The Raymond Corporation

David L Kellogg

Isaac Avitan

James M Simmons, Jr

Michael S Bachman

Stephen L Page

Ralph E Allen

Issac Avitan

David J Radley

The present invention is a method and apparatus for controlling a steer center position of an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) of the type that follows a wire. As the automatic vehicle follows a wire, the distance of the AGV from the wire is monitored over a given distance, and an average distance from wire calculated. This value is used to determine a steer center position adjustment, which adjusts the steer center position to maintain the AGV within a predetermined distance of the wire or other path. The present invention is useful in accounting for variations between AGV's based on mechanical linkages and manufacturing differences; differences in steer center position when an AGV is driven in a forward or reverse direction; and changes due to environmental conditions.

Steer control system for material handling vehicles

The present invention features a system and method for preventing overheating of a motor and/or power amplifier of a material handling vehicle by controlling the performance of the vehicle as a function of motor and/or power amplifier temperature. Temperature sensors are connected to the motor and power amplifier for determining their operating temperatures. A controller is connected to each temperature sensor and to the motor for controlling acceleration of the motor as a function of either or both temperatures, so that both the motor and the power amplifier will not overheat. In controlling acceleration of the motor, the invention provides a mechanism for changing acceleration by discrete steps or continuously according to a performance curve which may be linear or otherwise.

Temperature control system for motors and power components of a material

The present invention features a material handling vehicle identification system. The material handling vehicle has a universal system processor for controlling the vehicle speed, acceleration, direction and motion of a plurality of different vehicles. A semiconductor memory device is permanently affixed to the chassis of the vehicle during the manufacturing process. This memory device contains a unique identification tag. The identification tag is remotely disposed from, but operatively connected to the system processor. The identification tag includes data for uniquely identifying the material handling vehicle. The system processor can control the performance of the vehicle as a function of the data in the identification tag, whereby the system processor becomes customized to operate consistant only with the vehicle in which it is installed.

Material handling vehicle identification tag

A travel speed limiting control system for lift trucks, particularly of the 'orderpicker' type, having an extendible mast, is disclosed. The truck travel speed which the operator can command is limited by factors including load weight, load elevation, heading angle and direction of truck travel (forward or reverse) . Optionally, other factors may be involved, such as lateral tilt and load moment. An algorithm including the desired input factors is continually processed by an on-board microcomputer to provide an instantaneous speed limit signal. In addition to its normal operating mode, the microcomputer is also arranged to operate in a 'learn' mode, whereby it runs through the ranges of various input signals and develops a set of stored values which indicate the allowable ranges of the inputs, as well as offset or bias values which compensate for manufacturing tolerances occurring in the components of the system.

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Greene, NY, United States of America

David L Kellogg