first component is mechanically coupled to the second component.
B23K 37/00 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass
B23K 37/04 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work
76.
BATTERY DISPLAY, BATTERY COUPLING, AND MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME
A materials handling vehicle (100) including a battery receiving space (130), and a removable battery assembly (200). The removable battery assembly (200) includes a battery body (210), a leading face (201), and an electrical socket (300) on the leading face (201) of the removable battery assembly (200); the battery receiving space (130) includes an electrical connector (400); the leading face (201) of the removable battery assembly (200) rests on a bottom surface (134) of the battery receiving space (130) with the electrical socket (300) engaged with the electrical connector (400); and the electrical socket (300), the electrical connector (400), the battery body (210), and the battery receiving space (130) are configured to define a standoff gap (414) between opposing surfaces (416,418) of the electrical socket (300) and the electrical connector (400), with the leading face (201) of the removable battery assembly (200) resting on the bottom surface (134) of the battery receiving space (130).
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 materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes lateral battery faces, each including a longitudinal guide structure; the battery receiving space includes opposing guide blocks, each arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each including a securement portion and a replaceable portion; the replaceable portion of each guide block including a friction-inducing surface and a guiding surface; each friction-inducing surface facing an opposing one of the lateral battery faces; and each guiding surface facing an opposing surface of the longitudinal guide structure, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space.
The industrial truck comprises a drive frame (110), a load frame (120), which is liftable with respect to the drive frame, a drive frame cover (210), which is provided for at least partly covering the drive frame (110), a load frame cover (220), which is provided for at least partly covering the load frame (120), wherein the drive frame cover (210) comprises a curved portion (230), wherein the curved portion (230) and the load frame cover (220) overlap one another, and wherein the curved portion (230) comprises a curvature (238), which is aligned with a curved movement path of the load frame cover (220) with respect to the drive frame cover (210). A cover system and an industrial truck with such a cover system are also provided.
A pallet truck (200), which comprises a drive frame (110) on which a drive wheel support (130) is pivotably supported, a load frame (120), which is liftable with respect to the drive frame (110) in a lifting direction (L), a hydraulic lift module (100), which interconnects the drive frame (110) and the load frame (120). Further comprising a hydraulic lift module (100), which comprises a hydraulic lift cylinder (10). The hydraulic lift cylinder (10) comprises a cylinder barrel (16) and a piston rod (18). The cylinder barrel (16) comprises a cap end (14) at one end portion of the cylinder barrel (16) and a rod end (12) at the other end portion of the cylinder barrel (16). The piston rod (18) extends outwards from the cylinder barrel (16) at the rod end (12) of the cylinder barrel (16). The hydraulic lift module (100) further comprises a hydraulic unit (50), which is hydraulically connected to the hydraulic lift cylinder (10). The hydraulic unit (50) is attached to the cylinder barrel (16).
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 materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes a battery body and a battery locking mechanism; the battery locking mechanism includes a spring-loaded battery handle and a spring-loaded locking pin; the battery receiving space includes a battery latch positioned to receive the spring-loaded locking pin; the spring-loaded battery handle includes a planar handle cam surface and the spring-loaded locking pin includes a planar pin cam surface such that the handle cam surface engages the pin cam surface with movement of the battery handle relative to the battery body; the spring-loaded battery handle is spring-biased in a locked position; and the spring-loaded locking pin is spring-biased in an extended position and is movable to a retracted position in response to movement of the battery handle from the locked position to an unlocked position.
A materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes lateral battery faces, each including a longitudinal guide structure; the battery receiving space includes opposing guide blocks, each arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each including a securement portion and a replaceable portion; the replaceable portion of each guide block including a friction-inducing surface and a guiding surface; each friction-inducing surface facing an opposing one of the lateral battery faces; and each guiding surface facing an opposing surface of the longitudinal guide structure, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space.
A materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes a battery body, a leading face, and an electrical socket on the leading face of the removable battery assembly; the battery receiving space includes an electrical connector; the leading face of the removable battery assembly rests on a bottom surface of the battery receiving space with the electrical socket engaged with the electrical connector; and the electrical socket, the electrical connector, the battery body, and the battery receiving space are configured to define a standoff gap between opposing surfaces of the electrical socket and the electrical connector, with the leading face of the removable battery assembly resting on the bottom surface of the battery receiving space.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 53/16 - Connectors, e.g. plugs or sockets, specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
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
83.
BATTERY GUIDE PINS FOR A BATTERY RECEIVING SPACE OF A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE, AND MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME
A materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the battery receiving space includes opposing pairs of battery guide pins, each opposing pair arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each opposing pair includes a latching pin and a guiding pin; the removable battery assembly includes a battery locking mechanism; the battery locking mechanism includes spring-loaded locking pins that are spring-biased in extended positions and are movable from the extended positions to respective retracted positions; the latching pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins includes a recess forming a battery latch that is positioned to receive a leading portion of one of the spring-loaded locking pins in the extended position.
B60K 1/04 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/64 - Constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles
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
84.
BATTERY LOCKING MECHANISMS, REMOVABLE BATTERY ASSEMBLIES, AND MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME
A materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes a battery body and a battery locking mechanism; the battery locking mechanism includes a spring-loaded battery handle and a spring-loaded locking pin; the battery receiving space includes a battery latch positioned to receive the spring-loaded locking pin; the spring-loaded battery handle includes a planar handle cam surface and the spring-loaded locking pin includes a planar pin cam surface such that the handle cam surface engages the pin cam surface with movement of the battery handle relative to the battery body; the spring-loaded battery handle is spring-biased in a locked position; and the spring-loaded locking pin is spring-biased in an extended position and is movable to a retracted position in response to movement of the battery handle from the locked position to an unlocked position.
A materials handling vehicle (100) includes a battery receiving space (130) and a removable battery assembly (200). The battery receiving space (130) includes opposing pairs of battery guide pins (132A, 132B). Each opposing pair of battery guide pins (132A, 132B) arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space (130). And each opposing pair of battery guide pins (132A, 132B) includes a latching pin (132A', 132B') and a guiding pin (132A'', 132B''). The removable battery assembly (200) includes a battery locking mechanism (220). The battery locking mechanism (220) includes spring-loaded locking pins (240A, 240B) that are spring-biased in extended positions and are movable from the extended positions to respective retracted positions. The latching pin (132A', 132B') of each opposing pair of battery guide pins (132A, 132B) includes a recess forming a battery latch (150A, 150B) that is positioned to receive a leading portion (245A, 245B) of one of the spring-loaded locking pins (240A, 240B) in the extended position. Also included is a removable battery assembly (200) having pairs of guide pin stabilizers (205A, 205A ', 205B, 205B'). Each pair of guide pin stabilizers (205A, 205A ', 205B, 205B') forms a restricted-width guide pin gap G along a longitudinal guide structure (204A, 204B) on each lateral battery faces (202A, 202B).
A materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes lateral battery faces, each including a longitudinal guide structure; the battery receiving space includes opposing guide blocks, each arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each including a securement portion and a replaceable portion; the replaceable portion of each guide block including a friction-inducing surface and a guiding surface; each friction-inducing surface facing an opposing one of the lateral battery faces; and each guiding surface facing an opposing surface of the longitudinal guide structure, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space.
A materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes lateral battery faces, each including a longitudinal guide structure; the battery receiving space includes opposing retention blocks, each arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each comprising a retention lever including a fixed end and a distal end; and the longitudinal guide structure of each lateral battery face includes a lever-receiving detent that is configured to receive the distal end of one of the retention levers.
H01M 50/503 - Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteriesInterconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing characterised by the shape of the interconnectors
A pallet truck includes a drive frame on which a drive wheel support is pivotably supported, a load frame, which is liftable with respect to the drive frame in a lifting direction, and a hydraulic lift module, which interconnects the drive frame and the load frame. The hydraulic lift module includes a hydraulic lift cylinder, which includes a cylinder barrel and a piston rod, wherein the cylinder barrel includes a cap end at one end portion of the cylinder barrel and a rod end at the other end portion of the cylinder barrel, wherein the piston rod extends outwards from the cylinder barrel at the rod end of the cylinder barrel and wherein a free end of the piston rod is accommodated in the drive frame. In the lifting direction, the cap end of the cylinder barrel is arranged above the rod end of the cylinder barrel.
