Abstract: Example axial fans (overhead fans) include a set of radially extending spokes that connect a set of fan blades to a motor-driven hub. Each spoke has at least one notch, so the spokes can be assembled in interlocking relationship with each other, such that the spokes extend at different rotational angles from the rotational axis of the hub but lie in substantially the same horizontal plane. Such an arrangement enables the spokes to support the cantilevered weight and other vertical loads exerted by the fan blades while providing a compact assembly. In some examples, a retainer extends through aligned bores of several components of the fan along the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Example fan and light units and associated mounting arrangements for use at a loading dock are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a proximal arm to be pivotally coupled to a building structure adjacent a vehicle loading dock. The apparatus further includes a distal arm to be pivotally coupled to the proximal arm. The apparatus also includes an illuminating fan assembly pivotally coupled to the distal arm. The illuminating fan to pivot about both a first axis and a second axis relative to the distal arm. The first axis and the second axis being substantially perpendicular. The illuminating fan assembly including a fan, a light, and a frame. The frame is to support the fan and the light.

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: 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: Maneuverable ergonomic trailer stands are disclosed.

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: Illuminating fans for loading docks are disclosed. An example illuminating fan includes a housing defining an airflow chamber and an electrical chamber divided by an internal wall of the housing. The illuminating fan also includes a fan wheel mounted for rotation within the airflow chamber. The fan wheel is driven by a fan motor to generate a current of air passing through the airflow chamber. The illuminating fan further includes a lamp supported by the housing. The lamp is wired to an electrical circuit at least partially contained within the electrical chamber.

Abstract: Dynamically configurable traffic controllers and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first sensor to face a first direction to detect oncoming traffic in a first area, a second sensor to face a second direction to detect oncoming traffic in a second area, and a first display to face the first area. The first display is to display a first signal in response to (1) the first sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. The first display is to display a second signal in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. The first signal is different than the second signal.

Abstract: Illuminating fans for loading docks are disclosed. An example illuminating fan includes a housing defining an airflow chamber and an electrical chamber divided by an internal wall of the housing. The illuminating fan also includes a fan wheel mounted for rotation within the airflow chamber. The fan wheel is driven by a fan motor to generate a current of air passing through the airflow chamber. The illuminating fan further includes a lamp supported by the housing. The lamp is wired to an electrical circuit at least partially contained within the electrical chamber.

Abstract: Example portable trailer stands for supporting parked trailers are disclosed herein. Some example portable trailer stands disclosed herein comprise two telescopic posts supporting a generally horizontal beam. Some examples include spring-loaded retractable wheels for selectively installing and removing the trailer stand from underneath a trailer left parked on a driveway. After being positioned under the trailer, the posts extend to lift the beam solidly up against the underside of the trailer. To accommodate conditions where the driveway is not parallel to the trailer's underside, some example posts can be lengthened independently and have angular play that allows the beam to tilt. In some examples, the horizontal axle of the trailer stand wheels is perpendicular to the beam so that the trailer stand can be readily installed from either the front or side of the trailer. Some examples have a kingpin-receiving groove in the beam or have some other kingpin-receiving feature.

Abstract: Example portable trailer stands for supporting parked trailers are disclosed herein. Some example portable trailer stands disclosed herein comprise two telescopic posts supporting a generally horizontal beam. Some examples include spring-loaded retractable wheels for selectively installing and removing the trailer stand from underneath a trailer left parked on a driveway. After being positioned under the trailer, the posts extend to lift the beam solidly up against the underside of the trailer. To accommodate conditions where the driveway is not parallel to the trailer's underside, some example posts can be lengthened independently and have angular play that allows the beam to tilt. In some examples, the horizontal axle of the trailer stand wheels is perpendicular to the beam so that the trailer stand can be readily installed from either the front or side of the trailer. Some examples have a kingpin-receiving groove in the beam or have some other kingpin-receiving feature.

