ONBOARD CHARGING STATION FOR A REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE

Abstract

A system includes a remote control device that can be used by an operator interacting with a material handling vehicle. The remote control device includes a wireless communication system comprising a wireless transmitter and a rechargeable power supply. The system further comprises: a receiver in the vehicle to receive transmissions from the wireless transmitter; a controller in the vehicle that is communicatively coupled to the receiver, where the controller responds to the reception of transmissions from the remote control device; and a charging station in the vehicle for charging the rechargeable power supply of the remote control device.

Description

ONBOARD CHARGING STATION FOR A REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an on-board charging station for a remote control device, as it may be used by an operator interacting with a material handling vehicle. Background of the Invention Material handling vehicles are typically used to pick stock in warehouses and distribution centers. These vehicles usually include a power unit and a load handling assembly, which may include forks. The vehicle also has control structures to manage its operation and movement. In a typical stock picking operation, an operator fills orders from available stock items located in storage areas along one or more aisles of a warehouse or distribution center. The operator drives the vehicle between various picking locations where the items are to be collected. The operator may drive the vehicle either using the vehicle's control structures or by means of a wireless remote control device associated with the vehicle, such as the remote control device disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,082,293, a common-proprietary patent, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Brief Description of the Invention According to various aspects of the present invention, a system comprises a material handling vehicle and a remote control device that can be used by an operator interacting with the material handling vehicle. The remote control device comprises a wireless communication system including a wireless transmitter and a rechargeable power supply. The system further comprises a receiver in the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter; a controller in the vehicle that is communicatively coupled with the receiver, wherein the controller responds to the reception of transmissions from the remote control device; and a charging station in the vehicle, wherein the charging station is for charging the rechargeable power supply of the remote control device. The rechargeable power supply can be a supercapacitor. The system may also include a pairing system to establish communication between the remote control device and the vehicle. Communication between the remote control device and the vehicle can be established concurrently while the rechargeable power supply is charging at the charging station. Communication between the remote control device and the vehicle, and charging the rechargeable power supply at the charging station, can be initiated with a single action. This single action may consist of physical contact between a component of the remote control device and an element of the charging station. The system may also include a pairing indicator that confirms the establishment of communication between the remote control device and the vehicle. The time period required to establish communication between the remote control device and the vehicle may be less than or equal to a pairing period. If no vehicle-related activity is carried out for more than a predetermined initial amount of time after communication has been established between the remote control device and the vehicle, the communication between the remote control device and the vehicle may be terminated and must be re-established by means of a pairing system.If no vehicle-related activity is performed for less than a predetermined second period of time after communication is established between the remote control device and the vehicle, where the second predetermined period of time is equal to or less than the first predetermined period of time, communication between the remote control device and the vehicle may be terminated. However, it may be re-established, without using the pairing system, by performing a confirmation method using the remote control device. The confirmation method may involve performing a sequence of button presses on the remote control device. A substantially full charge of the rechargeable power supply can be achieved by charging it in the charging station in five seconds or less, four seconds or less, or three seconds or less. A substantially full charge of the rechargeable power supply can provide a period of use of the remote control device of at least two hours or at least eight hours. The charging station may include a guide structure to align the remote control device in the proper orientation for charging the rechargeable power supply. The system may also include an indicator in the vehicle to show the charging status of the rechargeable power supply. The indicator may show the charging status of the rechargeable power supply both when it is being charged at the charging station and during use of the remote control device. The indicator may consist of a series of lights, each representing a different charging level of the rechargeable power supply. The remote control device may include a docking structure to secure the remote control device to one or more fingers of an operator's hand. The remote control device may comprise at least one charging contact that connects to at least one corresponding charging element in the charging station. The at least one charging contact may be embossed from an external surface of the remote control device. At least one of the remote control device or the charging station may include a presence contact that detects whether the at least one charging contact is correctly connected to the corresponding at least one charging element for charging the rechargeable power supply, wherein, if a correct connection is detected, power transfer to the rechargeable power supply via the charging station is enabled, and if a correct connection is not detected, power transfer to the rechargeable power supply via the charging station is not enabled.The arrangement of the remote control device and the charging station can be configured in such a way that the presence contact indicates the removal of the remote control device from the charging station, stopping the transfer of energy to the rechargeable power supply from the charging station, before at least one charging contact of the corresponding at least one charging element is disconnected, in such a way that the transfer of energy from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply stops before at least one charging contact of the corresponding at least one charging element is disconnected, in such a way that the transfer of energy from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply stops before at least one charging contact of the corresponding at least one charging element is disconnected. The remote control device may comprise at least two charging contacts positioned so as to connect with the corresponding charging elements in the charging station. The charging station can be implemented in a vehicle driving control, and the rechargeable power supply can be charged by the operator holding the driving control. The rechargeable power supply can be discharged to a high-temperature state if a detected temperature is found to be above a predetermined set point. The detected temperature can be either ambient temperature or the temperature of the rechargeable power supply itself. The rechargeable power supply can be charged at the charging station to a predetermined charge level below a 100 percent charge level if a detected temperature is found to be above a predetermined threshold temperature. Requests sent by the remote control device may include movement requests that ask the vehicle to move across a floor surface. The charging station can be located on the side of the vehicle or near a steering wheel. The wireless communication system can enter a low power mode when the remote control device's rechargeable power supply is being charged at the charging station. One or more components of the remote control device can be switched off, or the power supplied to them can be reduced when an operator is positioned in the vehicle. If the voltage of the rechargeable power supply is below a certain threshold before being charged by the charging station, the charging station can charge the power supply at a first power level. If the voltage is above a certain threshold before being charged by the charging station, the charging station can charge the power supply at a second power level. The first power level may be higher than the second power level.The charging station can charge the rechargeable power supply to a substantially full charge state in approximately the same amount of time, regardless of whether the voltage of the rechargeable power supply is above or below the voltage threshold before it is charged by means of the charging station. The remote control device may include at least one control coupled in a manner communicable to the wireless communication system, wherein activation of the control causes the wireless transmitter to wirelessly transmit a request to the vehicle. According to other aspects of the present invention, a kit is provided for adaptation to a material handling vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a controller that responds to transmissions from an associated remote control device comprising a wireless communication system including a wireless transmitter and used by an operator interacting with the vehicle. The kit comprises a charging station in the vehicle, wherein the charging station is configured to electrically couple to a vehicle power supply to charge a rechargeable power supply of the remote control device. The kit may also include a pairing system to establish communication between the remote control device and the vehicle. Communication between the remote control device and the vehicle can be established concurrently while the rechargeable power supply is charging at the charging station. Communication between the remote control device and the vehicle, and charging of the rechargeable power supply at the charging station, can be initiated with a single action. This single action may consist of physical contact between a component of the remote control device and an element of the charging station. The kit may also include a pairing indicator that confirms the establishment of communication between the remote control device and the vehicle. The time period required to establish communication between the remote control device and the vehicle may be less than or equal to a pairing period. A substantially full charge of the rechargeable power supply can be achieved by charging it in the charging station for five seconds or less, four seconds or less, or three seconds or less. A substantially full charge of the rechargeable power supply can provide a period of use of the remote control device of at least two hours or at least eight hours. The charging station may include a guide structure to align the remote control device in the proper orientation for charging the rechargeable power supply. The kit may also include an in-vehicle indicator to show the charging status of the rechargeable power supply. The indicator may display the charging status of the rechargeable power supply both when it is charging at the charging station and while the remote control device is in use. The indicator may consist of a series of lights, each representing a different charging level of the rechargeable power supply. The remote control device may comprise at least one charging contact that connects to at least one corresponding charging element in the charging station. At least one of the remote control device or the charging station may include a presence contact that detects whether the at least one charging contact is correctly connected to the corresponding at least one charging element for charging the rechargeable power supply, wherein, if a correct connection is detected, power transfer to the rechargeable power supply via the charging station is enabled, and if a correct connection is not detected, power transfer to the rechargeable power supply via the charging station is not enabled.The arrangement of the remote control device and the charging station can be configured such that the presence contact indicates the removal of the remote control device from the charging station, thereby stopping the transfer of energy from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply, before at least one load contact of the corresponding at least one load element is disconnected. The remote control device may comprise at least two load contacts positioned to connect to the corresponding load elements in the charging station. The charging station can be implemented in a vehicle driving control, and the rechargeable power supply is charged by the operator holding the driving control. The rechargeable power supply can be charged at the charging station to a predetermined charge level below 100 percent if a detected temperature is found to be above a predetermined threshold temperature. The detected temperature can be ambient temperature. The charging station can be located on the side of the vehicle. According to other aspects of the present invention, a method is provided for charging a remote control device, wherein the remote control device comprises a wireless communication system including a wireless transmitter and a rechargeable power supply.The method comprises: initiating contact between a remote control device component and a charging station element, where the charging station is located in the vehicle; detecting the contact between the remote control device component and the charging station element; after detecting the contact, supplying power from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply; interrupting the contact between the remote control device component and the charging station element; detecting the interruption of the contact between the remote control device component and the charging station element; and after detecting the interruption, ceasing the supply of power from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply. The rechargeable power supply can be a supercapacitor. The method may also include, while the remote control device component is in contact with the charging station element, establishing communication between the remote control device and the vehicle. Communication between the remote control device and the vehicle can be established concurrently while the rechargeable power supply is charging at the charging station. Communication between the remote control device and the vehicle may occur during a pairing period, and charging the rechargeable power supply to a substantially full charge at the charging station may occur during a charging period, where the pairing period and the charging period may overlap. The pairing period may be shorter than or equal to the charging period. The method may also include confirmation of the establishment of communication between the remote control device and the vehicle with at least one audible or visual signal. A substantially full charge state of the rechargeable power supply can be achieved by charging the rechargeable power supply in the charging station in five seconds or less, in four seconds or less, or in three seconds or less. A substantially full charge of the rechargeable power supply can produce a period of use of the remote control device of at least two hours or at least eight hours. The method may also include displaying the charging status of the rechargeable power supply in the vehicle. The charging status of the rechargeable power supply can be displayed in the vehicle both while the power supply is charging and while the remote control device is in use. The charging status of the rechargeable power supply can be indicated by a series of lights, where each light represents a level of the power supply's charging status. The initiation of contact between a component of the remote control device and an element of a charging station may comprise the initiation of contact between at least one charging contact of the remote control device and at least one corresponding charging element in the charging station. If no vehicle-related activity is carried out for more than a predetermined initial amount of time after communication has been established between the remote control device and the vehicle, the communication between the remote control device and the vehicle may be terminated and must be re-established by using a pairing system.If no vehicle-related activity is performed for less than a predetermined second period of time after communication is established between the remote control device and the vehicle, where the second predetermined period of time is equal to or less than the first predetermined period of time, communication between the remote control device and the vehicle may be terminated. However, it may be re-established by performing a confirmation method using the remote control device. The confirmation method may involve performing a sequence of button presses on the remote control device. The charging station can be implemented in a vehicle driving control, and the rechargeable power supply can be charged by the operator holding the driving control. The method may further comprise discharging the rechargeable power supply to a high-temperature state if a detected temperature is found to be above a predetermined setpoint temperature. The detected temperature may be an ambient temperature or the temperature of the rechargeable power supply. The rechargeable power supply can be charged at the charging station to a predetermined charge level below a 100 percent charge level if a detected temperature is found to be above a predetermined threshold temperature. The charging station can be located on the side of the vehicle. Brief Description of the Drawings Figures 1 and 2 are side and top views of a material handling vehicle capable of operating wirelessly remotely according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 2A is a side view of another material handling vehicle capable of operating remotely wirelessly in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of several components of a material handling vehicle capable of operating wirelessly remotely according to various aspects of the present invention. Figures 4 to 7 are views of a remote control device according to various aspects of the present invention. Figures 8A and 8B are cut-out views showing a remote control device that connects to a charging station according to various aspects of the present invention. Figures 9 and 10 are views of another remote control device according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of several components of a charging station according to various aspects of the present invention. Figures 12 to 14 are views showing a remote control device and a charging station according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of several components of a remote control device according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 16 represents a method according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 17 represents a matching method according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 18 represents another method of pairing according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 19 represents a method for re-pairing a vehicle and a remote control device according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 20 represents a method for restoring communication between a vehicle and a remote control device according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 21 represents a method for charging a remote control device according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 22 represents another method for charging a remote control device according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of several components of a kit according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 24 is a view of another remote control device according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating various aspects of the present invention. Best Way to Carry Out the Invention The following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings, which form an integral part thereof. These drawings illustrate, and are not intended to limit, the specific embodiments in which the invention can be implemented. It should be understood that other embodiments are possible and that modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of the present invention. Low-level order picking trolley With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to Figures 1 and 2, a material handling vehicle 10, illustrated as a low-level order picking cart, includes a load handling assembly 12 extending from a power unit 14. The vehicle 10 forms part of a system 8 according to some aspects of the invention, and said system 8 will be described in more detail below. The load handling assembly 12 includes a pair of forks 16, wherein each fork 16 has a load-bearing wheel assembly 18. The load handling assembly 12 may include other load handling features in addition to, or instead of, the illustrated arrangement of the forks 16, such as a load backrest, scissor-type lifting forks, stabilizers, or separate height-adjustable forks, as some examples.Furthermore, the load handling assembly 12 may include load handling features such as a mast, a loading platform, a picking cage, or other support structure carried by the forks 16 or otherwise provided for handling a load supported and carried by the vehicle 10. Although this disclosure is made with reference to the vehicle illustrated 10, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the vehicle 10 may comprise a variety of other industrial vehicles, such as a forklift, a reach truck, etc., and that the following description of the invention with reference to the figures should not be limited to an order picking cart unless otherwise specified.In addition, the Vehicle 10 can be implemented in other formats, styles, and features, including a Vehicle 10 that does not include a cargo handling suite, such as a towing vehicle, etc. The illustrated power unit 14 comprises a step-through operator station 20 that divides a first end section of the power unit 14 (opposite the forks 16) from a second end section (adjacent to the forks 16). The operator station 20 includes a platform 21 on which an operator can stand to drive the vehicle 10 and / or to provide a position from which the operator can operate various features of the vehicle 10. Presence sensors 22 (see Figure 2) can be provided to detect the presence of an operator in vehicle 10. For example, the presence sensors 22 can be located on, above, or below platform 21, or they can be provided in some other way at the operator station 20. In the example vehicle 10 in Figure 2, the presence sensors 22 are shown as dashed lines indicating that they are positioned below platform 21. Under this arrangement, the presence sensors 22 can comprise load sensors, switches, etc. Alternatively, the presence sensors 22 can be implemented above platform 21, such as, for example, by using ultrasonic, capacitive, or other suitable sensing technology. The use of the presence sensors 22 will be described in more detail later in this document. According to one embodiment shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 10 may include a pole extending vertically from the power unit 14 and comprising an antenna 30 provided for receiving control signals from a corresponding wireless remote control device 32. The pole may include a light 33 at its top, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. According to another embodiment, as shown in Figure 2A, the antenna may be located within other vehicle components such that control signals from the remote control device 32 are received elsewhere on the vehicle 10, as discussed later. The remote control device 32 comprises an additional system component 8, which will be described in more detail below. The remote control device 32 can be manually operated by an operator, for example, by pressing a button or other control, to cause the remote control device 32 to wirelessly transmit at least one signal of a first type that designates a movement request to a vehicle 10 paired with the remote control device 32. The movement request is a command that instructs the vehicle 10 to move, as will be described in more detail later in this document. Although the remote control device 32 is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 as a finger-mounted structure, numerous implementations of the remote control device 32 are possible, including, for example, a glove structure, a lanyard or belt-mounted structure, etc.Furthermore, vehicle 10 and remote control device 32 may comprise any additional and / or alternative features or implementations, examples of which are disclosed in United States Patent Provisional Application Serial Number 60 / 825,688, filed September 14, 2006, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE”; in United States Patent Application Serial Number 11 / 855,310, filed September 14, 2007, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE” now United States Patent No.9,082,293; in the United States Patent Application Serial Number 11 / 855,324, filed on September 14, 2007, and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE” now United States Patent No. 8,072,309; in the United States Patent Provisional Application Serial Number 61 / 222,632, filed on July 2, 2009, entitled “APPARATUS FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE”; in the United States Patent Application Serial Number 12 / 631,007, filed on December 4, 2009, entitled “MULTIPLE ZONE SENSING FOR MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES” now the United States Patent No.9,645,968; in United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 61 / 119,952, filed December 4, 2008, entitled “MULTIPLE ZONE SENSING FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLED MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES”; and / or in United States Patent No. 7,017,689, issued March 28, 2006, entitled “ELECTRIC STEERING ASSIST FOR MATERIAL HANDLING VEHICLE”; the full disclosures of which are each hereby incorporated by reference. Additional details relating to remote control device 32 will be discussed in detail below. The vehicle 10 also comprises one or more contactless obstacle sensors 40, which are provided around the vehicle 10, for example, towards the first end section of the power unit 14, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The obstacle sensors 40 can be operated in such a way as to define at least one detection zone. For example, at least one detection zone can define an area at least partially ahead of a forward direction of travel of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is moving in response to a travel request received wirelessly from the remote control device 32, as will also be described in more detail herein. The obstacle sensors 40 can comprise any suitable proximity sensing technology, such as ultrasonic sensors, image capture devices, infrared sensors, laser scanner sensors, etc., that are capable of detecting the presence of objects or obstacles, or that are capable of generating signals that can be analyzed to detect the presence of objects or obstacles within predefined detection zones. In the example configuration illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 includes a first obstacle detector 42 and a pair of second obstacle detectors 44A and 44B mounted on the power unit 14.The first obstacle detector 42 is spaced apart from the second obstacle detectors 44A and 44B along a vertical axis Va of the vehicle 10 that defines a vertical direction, i.e., the second obstacle detectors 44A and 44B are located below (closer to the floor than) the first obstacle detector 42, see Figure 1. The second obstacle detectors 44A and 44B are separated from each other along a horizontal axis Ha of the vehicle 10 that defines a horizontal direction, see Figure 2. The first obstacle detector 42 may comprise a scanning laser sensor capable of detecting objects, for example, in the first, second, and third zones Z1, Z2, and Z3 (also referred to herein as scanning zones or detection zones), wherein the first, second, and third zones Z1, Z2, and Z3 may comprise flat areas (see Figures 1 and 2). The second zone Z2 may comprise a stop zone, and the first and third zones Z1 and Z3 may comprise left and right steering bumper zones, such as the stop zone and left and right steering bumper zones described in U.S. Patent No. 8,452,464, issued May 28, 2013, entitled “STEER CORRECTION FOR A REMOTELY OPERATED MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE,” the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.It should be noted that the first obstacle detector 42 may be capable of detecting objects in additional zones or in fewer than the three zones Z1, Z2, and Z3 illustrated. In an example detection zone configuration, any or all of the detection zones may be used as disclosed in United States Patent No. 9,002,581 issued April 7, 2015, entitled “OBJECT TRACKING AND STEER MANEUVERS FOR MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES,” the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The second obstacle detectors 44A and 44B may comprise point laser sensors capable of detecting objects between one or more of the zones Z1, Z2, and Z3 of the first obstacle detector 42 and the vehicle 10, i.e., below one or more of the zones Z1, Z2, and Z3, as illustrated in Figure 1, and / or beyond the zones Z1, Z2, and Z3, and are preferably capable of detecting at least objects below the second zone Z2. The second obstacle detectors 44A and 44B are thus capable of detecting objects located in a non-detection zone DZ of the first obstacle detector 42, see Figure 1, i.e., where the non-detection zone DZ is defined as an area below the zones Z1, Z2, and Z3 and is therefore not detected by the first obstacle detector 42.Therefore, the first obstacle detector 42 operates in such a way as to detect objects located along the path of travel of the power unit 14 beyond the non-detection zone DZ, while the second obstacle detectors 44A and 44B operate in such a way as to detect objects along the path of travel of the power unit 14 in the non-detection zone DZ, which is located just in front of the vehicle 10, as shown in Figure 1. Additional sensor configurations and / or detection zones may be used, such as those discussed in the various patents and patent applications that are referenced in this document. The vehicle 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 further includes a charging station 50 comprising an additional system component 8 and provided for charging a rechargeable power supply of the remote control device 32. Further details relating to the charging station 50 are described below. Control system for the remote operation of a low-level order picking trolley With reference to Figure 3, a block diagram illustrates a control arrangement for integrating remote control commands with vehicle 10. A receiver 102, which may be a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio, for example, is provided to receive commands issued by the remote control device 32. The receiver 102 passes the received control signals to a controller 103, which implements the appropriate response to the received commands and may therefore also be referred to herein as a master controller. In this sense, the controller 103 is implemented in hardware and may also run software (which includes firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.).Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having the computer-readable program code incorporated therein. For example, the vehicle 10 may include a memory that stores the computer program product, which, when implemented by means of a controller processor 103, implements steering correction, as described in more detail herein. Therefore, controller 103 can define, at least in part, a data processing system suitable for storing and / or executing program code and can include at least one processor coupled directly or indirectly to the memory elements, for example, via a system bus or other suitable connection. The memory elements can include local memory used during actual program code execution, memory integrated into a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array, or other reconfigurable processing device, etc. The response implemented by controller 103 to commands received wirelessly, for example, via a wireless transmitter 178 from remote control device 32 (discussed later) and sent to receiver 102 in vehicle 10, may comprise one or more actions, or inaction, depending on the logic being implemented. Positive actions may include controlling, adjusting, or otherwise altering one or more components of vehicle 10. Controller 103 may also receive information from other inputs 104, for example, from sources such as presence sensors 22, obstacle sensors 40, switches, load sensors, encoders, and other devices or features available to vehicle 10, in order to determine the appropriate action in response to commands received from remote control device 32.Sensors 22, 40, etc. can be coupled to the controller 103 via inputs 104 or via a suitable trolley network, such as a control area network (CAN) bus 110. In an example arrangement, the remote control device 32 is operative for wirelessly transmitting a control signal representing a first-type signal, such as a travel command, to the receiver 102 in the vehicle 10. The travel command is also referred to herein as a travel signal, travel request, or go signal. The travel request is used to initiate a request to the vehicle 10 to travel, for example, for as long as the travel signal is received by the receiver 102 and / or sent by the remote control device 32, for a predetermined amount, for example, to make the vehicle 10 move forward or trot in a first direction for a limited travel distance, or for a limited time.The first direction can be defined, for example, by the movement of vehicle 10 in a direction of the power unit 14 first, i.e., the forks 16 towards the rear. However, other directions of travel can be defined alternatively. Furthermore, vehicle 10 can be controlled to travel in a generally straight direction or along a predetermined heading. Correspondingly, the limited travel distance can be specified by means of an approximate travel distance, a travel time, or another measure. Therefore, a signal of a first type received by receiver 102 is communicated to controller 103. If controller 103 determines that the displacement signal is a valid displacement signal and that the current vehicle conditions are appropriate (as explained in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 9,082,293, which is incorporated herein by reference), controller 103 sends a signal to the appropriate control configuration of vehicle 10 to move forward and then stop vehicle 10. Stopping vehicle 10 can be implemented, for example, either by allowing vehicle 10 to slow down to a complete stop or by initiating a braking operation to bring vehicle 10 to a complete stop. As an example, controller 103 can be communicatively coupled to a traction control system, which is illustrated as a traction motor controller 106 of vehicle 10. The traction motor controller 106 is coupled to a traction motor 107 that drives at least one steering wheel 108 of vehicle 10. Controller 103 can communicate with the traction motor controller 106 in order to accelerate, decelerate, adjust, and / or otherwise limit the speed of vehicle 10 in response to receiving a displacement request from remote control device 32. Controller 103 can also be communicatively coupled to a steering controller 112, which is coupled to a steering motor 114 that steers at least one steering wheel 108 of vehicle 10.In this regard, vehicle 10 can be controlled by means of controller 103 to move along a planned path or to maintain a planned direction in response to receiving a movement request from remote control device 32. As yet another illustrative example, controller 103 can be communicatively coupled with a braking controller 116 that controls the brakes of vehicle 117 in order to decelerate, stop, or otherwise control the speed of vehicle 10 in response to receiving a travel request from the remote control device 32. Furthermore, controller 103 can be communicatively coupled with other vehicle features, such as the main contacts 118 and / or other outputs 119 associated with vehicle 10, as appropriate, in order to implement the desired actions in response to the implementation of the remote travel functionality. According to various aspects of the present invention, the controller 103 can communicate with the receiver 102 and the traction motor controller 106 in order to operate the vehicle 10 under remote control in response to receiving movement commands from the associated remote control device 32. Furthermore, the controller 103 can be configured to perform various actions if the vehicle 10 is moving under remote control in response to a movement request and an obstacle is detected in one or more of the detection zones Z1, Z2, and Z3. In this regard, when the controller 103 receives a movement signal from the remote control device 32, the controller 103 can take into account any number of factors in order to determine whether to act on the received movement signal in order to initiate and / or maintain the movement of the vehicle 10. Correspondingly, if vehicle 10 moves in response to a command received by remote control device 32, controller 103 can alter, control, adjust, or otherwise dynamically affect the operation of the remote control, for example, by stopping vehicle 10, changing the steering angle of vehicle 10, or taking other actions. Therefore, the particular characteristics of the vehicle, the state or condition of one or more of its characteristics, the vehicle's environment, and so on, can influence how controller 103 responds to movement requests from remote control device 32. The controller 103 may refuse to acknowledge a received displacement request depending on predetermined conditions, for example, those related to environmental or operational factors. For instance, the controller 103 may ignore an otherwise valid displacement request based on information obtained from one or more of the sensors 22, 40. As an illustration, according to various aspects of the present invention, the controller 103 may optionally consider factors such as whether an operator is in the vehicle 10 when determining whether to respond to a displacement command from the remote control device 32. As noted in the preceding paragraphs, the vehicle 10 may comprise at least one presence sensor 22 to detect whether an operator is positioned in the vehicle 10.In this regard, the controller 103 can be further configured to respond to a movement request in order to operate the vehicle 10 remotely when the presence sensors 22 indicate that there is no operator in the vehicle 10. Therefore, in this implementation, the vehicle 10 cannot be operated in response to wireless commands from the remote control device 32 unless the operator is physically outside the vehicle 10. Similarly, if the obstacle sensors 40 detect that an object, including the operator, is adjacent to and / or near the vehicle 10, the controller 103 can refuse to acknowledge a movement request from the remote control device 32.Therefore, in an example implementation, an operator must be located within a limited range of vehicle 10, for example, close enough to vehicle 10 to be within wireless communication range (which may be limited to establish a maximum distance between the operator and vehicle 10). Alternatively, other arrangements may be implemented. Controller 103 may also or alternatively implement any number of other reasonable conditions, factors, parameters, or other considerations in order to interpret and take action in response to signals received from transmitter 178. Other example factors are set forth in greater detail in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60 / 825,688, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE”; in U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 11 / 855,310, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE” now U.S. Patent No.9,082,293; in the United States Patent Application Serial Number 11 / 855,324, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE” now United States Patent No. 8,072,309; in the United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 61 / 222,632, entitled “APPARATUS FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE”; in the United States Patent Application Serial Number 12 / 631,007, entitled “MULTIPLE ZONE SENSING FOR MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES” now United States Patent No. 9,645,968; and in the United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 61 / 119,952, entitled “MULTIPLE ZONE SENSING FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLED MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES”; disclosures of which are each incorporated herein by reference. After recognizing a displacement request, controller 103 interacts with the traction motor controller 106, for example, directly or indirectly, for example, via a bus (busbar), such as the CAN bus 110, if used, to advance vehicle 10. Depending on the particular implementation, controller 103 may interact with the traction motor controller 106 and, optionally, the steering controller 112, in order to advance vehicle 10 for as long as a displacement control signal is received.Alternatively, controller 103 can interface with traction motor controller 106 and, optionally, with steering controller 112, in order to advance vehicle 10 for a predetermined period of time or distance in response to the detection and sustained activation of a travel control on remote control device 32. Furthermore, controller 103 can be configured to provide a timeout and stop the movement of vehicle 10 based on a predetermined event, such as exceeding a predetermined period of time or travel distance, regardless of the detection and sustained activation of a corresponding control on remote control device 32. The remote control device 32 can also be used to transmit a second type of signal, such as a stop signal, indicating that the vehicle 10 should brake and / or otherwise come to a stop. This second type of signal can also be triggered, for example, after a travel command has been executed—for instance, after the vehicle 10 has traveled a predetermined distance, traveled for a predetermined time, etc., under remote control, in response to the travel command. If the controller 103 determines that a signal received wirelessly is a stop signal, it sends a signal to the traction motor controller 106, the braking controller 116, and / or another component of the truck to bring the vehicle 10 to a stop.As an alternative to a stop signal, the signal of the second type may comprise a idling signal or a controlled deceleration signal designating that vehicle 10 should idle, eventually decelerating to a stop. The time required to bring vehicle 10 to a complete stop can vary, depending, for example, on the intended application, environmental conditions, the capabilities of the particular vehicle 10, the load on vehicle 10, and other similar factors. For example, after a suitable jogging motion is completed, it may be desirable to allow vehicle 10 to coast for a certain distance before coming to a complete stop. This can be achieved by using regenerative braking to reduce the speed of vehicle 10 until it comes to a halt. Alternatively, a braking operation can be applied after a predetermined delay time to give vehicle 10 a predetermined additional travel range after the start of the stopping operation.It may also be desirable to bring vehicle 10 to a relatively quick stop, for example, if an object is detected in vehicle 10's path of travel or if an immediate stop is desired after a successful trotting operation. For example, controller 103 can apply a predetermined torque to the braking operation. Under such conditions, controller 103 can instruct brake controller 116 to apply brakes 117 in order to stop vehicle 10. Figure 3 also shows the charging station on vehicle 50 that can communicate with the controller 103. As will be explained in more detail below, the charging station 50 can be used to charge a rechargeable power supply 180 of the wireless remote control device 32. The charging station 50 can be located on a side part of vehicle 10, for example, near the operator station 20 close to the manual driving controls of vehicle 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, or on a side panel of the power unit 14. A pairing system 34 can utilize a near-range system to communicate wirelessly with a compatible near-range system in the wireless remote control device 32. Through the use of