Systems and methods for a clamp with power and communications contacts
AssigneeThe Raymond Corporation
InventorsFernando D. Goncalves, John Bryant Kirk, Keith F. Dolezel
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A material handling vehicle may include a clamp assembly, the clamp assembly including a housing, a grip assembly, and a power source. The grip assembly may be pivotally engaged with the housing. The power source may be in electrical communication with the grip assembly. The grip assembly includes a lobe pivotally engaged with the housing and a contact supported by the lobe, the contact being electrically conductive.
Claims20
A material sorting system adapted to engage a material handling vehicle, the material sorting system comprising:
- a clamp assembly configured to transfer power or a communication signal, the clamp assembly comprising:
- a first grip arm;
- and
- a second grip arm, the second grip arm laterally opposing the first grip arm;
- and
- a base, the base including fork pockets adapted to receive a pair of forks from the material handling vehicle, the base comprising:
- at least one electrical contact within the base, the at least one electrical contact being adapted to engage with a corresponding electrical contact on the clamp assembly.
A material sorting system adapted to engage a material handling vehicle, the material sorting system comprising:
- a base including fork pockets adapted to receive a pair of forks from the material handling vehicle;
- at least one electrical contact within the base;
- and
- a carousel assembly coupled to the base, the carousel assembly including:
- a plurality of storage units;
- and
- an actuation mechanism configured to move the plurality of storage units relative to the base.
A method for engaging a material sorting system, the method comprising:
- receiving a pair of forks from a material handling vehicle into fork pockets of a base of a carousel assembly;
- engaging the fork pockets using a clamp assembly on the material handling vehicle;
- transferring power and information between the material handling vehicle and the carousel assembly;
- and
- moving a plurality of storage units on the carousel assembly using an actuation mechanism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.