Abstract: A dock leveler control system for positioning a dock leveler at selected positions relative to or adjacent loading dock platform. The control system includes a switch responsive to the position of the lip member for activating the control system.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a dock leveler including a lever adapted to be pivotably connected to the center plate for pivoting the center plate to the rearward position upon movement in a rearward direction to a first position. A lip extension apparatus is adapted to be connected to the lip plate and the base plate. The lip extension apparatus is operative for selectively pivoting the lip plate either toward the bridging position or to the stored position in response to forward movement of the lever at times when the center plate is in the rearward position. The lip extension apparatus includes an extension member and an extension stop member. A cocking apparatus is utilized to engage the extension member on the extension stop member for pivoting the lip plate toward the bridging position as the center plate pivots forwardly from the rearward position.

Abstract: A hydraulic dock leveler having a pivotable main deck, a lip member pivotably connected to the main deck, and a hydraulic system for pivoting the main deck relative to an adjacent loading dock platform and for power extending and power retracting the lip member between a bridging and stored position. The hydraulic system includes valve means to hydraulically hold the lip member in a fully extended bridging position while the main deck is descending relative to the adjacent loading dock platform. When the main deck reaches its lowest level relative to the loading dock platform, the valve means moves to an open condition and the hydraulic system will simultaneously extend the main cylinder to raise the main deck and retract the lip cylinder to pivot the lip member to a stored position.