An industrial truck including a drive frame, a load frame liftable with respect to the drive frame, a drive frame cover at least partly covering the drive frame, and a load frame cover at least partly covering the load frame. The drive frame cover includes a curved portion overlapping a load frame cover. The curved portion includes a curvature aligned with a curved movement path of the load frame cover with respect to the drive frame cover. A cover system including a first cover provided for at least partly covering a first part of an industrial truck, and a second cover provided for at least partly covering a second part of the industrial truck and movable with respect to the first part. The first cover includes a curved portion overlapping the second cover. The curved portion includes a curvature aligned with a curved movement path of the second cover.
B62B 5/00 - Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
B62B 3/06 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor involving means for grappling or securing in place objects to be carriedLoad handling equipment for simply clearing the load from the ground, e.g. low-lift trucks
90.
Battery locking mechanisms, removable battery assemblies, and materials handling vehicles incorporating the same
A materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes a battery body and a battery locking mechanism; the battery locking mechanism includes a spring-loaded battery handle and a spring-loaded locking pin; the battery receiving space includes a battery latch positioned to receive the spring-loaded locking pin; the spring-loaded battery handle includes a planar handle cam surface and the spring-loaded locking pin includes a planar pin cam surface such that the handle cam surface engages the pin cam surface with movement of the battery handle relative to the battery body; the spring-loaded battery handle is spring-biased in a locked position; and the spring-loaded locking pin is spring-biased in an extended position and is movable to a retracted position in response to movement of the battery handle from the locked position to an unlocked position.
B60K 1/04 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
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 50/264 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders with fastening means, e.g. locks for cells or batteries, e.g. straps, tie rods or peripheral frames
91.
Battery retention blocks for a battery receiving space of a materials handling vehicle, and materials handling vehicles incorporating the same
A materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes lateral battery faces, each including a longitudinal guide structure; the battery receiving space includes opposing retention blocks, each arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each comprising a retention lever including a fixed end and a distal end; and the longitudinal guide structure of each lateral battery face includes a lever-receiving detent that is configured to receive the distal end of one of the retention levers.
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
A materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes lateral battery faces, each including a longitudinal guide structure; the battery receiving space includes opposing retention blocks, each arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each comprising a retention lever including a fixed end and a distal end; and the longitudinal guide structure of each lateral battery face includes a lever-receiving detent that is configured to receive the distal end of one of the retention levers.
H01M 50/503 - Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteriesInterconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing characterised by the shape of the interconnectors
The industrial truck comprises a drive frame (110), a load frame (120), which is liftable with respect to the drive frame, a drive frame cover (210), which is provided for at least partly covering the drive frame (110), a load frame cover (220), which is provided for at least partly covering the load frame (120), wherein the drive frame cover (210) comprises a curved portion (230), wherein the curved portion (230) and the load frame cover (220) overlap one another, and wherein the curved portion (230) comprises a curvature (238), which is aligned with a curved movement path of the load frame cover (220) with respect to the drive frame cover (210). A cover system and an industrial truck with such a cover system are also provided.
A pallet truck (200), which comprises a drive frame (110) on which a drive wheel support (130) is pivotably supported, a load frame (120), which is liftable with respect to the drive frame (110) in a lifting direction (L), a hydraulic lift module (100), which interconnects the drive frame (110) and the load frame (120). Further comprising a hydraulic lift module (100), which comprises a hydraulic lift cylinder (10). The hydraulic lift cylinder (10) comprises a cylinder barrel (16) and a piston rod (18). The cylinder barrel (16) comprises a cap end (14) at one end portion of the cylinder barrel (16) and a rod end (12) at the other end portion of the cylinder barrel (16). The piston rod (18) extends outwards from the cylinder barrel (16) at the rod end (12) of the cylinder barrel (16). The hydraulic lift module (100) further comprises a hydraulic unit (50), which is hydraulically connected to the hydraulic lift cylinder (10). The hydraulic unit (50) is attached to the cylinder barrel (16).
