Abstract: A loading-dock signaling system includes an internal signal light, an external signal light and a wheel chock having a base and a handle extending from the base. A chock signal light is positioned on the handle. The internal signal light, the external signal light and the chock signal light are in signal communication with one another to provide at least a plurality of illuminated indicia to an exterior dock area and an interior dock area. The exterior dock area and the interior dock area are separated by a dock door.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint for a loading dock includes a barricade member that is rotationally operable between a stored position, a blocking position and a verification position. The barricade member in the blocking position is adapted to laterally secure a vehicle relative to the loading dock. An operable latch is coupled proximate an outer end in the barricade member. The operable latch is selectively operable between retracted and extended positions. When the barricade member is in the blocking position and the operable latch is in the extended position, the operable latch vertically secures the vehicle relative to the barricade member.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes a lip plate that is rotationally attached to an edge of a deck at a hinge and operable between raised and lowered positions. A spring assist assembly extends between the deck and the lip plate. The spring assist assembly includes a plurality of springs that linearly operate along respective calibrating posts to bias the lip plate toward the raised position. A base end and a compression end of each spring are adjustable along the respective calibrating posts.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint for a loading dock includes a barricade member that is rotationally operable between a stored position, a blocking position and a verification position. The barricade member in the blocking position is adapted to laterally secure a vehicle relative to the loading dock. An operable latch is coupled proximate an outer end in the barricade member. The operable latch is selectively operable between retracted and extended positions. When the barricade member is in the blocking position and the operable latch is in the extended position, the operable latch vertically secures the vehicle relative to the barricade member.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes a frame. A deck plate is rotationally coupled to the frame at a deck hinge. A lip plate defines a lip plate lower surface and an edge. A lip hinge is coupled to the lip plate and a connection plate to provide relative pivotal movement of the lip plate and the deck plate. The connection plate is positioned below the deck plate. A support link extends from the lip plate to the connection plate. The support link is rotationally operable with respect to the lip plate and slidably operable with respect to the connection plate.

Abstract: A loading dock seal system includes a closed-cell foam buffer adapted to be positioned proximate a loading dock surface and a foam padding disposed adjacent the closed-cell foam buffer and affixed thereto. A fabric cover, being free of overlapping members proximate the loading dock surface, defines an interior volume. The closed-cell foam buffer and the foam padding are disposed within the interior volume. A fabric fastener being free of overlapping portions defines an aperture through the fabric cover that is sized to receive and to release the affixed closed-cell foam buffer and the foam padding from the interior volume. Fabric tabs are connected to the fabric cover and extend away from and are substantially parallel to the rear side of the fabric cover. The attachment of the fabric tabs to the loading dock surface is adapted to be free of mounting brackets.

Abstract: A device for restraining a horizontal bar at the rear of a vehicle to a stationary support adjacent a loading dock, the device having: a frame having a vertical track and a mounting bracket for securing the frame to the stationary support; a suspended carriage mounted to the track for vertical movement relative to the track, the suspended carriage having a forwardly and upwardly extending member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock, having a base, an arm rotatably mounted to the base for rotating between a lowered position out of contact with the vehicle, a partially elevated position and an upright position for contacting the vehicle to restrain the vehicle in a position suitable for loading or unloading, an arm rotator, a position sensor to detect the rotational position of the arm, a lock and a lock actuator for locking the arm, and a controller in operative communication with the position sensor for determining the position of the vehicle relative to the dock upon contact between the arm and the vehicle for actuating the lock to retain the arm in the upright position to restrain the vehicle.

Abstract: A loading dock leveler with: a base; and a deck with a top platform, the deck having an inward end hingedly mounted to the inward end of the base for movement between an upper position and a lower position; an air compressor having a compressor capacity defined as a predetermined volume of compressed air delivered at a predetermined pressure delivered during a predetermined time period; a pneumatic deck lift actuator, comprising a pneumatic cylinder pivotally connected to the base and to the deck for rotary movement wherein the direct communication between the lift actuator inlet port and the compressor outlet, without a compressed air storage receiver tank, delivers compressed air directly from the compressor to the lift chamber at the compressor capacity within a lift actuation time period, and wherein the lift chamber volume divided by the compressor capacity equals the lift actuation time period.