pairing system 34, a vehicle 10 and the wireless remote control device 32 can be paired in such a way that vehicle 10 transmits and receives messages only from its paired wireless remote control device 32. In addition to, or as an alternative to, near-range or other types of wireless communication, such as near-field communication (NFC), pairing system 34 can also utilize the physical contacts that enable electrical communication between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10, at least for the initial pairing procedure.For example, the electrical contacts of charging station 50 used to charge remote control device 32 could be used to pair vehicle 10 with remote control device 32, as will be described in more detail later in this document. The pairing system 34 includes the components that physically implement the communication method (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, BLE, Wi-Fi, etc.) used to send messages and includes the components that exchange information programmatically using an agreed-upon protocol to establish and maintain a pairing. Therefore, the pairing system 34 includes a device that can execute programmable instructions to implement a predetermined algorithm and protocol for performing pairing operations. In Figure 3, the charging station 50, receiver 102, and pairing system 34 are represented as distinct functional blocks. However, a person with ordinary experience will recognize that two or more of these components can be combined into a single element to provide a multi-functional device. System As noted in the preceding paragraphs, the vehicle 10 (which includes the charging station 50) and the remote control device 32 form system 8 according to one aspect of the present invention. The remote control device 32 and the charging station 50 will now be described in turn. With reference to Figures 4 to 8, the remote control device 32, according to this embodiment, is a finger-mounted device, although the remote control device 32 could take other forms, such as a glove-mounted device, a wrist-mounted device, a lanyard-mounted device, etc. The remote control device 32 can be mounted on one, two, or more than two fingers of the operator. The remote control device 32 illustrated in Figures 4 to 8 comprises a rigid polymeric base 172 (see Figure 6) and a rigid polymeric upper housing 174. The base 172 and the upper housing 174 are coupled together by any suitable means and define an internal area 176 for receiving the internal components of the remote control device 32, including a wireless communication system 456 comprising a wireless transmitter 178, such as the wireless transmitter 178 described above with reference to Figure 3, and a rechargeable power supply 180. In one example embodiment, the wireless transmitter 178 comprises a model BGM121 manufactured by SÍLabs.It should be noted that the terms transmitter and receiver as used in this document are intended to refer to a device capable of unidirectional communication, i.e., the device only transmits or receives signals, or a device capable of bidirectional communication, such as a transceiver, which transmits and receives signals. The rechargeable power supply 180 can be a supercapacitor, a high-capacity battery, etc. For example, an AVX supercapacitor, model SCCR20 E335PRB, with a nominal voltage of 3 V and a capacitance of 3.3 F, can be used. The rechargeable power supply 180 is small enough to fit within the internal area 176, while also having sufficient capacity with a substantially full charge to provide a usage period of the remote control device 32 of at least two hours, at least four hours, at least eight hours, or more. A usage period of up to eight hours may be preferable to correspond with an eight-hour work shift for an operator. A supercapacitor (also called a supercap or ultracapacitor) is a high-capacity capacitor with much higher capacitance values ​​than other capacitors, but typically with lower voltage limits, bridging the gap between electrolytic capacitors and rechargeable batteries. They typically store 10 to 100 times more energy per unit volume or mass than electrolytic capacitors, can accept and deliver charge much faster than batteries, and tolerate many more charge and discharge cycles than rechargeable batteries. Because supercapacitors can be used in applications requiring many rapid charge and discharge cycles, some models of the remote control device 32 may include a supercapacitor as the rechargeable power supply 180.In the embodiments of the present invention, the current supplied to the supercapacitor can be limited to approximately 2 A, and charging to a full charge can be carried out in approximately 2 seconds or less. Regardless of the specific type of rechargeable power supply 180 used, the embodiments of the present invention provide for recharging the rechargeable power supply 180 to a desired amount, such as to a full charge state, or to a charge state less than substantially full (as will be discussed in detail herein), via the charging station 50 within a desired charging period.The power supplied to the 180 rechargeable power supply by the 50 charging station can be varied according to the capacity of the 180 rechargeable power supply, the desired amount of charge, and / or the desired charging period, as will be discussed in more detail in this document. With reference to Figure 6, the remote control device 32 further comprises the clamping structure 188 for securing the remote control device 32 to one or more fingers of the operator's hand. The clamping structure 188, as shown in Figure 6, comprises a clamping strap 190, which includes, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners 191 for securing the clamping strap 190 to a single finger, for example, the index finger, of the operator. The remote control device 32 is provided with first and second slots 192A and 192B, located at opposite ends of the remote control device 32, for receiving the clamping strap 190. The retaining strap 190 shown in Figure 6 defines a first finger-receiving area 194 for receiving the single finger Of (see Figures 1 and 2) of an operator using the remote control device 32. Right and left versions of the remote control device 32 can be created. The remote control device 32 is held in a releasable manner on the operator's index finger by means of the retaining strap 190. In one example embodiment, a first end 190A of the retaining strap 190 is threaded through the first slot 192A and a second end 190B of the retaining strap 190 is threaded through the second slot 192B.The first end 190A of the retaining strap 190 can be permanently attached to the rigid base 172, for example, by stitching or gluing, while the second end 190B of the retaining strap 190 can be releasably inserted through the second slot 192B and folded back so that the hook-and-loop fasteners 191 engage with each other to secure the retaining strap 190 to the operator's finger. The retaining strap 190 can be adjusted to accommodate fingers of different sizes or so that the remote control device 32 can be used over a glove (not shown). It should be noted that other types of retaining straps 190 can be used. The remote control device 32 further comprises at least one control, which is represented in Figures 4 to 8 as the first, second, and third controls 196 A to C. The controls 196 A to C each comprise a button 197 A to C, and a two-state switch 198 A to C located below the corresponding button 197 A to C. The switches 198 A to C are communicably coupled to the wireless communication system 456, such that the actuation of each of the controls 196 A to C causes the wireless transmitter 178 to wirelessly transmit a respective request to the vehicle 10.In the example remote control device 32, which is represented in Figures 4 to 8: the first control 196A comprises a travel button 197A which, when pressed, causes the wireless transmitter 178 to wirelessly transmit a request for the vehicle 10 to travel across a floor surface; the second control 196B comprises a horn button 197B which, when pressed, causes the wireless transmitter 178 to wirelessly transmit a request for the vehicle 10 to sound an audible alarm or horn; and the third control 196C comprises a brake button 197C which, when pressed, causes the wireless transmitter 178 to wirelessly transmit a request for the vehicle to stop (if it is moving under wireless control) and, optionally, to shut down. The remote control device 32 is compact, and virtually the entire device can be mounted and placed directly on the operator's index finger. Therefore, the interference with the operator performing work tasks caused by using the remote control device 32 is minimal or nonexistent. The remote control device 32 is durable and long-lasting because the rigid base 172 and upper housing 174 are preferably formed from a durable, rigid polymer material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, or nylon. The rigid base 172 and upper housing 174 define a generally inflexible and durable rigid structure. An operator can easily manually actuate the travel button 197A with their thumb to cause the wireless transmitter 178 to wirelessly transmit at least one signal of the first type designating a travel request or command to vehicle 10. It is envisaged that the travel request may result in vehicle 10 traveling for as long as the operator holds the travel button 197A, or for a predetermined distance or time. The horn button 197B and the brake button 197C may be actuated by the operator's opposite hand, for example. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the remote control device 32 further comprises one or more load contacts 210, where it can be seen that additional or fewer load contacts 210 than the four shown may be used; for example, one load contact 210 or two or more load contacts 210 may be used. In addition, the remote control device 32 further includes one or more sensors in the form of first presence contacts 212, illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, as a single first presence contact 212 located between the four load contacts 210. The load contact and the first presence contacts 210 and 212 may be arranged within openings 214 formed in an outer surface of the upper housing 174 of the remote control device 32.The upper portions of the load contact and the first presence contacts 210 and 212 can be positioned below the outer surface of the upper housing; that is, the load contact and the first presence contacts 210 and 212 can be recessed within the openings 214, which can prevent damage to the load contact and the first presence contacts 210 and 212 due to accidental contact. It should be noted that other configurations for the number, orientation, and placement of the load contacts 210 and the first presence contacts 212 could be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In some embodiments, the load contacts 210 are spliced ​​or coupled with elements, for example, electrical contacts or load elements 220 of the vehicle charging station 50 (which will be discussed later), and the first presence contact 212 is spliced ​​or coupled with a second complementary sensor in the form of a second presence contact 222, such as a switch, a pogo pin, or a push pin, for example, of the vehicle charging station 50, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B and as will be described in more detail herein. It should be noted that one or more of the load contacts 210 and the corresponding load elements 220 may be provided for redundancy.In one example, the four load contacts 210 illustrated in Figures 4 to 7 and the four load elements 220 illustrated in Figures 12 to 14 could be configured as two pairs of redundant contacts / elements 210 / 220, wherein the charging of the rechargeable power supply 180 (as discussed later) is enabled as long as one load contact 210 of each pair is connected and in electrical communication with its corresponding load element 220. The embodiments of the present invention also include contactless, or inductive, charging, in which the rechargeable power supply 180 of the remote control device 32 can be charged by means of the remote control device 32 being in close proximity to, or on the surface of, a compatible inductive charging station (not shown). Such an inductive charging station can be located, for example, on a driving or steering control of the vehicle 10, such that the rechargeable power supply 180 can be charged while the operator is manually driving the vehicle 10 from the operator station 20. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate another example remote control device 32, wherein the similar part numbers correspond to components similar to those listed above for Figures 4 to 8. The remote control device 32 according to this embodiment is intended as a two-finger design, i.e., the clamping structure 188 in the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10 comprises a clamping strap 190 that defines the first and second finger receiving areas 194 and 195 for receiving the index and middle fingers of an operator using the remote control device 32. The remote control device 32 according to Figures 9 and 10 includes two load contacts 210 instead of the four load contacts 210 in the remote control device 32 of Figures 4 to 8.The remaining components of remote control device 32 in Figures 9 and 10 may be, in general terms, the same as those of remote control device 32 in Figures 4 to 8 and will therefore not be described in detail herein. Figure 11 provides a functional block diagram of a vehicle charging station 50 according to the principles of the present invention, wherein the pairing system 34 is incorporated into the charging station 50. As explained in more detail below, the charging station 50 may include the receiver 102, for example, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio 402, which can communicate with the vehicle controller 103. Although not shown, communication may be via the vehicle's CAN bus, and therefore the charging station 50 may include a CAN bus interface. The charging station 50 may also include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 404 or other visual indicators to help convey information to an operator. For example, an LED may be used to indicate that a remote control device 32 is currently paired with the charging station 50.Other LEDs may indicate the current charging status of the remote control device's rechargeable power supply 180. A current limiter 406 or other protective circuitry may be provided to help ensure that a remote control device 32 is recharged safely. The current limiter 406 allows voltage from the vehicle's power supply to be supplied to the charging elements 220 of the charging station 50 in order to charge the remote control device's rechargeable power supply 180. These charging elements 220 interconnect with the charging contacts 210 of the remote control device 32 and provide the electrical connection between the vehicle's power supply and the remote control device's rechargeable power supply 180.The second presence contact 222 connects with the first presence contact 212 to detect when a remote control device 32 is physically connected to the charging station 50 in such a way that the charging contacts 210 connect with the charging elements 220. According to some modalities, after the second presence contact 222 is coupled with the first presence contact 212, the pairing process is initiated. It should be noted that the first and second presence contacts 212 and 222 can be provided respectively either in the remote control device 32 or in the charging station 50. That is, while the second presence contact 222 is illustrated in the charging station 50 and the first presence contact 212 in the remote control device 32, the second presence contact 222 could be located in the remote control device 32 and the first presence contact 212 could be located in the charging station 50. The relationship between the second presence contact 222 and the charging elements 220 is such that the charging contacts 210 of the remote control device 32 and the charging elements 220 of the charging station 50 are in contact with each other before the second presence contact 222 connects with the first presence contact 212 when a charging procedure is being initiated; see Figure 8A, which shows that the height of the second presence contact 222 is less than the height of the charging elements 220, the heights measured with respect to the upper surfaces of the housings of elements 220A and a housing of the second presence contact 222A from which the respective charging elements 220 and the second presence contact 222 extend.The supply of power from the charging station 50 to the remote control device 32 via the charging elements / charging contacts 220 / 210 is only initiated after the second presence contact 222 is connected to the first presence contact 212. During a charging procedure, the charging contacts 210 of the remote control device 32 are connected to the charging elements 220 of the charging station 50, and the second presence contact 222 is connected to the first presence contact 212, thereby enabling the supply of power from the charging station 50 to the remote control device 32 via the charging elements / charging contacts 220 / 210, see figure 8B.After the rechargeable power supply 180 is charged to the desired amount, for example, fully charged or charged to a lesser amount than fully charged, as described herein, the power supply from the charging station 50 to the remote control device 32 is cut off via the charging elements / charging contacts 220 / 210. If the remote control device 32 is removed from the charging station 50 before the rechargeable power supply 180 is charged to the desired amount, as the remote control device 32 is removed from the charging station 50, the second presence contact 222 disconnects from the first presence contact 212 before the charging elements 220 disconnect from the charging contacts 210.The power supply from the charging station 50 to the rechargeable power supply 180 of the remote control device 32 through the charging elements / charging contacts 220 / 210 is cut off when the second presence contact 222 is disconnected from the first presence contact 212. This arrangement is intended to prevent the formation of an arc between the charging elements 220 and the charging contacts 210.The use of the first presence contact 212 and the second presence contact 222 in the form of a Pogo pin provides the following advantages: precise control of the relative heights of the second presence contact 222 and the load elements 220; a small footprint, a good seal, for example, to prevent moisture from entering the housing of the second presence contact 222A from around the second presence contact 222; and it allows differentiation to be made between the first presence contact 212 and a foreign object, such as a piece of metal, preventing electric current from flowing to such a foreign object if it were to come into contact with the second presence contact 222 and one or more of the load elements 220. As an alternative to the presence contacts 212 and 222 used to initiate the power supply from the charging station 50 to the remote control device 32, a separate switch may be provided that the operator activates to initiate a charging operation. In a specific mode that uses inductive charging, this switch may be incorporated into the vehicle's steering control, such that the operator's grip on the steering control is detected and charging is subsequently enabled. The controls 414, which provide the control signals to operate the LEDs 404, can originate from various sources. While the remote control device 32 is operating within range of the charging station 50, the controller 103 can receive information about the charging status of the rechargeable power supply 180 and control the display of the LEDs 404 to transmit this information via a CAN bus interface, for example. When the remote control device 32 is paired with the charging station 50, the LEDs 404 can be used to transmit: a) that a remote control device 32 is physically connected to the charging station 50, b) that a remote control device 32 is currently paired with the vehicle's controller 103, c) the progress or charging status of a current charging operation, and / or d) the charging status of the rechargeable power supply 180.The information in sections c) and d) can be sent to the charging station 50 by means of the remote control device 32, for example, via a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection, and this BLE connection will be discussed in more detail later. In one respect, because the pairing and charging processes are carried out very quickly, the progress or charging status of a current charging operation may not be displayed by the LEDs 404. The remote control device 32 can store its charging profile and then send the charging profile to the charging station 50, for example, via the BLE connection, after the remote control device 32 is removed from the charging station 50, where the charging profile can be evaluated, for example, by means of the controller 103, in order to determine whether adequate charging of the rechargeable power supply 180 occurred.The second presence contact 222 can also send control signals to the controls 414, which indicate whether the load contacts 210 of the remote control device 32 are correctly coupled with the corresponding load elements 220 of the charging station 50. Figures 12 to 14 illustrate other features of the charging station 50 located on the vehicle 10. The charging station 50 may include one or more physical protrusions or guide structures 420 that help guide the remote control device 32 into the correct alignment such that the charging elements 220 of the station are aligned with the charging contacts 210 of the remote control device 32; that is, the guide structures 420 align the remote control device 32 in the proper orientation for charging the rechargeable power supply 180. In Figure 12, a single guide structure 420 including a plurality of guide surfaces is shown.The guide structures 420 can be positioned around the location of the loading elements 220 and can be shaped or tilted in such a way that the remote control device 32 is physically guided to correct the alignment as the operator places the remote control device 32 into the loading station 50. In Figure 13, the LEDs 404 include a visual indicator 424 that indicates that a remote control device 32 is connected to the charging station 50. The visual indicator 424 can illuminate, flash, or fill progressively as a first color to indicate that the remote control device 32 is connected to the charging station 50, and as a second color or a