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:
Oct. 31, 2000
Filed:
Mar. 12, 1999
Toshikazu Kamiya, Kariya, JP;
Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho, Kariya, JP;
Abstract
An apparatus in a forklift for detecting the height of a fork in stages. Two sensors are arranged longitudinally on the mast. Each sensor includes a switch that has two states. The state of each switch can be changed by movement of the fork. Each switch is connected to input terminals of a controller. The signal at each input terminal changes between two levels in accordance with the state of a corresponding switch. A memory in the controller stores data that defines the relationship between ranges of movement of the fork, or zones, and the combination of the signals. The controller judges the height of the fork when the combination of signals corresponds to a combination that exists in the data. The controller judges that there is an abnormality when the combination does not exist in the data. This permits detection of malfunctioning switches and a cut and a short-circuited wiring.