Systems and methods for towing, hitching, and connecting devices are described. An autonomous guided vehicle includes an automated hitch capable of connecting to a variety of types of containers.

Systems and apparatuses include a platform charger for use with a lift, such as an aerial work platform (AWP) or mobile elevating work platform (MEWP). The platform charger includes an elevated platform, a ramp extending away from a first end of the platform, a battery, and an induction coil. The induction coil is received within the platform and positioned near an upper surface of the platform. The induction coil is configured to receive electricity from an energy source and generate a magnetic field that extends substantially upwardly, through the platform to objects positioned on the platform. The induction coil is also configured to act as an antenna, such that if the induction coil is positioned within an magnetic field, a current will be induced in the induction coil that can be used to recharge a battery associated with the platform charger.

A location determination system for a material handling vehicle operating near a charging node. The system may include a power receptor configured to receive power from the charging node and provide current to the material handling vehicle. The system may include a sensor electrically coupled to the power receptor and configured to measure the current provided by the power receptor, and a controller configured to determine a current profile based on the measured current and determine a distance of the power receptor to the charging node based on the current profile. The system may determine the distance of the material handling vehicle from the charging node and may determine the location of the material handling vehicle based on a predetermined location of the charging node. The system may comprise multiple power receptors each with a current profile and may determine a speed and/or direction based on the multiple current profiles.

A method and apparatus for moving objects between locations using a moving apparatus coupled to a lifting device, such as a forklift. The moving apparatus is engageable with the lifting device when seated on a surface and is secured to the lifting device by a retaining assembly when the lifting device lifts the moving apparatus off the surface. The moving device includes a connector assembly which is used to retain or secure an object, article, or piece of equipment to the moving apparatus. The connector assembly may be any suitable hitch-type apparatus such as a standard ball hitch or a gooseneck hitch. In other embodiments, the connector assembly may include a platform which is rotatably mounted to a body of the moving apparatus. The platform defines a platform channel into which a portion of the object, article, or piece of equipment is received.

The present disclosure describes a lift truck attachment system that includes a lift truck carriage with an upper carriage support and a lower carriage support secured between two support brackets. The lift truck carriage is dimensioned to fit at least partially between opposing masts of a lift truck, such that the upper and lower carriage supports do not extend substantially beyond a forward surface of the mast. A device assembly, is mounted to the lift truck carriage, the device assembly including a base portion removably secured to the upper and/or lower carriage supports via one or more attachments. The device assembly can include a carriage scale removably secured to the base portion, the carriage scale configured to support load handling fixtures, such as a lift fork. In some examples, a single carriage support is used.

A pallet detection assembly for a material handling vehicle is provided. The pallet detection assembly includes a body defining a cavity and having a proximity sensor housed at least partially within the cavity. The pallet detection assembly further includes an actuation plate having a tab coupled thereto and extending in a direction toward the body, and an actuator having a cylinder coupled to the body and a plunger slidably received within the cylinder and coupled to the actuation plate. The actuator is configured to movably couple the actuation plate to the body so that the actuation plate is configured to non-pivotally displace relative to the body.

An apparatus (100) and method (900) for the handling of cargo (70). The apparatus (100) includes a cab assembly (400) and a loader assembly (600) mounted onto a mobile mounting structure (200). The apparatus (100) can be particularly useful in the context loading and unloading cargo (70) in tight and confined spaces, such as the loading and unloading collapsible containers (84) into rail cars used to deliver cars and small trucks. The cab assembly (400) can have a horizontal rotation range (284) of up to about 180 degrees, so that the operator (90) of the apparatus (100) can avoid driving in reverse.

The present invention relates to a driverless transport device (10) for transporting objects (38), comprising: a support structure (12) having an outer contour (14); an undercarriage (16) which is secured to the support structure (12) and has at least one first wheel (18) and a second wheel (20), wherein the first wheel (18) is mounted in the undercarriage (16) so as to rotate about a first axis of rotation (D1) and the second wheel (20) is mounted in the undercarriage (16) so as to rotate about a second axis of rotation (D2); a drive unit (22) by means of which the first wheel (18) and the second wheel (20) can be driven independently of each other; and a force measuring device (56) by means of which the force acting on the support portion (39) can be determined.

The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to an interchangeable hitch mechanism that is coupleable to a pusher device. Other implementations relate to a pusher device having such an interchangeable hitch mechanism that can be removably coupleable to a manual jack pallet.

(1) A Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) whereby the driver is positioned facing away from the rear-mounted mast and loading mechanism. This machine increases the operational field of view and awareness of surroundings during extended paths of transit in both warehouse and manufacturing facilities. Cameras, lights, and a dash-mounted display are utilized for assisting the operator with the loading and unloading of materials.