fully filled first color to indicate that the remote control device 32 has been paired with the vehicle controller 103; that is, the visual indicator 424 can use the second color or the fully filled first color to serve as a pairing indicator that confirms the establishment of communication between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10.Furthermore, according to an optional aspect of the invention, the LEDs 404 may blink, illuminate as a second color, or provide some other visual indication after communication has been established between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10 as a signal for the operator to perform an action as a test to confirm that the remote control device 32 is functional and can communicate with the vehicle 10, for example, by simultaneously pressing the horn button 197B and the brake button 197C. It is understood that separate indicators may be used to indicate that a remote control device 32 is connected to the charging station 50 and to indicate that the remote control device 32 has been paired with the vehicle 10, instead of a single indicator that can serve both functions. LEDs 404 can also serve as an indicator to identify the progress of a charging operation when remote control device 32 is connected. When remote control device 32 is not connected to charging station 50, LEDs 404 can serve as an indicator to show the current charging status of the rechargeable power supply 180 of remote control device 32. In this way, LEDs 404 can indicate the charging status of the rechargeable power supply 180 both when the rechargeable power supply 180 is being charged at charging station 50 and during the use of remote control device 32, i.e., while the operator is using remote control device 32 to assist in carrying out work operations.In one example, the 404 LEDs may comprise a series of lights, where each light represents a level of the charge status of the 180 rechargeable power supply. Figures 12 and 14 show an example location of the second presence contact 222 within the charging station 50. Note that the remote control device 32 illustrated in Figures 12 to 14 is the single-finger mode of Figures 4 to 7. Also note that the charging contacts 210 and the first presence contact 212 of the single-finger and two-finger modes could be arranged in such a way as to mirror each other. Therefore, the same charging station 50 could be used for both the single-finger and two-finger remote control device instances 32. The charging station 50 can be located in various places on the vehicle 10. Its location must be such that it does not interfere with the normal operation of the vehicle 10, but is accessible and convenient for the operator. In some configurations, the charging station 50 is located in the operator station 20 (see Figures 1 and 2, where the charging station 50 is located in the operator station 20, but is also accessible from outside the vehicle 10), on a surface on one side of the vehicle 10, or, for the inductive charging configuration, within the steering control of the vehicle 10. The charging station 50 may include a voltage regulator (not shown) that transforms the power from the vehicle 10 received by the charging station 50 to a regulated direct current (DC) voltage signal selected based on the charging characteristics of the rechargeable power supply 180. For example, in a mode where the rechargeable power supply 180 is an AVX supercapacitor as described in the preceding paragraphs or an equivalent device, a supply voltage of 3 V DC (1 percent) could be provided to the current limiter 406. It is noted that the remote control device 32 is described herein as having an exemplary configuration and can be structurally modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, one or more components of the remote control device 32 can be combined into an integral component, or the components can be replaced with alternative components that have a similar or identical purpose. In one embodiment, charging of the rechargeable power supply 180 via the charging station 50 is provided when one or more charging contacts 210 are connected to a corresponding charging element 220 of the charging station 50. In some embodiments, at least two charging contacts 210 or at least four charging contacts 210 and corresponding charging elements 220 are present. In some embodiments, one or more pairs of charging contacts 210 are provided, wherein at least one charging contact 210 of each pair must be connected to a corresponding charging element 220 for charging to occur. As described in the preceding paragraphs, at least one of the remote control device 32 and the charging station 50 may include a second presence contact 222, such as a switch, for example.The second presence contact 222 detects whether at least one charging contact 210 is correctly connected to the corresponding at least one charging element 220 to charge the rechargeable power supply 180, where, if a correct connection is detected, the transfer of energy to the rechargeable power supply 180 is enabled by means of the charging station 50, and if a correct connection is not detected, the transfer of energy to the rechargeable power supply 180 by means of the charging station 50 is not enabled. Furthermore, the arrangement of the remote control device 32 and the charging station 50 is configured in such a way that the second presence contact 222 indicates the removal of the remote control device 32 from the charging station 50, which causes the energy transfer to the rechargeable power supply 180 from the charging station 50 to stop, before at least one charging contact 210 is disconnected from the corresponding at least one charging element 220. Therefore, the energy transfer from the charging station 50 to the rechargeable power supply 180 stops before at least one charging contact 210 is disconnected from the corresponding at least one charging element 220.Therefore, the transfer of energy from the charging station 50 to the rechargeable power supply 180 is stopped before at least one charging contact 210 is disconnected from the corresponding at least one charging element 220. This can be accomplished, for example, by setting the heights of the charging elements 220 and the second presence contact 222, as shown in Figure 8A, where the charging elements 220 are pushed down into their respective element housings 220A before the second presence contact 222 connects with the first presence contact 212, because the remote control device 32 is inserted into the charging station 50. Figure 15 is a functional block diagram of the portions 450 of the remote control device 32 that relate to recharging the rechargeable power supply 180. Other parts of the remote control device 32, such as those related to mechanical actuators, are not shown in Figure 15. As mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, the remote control device 32 may include one or more charging contacts 210 configured to connect to a corresponding charging element. In some embodiments, the charging elements may be the charging elements 220 of the charging station 50. In other embodiments, the charging elements may be those of an adapter that connects to a power supply to recharge the rechargeable power supply 180. The remote control device 32 may include protection circuit 452, which limits electrical parameters such as voltage and / or current to ensure they remain within expected operating ranges. The charge controller and disconnect circuit 454 can monitor the voltage received from protection circuit 452, as well as the current state of the charge on the rechargeable power supply 180, to determine when to stop charging the rechargeable power supply 180. For example, in one example configuration, when the load on the rechargeable power supply 180 reaches 3 V, the charge controller and disconnect circuit 454 can operate to stop further charging.The charge controller and disconnect circuit 454 may include temperature sensing capabilities or may be connected to a temperature sensor in such a way that the rechargeable power supply 180 can be charged (or discharged) to different charge levels. In some embodiments, the rechargeable power supply 180 is discharged to a high-temperature charge state, for example, a state less than fully charged, if a detected temperature is determined to be above a predetermined setpoint temperature. In one exemplary aspect of the invention, the detected temperature is an ambient temperature. In an alternative aspect, the detected temperature is a battery temperature.In some configurations, the 180 rechargeable power supply is charged at the 50 charging station to a predetermined charge level below 100 percent if a detected temperature is found to be above a predetermined threshold temperature. This can help prevent damage or degradation of the 180 rechargeable power supply. As shown in Figure 15, the remote control device 32 may include the wireless communication system 456, such as, for example, a BLE radio that can communicate with the BLE radio 402 of the charging station 50 via a BLE connection. The wireless communication system 456 and / or the BLE radio 402 of the charging station 50 may be configured, for example, to enter a low-power mode when the remote control device 32 is pairing with the vehicle 10 and / or when the rechargeable power supply 180 of the remote control device 32 is being charged in the charging station 50, for example, in order to ensure that only a remote control device 32 that is within a minimum distance, for example, less than 12.7 cm (five inches) or less than 7.62 cm (three inches), which corresponds to the signal strength of communications received from remote control device 32, from charging station 50, is recognized as the remote control device 32 with which it is to be paired. In addition, if the BLE 402 radio of charging station 50 were to identify two or more remote control devices 32 available for pairing and could not determine the correct one for pairing, charging station 50 might not pair with any of the available remote control devices 32 and might require the operator to repeat the pairing process. Association or pairing of a remote control device with a vehicle Figures 16 to 18 illustrate details of example pairing processes according to some aspects of the invention. The remote control device 32 and vehicle 10 described in the preceding paragraphs will be used in describing the pairing processes in Figures 16 to 18, but it is understood that other configurations or styles of remote control device and vehicle could be paired with each other according to the invention. With reference to Figure 16, Method 500 begins when the vehicle operator retrieves a remote control device 32 at reference 502. If the remote control device 32 is a handheld device, as in the modes of Figures 4 to 8 and 9 to 10, the remote control device 32 is also put on by the operator, for example, by securing the fastening strap 190 to the operator's finger or fingers. Next, the vehicle operator initiates a power-on sequence to enable vehicle 10 to enter operation; that is, the operator starts vehicle 10 at reference 504. In order to start vehicle 10, the operator may be required to provide login information to vehicle 10. This information can be provided, for example, by entering a personal identification number (PIN) on a control panel of vehicle 10, by using a remote control to provide the login ID to vehicle 10, or the operator's PIN can be encoded in a memory device, such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip integrated into the remote control device 32. Next, the operator initiates a pairing operation with vehicle 10 in reference 506, and then the pairing system 34 is paired with the remote control device 32 used by the operator with vehicle 10 in reference 508. The details of two example pairing operations will then be described in detail with reference to figures 17 and 18. Once paired, system 8 can provide a visual indication such as, for example, displaying a message on vehicle 10, lighting up LED 424 in a predetermined color, making an audible or visual signal, etc., indicating that pairing is complete. According to one aspect of the invention, the remote control device 32 can be unpaired from the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is switched off. Other example methods for unpairing the remote control device 32 from the vehicle 10 are described below in the example use cases. The operation of two example pairing systems 34 is described in relation to Figures 17 and 18, respectively, which are flowcharts of example methods 550 and 600 for pairing a vehicle 10 and a remote control device 32 through the use of a pairing system 34 that is part of the charging station 50 on board the vehicle 10. The descriptions of methods 550 and 600 in Figures 17 and 18 begin when the remote control device 32 is inserted into the charging station 50, which corresponds to step 506 in Figure 16. With reference to Figure 17 and Method 550, in reference 552, when the second presence contact 222 is activated by the first presence contact 212 as the remote control device 32 is inserted into the charging station 50, the BLE radio 402 of the charging station 50 is enabled in such a way as to begin scanning for or listening to nearby BLE transmissions. As discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the coupling of the second presence contact 222 by means of the first presence contact 212 can also cause the current limiter 406 to be enabled in such a way that power can be supplied from the vehicle 10 to the charging contacts 210 from the charging elements 220, thereby recharging the rechargeable power supply 180 of the remote control device 32.Accordingly, pairing and charging operations are initiated by the single docking action of the remote control device 32 with the charging station 50. Instead of using BLE transmissions to pair the remote control device 32 with the vehicle controller 103, the remote control device 32 can be paired with the vehicle controller 103 by means of direct physical contact between, for example, the charging contacts 210 and the charging elements 220. Alternatively, dedicated pairing contacts (not shown) can be provided on the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10, for example, at the charging station 50, in order to pair the remote control device 32 with the vehicle controller 103 via direct physical contact.These pairing contacts on the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10 could be connected to each other simultaneously with the connection of the charging contacts 210 to the charging elements 220, such that the pairing process could occur at the same time as the charging process. These pairing contacts could be used solely for message exchange during pairing operations. According to one aspect of the invention, wherein the pairing process is carried out wirelessly, in reference 554, the remote control device 32 detects that a voltage is present on its load contacts 210 and begins to transmit BLE alerts via the wireless transmitter 178, indicating that the remote control device 32 is available to communicate with nearby devices. In response, the BLE 402 radio at charging station 50 can receive one of the transmitted announcements and, at reference 556, can issue a BLE scan request to the specific remote control device 32 associated with the received announcement. If the BLE 402 radio at charging station 50 were to identify two or more remote control devices 32 available for pairing—that is, by receiving BLE announcements from two or more remote control devices 32 while scanning or listening for nearby BLE transmissions—the vehicle 10 cannot pair with any of the available remote control devices 32 and may require the operator to repeat the pairing process by removing the remote control device 32 from charging station 50 and then reinserting it into charging station 50. In reference 558, the remote control device 32 responds to the scan request with a unique identification code, which is received by the BLE 402 radio. At reference 560, vehicle 10 checks the code and instructs the BLE radio 402 to open a BLE connection and begin communicating with the remote control device 32. In reference 562, once a communication session has been established between the remote control device 32 and the charging station 50, a predetermined pairing algorithm can be implemented between the remote control device 32 and the charging station 50 in order to complete the pairing operation in reference 564. Once paired, the vehicle 10 communicates wirelessly with the remote control device 32, and the controller 103 of the vehicle 10 is able to implement the wireless requests received from the remote control device 32. In the example flowchart described above with respect to Figure 17, a similar method can be used to pair the remote control device 32 with the vehicle 10 by using, for example, one or more of the charging elements 220 of the charging station 50 and the charging contacts 210 of the remote control device 32, or the dedicated pairing contacts mentioned in the preceding paragraphs. Instead of messages being transmitted and received via wireless radios or BLE, the same or equivalent message types can be communicated through the elements / contacts 220 / 210 using various protocols. The messages can be modulated and transmitted through one of the elements / contacts 220 / 210 that provides the voltage.In any case, the pairing of vehicle 10 and remote control device 32 can be presented simultaneously with the charging of the rechargeable power supply 180 of the remote control device 32. With reference to figure 18 and method 600, in reference 602, when the second presence contact 222 is activated by the first presence contact 212 as the remote control device 32 is inserted into the charging station 50, the BLE radio 402 of the charging station 50 is enabled with a predetermined timeout, for example, 1500 ms, in such a way as to begin scanning or listening for nearby BLE transmissions from the remote control devices 32.As discussed in the preceding paragraphs, activation of the second presence contact 222 by means of the first presence contact 212 can also enable the current limiter 406 in such a way that power can be supplied from the vehicle 10 to the charging contacts 210 from the charging elements 220, thereby recharging the rechargeable power supply 180 of the remote control device 32. Accordingly, the pairing and charging operations are initiated by the single action of coupling the remote control device 32 with the charging station 50 in such a way that a component of the remote control device 32 comes into physical contact with an element of the charging station 50.Instead of using BLE transmissions to pair the remote control device 32 with the vehicle controller 103, the remote control device 32 can be paired with the vehicle controller 103 by means of direct physical contact between, for example, the charging contacts 210 and the charging elements 220. Alternatively, dedicated pairing contacts (not shown) can be provided on the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10, for example, at the charging station 50, in order to pair the remote control device 32 with the vehicle controller 103 via direct physical contact.These pairing contacts on the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10 could be connected to each other simultaneously with the connection of the charging contacts 210 to the charging elements 220, so that the pairing process can occur at the same time as the charging process. These pairing contacts could be used solely for the exchange of messages for pairing operations. In reference 604, the signal strength of the BLE transmissions between the wireless transmitter 178 and the BLE radio 402 can be reduced during the pairing process in order to help prevent other nearby vehicles 10 from receiving the BLE transmissions from the remote control device 32. According to one aspect of the present invention, wherein the pairing process is carried out wirelessly, in reference 606, the remote control device 32 detects that a voltage is present on its charging contacts 210 and begins to transmit BLE alerts via the wireless transmitter 178 at a predetermined speed, for example, at a speed of ms, and with a predetermined waiting time, for example, with a waiting time of 2000 ms, indicating that the remote control device 32 is available for communication with nearby vehicles 10.If the BLE 402 radio of charging station 50 were to identify two or more remote control devices 32 available for pairing, i.e., by receiving BLE announcements from two or more remote control devices 32 while scanning or listening for nearby BLE transmissions, vehicle 10 might not pair with any of the available remote control devices 32 and might require the operator to repeat the pairing process by removing the remote control device 32 from charging station 50 and then reinserting the remote control device 32 into charging station 50. The charging station 50 can provide the power to charge the rechargeable power supply 180 for up to approximately, for example, 1000 ms before the BLE announcements are sent from the wireless transmitter 178. Charging the rechargeable power supply 180 by means of the charging station 50 will be discussed in detail below. In response to receiving BLE alerts from wireless transmitter 178, the BLE radio 402 of charging station 50 can, at reference 608, issue a BLE scan request. In reference 610, remote control device 32 receives the scan request from BLE radio 402 and uses the address of BLE radio 402 to create a unique identification code, which remote control device 32 sends back to BLE radio 402 in reference 612. In reference 614, vehicle 10 verifies the code and instructs the BLE radio 402 to open a BLE connection and begin communicating with remote control device 32. It should be noted that if vehicle 10 receives more than one valid ID code during step 614, for example, if vehicle 10 receives ID codes from two different remote control devices 32, pairing will fail, vehicle 10 may issue an error message or other warning, and the operator will be required to repeat the pairing process by removing remote control device 32 from charging station 50 and then reinserting remote control device 32 into charging station 50. In reference 616, once a communication session has been established between the remote control device 32 and the charging station 50, the pairing operation can be completed, and the signal strength of the BLE transmissions between the wireless transmitter 178 and the BLE radio 402 can be increased back to their normal levels in reference 618. The operator might be required to perform an action on reference 620 as a test to confirm that the remote