End of aisle control system
US5258911A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0272
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An end of aisle control system permits an operator controlled materials handling vehicle to be configured by following instructions given on a service terminal and easily positionable magnet sensors to a customer's specific operating environment. In addition to end of aisle magnets that are buried in specified paths in the floor of a warehouse, magnets may be buried in other paths to accomplish specified functions, such as auto-resume and end aisle blocked. The buried magnets identify zones of operation and a microprocessor controls the maximum speed of travel in each of these zones. The maximum speed of the vehicle in each of the specified zones may be pre-selected according to the direction of travel of the vehicle, thus making the control system adaptable to a wide variety of operating environments. The end of aisle control system also controls the method of stopping the vehicle, either by the use of brakes, or by plugging the traction motor. Whenever the vehicle is stopped in response to action by the end of aisle control system, an audible and visual signal is presented, indicating that specific operator action is required before further movement in that same direction is poss…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.