Patent ID: 6981331
Filing Date: 2006-01-03
Classification: G01C,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A magnetically damped fork level indicating device for use with a forklift having a moveable mast with forks connected thereto to move therewith, said forklift having an operator seat location, comprising: a housing having a gauge section facing generally toward the operator seat location; an elongate indicator arm pivotally coupled to said housing for rotation about an axis generally perpendicular to said mast, wherein said indicator arm has a first section and a second section disposed on opposite sides of said axis; a weight coupled to said indicator arm so as to cause said first section to assume a predetermined orientation with respect to level ground under the influence of gravity; wherein said indicator arm at least partially overlies said gauge section and wherein the relative position of said indicator arm and said gauge section indicate the relative angular relationship between the orientation of the forks and level ground; a dampening means for dampening oscillations of said indicator arm, said dampening means comprising a first magnet associated with said indicator arm and moveable therewith and a second magnet associated with said housing and spaced from said first magnet, said second magnet magnetically coupled to said first magnet so as to dampen oscillations of said indicator arm.