control device 32 is functional and can communicate with the charging station 50, for example, by pressing a sequence of buttons on the remote control device 32, for example, by pressing the horn button 197B and the brake button 197C simultaneously. Once paired, vehicle 10 communicates wirelessly with remote control device 32, and the controller 103 of vehicle 10 is able to implement the wireless requests received from remote control device 32. According to some aspects of the invention, a pairing period (which is a period of time taken to establish communication between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10 and which begins with steps 552 / 602 and ends with steps 564 / 616) may be shorter than the charging period (which is the time taken to charge the rechargeable power supply 180 to a desired charging state at the charging station 50), wherein the charging of the rechargeable power supply 180 will be discussed below in relation to Figures 21 and 22. With reference to Figure 19, according to a further aspect of the present invention, after performing work operations, the vehicle operator may need to temporarily leave the vehicle 10, for example, to take a break. An example method 700 is illustrated for switching off, restarting, and re-pairing the vehicle 10 with the remote control device 32 used by the operator. The operator switches off the vehicle 10 in reference 702, such as to take a break, etc. After a while, the operator switches the vehicle 10 back on. During this break, the remote control device 32 can remain paired with the vehicle 10 for a predefined period of time.This pairing state maintained between vehicle 10 and remote control device 32 can be indicated, for example, on a touchscreen (not shown) provided in vehicle 10, by the illumination of LED 424 in a predetermined color, pattern, etc. Therefore, if the operator switches vehicle 10 on again before the time period predefined in reference 704 expires, vehicle 10 can detect remote control device 32 in reference 706, where remote control device 32 remains paired with vehicle 10. In this respect, the operator may or may not need to take any action in reference 708, such as pressing a button in vehicle 10, for example, on the charging station 50, on the touchscreen, etc., or pressing a sequence of buttons on remote control device 32. A successful operator action in reference 708 results in confirmation of the pairing between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10 in reference 710. A visual signal can be displayed on the indicator (LED 424) to indicate the pairing, for example, by illuminating LED 424 in the second color indicated above. Alternatively, according to this aspect of the invention, if the operator switches on the vehicle 10 again after the time period previously defined in reference 712 has expired, the operator may be required to re-pair the remote control device 32 with the vehicle 10 as with the initial pairing, for example, by inserting the remote control device 32 into the charging station 50 in reference 714. With reference to Figure 20, an example method 800 is illustrated for re-establishing communication between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10 after a period of inactivity. In reference 802, the controller 103 in the vehicle 10 detects that no vehicle-related activity has taken place for a specified period of time after communication has been established between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10. Example vehicle-related activities include driving the vehicle 10 (either manually via the use of the hand controls at the operator station 20, other hand controls, for example, on the side of the vehicle 10, or via the remote control device 32), standing on the platform 21, moving or placing an item in the load handling assembly 12, etc.In reference 804, if no vehicle-related activity is carried out for more than a predetermined initial amount of time after communication is established between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10, the communication between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10 is terminated and must be re-established using the pairing system 34 in reference 806, i.e., by inserting the remote control device 32 into the charging station 50 in the vehicle 10. This terminated pairing state between the vehicle 10 and the remote control device 32 can be indicated, for example, on the touch screen, by the illumination of LED 424 in a predetermined color, pattern, etc. In reference 808, if no vehicle-related activity is carried out for less than a second predetermined amount of time after communication is established between remote control device 32 and vehicle 10, the second predetermined amount of time being equal to or less than the first predetermined amount of time, communication between remote control device 32 and vehicle 10 is terminated, but it can be re-established without the pairing system 34, for example, by executing a confirmation method using remote control device 32 as described in reference 810. The confirmation method may include, for example, the operator performing a sequence of button presses on remote control device 32, such as by pressing and holding one or more of buttons 197 A to C.This pairing state between vehicle 10 and remote control device 32 can be indicated, for example, on the touch screen, by means of the illumination of LED 424 in a previously determined color, pattern, etc. Figure 21 is a flowchart of an example of Method 900 for charging a remote control device according to the principles of the present invention. In particular, the remote control device may be the same as or similar to the remote control device 32 described herein, and may include a wireless communication system 456 comprising a wireless transmitter 178 (e.g., capable of one-way or two-way communication), a rechargeable power supply 180, and at least one control (e.g., controls 196 A through C) causing the wireless transmitter 178 to wirelessly transmit a request to a controller of a material handling vehicle 10. Method 900 for charging a remote control device 32 begins at reference 902 when contact is initiated between a component of the remote control device 32 and an element of a charging station 50, wherein the charging station 50 is located in the vehicle 10, and the contact between the component of the remote control device and the element of the charging station is then detected. As described above, the remote control device 32 may include one or more charging contacts 210, each arranged in such a way as to activate a corresponding charging element 220 of the charging station 50, such that when connected, a second presence contact 222 or a similar device activates a corresponding first presence contact 212 to detect or perceive that the charging contact 210 and the charging element 220 are in contact with each other.However, other components of the remote control device 32 and other elements of the charging station 50 can be used to detect or sense the start of contact. Next, at reference 904, a charging period begins, during which power is supplied from charging station 50 to the rechargeable power supply 180. As described above, by way of example, the charging station 50 circuit is configured such that when contact is detected between the charging contact(s) 210 and the charging element(s) 220, power is supplied from charging station 50 to the charging contacts 210 of the remote control device 32 to charge the rechargeable power supply 180. Once the rechargeable power supply 180 is substantially fully charged (or charged to a desired amount less than a substantially full charge), the remote control device 32 can be removed from charging station 50. Thus, the method in Figure 21 continues, in reference 906, with the interruption of contact between the remote control device component and the charging station element, and with the detection of the interruption of contact between the remote control device component and the charging station element. As described above, the charging contact(s) 210 of the remote control device 32 and the charging element(s) 220 of the charging station 50 are arranged in such a way that, as the two systems are disconnected, this state can be detected or perceived. An example is the second presence contact 222, which can detect when the remote control device 32 is being removed from the charging station 50. Finally, after detecting this interruption at reference 906, the charging station 50 can cease supplying power from the charging station 50 to the rechargeable power supply 180 at reference 908, thereby ending the charging period. It should be noted that the second presence contact 222 can be located on the remote control device 32, and disconnecting it can result in the power supply from the charging station 50 to the rechargeable power supply 180 being stopped. The power supply from the charging station 50 to the rechargeable power supply 180 can also be stopped when the rechargeable power supply 180 is charged to the desired level (either fully charged or charged to a level less than full), as described herein. Method 900 may include other optional steps shown in Figure 21. For example, Method 900 may also include confirmation of the establishment of communication between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10 at reference 910, for example, with at least one audible or visual signal. Method 900 may further include, while the remote control device component is in contact with the charging station element, the establishment of communication between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10 (for example, pairing) during a pairing period at reference 912, such that the controller 103 receives transmissions from the remote control device 32 and is able to implement wireless requests from the remote control device 32.This communication between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10 can be established concurrently while the rechargeable power supply 180 is charging at the charging station 50, such that the pairing period and the charging period overlap. In at least some modes, the pairing period is less than or equal to the charging period. Furthermore, method 900 may include, in reference 914, displaying a charge status of the rechargeable power supply 180 in the vehicle 10, for example, at the charging station 50, wherein the charge status of the rechargeable power supply 180 can be displayed in the vehicle 10 both when the rechargeable power supply 180 is being charged and during the use of the remote control device 32. The charge status of the rechargeable power supply 180 can be visualized, for example, through a series of lights, wherein each of the lights represents a level of a charge status of the rechargeable power supply 180. Figure 22 is a flowchart of another example method 950 for charging a remote control device according to the principles of the present invention, such as the remote control device 32 described herein, which comprises a wireless communication system 456 including a wireless transmitter 178 (e.g., capable of one-way or two-way communication), a rechargeable power supply 180, and at least one control (e.g., controls 196 A to C) causing the wireless transmitter 178 to wirelessly transmit a request to a material handling vehicle controller 10.As used herein, the term control, when used to describe a remote control device 32, is intended to include any structure capable of providing the desired function, which includes, but is not limited to, buttons, switches, dials, etc. Method 950 for charging a remote control device 32 begins in reference 952 by initiating contact between a component of the remote control device 32 and an element of a charging station 50, where the charging station 50 is located in the vehicle 10, and the contact between the component of the remote control device and the element of the charging station is then detected. As described in the preceding paragraphs, the remote control device 32 may include one or more charging contacts 210, each arranged in such a way as to activate a corresponding charging element 220 of the charging station 50, such that when activated, a second presence contact 222 or a similar device activates a corresponding presence contact 212 to detect or sense that the charging contact(s) 210 and the charging element(s) 220 are in contact with each other.However, other components of the remote control device 32 and other elements of the charging station 50 can be used to detect or sense the start of contact. In step 954, the current state of charge of the rechargeable power supply 180 is determined. Step 954 can be carried out before or after step 952, i.e., the state of charge of the rechargeable power supply 180 can be communicated to the charging station 50 both when the remote control device 32 is coupled with the charging station 50 and during the use of the remote control device 32 by the operator, as described herein. Based on the current state of the charge of the rechargeable power supply 180, and after step 952 is completed, a charging period begins in step 956, during which power is supplied from charging station 50 to the rechargeable power supply 180. In one example mode, in step 958A, if the voltage of the rechargeable power supply 180 is below a voltage threshold VT, charging station 50 charges the rechargeable power supply 180 at a first higher power level PL1. According to this mode, in step 958B, if the voltage of the rechargeable power supply 180 is above the voltage threshold VT, charging station 50 charges the rechargeable power supply 180 at a second lower power level PL2.The resulting charging period in either case, i.e., in step 958A or step 958B, can be approximately the same; that is, charging the rechargeable power supply 180 to the desired amount above or below the voltage threshold VT can take approximately the same amount of time. While only two power levels, PL1 and PL2, associated with a single voltage threshold VT are described herein, additional voltage thresholds and power levels could be used, where the charging period would always be approximately the same, regardless of the charge level of the rechargeable power supply 180 when it is inserted into the charging station 50. Furthermore, an equation could be used to dynamically set the power level according to the current state of charge of the rechargeable power supply 180. Once the charging period has been completed, i.e., once the rechargeable power supply 180 is charged to the desired amount, i.e., substantially fully charged or charged to a lesser amount than a substantially full charge state, for example, by virtue of the detected temperature if such technology is present in the system 8, or if less than a full charge is desired, the remote control device 32 can be removed from the charging station 50. Thus, the method in Figure 22 continues, in step 960, with the interruption of contact between the remote control device component and the charging station element, and the detection of the contact interruption between the remote control device component and the charging station element. As described in the preceding paragraphs, the charging contacts 210 of the remote control device 32 and the charging elements 220 of the charging station 50 are arranged in such a way that, as the two systems are disconnected, this state can be detected or perceived. An example is the second presence contact 222, which can detect when the remote control device 32 is being removed from the charging station 50. Finally, after detecting this interruption at reference 960, or when the rechargeable power supply 180 is being charged to the desired amount, the charging station can cease supplying power from charging station 50 to the rechargeable power supply 180 at reference 962, thereby ending the charging period. Method 950 may include other optional steps shown in Figure 22. For example, Method 950 may also include confirmation of the establishment of communication between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10 in reference 964, for example, with at least one audible or visual signal. Method 950 may further include, while the remote control device component is in contact with the charging station element, the establishment of communication between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10 (for example, pairing) during a pairing period in reference 966, such that the controller 103 receives transmissions from the remote control device 32 and is able to implement wireless requests from the remote control device 32.This communication between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10 can be established concurrently while the rechargeable power supply 180 is charging at the charging station 50, such that the pairing period and the charging period overlap. In at least some modes, the pairing period is less than or equal to the charging period, although the pairing period can be longer than the charging period, as will be discussed in more detail below. Furthermore, method 950 may include, in reference 968, the display of a charge status of the rechargeable power supply 180 in the vehicle 10, for example, at the charging station 50, wherein the charge status of the rechargeable power supply 180 may be displayed in the vehicle 10 both when the rechargeable power supply 180 is being charged and during the use of the remote control device 32. The charge status of the rechargeable power supply 180 may be displayed, for example, by means of a series of lights, wherein each of the lights represents a level of a charge status of the rechargeable power supply 180. According to one aspect of the invention, the charging period may depend on the capacity of the rechargeable power supply 180, the charging speed or power level supplied by the charging station 50, and / or the charging status of the rechargeable power supply 180 when inserted into the charging station 50. Therefore, a desired charging period could be achieved regardless of the current charging status of the rechargeable power supply 180 when the remote control device 32 is placed in the charging station 50. For example, the current charging status of the rechargeable power supply 180 can be known by the vehicle 10; for example, the charging status of the rechargeable power supply 180 can be communicated to the charging station 50, as described herein.The charging station 50 can receive instructions, for example, from the controller 103, to supply power to the rechargeable power supply 180 at different speeds or levels depending on the state of charge of the rechargeable power supply 180 when the remote control device 32 is placed on the charging station 50, in such a way that the charging period is generally about the same time, regardless of the state of charge of the rechargeable power supply 180 when the remote control device 32 is placed on the charging station 50.For example, as discussed in the preceding paragraphs with reference to steps 958 A / B in Figure 22, if the charging state of the rechargeable power supply 180 is a lower first charging state, then a higher first speed or power level can be supplied from the charging station 50 to the rechargeable power supply 180. If the charging state of the rechargeable power supply 180 is a higher second charging state, then a lower second speed or power level can be supplied from the charging station 50 to the rechargeable power supply 180. The resulting charging period in both cases could be approximately the same time, for example, within approximately 0.5 seconds of the desired charging period.Any number of charging states of the rechargeable power supply and their corresponding speeds or power levels could be implemented in such a way that the time required to charge the rechargeable power supply 180 falls within the desired charging period. Furthermore, the lifespan of the rechargeable power supply 180 can be increased when it is charged at a lower power level. Therefore, an additional advantage of a consistent charging period, as with the present invention, is that the rechargeable power supply 180 is sometimes charged at a lower power level, for example, when the charging state of the rechargeable power supply 180, upon insertion into the charging station 50, is the second highest charging state discussed above.Therefore, charging the 180 rechargeable power supply at different power levels, as described herein, can increase the lifespan of the 180 rechargeable power supply, rather than charging the 180 rechargeable power supply at a consistent and higher power level with each charge. Furthermore, while the pairing period, described herein as the time it takes to establish communication between the remote control device 32 and the vehicle 10, may be less than or equal to the charging period, the charging period may also be less than the pairing period. For example, the rechargeable power supply 180 may not need to be fully charged to operate for a desired usage period. A full charge of the rechargeable power supply 180 may provide an operating time longer than a desired usage period (e.g., an operator's shift), such that the rechargeable power supply 180 does not need to be fully charged to be operational during that period.In this case, the charging station 50 can be programmed to charge the rechargeable power supply 180 to a sub-full charge level, which would still be sufficient for the remote control device to operate for the entire desired usage period. The time it takes to charge the rechargeable power supply 180 to this sub-full charge level may be less than the pairing period. Other situations where the charging period is shorter than the pairing period may also occur. With reference to Figure 23, the principles of the present invention can also be implemented as a retrofit kit for a material handling vehicle. In Figure 23, elements similar or identical to those described above with reference to Figures 1 to 22 include the same reference number followed by a prime symbol ('). An element described with reference to Figure 23 but not specifically shown in Figure 23 is equivalent to the element having the same reference symbol as described above, but without the prime symbol. The vehicle 10' may include a vehicle controller 103' that responds to wireless requests from an associated remote control device 32' used by an operator interacting with the vehicle 10' similar to the vehicle types 10 and remote control devices 32 described above. An example kit 1000 would include a charging station 50' in the vehicle 10', wherein the charging station 50' is for charging a rechargeable power supply 180' of the remote control device 32', wherein the charging station 50' is electrically coupled to a power supply of the vehicle, and