Abstract: A remote monitoring system for a multi-position loading dock facility having a vehicle restraint lock at each loading/unloading position is disclosed. The monitoring system includes a data processor, and a keyboard and monitor associated therewith, which may be coupled to lock sensing switches and other signalling devices at each loading/unloading position. The data processor, supplied with the developed signals corresponding to the condition of a truck at each loading/unloading position, is operable to continually process these signals to allow display and recording of a plurality of types of data.

Abstract: A dock leveler assembly is provided having an automatic barrier actuated in response to movement of the lip for preventing accidental runoff of material handling vehicles from the loading dock. The assembly includes a ramp for pivotal movement between a stored first position wherein an exposed surface thereof is coplanar with the loading dock platform surface, an upwardly inclined second position, and a declining third position. The lip is operatively connected to a front edge portion of the ramp for movement from a depending position to an outwardly extended cantilevered position. The assembly also includes a barrier unit movable between operative and inoperative modes. When in the operative mode, a segment of the barrier unit automatically projects above the ramp exposed surface and forms a vehicle safety barrier of optimum height.

Abstract: A dock leveler lift assembly for facilitating loading and unloading operations from a loading dock is provided. The assembly includes a deck adjustable in a leveler mode between selected raised and lowered angular positions relative to the platform surface of the dock as well as adjustable in a lift mode between lift and descent positions while the deck is maintained in a horizontal position. The deck is releasably mounted on a first mechanism for raising and lowering the deck in a horizontal position. A second mechanism releasably retains a deck rear edge portion pivotally attached to an elevated portion of a frame. Pivotal attachment of the deck to the frame coupled with lowering of the first mechanism out of direct contact with the underside of the deck permits movement of the deck to a lowered angular position relative to the dock surface. A method for operating such an assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A dock leveler is provided having an automatically actuated barrier for preventing accidental runoff of material handling equipment from a loading dock. The leveler includes a ramp pivotally mounted on the loading dock for selected movement from a stored position wherein the exposed upper surface of the ramp is level with the platform surface of the dock. A lip is hingedly connected to the front edge portion of the ramp and when in a depending first position supports the ramp in the stored position. When in the first position, a portion of the lip protrudes above the plane of the ramp upper surface and forms a vehicle barrier. Upon the ramp being actuated from the stored position to a raised position, the lip automatically slides relative to the ramp to a depending second position whereby no portion of the lip forms a protruding vehicle barrier.

Abstract: A dock leveler assembly and latch mechanism therefor are provided which are adapted to automatically cause unlatching of components thereof if the assembly is activated without a vehicle being present or if the vehicle moves away from a dock; thus enabling the assembly to readily return to an inoperative mode position.

Abstract: A system for use in a loading dock facility includes a control unit which checks the condition of input terminals connected to control switch, locking device, overhead door and/or leveler condition sensors and which develops signals on output terminals connected to signal lights, a vehicle locking device, an overhead door mechanism and/or a leveler device. The control unit is programmable to be versatile and to obtain various safe and reliable modes of operation and is also operable to perform various diagnostic operations.

Abstract: A hydraulic device is provided for controlling the rate of relative movement of first and second members between predetermined first and second stations. The device includes a housing connected to the first member and provided with a first cavity for hydraulic fluid and a second cavity for hydraulic fluid segregated from the first cavity. The first cavity has adjacent first and second segments with the second segment having a greater cross-sectional area. An orifice is disposed adjacent an end portion of the first cavity first segment which is remote from the second segment and interconnects the cavities. A valve is remote from the orifice and permits restricted hydraulic fluid flow from the first cavity to the second cavity and substantially unrestricted hydraulic flow from the second cavity to the first cavity. The direction of flow through the valve depends upon the direction of movement of a piston mounted for reciprocatory movement within the first cavity.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided for a loading dock installation wherein the latter has a plurality of independently operable dock levelers arranged in spaced relation along the loading dock. Each leveler includes a hingedly mounted deck member or ramp and a power unit for actuating the deck member to a predetermined upwardly inclined position from a horizontal cross-traffic position. The hydraulic system is provided with a common source of pressurized hydraulic fluid which is remotely disposed relative to the dock levelers. A primary line extends from the common source to each leveler. An adjustable control valve is provided for each leveler and includes a first port which is adapted to communicate with the primary line; a second port which is adapted to communicate with the power unit, and a third port which is adapted to communicate with a drain line.