Abstract: A loading dock leveler having: a base having an inward end; a deck with a top platform, the deck having an inward end hingedly mounted to the inward end of the base for movement between an upper position and a lower position; an on-demand air compressor with an electrically powered motor, the compressor having inlet in communication with a source of ambient air and a compressed air outlet; a pneumatic deck lift actuator pivotally connected to the base and to the deck for rotary movement between a raised position and a lowered position, the lift actuator having a lift chamber, and an inlet port in direct communication with the compressor outlet through an electric powered lift valve to the lift chamber, and having a vent valve in communication with the lift chamber; and an electric user control interface having: an electric up/down switch in communication with the motor to conduct electric power to the motor and open the lift valve in an up position, and to prevent conduction of electric power to the motor and

Abstract: A device for restraining a horizontal bar at the rear of a vehicle to a stationary support adjacent a loading dock, the device having: a frame having a vertical track and a mounting bracket for securing the frame to the stationary support; a suspended carriage mounted to the track for vertical movement relative to the track, the suspended carriage having a forwardly and upwardly extending member; a vertical motion actuator mounted to the frame and having: a master carriage slidably mounted to the suspended carriage, the master carriage engaging the suspended carriage for moving the suspended carriage between a lower retracted position and an upper engaged position wherein the member engages a forward surface of the horizontal bar; and a resilient suspension member disposed between the master carriage and the suspended carriage and having a resilient range of travel, whereby the suspended carriage is capable of vertically floating relative to the master carriage within the range of travel; a control system inc

Abstract: A loading dock leveler having: a base with an inward end; a deck with a top platform, the deck having an inward end hingedly mounted to the inward end of the base for movement between an upper position and a lower position; a bellows assembly spaced a distance below the deck, the bellows assembly including an inflatable air bag with a bottom surface engaging the base and a top surface engaging a lever arm hingedly mounted to the base, the lever arm and air bag moving between an inflated position and a deflated position, the air bag having an internal chamber in communication with a source of pressurized air and an air vent; a support strut having an upper end engaging the deck and a lower end engaging the base, the support strut being moveable with the deck between: the lower position; and the upper position wherein the support strut supports the deck, and; a mechanical motion transfer device engaging the lever arm of the bellows assembly and engaging the base, the motion transfer device transferring relative

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle restraint system for preventing forward movement of a vehicle away from a loading dock, having a base, an arm rotatably mounted to said base for rotating between a lowered position out of contact with said vehicle, a partially elevated position comprising a predetermined range and an upright position wherein said arm may contact said vehicle to restrain said vehicle in a position suitable for loading or unloading, an arm rotator for rotating said arm between said lowered and upright positions, a contact sensor for detecting contact between said arm and said vehicle, a position sensor to detect the rotational position of said arm, a lock, and a lock actuator in operative communication with said contact sensor and position sensor for actuating said lock to retain said arm when in said upright position.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a loading dock area to prevent any wheeled apparatus from accidentally falling off the loading dock. The leveler includes a ramp for supporting a load between a truck and a platform and also used to actuate a barrier, the barrier is operatively connected to the ramp through a plurality of links. The invention operates through the position of the ramp in relation to the platform top surface. When the dock leveler is in the stored position the ramp is at a 90.degree. angle to the dock leveler top surface. In this position the linkage has rotated the stop such that it protrudes above the surface of the deck. Thus forming the barrier so that no wheeled vehicles could accidentally roll off the end of the dock. When the dock leveler is below a level position, the linkage no longer acts to supports the barrier, so that the barrier falls back to the surface of the dock leveler, no longer forming a barrier.

Abstract: A rider truck lift utilizes a see-through mast assembly and a forwardly positioned rider compartment to improve visibility of the load for the operator. The rider compartment is accessible from either side of the truck and comprises a low-rise deck which allows for one-step ingress and egress. A pseudo-tricycle wheel arrangement provides for a tandem articulated rear wheel steering assembly that reduces tire wear and improves maneuverability.

Abstract: The present disclosure shows a pallet truck of the type wherein an electrically driven pump supplies a hydraulic cylinder with pressure fluid for raising the fork mechanism. For lowering the fork mechanism a dump valve exhausts hydraulic fluid from the cylinder. UP and DOWN push-button switches conventionally control the electric motor and the dump valve, respectively. The apparatus disclosed herein provides an alternate circuit which operates automatically when both push buttons are in their inactive positions and the fork mechanism is fully lowered or nearly fully lowered to raise the fork lift structure automatically a safe distance above the floor, whereupon the auxiliary circuit means becomes inactive.