a receiver 102', such as a BLE radio coupled in a communicative manner with the vehicle controller 103'.In particular, the 50' charging station is configured in such a way that the 180' rechargeable power supply is charged to a desired amount (a full charge or less than a full charge as described herein) at the 50' charging station within a desired charging period. The 1000 kit may also include a pairing system 34' to establish communication between the remote control device 32' and the vehicle 10', enabling the controller 103' to implement wireless requests from the remote control device 32'. The pairing system 34', for example, may be similar to the pairing system 34 and may implement the pairing algorithms detailed in Figure 17 and / or Figure 18. Therefore, the 1000 kit may also include a pairing indicator, for example, the visual indicator 424', which confirms the establishment of communication between the remote control device 32' and the vehicle 10'.Furthermore, the pairing system 34' can be configured so that the pairing period (the time it takes to establish communication between the remote control device 32' and the vehicle 10') is less than or equal to the charging period (the time it takes to charge the rechargeable power supply 180' to the desired level). The pairing period can also be longer than the charging period. The pairing system 34' can be integrated into the charging station 50' or can be a separate component. It is envisaged that communication between the remote control device 32' and the vehicle 10' is established concurrently during the charging of the rechargeable power supply 180' at the charging station 50'; that is, the pairing period and the charging period may overlap. Furthermore, in some configurations, communication between the remote control device 32' and the vehicle 10', and the charging of the rechargeable power supply 180' at the charging station 50', are initiated by a single action. For example, this single action may consist of physical contact with a component of the remote control device, such as one or more charging contacts 210 as described above, or with an element of the charging station, such as one or more corresponding charging elements 220 as described in the preceding paragraphs. The remote control device 32' used in conjunction with kit 1000 may be the same as the remote control devices 32 described herein. Therefore, a remote control device manufactured for use with a vehicle 10 that includes an integrated charging station 50 and related components could also be used with kit 1000 for use with an existing vehicle 10'. As described above with regard to the 50 charging station, the 50' charging station of kit 1000 may also include the 420' guide structure to align the 32' remote control device in the proper orientation to charge the 180' rechargeable power supply. The 1000 kit may also include an indicator (e.g., LEDs 404, a light, or a similar structure) that can be configured to be attached to the vehicle 10 to indicate the charging status of the rechargeable power supply 180. The indicator can show the charging status of the rechargeable power supply 180 both when the rechargeable power supply 180 is being charged at the charging station 50 and during use of the remote control device 32. In some embodiments, the indicator comprises a series of lights, each light representing a level of the charging status of the rechargeable power supply 180. The 1000 kit includes at least one 220' charging element on the 50' charging station that connects to at least one corresponding 210' charging contact on the 32' remote control device. In addition, at least one of the 32' remote control devices or the 50' charging station includes a presence contact 212' or 222' that detects whether at least one corresponding 210' charging contact and at least one 220' charging element are correctly connected. If a correct connection is detected, power transfer to the 32' remote control device's 180' rechargeable power supply via the 50' charging station is enabled; if a correct connection is not detected, power transfer to the 180' rechargeable power supply via the 50' charging station is disabled.In at least some embodiments, the remote control device 32' comprises at least two load contacts 210' or at least four load contacts 210' that are positioned in such a way as to connect the corresponding load elements 220' in the load station 50'. The arrangement of the remote control device 32' and the charging station 50' of kit 1000 is configured such that the presence contact 212' or 222' indicates the removal of the remote control device 32' from the charging station 50', which stops the transfer of energy to the rechargeable power supply 180' from the charging station 50', before at least one charging contact 210' is disconnected from the corresponding at least one charging element 220'. Therefore, the transfer of energy from the charging station 50' to the rechargeable power supply 180' stops before at least one charging contact 210' is disconnected from the corresponding at least one charging element 220'. The 1000 kit can also utilize contactless, or inductive, charging, whereby the remote control device's rechargeable power supply 180' can be charged by being in close proximity to, or on the surface of, a compatible inductive charging station (not shown). Such an inductive charging station can be located, for example, on a vehicle's driving or steering control 10' in such a way that the rechargeable power supply 180' can be charged while the operator is manually driving the vehicle 10' from the operator station 20'.The 1000 kit according to this aspect of the invention can be located at least partially in the vehicle's steering control or another vehicle component that facilitates contactless or inductive charging of the rechargeable power supply 180', for example, the rechargeable power supply 180' can be charged by the operator holding the driving or steering control. The 1000 kit can utilize any of the other features and / or functions of the 32' remote control device and the 50' charging station as described above for Figures 1 to 22. Note that if the 10' vehicle to be used with the 1000 kit were previously configured in such a way as to interact with a wireless remote control device, the controller logic in the 103' vehicle controller might need to be updated for use with the 1000 kit, and a receiver already provided in the 10' vehicle, i.e., to receive wireless requests from a remote control device that was used with the 10' vehicle before the 1000 kit was installed in the 10' vehicle, may be switched off in place of the 102' receiver of the 1000 kit, i.e., for use with the 32' remote control device associated with the 1000 kit. With reference now to Figure 24, a remote control device 32 according to one embodiment of the invention can be incorporated into a glove garment 1100. The use of the glove garment 1100 eliminates the need for the fastening strap 190, and the first control 196A can be provided on a finger of the glove garment 1100 instead of being part of the upper housing 174, but the remaining components of the remote control device 32 illustrated in Figure 24 can be the same as or similar to those of the remote control device 32 of Figures 4 to 7, including a form of the upper housing portion 174 that connects with the charging station 50 in the vehicle 10.Therefore, the charging station 50 in the vehicle 10 can be the same as the charging station 50 described above, i.e., because the coupling part with the charging station of the upper housing 174 of the remote control device 32 incorporated in the glove garment 1100 can have the same dimensions as the coupling part with the charging station of the upper housing 174 of the remote control device 32 in the modality of figures 4 to 7, the same charging station 50 could be used either with the remote control device 32 mounted on the finger of figures 4 to 7, or with the remote control device 32 incorporated in the glove garment 1100 of figure 24. If the remote control device 32 incorporated into the glove garment 1100 were used in combination with the inductive charging technology disclosed herein, the inductive charging structures could be incorporated, for example, in the palm of the glove garment 1100. Such charging structures in the glove garment 1100 could be used with the incorporated charging elements, for example, in a steering control of a vehicle paired with the remote control device 32, in which case a rechargeable power supply of the remote control device 32 could be charged while the operator is holding the steering control. According to some additional aspects of the present invention, there may be conditions and / or events that cause the vehicle 10 to become unpaired from the remote control device 32, in which case a complete pairing process using the pairing system 34, as described herein, may be necessary to re-pair the vehicle 10 with the remote control device 32. There may be other conditions or events that cause the vehicle 10 to become unpaired from the remote control device 32, in which case something other than a complete pairing process using the pairing system 34, as described herein, may be required to re-pair the vehicle 10 with the remote control device 32. Several example use cases with respect to unpairing and re-pairing will now be described. A first example use case can be presented when vehicle 10 is turned off. According to this first use case, the remote control device 32 becomes unpaired from the controller 103 and requires a complete pairing process through the use of the pairing system 34, as described herein, in order to re-pair vehicle 10 with the remote control device 32. According to this first example use case, a complete pairing process using the pairing system 34 may be required in order to re-pair the remote control device 32 with vehicle 10 each time vehicle 10 is turned off. A second example use case might be substantially as described above with reference to Figure 19, where the vehicle operator temporarily leaves vehicle 10, for example, to take a break. The details of this second example use case are discussed earlier with reference to Figure 17 and will not be repeated here. The third and fourth example use cases can occur if no vehicle-related activity takes place for more than a predetermined first amount of time after communication is established between remote control device 32 and vehicle 10 (third use case), or if no vehicle-related activity takes place for less than a predetermined second amount of time after communication is established between remote control device 32 and vehicle 10 (fourth use case). Details of these third and fourth example use cases are discussed earlier with reference to Figure 20 and will not be repeated here. Several example use cases can arise when dealing with multiple remote control devices 32 and / or multiple vehicles 10. In a fifth example use case, suppose a first remote control device 32 is currently paired with a first vehicle 10, and a second remote control device 32 is currently paired with a second vehicle 10. In this fifth use case, the first remote control device 32 is inserted into the charging station 50 of the second vehicle 10. Under this circumstance, the charging station 50 of the second vehicle 10 can charge the rechargeable power supply 180 of the first remote control device 32, the first remote control device 32 can become unpaired from the first vehicle 10, and the second remote control device 32 can become unpaired from the second vehicle 10.The first remote control device 32 will not be paired with the second vehicle 10 in the fifth use case. In a sixth example use case, and with reference to Figure 24, suppose that a remote control device 32 is currently paired with a first vehicle 10A in such a way that the remote control device 32 communicates wirelessly with the first vehicle 10A, and a second vehicle 10B is not currently paired with a remote control device. In this sixth use case, the remote control device 32 is paired with the second vehicle 10B by means of a pairing process, for example, by inserting the remote control device 32 into the charging station 50 of the second vehicle 10B.Through this pairing process, the charging station 50 of the second vehicle 10B can charge the rechargeable power supply 180 of the remote control device 32, and the remote control device 32 can be paired with the second vehicle 10B in such a way that the remote control device communicates wirelessly with the second vehicle 10B. This pairing process can also cause the remote control device to become unpaired from the first vehicle 10A, so that the remote control device no longer communicates wirelessly with the first vehicle 10A.Once the remote control device 32 is paired with the second vehicle 10B and unpaired from the first vehicle 10A, the second vehicle 10B can respond to remote requests from the remote control device 32, while the first vehicle 10A can no longer respond to remote requests from the remote control device 32. As described in the preceding paragraphs, the wireless communication system 456 of the remote control device 32 and / or the BLE radio 402 of the charging station 50 can be configured, for example, in such a way as to enter a low power mode when the remote control device 32 is pairing with the second vehicle 10B and / or the rechargeable power supply 180 of the remote control device 32 is being charged in the charging station 50, for example, to ensure that only a remote control device 32 that is within a minimum distance, corresponding to the signal strength of the communications received from the remote control device 32, from the charging station 50 is recognized as the remote control device 32 for pairing with the second vehicle 10B. According to the sixth example use case, prior to the pairing process, the second vehicle 10B can be dispatched, for example, by a warehouse management system (WMS) in communication with the first vehicle 10A, to a designated location, such as the operator's location, the location of the first vehicle 10A, the end of an aisle where the operator and / or the first vehicle 10A are located, a designated waiting area, etc. The second vehicle 10B can be an unloaded vehicle, meaning it is free of cargo and therefore ready to transport the items to be picked by the operator.The second vehicle, 10B, can be instructed to move to a location designated by the warehouse management system (WMS). For example, this occurs when the first vehicle, 10A, is loaded with a desired quantity of picking items and is ready to be dispatched to a different location—a location other than the current location of vehicle 10A, such as a loading dock (LD) or another location to which the picking items in the first vehicle, 10A, are to be delivered. The operator can also request that the second vehicle, 10B, be dispatched to the designated location, for example, by using a control on the first vehicle, 10A, or via a handset.Once the second 10B vehicle is paired with the remote control device 32, the second 10B vehicle can no longer implement commands from the warehouse management system (WMS), such that the second 10B vehicle will only implement wireless commands from the remote control device 32 with which it is paired. Once the remote control device 32 has been unpaired from the first vehicle 10A, the warehouse management system (WMS) can send instructions to the first vehicle 10A to move to the loading platform (LD) and / or another location, such as a vehicle charging station (not shown). By using this sixth example use case, an operator can quickly switch between vehicles 10A and 10B, resulting in increased productivity and work efficiency. In a seventh example use case, suppose a first remote control device 32 is currently paired with a vehicle 10, and a second remote control device 32 is not paired with a vehicle. In this seventh use case, the second remote control device 32 is inserted into the charging station 50 of vehicle 10. Under these circumstances, the charging station 50 of vehicle 10 can charge the rechargeable power supply 180 of the second remote control device 32, the first remote control device 32 can become unpaired from vehicle 10, and the second remote control device 32 will not pair with vehicle 10. In an eighth example use case, remote control device 32 moves out of range of vehicle 10, i.e., in such a way that wireless transmitter 178 is no longer able to communicate with receiver 102 for a predetermined period of time. According to the eighth use case, remote control device 32 may become unpaired from vehicle 10. According to the eighth use case, if remote control device 32 moves back within range of vehicle 10 after a predetermined period of time, vehicle 10 may need to be powered off and restarted to pair with a remote control device 32 using pairing system 34, including pairing with the previously paired remote control device 32, or a different remote control device 32.If remote control device 32 moves back within range of vehicle 10 within the predetermined time period, it may not be necessary to power down and restart the vehicle to pair with the previously paired remote control device 32. For example, the previously paired remote control device 32 can be re-paired with vehicle 10 by inserting it into the vehicle's charging station 50. Pairing vehicle 10 with a different remote control device 32 may require powering down and restarting the vehicle, regardless of how long the previously paired remote control device 32 was out of range of vehicle 10. Additional example use cases related to pairing and / or loading periods will now be described. In a ninth example use case, a desired charging state, for example, a substantially full charge state, of the rechargeable power supply 180 can be achieved by charging the rechargeable power supply 180 at the charging station 50 in five seconds or less. According to this use case, the substantially full charge state of the rechargeable power supply 180 can provide a usage period of the remote control device 32 of at least eight hours. In a tenth example use case, the charging station 50 varies the power level supplied to the rechargeable power supply 180 based on the charging status of the rechargeable power supply 180 when the remote control device 32 is inserted into the charging station 50, as described herein with reference to Figure 22. A charging period according to the tenth use case will always be approximately four seconds, regardless of the charging status of the rechargeable power supply 180 when the remote control device 32 is inserted into the charging station 50. Therefore, a predictable charging period is achieved. It is observed that the types of transmissions sent by the remote control device 32 to vehicle 10, such as requests for movement, can be other types of transmissions. For example, the transmissions may include location-based transmissions that inform the controller 103 of vehicle 10 where the remote control device 32 is located relative to vehicle 10. These types of location transmissions can be used by the controller 103, for example, to track the remote control device 32. Thus, vehicle 10 can follow an operator who uses, holds, or carries the remote control device 32. This remote control device 32 could be charged by the charging station 50 and paired with vehicle 10, as described herein. According to another aspect of the present invention, the charging of the rechargeable power supply 180 by means of the charging station 50 can be deactivated while the vehicle 10 is in motion. This aspect of the invention may not apply to the inductive charging of the rechargeable power supply 180. Furthermore, if an operator is attempting to pair a remote control device 32 with a vehicle 10 that is communicating with the warehouse management system (WMS), the WMS can determine whether operational checks have been performed on one or more remote control devices within a predetermined time period, for example, within the last 12 hours. Such operational checks may include, for example, checks to ensure the operability of the remote control device 32's controls, such as the horn and / or brake buttons. 197B and 197C. If these operational checks have not been carried out within the predetermined time period, vehicle 10 may inform the operator that the operational checks must be carried out before the remote control device 32 can be paired with vehicle 10; that is, the remote control device 32 is only permitted to be paired with vehicle 10 if one or more operational checks of the remote control device have been carried out within the predetermined time period. The operational checks may be carried out when the operator implements the controls, for example, when the horn and / or brake buttons 197B and 197C are pressed and held. Furthermore, when an operator attempts to pair a remote control device 32 with a vehicle 10 that is communicating with the warehouse management system (WMS), the WMS can determine whether the operator is authorized to operate the vehicle 10 they are trying to pair with the remote control device 32. For example, vehicles intended for use only in a specific location, such as a freezer, can only be paired with the remote control devices 32 that the operator will use in that location. As another example, operators may be restricted to operating certain vehicles. In these situations, remote control devices 32 can only be authorized to pair with those vehicles if these conditions are met. According to one aspect of the invention, the charge life of the rechargeable power supply 180 during a given operating cycle can be increased by turning off or reducing the power consumption of one or more components of the remote control device 32, for example, the components of the wireless communication system 456, which include the wireless transmitter 178, when it is determined that an operator is standing on platform 21 of the vehicle 10, for example, according to what is detected by the presence sensors 22. Alternative expressions of the inventive concept, and other ways of carrying out the invention, are established in the following numbered modalities: Modalities 1. A system comprising: A remote control device that can be used by an operator interacting with a material handling vehicle, wherein the remote control device is for wirelessly controlling one or more functions of the vehicle, and which comprises: a wireless transmitter; at least one control coupled in a manner communicable to the wireless transmitter, wherein actuation of the control causes the wireless transmitter to wirelessly transmit a request; and a rechargeable power supply; a receiver in the vehicle to receive transmissions from the wireless transmitter; a controller in the vehicle that is communicably coupled to the receiver, wherein the controller responds to the reception of requests from the remote control device; and a charging station in the vehicle, wherein the charging station is for charging the rechargeable power supply of the remote control device. 