Abstract: Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are described herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a sequence of operations. The sequence of operations can include different sub-sequences based on loading dock conditions. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of control elements that enable operation of the loading dock equipment. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment. Some functionality of the control panel can be enabled or disabled based on a current level of authorization.

Abstract: Identification and guidance systems configured to facilitate vehicle management in logistics yards or the like are described. The systems can include an identification and guidance (I/G) unit attached to each transport vehicle within the logistics yard. The I/G unit transmits information (e.g., location and guidance information) over a wireless network to a remote controller. The remote controller can transmit relevant information received from the I/G unit to a portable communications device associated with the transport vehicle to which the I/G unit is mounted. For example, the portable communications device may be located in a tractor being used to maneuver the transport vehicle about the logistics yard so that the driver can use the information displayed on the portable communications device to assist with maneuvering the transport vehicle. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling operations of autonomous vehicles and systems in, for example, logistics yards at distribution, manufacturing, processing and/or other centers for the transfer of goods, materials, and/or other cargo. In some embodiments, an autonomous yard tractor or other vehicle can include one or more systems for locating an over-the-road trailer parked in a yard of a distribution center, engaging the trailer, and moving the trailer to a loading dock for loading/unloading operations in accordance with a workflow procedure provided by a central control system. In other embodiments, an autonomous yard tractor can locate the trailer at the loading dock after the loading/unloading operations, engage the trailer, and move the trailer to a parking location in the yard.

Abstract: A control arrangement for an entrance system, having one or more movable door members and an automatic door operator for causing movements of the one or more movable door members between closed and open positions, includes a controller and one or more sensor units. Each sensor unit is connected to the controller and arranged to monitor a respective zone at the entrance system for presence or activity of a person or object. At least one sensor is an image-based sensor unit having an image sensor arranged for capturing an image of an external object, a memory arranged for storing a plurality of settings for the image-based sensor unit, and a processing device. The processing device is arranged for processing the image captured by the image sensor to identify a machine-readable optical code therein, deriving a configuration instruction encoded by the optical code, and executing the configuration instruction.

Abstract: A door operator and a method for set-up of the door operator to operate a door leaf of a door set, with the door operator including a control unit, a drive unit, and a user interface, include the steps of receiving a set of set-up parameters for the door operator, installing the set of set-up parameters in the control unit, controlling the drive unit based on the set of set-up parameters installed in the control unit, and sending the set of set-up parameters to a remote server via a communication network for storing a backup of the set of set-up parameters on the remote server.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door operator (1) and to a method performed in a door operator system (100) comprising a door operator (1) connected to and arranged to move at least one door leaf (5) between an open and closed position, the door operator (1) comprising a control unit (3) configured to control the movement of the at least one door leaf (5), the method comprising: obtaining (S100), in a sleep mode of the door operator system (100), a sequence of input data in one or more components of the door operator (1) or the at least one door leaf (5), receiving (S110), in the control unit (3) of the door operator (1), said sequence of input data from the one or more components, and evaluating (S120) said sequence of input data and ranking (S130) the probability of that said sequence of input data corresponds to an intrusion attempt on the door operator system (100).

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a preset sequence of operations. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of graphical control elements (e.g., touch-sensitive buttons) that enable operation of the loading dock equipment in an appropriate sequence. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the graphical control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire swing door operator system (100) comprising at least one swing door operator (1), a wall (200), a door frame (300), and at least one swing door leaf (400), wherein the door frame (300) is mounted in an opening in the wall, the at least one swing door leaf (400) is hingedly connected to the door frame (300), the wall (200) comprise a first wall section (201) at one side of the door frame (300) and a second wall section (202) at the other side of the door frame (300), the swing door operator (1) is mounted to the first wall section (201) and connected to the at least one swing door leaf (400) and arranged to move the at least one swing door leaf (400) between a closed and an open position.

Abstract: A door operator and a method for moving a door leaf between a closed and open position utilize a drive unit, a control unit, and a supervise unit. The drive unit is connected to and moves the door leaf between the open and closed position. The control unit is connected to and controls the movement of the drive unit. The supervise unit includes a status management unit and one or more sensors that provide sensor data associated with an operation of the door leaf. The status management unit receives the sensor data from the one or more sensors, determines a status pattern from a plurality of status patterns of the operation of the door leaf at least based on the sensor data, with a first status pattern being associated with a status event, and triggers the status event in response to the first status pattern.

Abstract: A control system for a sliding door operator system, having at least one sliding wing and a door header, includes a first sensor configured to define a first activation zone, a first wing presence zone and a first side presence zone, a second sensor configured to define a second activation zone, a second wing presence zone and a second side presence zone, and a controller configured to evaluate data from the first sensor and the second sensor for controlling operation of the at least one sliding wing in the sliding door operator system.

