The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 11, 1989
Filed:
Jul. 29, 1987
H Jack Greene, Plantation, FL (US);
Russell J Royer, Pembroke Pines, FL (US);
Robert L Smidl, Jr, Davie, FL (US);
Scott D Renkes, Miami Lakes, FL (US);
EDS Technologies Inc., Hialeah, FL (US);
Abstract
A vehicle including a receiver for tracking signals generated by a wire for directing the vehicle to follow the wire which loops between loading and unloading positions. Sensors detect the vehicle for moving a swingable member to a first position and locking the member to cradle the load on the vehicle. Drivewheel assemblies arranged along one longitudinal side of the vehicle are rotatable to steer the vehicle and to move the wheels to a position to move the vehicle sidewise for delivering the load to a utilization device at the unloading location. The side of the vehicle opposite the side of the drive wheel assemblies is provided with caster assemblies enabling the side of the caster assemblies to be of a significantly reduced height relative to the opposite side thereof to permit the load to be dispensed and enable the vehicle to be withdrawn from beneath the load when the lifted swingable member is lowered. The forward and rearward drive wheel assemblies receive steering signals from independent receiver antennas. The forward drive wheel assembly receives a speed signal from its receiver antenna. The rearward drive wheel assembly senses the load on the forward drive wheel assembly for controlling the drive on the rearward drive wheel assembly. Light sensors are provided on the vehicle responsive to modulated light of a predetermined wave length for selectively halting movement of the vehicle.