2. The system according to modality 1, where the rechargeable power supply is a supercapacitor. 3. The system according to mode 1 or mode 2, which further comprises a pairing system to establish communication between the remote control device and the controller in such a way that the controller will implement wireless requests from the remote control device. 4. The system according to mode 3, where communication between the remote control device and the controller is currently established during the charging of the rechargeable power supply at the charging station. 5. The system according to mode 3 or mode 4, where communication between the remote control device and the controller, and the charging of the rechargeable power supply at the charging station, are initiated with a single action. 6. The system according to modality 5, where the only action comprises the physical contact of a component of the remote control device with an element of the charging station. 7. The system in accordance with any of the modalities 3 to 6, which also includes a pairing indicator that confirms the establishment of communication between the remote control device and the controller. 8. The system in accordance with any of the modalities 3 to 7, wherein a period of time required to establish communication between the remote control device and the controller is less than or equal to a pairing period. 9. The system in accordance with any of the modes 1 to 8, wherein a substantially complete state of charge of the rechargeable power supply is achieved by charging the rechargeable power supply at the charging station in five seconds or less. 10. The system in accordance with modality 9, wherein the substantially full charge state of the rechargeable power supply provides a period of use of the remote control device of at least two hours. 11. The system in accordance with modality 10, wherein the substantially full charge state of the rechargeable power supply provides a period of use of the remote control device of at least eight hours. 12. The system in accordance with any of the modes 1 to 11, wherein a substantially complete state of charge of the rechargeable power supply is achieved by charging the rechargeable power supply at the charging station in three seconds or less. 13. The system in accordance with any of the modalities 1 to 12, wherein the charging station includes a guide structure to align the remote control device in the proper orientation for charging the rechargeable power supply. 14. The system in accordance with any of the modalities 1 to 13, which further comprises an indicator in the vehicle to indicate a charging status of the rechargeable power supply. 15. The system in accordance with modality 14, where the indicator shows the charging status of the rechargeable power supply both when the rechargeable power supply is being charged at the charging station and during the use of the remote control device. 16. The system in accordance with modality 14 or modality 15, wherein the indicator comprises a series of lights, wherein each light represents a level of the charge status of the rechargeable power supply. 17. The system in accordance with any of the modalities 1 to 16, wherein the remote control device includes a safety structure to secure the remote control device to one or more fingers of the operator's hand. 18. The system in accordance with any of the modalities 1 to 17, wherein the remote control device comprises at least one charging contact that connects to at least one corresponding charging element at the charging station. 19. The system according to modality 18, wherein at least one load contact is embossed from an external surface of the remote control device. 20. The system according to modality 18 or modality 19, wherein at least one of the remote control device or the charging station includes a switch that detects whether or not at least one charging contact is correctly connected with the corresponding at least one charging element to charge the rechargeable power supply, wherein if a correct connection is detected, the transfer of energy to the rechargeable power supply by means of the charging station is enabled, and if a correct connection is not detected, the transfer of energy to the rechargeable power supply by means of the charging station is not enabled. 21. The system according to modality 20, wherein the structure of the remote control device and the charging station is configured in such a way that the switch indicates the removal of the remote control device from the charging station before at least one charging contact is disconnected from the corresponding at least one charging element, in such a way that the transfer of energy from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply is stopped before at least one charging contact is disconnected from the corresponding at least one charging element. 22. The system in accordance with any of the modalities 1 to 21, wherein the remote control device comprises at least two charging contacts that are positioned in such a way as to activate the corresponding charging elements in the charging station. 23. The system in accordance with any of the modes 1 to 22, wherein if no vehicle-related activity is carried out during a predetermined first amount of time after communication is established between the remote control device and the controller, the communication between the remote control device and the controller is terminated, and must be reset for the controller to implement wireless requests from the remote control device. 24. The system according to modality 23, wherein if no vehicle-related activity is carried out during a second predetermined amount of time after communication is established between the remote control device and the controller, wherein the second predetermined amount of time is less than the first predetermined amount of time, communication between the remote control device and the controller is terminated, but can be re-established by means of executing a confirmation method through the use of the remote control device. 25. The system according to modality 24, where the confirmation method comprises carrying out a sequence of buttons on the remote control device. 26. The system in accordance with any of the modalities 1 to 25, wherein the charging station is implemented in a vehicle driving control, and the rechargeable power supply is charged by the operator holding the driving control. 27. The system in accordance with any of the modes 1 to 26, wherein the rechargeable power supply is discharged to a high-temperature charged state if a detected temperature is determined to be above a previously determined setpoint temperature. 28. The system according to modality 27, where the detected temperature is an ambient temperature. 29. The system in accordance with mode 27 or mode 28, wherein the detected temperature is a temperature of the rechargeable power supply. 30. The system in accordance with any of modalities 1 to 29, wherein the rechargeable power supply is charged at the charging station to a predetermined charge level below a 100 percent charge level if a detected temperature is determined to be above a predetermined threshold temperature. 31. The system in accordance with any of the modalities 1 to 30, wherein the requests sent by the remote control device comprise the displacement requests that request the vehicle to move forward across a floor surface. 32. The system in accordance with any of the modalities 1 to 31, where the charging station is located on a side part of the vehicle. 33. The system in accordance with any of the modalities 1 to 32, where the charging station is located in the vicinity of a steering wheel. 34. The system in accordance with any of the modes 1 to 33, wherein the wireless transmitter enters a low power mode when the rechargeable power supply of the remote control device is being charged in the charging station. 35. A kit for adapting a material handling vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a controller that responds to communications from an associated remote control device used by an operator interacting with the vehicle, wherein the kit comprises: a charging station in the vehicle, wherein the charging station is for charging a rechargeable power supply of the remote control device; and wherein the charging station is electrically coupled to a power supply of the vehicle. 36. The kit in accordance with modality 35, which further comprises a pairing system to establish communication between the remote control device and the controller in such a way that the controller will implement wireless requests from the remote control device. 37. The kit in accordance with modality 36, in which communication between the remote control device and the controller is established simultaneously during the charging of the rechargeable power supply at the charging station. 38. The kit in accordance with modality 36 or modality 37, wherein communication between the remote control device and the controller, and the charging of the rechargeable power supply at the charging station, are initiated with a single action. 39. The kit in accordance with modality 38, where the only action involves physically bringing a component of the remote control device into contact with an element of the charging station. 40. The kit in accordance with any of the modalities 36 to 39, which further comprises a pairing indicator that confirms the establishment of communication between the remote control device and the controller. 41. The kit in accordance with any of the modalities 36 to 40, wherein a period of time required to establish communication between the remote control device and the controller is less than or equal to a pairing period. 42. The kit in accordance with any of the modalities 35 to 41, wherein a substantially complete state of charge of the rechargeable power supply is achieved by charging the rechargeable power supply in the charging station in five seconds or less. 43. The kit in accordance with modality 42, wherein the substantially full charge state of the rechargeable power supply provides a period of use of the remote control device of at least two hours. 44. The kit in accordance with modality 42 or modality 43, wherein the substantially full charge state of the rechargeable power supply provides a period of use of the remote control device of at least eight hours. 45. The kit in accordance with any of the modalities 35 to 44, wherein a substantially complete state of charge of the rechargeable power supply is achieved by charging the rechargeable power supply in the charging station in three seconds or less. 46. ​​The kit according to any of the modalities 35 to 45, wherein the charging station includes a guide structure to align the remote control device in the proper orientation for charging the rechargeable power supply. 47. The kit in accordance with any of the modalities 35 to 46, which also includes an indicator in the vehicle to indicate a charging status of the rechargeable power supply. 48. The kit in accordance with modality 47, wherein the indicator shows the charging status of the rechargeable power supply both when the rechargeable power supply is being charged at the charging station and during the use of the remote control device. 49. The kit according to modality 47 or modality 48, wherein the indicator comprises a series of lights, where each light represents a level of the charge status of the rechargeable power supply. 50. The kit in accordance with any of the modalities 35 to 49, wherein the remote control device comprises at least one charging contact that connects to at least one corresponding charging element in the charging station. 51. The kit according to modality 50, wherein at least one of the remote control device or the charging station includes a switch that detects whether or not the at least one charging contact is correctly connected with the corresponding at least one charging element to charge the rechargeable power supply, wherein if a correct connection is detected, the transfer of energy to the rechargeable power supply by means of the charging station is enabled, and if the correct connection is not detected, the transfer of energy to the rechargeable power supply by means of the charging station is not enabled. 52. The kit according to modality 51, wherein the structure of the remote control device and the charging station is configured in such a way that the switch indicates the removal of the remote control device from the charging station before at least one charging contact is disconnected from the corresponding at least one charging element, in such a way that the transfer of energy from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply is stopped before at least one charging contact is disconnected from the corresponding at least one charging element. 53. The kit in accordance with any of the modalities 35 to 52, wherein the remote control device comprises at least two charging contacts that are positioned in such a way as to activate the corresponding charging elements in the charging station. 54. The kit in accordance with any of the modalities 35 to 53, wherein the charging station is implemented in a vehicle driving control, and the rechargeable power supply is charged by the operator holding the driving control. 55. The kit in accordance with any of the modalities 35 to 54, wherein the rechargeable power supply is charged at the charging station to a predetermined charge level below a 100 percent charge level if a detected temperature is determined to be above a predetermined threshold temperature. 56. The kit according to modality 55, where the detected temperature is an ambient temperature. 57. The kit according to any of the modalities 35 to 56, where the charging station is located on a side part of the vehicle. A method for charging a remote control device, wherein the remote control device includes a wireless transmitter, a rechargeable power supply, and at least one control that causes the wireless transmitter to wirelessly transmit a request to a controller of a material handling vehicle, wherein the method comprises: initiate contact between a component of the remote control device and an element of a charging station, where the charging station is located in the vehicle; detect contact between the remote control device component and the charging station element; After contact detection, supply power from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply; interrupt the contact between the remote control device component and the charging station element; detect the interruption of contact between the remote control device component and the charging station element; and after detecting the interruption, stop the supply of power from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply. 59. The method according to modality 58, wherein the rechargeable power supply is a supercapacitor. 60. The method according to modality 58 or modality 59, which further comprises, while the remote control device component is in contact with the charging station element, establishing communication between the remote control device and the controller in such a manner that the controller will implement wireless requests from the remote control device. 61. The method according to modality 60, wherein communication between the remote control device and the controller is currently established during the charging of the rechargeable power supply at the charging station. 62. The method according to modality 60 or modality 61, wherein communication between the remote control device and the controller takes place during a pairing period, and charging of the rechargeable power supply to a substantially full charge at the charging station takes place during a charging period, wherein the pairing period and the charging period overlap. 63. The method in accordance with modality 62, where the pairing period is less than or equal to the loading period. 64. The method in accordance with any of the modalities 60 to 63, which further comprises confirmation of the establishment of communication between the remote control device and the controller with at least one audible or visual signal. 65. The method in accordance with any of the modes 58 to 64, wherein a substantially complete state of charge of the rechargeable power supply is achieved by charging the rechargeable power supply at the charging station in five seconds or less. 66. The method in accordance with modality 65, wherein the substantially full charge state of the rechargeable power supply provides a period of use of the remote control device of at least two hours. 67. The method in accordance with modality 65 or modality 66, wherein the substantially full charge state of the rechargeable power supply provides a period of use of the remote control device of at least eight hours. 68. The method in accordance with any of the modes 58 to 67, wherein a substantially complete state of charge of the rechargeable power supply is achieved by charging the rechargeable power supply at the charging station in three seconds or less. 69. The method in accordance with any of the modalities 58 to 68, which further comprises the visualization of a charge status of the rechargeable power supply in the vehicle. 70. The method according to modality 69, wherein the charging status of the rechargeable power supply is displayed on the vehicle both when the rechargeable power supply is being charged and during the use of the remote control device. 71. The method according to modality 69 or modality 70, wherein the charge status of the rechargeable power supply is shown through a series of lights, wherein each light represents a level of a charge status of the rechargeable power supply. 72. The method in accordance with any of the modes 58 to 71, wherein the initiation of contact between a component of the remote control device and an element of a charging station comprises the initiation of contact between at least one charging contact of the remote control device and at least one corresponding charging element in the charging station. 73. The method in accordance with any of modalities 58 to 72, wherein if no vehicle-related activity is carried out for a predetermined first amount of time after communication is established between the remote control device and the controller, the communication between the remote control device and the controller is terminated, and must be reset for the controller to implement wireless requests from the remote control device. 74. The method in accordance with modality 73, wherein if no vehicle-related activity is carried out during a second predetermined amount of time after communication is established between the remote control device and the controller, wherein the second predetermined amount of time is less than the first predetermined amount of time, communication between the remote control device and the controller is terminated, but can be re-established by means of executing a confirmation method through the use of the remote control device. 75. The method in accordance with modality 74, wherein the confirmation method comprises carrying out a sequence of buttons on the remote control device. 76. The method in accordance with any of the modalities 58 to 75, wherein the charging station is implemented in a driving control of the vehicle, and the rechargeable power supply is charged by the operator holding the driving control. 77. The method in accordance with any of the modes 58 to 76, which further comprises discharging the rechargeable power supply to a high-temperature charge state if a detected temperature is determined to be above a previously determined set-point temperature. 78. The method according to modality 77, wherein the detected temperature is an ambient temperature. 79. The method according to modality 77 or modality 78, wherein the detected temperature is a temperature of the rechargeable power supply. 80. The method in accordance with any of modalities 58 to 79, wherein the rechargeable power supply is charged at the charging station to a predetermined charge level below a 100 percent charge level if a detected temperature is determined to be above a predetermined threshold temperature. 81. The method in accordance with any of the modalities 58 to 80, where the charging station is located on a side part of the vehicle. 82. The system in accordance with any of the modes 1 to 34, wherein one or more components of the remote control device are turned off, or the power supplied to them is reduced when an operator is placed in the vehicle. 83. A system comprising: a material handling vehicle; a remote control device comprising: a wireless communication system that includes a wireless transmitter; and a rechargeable power supply; a receiver in the vehicle to receive transmissions from the wireless transmitter; a controller in the vehicle that is communicatively coupled to the receiver, wherein the controller responds to the reception of transmissions from the remote control device; and a charging station in the vehicle, wherein the charging station is for charging the rechargeable power supply of the remote control device. 84. A kit for adaptation to a material handling vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a controller that responds to communications from an associated remote control device comprising a wireless communication system including a wireless transmitter and is used by an operator interacting with the vehicle, wherein the kit comprises: a vehicle charging station, wherein the charging station is configured in such a way as to be electrically coupled with a vehicle power supply to charge a rechargeable power supply of the remote control device. 85. A method for charging a remote control device, wherein the remote control device comprises a wireless communication system including a wireless transmitter and a rechargeable power supply, wherein the method comprises: initiate contact between a component of the remote control device and an element of a charging station, where the charging station is located in a vehicle; detect contact between the remote control device component and the charging station element; After contact detection, supply power from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply; interrupt the contact between the remote control device component and the charging station element; detect the interruption of the contact between the remote control device component and the charging station element; and after detecting the interruption, stop the power supply from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply. 86. The system according to modality 83, the kit according to modality 84, or the method according to modality 85, wherein the rechargeable power supply is a supercapacitor. 