Abstract: A door operator for operating a door leaf of a door set includes a control unit, a drive unit and a user interface. The control unit detects that the door operator is in a first mode to receive a set of set-up parameters. In the first mode the control unit detects an external data storage, provides access to the external data storage, and automatically receives a set of set-up parameters from the external data storage. The door operator installs the set of set-up parameters in the control unit. The door operator controls the drive unit to operate the door leaf based on the set of set-up parameters.

Abstract: An autonomous dock station system having an automated material lift truck (AMT), a pallet conveyor, and a facility guidance system can automatically load and/or unload a trailer at a dock station. The autonomous dock station system can coordinate these components according to a workflow procedure. In some embodiments, the workflow procedure can begin with the pallet conveyor supplying a loaded pallet to a specified position. The AMT, initially guided by fixed guidance elements of the facility guidance system, can lift the pallet off the conveyor and transport it to a trailer entrance where the AMT switches from the facility guidance system to a trailer guidance system. The AMT can then carry the pallet to an unloading position, move the pallet to one side of the trailer as needed, unload the pallet and return to the pallet conveyor. The workflow procedure can repeat until the trailer is full.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring components of a loading dock station that implement a remote monitoring and authorization system are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide information regarding the status of various components of the loading dock station to a remote monitoring and authorization control unit, where a supervisor or the like is capable of reviewing real time information regarding the status of the components and progress through and adherence to a workflow protocol. The systems and methods can also provide for authorization requests to be sent to the remote monitoring and authorization control unit, such as requests to override certain components of the docking station. The user at the remote monitoring and authorization control unit can then grant or deny requests based on status information and other data provided at the remote monitoring and authorization control unit.

Abstract: A door operator system and a method for moving a door leaf between a closed and open position utilize a door operator and a supervise unit. The door operator includes a control unit, a presence sensor, activation sensors, and a drive unit. The drive unit is connected to the door leaf and moves the door leaf between the open and closed position to achieve a plurality of operational states. The presence sensor is configured to monitor a risk area and send presence data associated with an object detected in the risk area to the control unit. The activation sensors are configured to monitor respective activation areas near the door leaf and send activation data associated with an object detected in the respective activation areas to the control unit. The control unit controls a movement of the drive unit based on the activation and presence data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door operator and a method for set up of a door operator (1) comprising a drive unit (7), a user interface (8) and a control unit (9), which control unit (9) controls the value of the current applied to the drive unit (7) such that the door operator (1) employs a first speed trajectory corresponding to the value of the current when opening and/or closing a door leaf (2) connected to the door operator (1), the method comprising the steps of: detecting a first or a second mode of set up of the control unit (9), and in the first mode, receiving a value of the time for opening and/or closing the door leaf (2) from the user interface (8), calculating a value of the current that should be applied to the drive unit (7) during acceleration and braking to obtain said value of the time for opening and/or closing the door leaf (2), and setting the calculated value of the current in the control unit (9), such that the door operator (1) employs the first speed trajectory when opening and

Abstract: An automatic door operator (30) for a swing door assembly (10) having a door leaf (14) rotationally supported by a door frame (12) is disclosed. The automatic door operator has a motor (34) for causing opening of the door leaf (14) with respect to the door frame (12), and a controller (31) being configured for performing different functions (60) of the automatic door operator. The controller (31) is configured to detect (42) a movement of the door leaf (14), not caused by the motor (34), identify (44) a predefined movement matching the detected movement, determine (46), among the different functions, a function (61-A, 61-B) being associated with the predefined movement, and perform (48) the determined function.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method (50) of providing finger pinch protection at a hinge area of a swing door-based entrance system (1) having a motorized automatic door operator (30) for opening (2) of the swing door (10) in an automatic mode of the entrance system (1), wherein the entrance system (1) also has a manual mode in which a human user may cause opening and closing of the swing door (10) by manual force. The method involves monitoring (52), by a first sensor function (S1), for presence of a person or object in a first zone (PD) at the first door leaf surface (12-1) and non-proximate to a vertical door edge (14). The method also involves monitoring, by a second sensor function (S2), for presence of a person or object in a second zone (PDHA) at the first door leaf surface (12-1) and proximate to said vertical door edge (14).

Abstract: Vehicle restraints for use at loading docks are described herein. In some embodiments, a vehicle restraint includes a vertically-moving carriage that is operably coupled to a guide track by means of one or more sliding members instead of, or in conjunction with, rollers. The sliding members can have relatively large contact surfaces configured to react the majority of vehicle pull loads applied to the vehicle restraint in use. Because of the relatively large contact surfaces, the pull loads are spread out over a relatively large area of the guide track, thereby reducing the likelihood for the loads to deform or otherwise damage the guide track.