Abstract: The present hook-based vehicle restraining system is capable of reducing the effects of RIG wedge or forced hook rotation in the disengaging direction. A cam located within a hook pocket inside of the hook allows the hook to move translationally in cases of RIG wedge, thereby dislodging the hook. At least one transition stop contacts the hook to prevent the hook from rotating beyond the transition stop, thereby preventing the hook from being forced downwards.

Abstract: The present magnet holder and magnetic sensor bracket provide a robust, easily repaired magnet-and-sensor system. The axle extending through the holder and bracket is easily aligned in a shaft collar in the holder by an interlocking keyway. A slot extending through the collar allows deformation of the split collar to accommodate over-rotation without damage to the collar. The magnet assembly in the holder is held in place based on magnetic attraction, allowing both easy assembly and replacement. Likewise, the potential sensor attachment methods allow easy, rapid fabrication and replacement using assemblies with split sensor channels and retaining rings.

Abstract: The present magnet holder and magnetic sensor bracket provide a robust, easily repaired magnet-and-sensor system. The axle extending through the holder and bracket is easily aligned in a shaft collar in the holder by an interlocking keyway. A slot extending through the collar allows deformation of the split collar to accommodate over-rotation without damage to the collar. The magnet assembly in the holder is held in place based on magnetic attraction, allowing both easy assembly and replacement. Likewise, the potential sensor attachment methods allow easy, rapid fabrication and replacement using assemblies with split sensor channels and retaining rings.

Abstract: A gate safety barrier system is provided for use at a loading dock to prevent accidental or inadvertent movement of a loading dock vehicle and/or personnel through an access passageway provided on the loading dock. The gate safety barrier includes a pair of bollards positioned on opposite sides of the passageway and a horizontal center member pivotally mounted on pivot bollard. The horizontal center member includes two sections connected together by means of a center hinge. The horizontal center member moves to close and block the passageway. When in the closed position the horizontal center member spans the distance between the bollards. The system provides safety, ease of use, and improved functionality which protect personnel while the assembly is being moved between closed blocked passageway to open unblocked passageway.

Abstract: A gate safety barrier system is provided for use at a loading dock to prevent accidental or inadvertent movement of a loading dock vehicle and/or personnel through an access passageway provided on the loading dock. The gate safety barrier includes a pair of bollards positioned on opposite sides of the passageway and a horizontal center member pivotally mounted on pivot bollard. The horizontal center member includes two sections connected together by means of a center hinge. The horizontal center member moves to close and block the passageway. When in the closed position the horizontal center member spans the distance between the bollards. The system provides safety, ease of use, and improved functionality which protect personnel while the assembly is being moved between closed blocked passageway to open unblocked passageway.

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle restraining hook. The hook includes a shank extending between an axle interface and a hook bend. The hook bend comprises an inner hook surface extending between the shank and a hook tip. The inner hook surface comprises at least a primary bend and a secondary bend, and in some cases a tertiary bend. Each of the primary bend and secondary bend comprises two planar surfaces, while the tertiary bend comprises a curved surface. These surfaces interact with a RIG bar to generate a force rotating the hook up and ensuring that it maintains contact with the RIG bar.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to the restraining of a rear impact guard (“RIG”) attached to a vehicle or trailer with a hook and also with a hook as part of an impactable vehicle restraint. Contact between the hook and the RIG creates a reactant force that promotes rotation of the hook in the engaged direction, thereby further promoting positive engagement of the RIG by the hook.

Abstract: Systems and methods and methods relating to the control and operation of an impactable vehicle restraint. The impactable vehicle restraint has a vertically movable barrier. The impactable vehicle restraint has a control system having three switch signal inputs that is compatible with two switch input systems. The impactable vehicle restraint has a control system to stop the motion of its drive system for the based on either sensing that the restraining device is at its limits of motion or that the drive system has been activated for a predetermined amount of time, whichever occurs first.

Abstract: Systems and methods and methods relating to the control and operation of an impactable vehicle restraint. The impactable vehicle restraint has a vertically movable barrier. The impactable vehicle restraint has a control system having three switch signal inputs that is compatible with two switch input systems. The impactable vehicle restraint has a control system to stop the motion of its drive system for the based on either sensing that the restraining device is at its limits of motion or that the drive system has been activated for a predetermined amount of time, whichever occurs first.

Abstract: Systems and methods and methods relating to the control and operation of an impactable vehicle restraint. The impactable vehicle restraint has a vertically movable barrier. The impactable vehicle restraint has a control system having three switch signal inputs that is compatible with two switch input systems. The impactable vehicle restraint has a control system to stop the motion of its drive system for the based on either sensing that the restraining device is at its limits of motion or that the drive system has been activated for a predetermined amount of time, whichever occurs first.

Abstract: A dock leveler assembly includes a base and a ramp that is pivotably movable under the influence of a biasing arrangement to a raised position. The ramp is lowered into engagement with a truck bed, preferably via a lip connected to the outer end of the ramp, and a holddown assembly maintains the ramp in a lowered position during loading and unloading of the truck bed against the force of a biasing arrangement that urges the ramp toward a raised position. The holddown assembly includes an extendible and retractable mechanism which is selectively fixed in position to maintain the ramp in a desired position. A “float” apparatus using a compression spring accommodates a certain amount of vertical movement of the ramp as the truck bed moves up and down during loading and unloading.