87. The system according to modality 83 or modality 86, or the kit according to modality 84 or modality 86, which further comprises a pairing system for establishing communication between the remote control device and the vehicle; or the method according to modality 85 or 86, which further comprises establishing communication between the remote control device and the vehicle by means of a pairing system. 88. The system according to modality 87, wherein communication between the remote control device and the vehicle is established simultaneously during the charging of the rechargeable power supply at the charging station; or the kit according to modality 87, wherein the pairing system is configured in such a way as to establish communication between the remote control device and the vehicle simultaneously during the charging of the rechargeable power supply at the charging station; or the method according to modality 87, which further comprises establishing communication between the remote control device and the vehicle simultaneously during the supply of power from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply. 89. The system according to modality 87 or modality 88, wherein communication between the remote control device and the vehicle, and the charging of the rechargeable power supply at the charging station, are initiated with a single action; or the kit according to modality 87 or modality 88, wherein the pairing system and the charging station are configured in such a way that communication between the remote control device and the vehicle, and the charging of the rechargeable power supply at the charging station, are initiated with a single action; or the method according to modality 87 or modality 88, which further comprises initiating communication between the remote control device and the vehicle, and charging the rechargeable power supply at the charging station, with a single action. 90. The system or kit according to modality 89, wherein the sole action comprises the physical contact of a component of the remote control device with an element of the charging station; or the method according to modality 89, wherein the sole action comprises the physical contact of the component of the remote control device with the element of the charging station. 91. The system or kit according to any of modalities 87 to 90, which further comprises a pairing indicator that confirms the establishment of communication between the remote control device and the vehicle; or the method according to any of modalities 87 to 90, which further comprises confirmation of the establishment of communication between the remote control device and the vehicle by means of a pairing indicator. 92. The system or kit according to any of modalities 87 to 91, wherein if no vehicle-related activity is carried out for more than a predetermined first amount of time after communication is established between the remote control device and the vehicle, the communication between the remote control device and the vehicle is terminated and must be re-established through the use of the pairing system; or the method according to any of modalities 87 to 91, which further comprises the termination of communication between the remote control device and the vehicle if no vehicle-related activity is carried out for more than a predetermined first amount of time after communication is established between the remote control device and the vehicle, wherein the communication must be re-established through the use of the pairing system. 93. The system or kit according to modality 92, wherein if no vehicle-related activity is carried out for less than a second predetermined amount of time after communication is established between the remote control device and the vehicle, wherein the second predetermined amount of time is equal to or less than the first predetermined amount of time, communication between the remote control device and the vehicle is terminated, but can be re-established, without requiring the pairing system, by executing a confirmation method through the use of the remote control device;or the method according to modality 92, which further comprises the termination of communication between the remote control device and the vehicle if no vehicle-related activity is carried out for less than a second predetermined amount of time after communication is established between the remote control device and the vehicle, wherein the second predetermined amount of time is equal to or less than the first predetermined amount of time, wherein communication can be re-established, without requiring the pairing system, by means of executing a confirmation method through the use of the remote control device. 94. The system, kit or method in accordance with modality 93, wherein the confirmation method comprises carrying out a sequence of buttons on the remote control device. 95. The system according to any of modalities 83 or 86 to 94, the kit according to any of modalities 84 or 86 to 94, or the method according to any of modalities 85 to 94, wherein a substantially full charge state of the rechargeable power supply is achieved by charging the rechargeable power supply at the charging station in five seconds or less, and wherein the substantially full charge state of the rechargeable power supply provides a period of use of the remote control device of at least two hours. 96. The system in accordance with any of modalities 83 or 86 to 95, which further comprises an indicator in the vehicle to indicate a charge status of the rechargeable power supply, wherein the indicator indicates the charge status of the rechargeable power supply both when the rechargeable power supply is charged at the charging station and during the use of the remote control device; the kit according to any of modalities 84 or 86 to 95, which further comprises an indicator for the vehicle to indicate the charging status of the rechargeable power supply, wherein the indicator is configured in such a way as to indicate the charging status of the rechargeable power supply both when the rechargeable power supply is being charged at the charging station and during the use of the remote control device; or the method according to any of modalities 85 to 95, which further comprises indicating a charging status of the rechargeable power supply by means of an indicator, both when the rechargeable power supply is being charged at the charging station and during the use of the remote control device. 97. The system according to any of the modes 83 or 86 to 96, or the method according to any of the modes 85 to 96, wherein the remote control device comprises at least one charging contact that activates at least one corresponding charging element in the charging station; or the kit according to any of the modes 84 or 86 to 96, wherein the charging station comprises at least one charging element configured in such a way as to connect with at least one corresponding charging contact of the remote control device. 98. The system or kit according to modality 97, wherein at least one of the remote control device or charging station includes a presence contact that detects whether or not the at least one charging contact is correctly connected with the corresponding at least one charging element to charge the rechargeable power supply, wherein if a correct connection is detected, the transfer of energy to the rechargeable power supply by means of the charging station is enabled, and if a correct connection is not detected, the transfer of energy to the rechargeable power supply by means of the charging station is not enabled;or the method according to modality 97, which further comprises detecting, by means of a presence contact, whether at least one charging contact is correctly connected to the corresponding at least one charging element to charge the rechargeable power supply, and permitting the supply of power from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply if a correct connection is detected, and not permitting the supply of power from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply if a correct connection is not detected. 99. The system according to modality 98, wherein the arrangement of the remote control device and the charging station is configured in such a way that the presence contact indicates the removal of the remote control device from the charging station, which stops the transfer of energy to the rechargeable power supply from the charging station, before at least one charging contact is disconnected from the corresponding charging element, in such a way that the transfer of energy from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply stops before at least one charging contact is disconnected from the corresponding charging element;or the kit according to modality 98, wherein the presence contact is configured in such a way as to indicate the removal of the remote control device from the charging station, which stops the transfer of energy to the rechargeable power supply from the charging station, before at least one charging contact is disconnected from the corresponding at least one charging element, in such a way that the transfer of energy from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply is stopped before at least one charging contact is disconnected from the corresponding charging element;or the method according to modality 98, which further comprises indicating the removal of the remote control device from the charging station by means of the presence contact before the at least one charging contact is disconnected from the corresponding at least one charging element, thereby stopping the transfer of energy to the rechargeable power supply from the charging station, in such a way that the supply of energy from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply is stopped before the at least one charging contact is disconnected from the corresponding at least one charging element. 100. The system according to any of modalities 83 or 86 to 99, or the kit according to any of modalities 84 or 86 to 99, wherein the rechargeable power supply is discharged to a high-temperature charged state if a detected temperature is determined to be above a previously determined setpoint temperature, wherein the detected temperature is: (i) an ambient temperature, or (ii) a temperature of the rechargeable power supply;or the method in accordance with any of modalities 85 to 99, which further comprises discharging the rechargeable power supply to a high-temperature charged state if a detected temperature is determined to be above a previously determined setpoint temperature, wherein the detected temperature is: (i) an ambient temperature, or (ii) a temperature of the rechargeable power supply. 101. The system in accordance with any of modalities 83 or 86 to 100, wherein the rechargeable power supply is charged at the charging station to a predetermined charge level below a 100 percent charge level if a detected temperature is determined to be above a predetermined threshold temperature;or the kit according to any of modes 84 or 86 to 100, wherein the charging station is configured in such a way as to charge the rechargeable power supply to a predetermined charge level below a 100 percent charge level if a detected temperature is determined to be above a predetermined threshold temperature, or the method according to any of modes 85 to 100, further comprising charging the rechargeable power supply in the charging station to a predetermined charge level below a 100 percent charge level if a detected temperature is determined to be above a predetermined threshold temperature. 102. The system according to any of modalities 83 or 86 to 101, or the method according to any of modalities 85 to 101, wherein the charging station is located on a side part of the vehicle; or the kit according to any of modalities 84 or 86 to 101, wherein the charging station is configured in such a way as to be located on a side part of the vehicle. 103. The system according to any of modalities 83 or 86 to 102, the kit according to any of modalities 84 or 86 to 102, or the method according to any of modalities 85 to 102, wherein the wireless communication system enters a low-power mode when the rechargeable power supply of the remote control device is being charged at the charging station. 104. The system according to any of modalities 83 or 86 to 103, or the kit according to any of modalities 84 or 86 to 103, wherein one or more components of the remote control device are switched off or the power supplied to them is reduced when an operator is placed in the vehicle; or the method according to any of modalities 85 to 103, which further comprises the deactivation of one or more components of the remote control device, or the reduction of the power supplied to them when an operator is placed in the vehicle. 105. The system according to any of modalities 83 or 86 to 104, or the kit according to any of modalities 84 or 86 to 104, wherein: If the voltage of the rechargeable power supply is below a certain voltage threshold before it is charged by means of the charging station, the charging station proceeds to charge the rechargeable power supply to a first power level; If the voltage of the rechargeable power supply is above the voltage threshold before it is charged by means of the charging station, the charging station is disposed to charge the rechargeable power supply at a second power level; and the first power level is higher than the second power level; or the method according to any of modes 85 to 104, which further comprises: charging the rechargeable power supply at a first power level if the voltage of the rechargeable power supply is below a voltage threshold before it is charged by means of the charging station; Charge the rechargeable power supply at a second power level if the voltage of the rechargeable power supply is above a voltage threshold before it is charged by means of the charging station; and the first power level is higher than the second power level. 106. The system according to modality 105, wherein the charging station is configured to charge the rechargeable power supply to a substantially full charge state in approximately the same time, regardless of whether the voltage of the rechargeable power supply is above or below the voltage threshold before it is charged by means of the charging station; or the kit according to modality 105, wherein the charging station is configured in such a way as to charge the rechargeable power supply to a substantially full charge state in approximately the same time, regardless of whether the voltage of the rechargeable power supply is above or below the voltage threshold before it is charged by means of the charging station;or the method according to modality 105, which further comprises charging the rechargeable power supply to a substantially full charge state in approximately the same time, regardless of whether the voltage of the rechargeable power supply is above or below the voltage threshold before it is charged by means of the charging station. 107. The system according to any of modalities 83 or 86 to 106, or the kit according to any of modalities 84 or 86 to 106, wherein the remote control device includes at least one control coupled in a manner communicable to the wireless communication system, wherein actuation of the control causes the wireless transmitter to wirelessly transmit a request to the vehicle; or the method according to any of modalities 85 to 106, wherein the remote control device includes at least one control coupled in a manner communicable to the wireless communication system, wherein the method further comprises transmitting a request to the vehicle through the wireless transmitter upon actuation of the control. 108. A system comprising: a vehicle; a remote control device comprising: a wireless communication system that includes a wireless transmitter; and a rechargeable power supply; a charging station located in the vehicle, wherein the charging station is for charging the rechargeable power supply of the remote control device; and a sensor configured to detect contact between a component of the remote control device and an element of the charging station, wherein the charging station is configured to supply power to the rechargeable power supply after detecting contact between the component of the remote control device and the element of the charging station, and to stop supplying power from the charging station to the rechargeable power supply after the interruption of contact between the component of the remote control device and the element of the charging station; and that optionally comprises one or more of the system features as described in any of the modalities 2 to 34, 82 and / or 84 to 105. 109. A method for charging a remote control device by means of a charging station on a material handling vehicle, wherein the remote control device comprises a wireless communication system including a wireless transmitter and a rechargeable power supply, wherein the method comprises: receive transmissions from the wireless transmitter to a receiver in the vehicle; responding to the reception of transmissions from the remote control device by means of a controller in the vehicle, wherein the controller is coupled in a communicable manner with the receiver; and charging the rechargeable power supply of the remote control device via the charging station in the vehicle; and that optionally comprises one or more of the steps of the method as described in any of the modalities 59 to 81. 110. A kit for adaptation to a material handling vehicle, wherein the kit comprises: a vehicle charging station, wherein the charging station is configured in such a manner as to electrically couple to a vehicle power supply to charge a rechargeable power supply of a remote control device; and that optionally comprises one or more of the kit features as described in any of the modalities 36 to 57. 111. A system comprising: the kit according to modality 108; a material handling vehicle; a remote control device comprising: a wireless communication system that includes a wireless transmitter; and a rechargeable power supply; a receiver in the vehicle to receive transmissions from the wireless transmitter; and a controller in the vehicle that is communicatively coupled with the receiver, wherein the controller responds to the reception of transmissions from the remote control device; and that optionally comprises one or more of the system features as described in any of the modalities 2 to 34, 82 and / or 84 to 105. It should be understood that the features described as the optional features of the system according to modalities 1 and 83, the kit according to modalities 35 and 84, and the method according to modalities 58 and 85, as described in modalities 2 to 34, 36 to 57, 59 to 82 and 86 to 107 listed above, for example, are also intended to be combinable with one or more of the system according to modalities 106 and / or 109, the method according to modality 107, and the kit according to modality 108. Furthermore, the features described as optional features of the system according to modality 1, the kit according to modality 35, and the method according to modality 58 are intended to be combinable with one or more of the system according to modality 83, the kit according to modality 84, and the method according to modality 85. The terms pairing and synchronization (as used herein and in the various published patents and patent applications incorporated by reference herein) are used interchangeably herein to describe a secure process by which a wireless remote control device and a vehicle controller identify each other as the valid command and response devices. Having thus described the invention of the present application in detail and by reference to its embodiments, it will be evident that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the attached claims.

Claims

1. A method for opening a wireless connection between a remote control device and a controller in a material handling vehicle, the remote control device comprising a wireless transmitter, and the material handling vehicle comprising a receiver for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter, the method comprising: detecting a voltage on one or more charging contacts of a charging station located in the vehicle; in response to the detection of the voltage on one or more charging contacts, transmitting, through the wireless transmitter of the remote control device, one or more announcements indicating that the remote control device is available to communicate with nearby devices; receiving, in the vehicle by the receiver, one or more transmitted announcements;In response to receiving one or more transmitted advertisements, the vehicle issues a scan request directed to the specific remote control device associated with the received advertisement; the remote control device responds to the scan request with a unique identification code; the receiver in the vehicle receives the unique identification code; the unique identification code is verified; and in response to the verification of the unique identification code, a wireless connection is opened between the remote control device and the controller.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, once the wireless connection is opened, the vehicle communicates wirelessly with the remote control device and the controller is able to implement the wireless requests received from the remote control device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, if one or more advertisements from two or more remote control devices are received in the vehicle by the receiver before the vehicle issues a scan request directed to the specific remote control device, the vehicle does not issue a scan request and a user is required to remove the remote control device from the charging station before the method can be performed again.

4. The method according to any of claims 1-3, further comprising, before the wireless transmitter transmits one or more advertisements, reducing the signal strength of the wireless transmitter's wireless transmissions from a normal level to a reduced level.

5. The method according to claim 4 further comprising, once the wireless connection between the remote control device and the controller is opened, increasing the signal strength of the wireless transmissions from the wireless transmitter to the normal level.

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