Systems and methods of remotely controlling a materials handling vehicle

US10179723B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Crown Equipment Corporation · US

Inventors

• James V. Kraimer · Haimhausen, DE
• Jay G. Pollack · Sidney, US
• Timothy A. Wellman · Celina, US
• Lewis H. Manci · New Bremen, US
• Vernon W. Siefring · Covington, US
• Mark E. Schumacher · New Knoxville, US
• Matthew M. Green · Devizes, GB
• Anthony T. Castaneda · Troy, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 27, 2017
• Grant date: Jan 15, 2019
• Expiry date: Nov 27, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G08C2201/20
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A materials handling vehicle includes an operator platform from which an operator can drive the vehicle; a traction control system for advancing the vehicle across a floor surface; at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of an object located at a position proximate to the vehicle; and a controller communicably coupled to the at least one sensor and the traction control system. The controller is responsive to the output of the at least one sensor to stop or slow down the vehicle if an object is detected proximate to the vehicle and the vehicle is traveling in response to a remote travel request. However, the controller does not slow down or stop the vehicle if an object is proximate to the vehicle while the operator is driving the vehicle on the operator platform.