Abstract: A signal and control system is provided in which signal lights are provided on the inside and outside of a dock facility to give dock personnel and truck drivers clearly visible indications of when it is safe or unsafe to load or unload a truck or to park to remove a truck, dependent upon the condition of switches on the inside which are accessible to dock personnel and to the condition of a locking device on the outside which is engageable with the safety bar of a truck. A slip clutch and a position sensor cooperate to control and avoid adverse effects of slippage in the locking device, a horn is energized to provide a loud audible warning of dangerous conditions, a key pad is used to enter a security code and other features are provided for increased safety and reliability.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint is provided with a releasable locking device for securing a parked vehicle adjacent a structure such as a loading dock. The device includes a first unit mounted adjacent to an upright surface of the structure and projecting outwardly therefrom. A second unit is mounted on the outwardly disposed distal end of the first unit for selective movement about an outwardly projecting axis between operative and inoperative modes. When in a operative mode, the second unit has at least a portion thereof projecting upwardly and assuming a vehicle interlocking position whereby a segment of the vehicle is entrapped between the upright portion of the second unit and the upright surface of the structure. When in an inoperative mode, the portion of the second unit assumes a vehicle release position disposed at a substantial angle relative to the upright vehicle interlocking position whereby the second unit will not obstruct movement of the vehicle away from the upright surface.

Abstract: A mechanical restraint is provided for use in securing a parked vehicle to a stationary structure, such as a loading dock, while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded. The restraint includes a first member fixedly mounted on the front wall of the loading dock, and a second member mounted on the first member for movement in a vertical plane and for hinged movement about a vertical axis between operative and inoperative modes. The second member is provided with an elongated first section which is in sliding engagement with the first member. The second member, when in a raised position is adapted to turn about the longitudinal axis of the first section which is coaxial with the hinge axis of the second member. The second member is provided with an elongated second section which projects angularly from the upper end portion of the first section. The second section includes a distal end portion provided with a depending projection.

Abstract: A leveler assembly is provided for use within a pit formed in the platform surface of a loading dock. The pit is of conventional construction and includes a recessed horizontal base surface, upright side and rear walls and an open front. The assembly includes a stationary frame mounted within the pit and having an upright section disposed adjacent the pit rear wall and a forwardly extending section mounted on the pit base surface; the latter section effects segregation of the base surface into large contiguous areas, on which debris accumulates, each area being defined in part by the pit open front. A deck member is provided having a rear edge portion thereof hingedly connected to the upright frame section. The deck member, when not in use, normally assumes a neutral position whereby the exposed surface thereof is coplanar with the dock platform surface so as to allow cross-traffic to safely pass thereover.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint is provided for securing a parked vehicle against a loading dock during loading or unloading of the vehicle. The restraint includes a carriage member which is mounted on a dock wall for vertical movement and is biased to assume a predetermined elevated rest position relative to the roadway on which the vehicle is parked. The carriage member moves vertically downwardly from the rest position upon an external force of predetermined magnitude being exerted on an exposed cam surface of the carriage member. An attaching member is adjustably mounted on the carriage member for movement relative thereto between a vehicle locking mode and a vehicle release mode. Adjustably mounted on a lower portion of the carriage member is a toe-like member which normally assumes a pendent position projecting from the carriage member.

Abstract: A dockboard assembly is provided having a releasable holding means for restraining the upward pivoting of a ramp means, the latter being urged to pivot upwardly by a biasing means. The holding means is adapted to be adjusted to a release position either by a manually actuated first release means or by a second release means which is actuated automatically only upon the ramp means having assumed a predetermined position of pivotal adjustment and an external upwardly pivoting force exceeding a predetermined magnitude being exerted on the ramp means.

