Forklift safety sensor and control system
US7287625B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 4, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB66F9/12
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A forklift safety sensor and control system for preventing unsafe wear on the bottom surface of the fork. A fork height sensor detects when the fork is below a predefined threshold height at which the bottom surface is in close proximity to the ground or is in contact with the ground. The sensor sends a height signal to a system controller. In response, the controller sends a lockout signal to a lockout device, which prevents the forklift's drive mechanism from moving the forklift relative to the ground. The controller may also send an alert to the driver. When the fork is raised above the threshold height, the lockout is removed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.