Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor and/or adjust operations of doors are disclosed. An apparatus includes processor circuitry to execute instructions to: monitor a position of a door panel associated with a door system; detect when a beam from a photo-eye sensor associated with the door system is in an unexpected non-triggered state based on the position of the door panel; and generate an alert or notification indicating a significance of the beam in the unexpected non-triggered state.

Abstract: An example air barrier system for a data center within a building is disclosed. The example air barrier system includes a pliable barrier material to partition an area above a top of row of computer cabinets in the data center and below an overhead surface of the building. The pliable barrier material is to reduce mixing of air between first and second aisles on opposites sides of the row of computer cabinets. The example air barrier system also includes a frame to support the pliable barrier material in position when in the area above the top of the row of computer cabinets. The frame is to be supported by the row of computer cabinets without support from the overhead surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for tensioning pliable airducts while supporting internal HVAC components are disclosed. An airduct system includes an airduct having an elongate tubular wall of a pliable material. The airduct system further includes a frame disposable inside the tubular wall of the airduct, the frame including a hoop to support the tubular wall in a radial direction, the hoop to define an opening to provide passage of a flow of air along a length of the airduct. The airduct system also includes an HVAC component disposable within the tubular wall of the airduct, the HVAC component to be attached to and supported by the frame inside the airduct, the HVAC component to adjust a characteristic of the air.

Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An under-floor HVAC system for a building includes a pliable air duct lying upon a subfloor. A matrix of pedestals resting upon and extending upward from the subfloor supports a set of floor panels, which thus creates a plenum between the subfloor and the set of floor panels. The air duct extends through the plenum to convey conditioned air from a supply air duct to a series of registers in the floor panels. The registers disperse the conditioned air to a room or area just above the panels. To help keep the air duct from repeatedly extending, retracting, and otherwise sliding freely along the subfloor in response to changes in air duct pressure, the air duct is held taut by anchoring a distal downstream end of the duct to one or more of the floor-supporting pedestals. Various air duct configurations can be assembled from a predefined assortment of duct components.

Abstract: Example fan and light units and associated mounting arrangements for use at a loading dock are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a frame including a bar to be pivotally coupled to a support system via a point of attachment on the bar. The apparatus includes a fan and a controller to be coupled to the frame with the bar extending in a first direction away from the controller and toward the point of attachment, the controller to control operation of the fan. The apparatus includes a handle to be connected to a portion of the frame extending away from the controller in a second direction opposite the first direction, the handle spaced apart from a housing of the fan, the handle to be lower than the controller and lower than at least a midpoint of the fan when the apparatus is supported by the support system.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes a sensor to detect a lateral edge of a door curtain within a guide of a door, and a controller to identify when the door curtain transitions from an operational state to a breakaway state based on a signal from the sensor, the operational state corresponding to when the lateral edge of the door curtain is enclosed by the guide as the door curtain moves between open and closed positions, and the breakaway state corresponding to when a portion of the lateral edge of the door curtain below an upper end of the guide breaks away from the guide.

Abstract: Impact resistant retractable safety barriers are disclosed. An apparatus includes a support member, a flexible elongate member to extend and retract through an opening in the support member, and a stop member including a region to interface with the flexible elongate member. The stop member engages with structure of the support member surrounding the opening to limit a distance with which the flexible elongate member extends through the opening. The stop member cooperates with the structure of the support member to maintain a gap between a surface of the region of the stop member and the structure of the support member. A width of the gap is equal to or greater than a thickness of the flexible elongate member.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.

Abstract: Seal apparatus for dock levelers are disclosed. An example loading dock includes a dock leveler movable between a standard loading position, a cross-traffic position and a below-deck loading position. The dock leveler has deck and lip movably coupled to the deck. A seal assembly is coupled to the loading dock adjacent a forward edge of the dock leveler. The seal assembly sealingly engages a front surface of a lip of the dock leveler and a rear surface of the lip when the dock leveler is positioned in a cross-traffic position or a below-dock position.

Abstract: Switch arrangements for powered doors are disclosed. A door includes a panel and a track to guide movement of the panel between an open position and a closed position. The track defines a track slot extending along an exterior length of the track. The door further includes a sensor target to be carried by the panel within the track. The door also includes a sensor selectively attachable to an exterior of the track via the track slot. The sensor to detect the sensor target when the panel is in a first position. The track defines an aperture to be positioned between the sensor target and the sensor when the panel is in the first position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for sensing RIG positioning and vehicle restraint movement. An example method includes determining a presence of a RIG and enabling a barrier to move to an operational position when the RIG is present.

Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Dynamically configurable traffic controllers and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first sensor to monitor traffic in a first area. The example apparatus further includes a second sensor to monitor traffic in a second area. The example apparatus also includes a projector to project light toward a floor when traffic is detected in both the first and second areas, the light to be visible from the first and second areas.

Abstract: Fabric drop-down diffusers are disclosed. An example drop-down diffuser includes a first fabric sheet. The first fabric sheet is to extend away from a ceiling at a location adjacent a supply inlet. The supply inlet is to provide a flow of air toward the first fabric sheet. The example drop-down diffuser also includes a blanking sheet to restrict air flow through the first fabric sheet. The blanking sheet is to be disposed on an interior surface of the first fabric sheet. The blanking sheet has a lower permeability than the first fabric sheet.

Abstract: Example vehicle restraint systems and related methods are disclosed. An example vehicle restraint system includes a wheel chock having an inclined tire-engaging surface, where the wheel chock is movable to an installed position at which the wheel chock is to engage the freight transporter. The vehicle restraint system includes a take-up reel and a retractable elongate member to be at least partially wrapped around the take-up reel. The retractable elongate member to extend between the wheel chock and a platform structure.