Abstract: A device is provided for releasably securing a parked vehicle to an adjacent structure. The device includes a pivotally mounted elongated unit which is movable between a vehicle-interlocking operative mode and a vehicle-release inoperative mode. The elongated unit is mounted on a carriage, which is connected to the structure. The elongated unit is moved from an inoperative mode to an operative mode by hydraulic power means. The hydraulic power means includes a piston-cylinder assembly having the cylinder thereof pivotally connected to the carriage and the exposed end of the piston in operative engagement with the elongated unit whereby movement of the piston in one relative direction effects movement of the elongated unit from the inoperative mode to the operative mode.

Abstract: A device is provided for releasably securing a parked vehicle to an adjacent structure. The device includes a carriage first section affixed to the adjacent structure and a vertically adjustable carriage second section mounted on the first section and biased to assume a predetermined elevated position. The second section moves downwardly from the elevated position upon a predetermined external force being exerted thereon. A first element is mounted on the carriage second section for relative movement between an operative vehicle-locking mode and an inoperative vehicle-release mode. A second element is adjustably mounted on and substantially concealed by the carriage second section and coacts therewith and the first element to retain the latter in an operative mode. A manually actuated third element is carried on the carriage second section and is movable independently thereof to effect movement of the first element from the inoperative mode to the operative mode.

Abstract: A device is provided for releasably locking a parked vehicle to an adjacent loading dock. The device includes a vertically adjustable carriage mounted on the front wall of the dock, and a hook-like member supported by the carriage for independent rotary movement between an operative vehicle-interlocking position and an inoperative vehicle-release position. A carriage-supported first member is disposed coaxially with the axis of said hook-like member and moves therewith as a unit. A flexible second member engages the first member and upon a predetermined pulling force being applied to said second member, causes the hook-like member to move to the operative vehicle-interlocking position. A unit is operatively connected to the flexible second member whereby the predetermined pulling force applied thereto is enhanced so as to effect a substantially greater turning force being exerted on the first member.

Abstract: A releasable locking device is provided for securing a parked vehicle to an adjacent upright structure. The device includes a first means mounted on the upright structure and a second means mounted on the first means for vertical movement relative thereto between operative and inoperative mode positions. When in an operative mode, the second means is in a raised position and interlockingly engages a portion of the parked vehicle. A third means is provided which releasably retains the second means in an operative mode and prevents accidental movement of the second means from an operative mode position to a lower inoperative mode position. The first means includes guides for restricting movement of the second means to a substantially vertical path.

Abstract: A device is provided for releasably locking one member in a predetermined extended position relative to a second member to which it is hingedly connected. The device includes a rod having one end portion pivotally connected to the one member and spaced from the hinge connection between the members. The rod has elongated first and second sections in endwise relation. The second section circumferential dimension is less than that of the first section forming a beveled shoulder between the two sections. A guide is adjustably mounted on the second member and spaced from the member hinge connection. The guide has an open-ended passageway through which the rod sections slidably extend upon relative movement of the one member. The passageway end closest to the pivotally connected rod end portion has a beveled surface which at least partially delimits the passageway end.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for weather-sealing an elongated joint formed between a first member and a second member when said members are disposed at a predetermined relative position. The assembly includes an elongated piece having elongated interconnected first and second sections extending angularly relative to one another. The piece is removably carried by an elongated bracket fixedly secured to a side of one of the members defining the joint. The bracket is provided with an inner wall section, an outer wall section in spaced substantially face-to-face relation with the inner wall section, and a bridge section interconnecting a pair of corresponding elongated edges of the wall sections. The wall and bridge sections coact to form an elongated pocket having a first opening at one end. Corresponding second elongated edge portions of the inner and outer wall sections are disposed in spaced relation and define an elongated second opening having an end terminating at the first opening.