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 materials handling vehicle (100) including a battery receiving space (130), and a removable battery assembly (200). The removable battery assembly (200) includes a battery body (210), a leading face (201), and an electrical socket (300) on the leading face (201) of the removable battery assembly (200); the battery receiving space (130) includes an electrical connector (400); the leading face (201) of the removable battery assembly (200) rests on a bottom surface (134) of the battery receiving space (130) with the electrical socket (300) engaged with the electrical connector (400); and the electrical socket (300), the electrical connector (400), the battery body (210), and the battery receiving space (130) are configured to define a standoff gap (414) between opposing surfaces (416,418) of the electrical socket (300) and the electrical connector (400), with the leading face (201) of the removable battery assembly (200) resting on the bottom surface (134) of the battery receiving space (130).
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
96.
BATTERY GUIDE PINS FOR A BATTERY RECEIVING SPACE OF A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE, AND MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME
A materials handling vehicle including a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the battery receiving space includes opposing pairs of battery guide pins, each opposing pair arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each opposing pair includes a latching pin and a guiding pin; the removable battery assembly includes a battery locking mechanism; the battery locking mechanism includes spring-loaded locking pins that are spring-biased in extended positions and are movable from the extended positions to respective retracted positions; the latching pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins includes a recess forming a battery latch that is positioned to receive a leading portion of one of the spring-loaded locking pins in the extended position.
A system is provided comprising: a materials handling vehicle; a wearable remote control device comprising: a wireless communication system including a wireless transmitter; and a rechargeable power source; a receiver at the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter; a controller at the vehicle that is communicably coupled to the receiver, the controller being responsive to receipt of the transmissions from the remote control device; and a charging station at the vehicle. The charging station may charge the rechargeable power source of the wearable remote control device. The charging station may comprise a visual indicator.
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
G08B 5/38 - Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmissionVisible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electromagnetic transmission using visible light sources using flashing light
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
98.
MANUAL HITCHES AND VEHICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME
A materials handling vehicle comprising a hitch, and a drive mechanism. The hitch comprises a latch and a receiving member. The latch is positionable between open and closed positions. The receiving member comprises a pair of inwardly curved side scoops and a central incline member provided between the pair of inwardly curved side scoops, each inwardly curved side scoop having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, an inner surface, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, a rear surface, and a front surface opposite the rear surface. The rear and upper surfaces of the pair of inwardly curved side scoops define an open rear end of the receiving member, the upper surface being sloped at the open rear end. The central incline member and the upper surface of the pair of inwardly curved side scoops cooperate to lead a cart hook to engage the latch.
B60D 1/36 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers
99.
Manual hitches and vehicles incorporating the same
A materials handling vehicle comprising a hitch, and a drive mechanism. The hitch comprises a latch and a receiving member. The latch is positionable between open and closed positions. The receiving member comprises a pair of inwardly curved side scoops and a central incline member provided between the pair of inwardly curved side scoops, each inwardly curved side scoop having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, an inner surface, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, a rear surface, and a front surface opposite the rear surface. The rear and upper surfaces of the pair of inwardly curved side scoops define an open rear end of the receiving member, the upper surface being sloped at the open rear end. The central incline member and the upper surface of the pair of inwardly curved side scoops cooperate to lead a cart hook to engage the latch.
A materials handling vehicle comprising a hitch system, and a drive mechanism. The hitch system comprises a hitch and a hitch controller. The hitch comprises a latch, one or more sensors, an actuator, and a receiving member. The latch is positionable between open and closed positions. The actuator is positionable between retracted, intermediate, and extended positions. The receiving member is configured to lead a cart hook to engage the latch when in the closed position. The one or more sensors are configured to detect a position of the latch and a presence of the cart hook received within the receiving member. The hitch controller is configured to position the actuator in one of the retracted position, the intermediate position, and the extended position, and to position the latch in one of the open position and the closed position in response to signals received from the one or more sensors.
B60D 1/36 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers
B60D 1/28 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for preventing unwanted disengagement, e.g. safety appliances
