Systems and methods of remotely controlling a materials handling vehicle

US8072309B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Crown Equipment Corporation · US

Inventors

• James V. Kraimer · Haimhausen, DE
• Jay G. Pollack · Sidney, US
• Timothy A. Wellman · Celina, US
• Eric L. Jensen · Richmond, US
• Monty L. Crabill · New Carlisle, US
• Kurt Dykema · Holland, US
• Paul Duckworth · Holland, US
• Todd Andrew Zeilinger · Chicago, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 14, 2007
• Grant date: Dec 6, 2011
• Expiry date: Sep 4, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G08C2201/92
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises a wearable control device, and a corresponding receiver on the materials handling vehicle. The wearable control device is donned by an operator interacting with the materials handling vehicle, and comprises a wireless transmitter and a travel control communicably coupled to the wireless transmitter. Actuation of the travel control causes the wireless transmitter to transmit a first type signal designating a request to advance the vehicle in a first direction. The receiver is supported by the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter. A traction control of the vehicle is responsive to a receipt of the first type signal by the receiver to cause the vehicle to advance.