Abstract: Dynamically configurable traffic controllers and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first sensor to face a first direction to detect oncoming traffic in a first area, a second sensor to face a second direction to detect oncoming traffic in a second area, and a first display to face the first area. The first display is to display a first signal in response to (1) the first sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. The first display is to display a second signal in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. The first signal is different than the second signal.

Abstract: Dynamically configurable traffic controllers and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first display facing a first direction; a second display facing a second direction; a third display facing a third direction; and a processor, in response to a first input being received indicative of traffic approaching the first display and no traffic approaching the second display and the third display, the processor to cause the second display and the third display to display a first signal and for the first display not to display the first signal or a second signal, the first signal providing a first warning level, the second signal providing a second warning level greater than the first warning level, the first signal illuminatable on the second display, the second signal illuminatable on the second display, the first signal, when illuminated, disposed within a perimeter of the second signal, when illuminated.

Abstract: A retractable bollard system for installation in a support surface that includes pavement includes a shell that when installed in the support surface extends below an upper surface of the pavement. The bollard system includes a post to be telescopically coupled to the shell. The post is axially movable relative to the shell selectively to an upper area and a lower area. The post extends farther above the shell when the post is in the upper area than when the post is in the lower area. The bollard system further includes a shock absorber to encircle the shell. The shock absorber is made of a polymeric material.

Abstract: An example bollard system includes a post extension to extend upward from a floor, and a first collar to encircle the post extension. The example bollard system includes a first connector to encircle the post extension adjacent to the first collar, and a first handrail to be connected to the first connector. The example bollard system includes a second connector to encircle the post extension adjacent to the first connector, and a second handrail to be connected to the second connector. The example bollard system includes a second collar to encircle the post extension adjacent to the second connector. The first collar is invertible selectively to a first lock position and a first release position, the first connector having greater freedom to rotate relative to the first collar when the first collar is in the first release position than when the first collar is in the first lock position.

Abstract: An example retractable bollard system for installation in a support surface that includes pavement is disclosed. The example bollard system includes a shell that when installed in the support surface extends below an upper surface of the pavement. The example bollard system includes a post to be telescopically coupled to the shell. The post is axially movable relative to the shell selectively to an upper area and a lower area. The post extends farther above the shell when the post is in the upper area than when the post is in the lower area. The example bollard system further includes a shock absorber to encircle the shell. The shock absorber is made of a polymeric material.

Abstract: Dynamically configurable traffic controllers and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first display facing a first direction; a second display facing a second direction; a third display facing a third direction; and a processor, in response to a first input being received indicative of traffic approaching the first display and no traffic approaching the second display and the third display, the processor to cause the second display and the third display to display a first signal and for the first display not to display the first signal or a second signal, the first signal providing a first warning level, the second signal providing a second warning level greater than the first warning level, the first signal illuminatable on the second display, the second signal illuminatable on the second display, the first signal, when illuminated, disposed within a perimeter of the second signal, when illuminated.

Abstract: Motion sensing dock lighting systems are disclosed. An example lighting system for use at a loading dock where a material handling device is used to load or unload a vehicle parked at the loading dock includes a motion sensing system to be spaced apart from the material handling device. The motion sensing system is to provide an operation signal in response to the material handling device undergoing a change in travel direction within the vehicle. The example lighting system also includes a lamp to be operatively connected in signal communication with the motion sensing system so as to receive the operation signal from the motion sensing system. The lamp is to have a first illuminating mode and a second illuminating mode, and the lamp is to switch between the first illuminating mode and the second illuminating mode in response to the operation signal.

Abstract: Example light fixtures include one or more light transmitting illuminated rods that emit a series or array of discrete spots of light. Some example light fixtures disclosed herein include optical features that provide an intriguing, attention-getting affect that can be useful particularly in alerting personnel of certain conditions at a doorway of a truck loading dock. In some examples, the light transmitting rods are mechanically coupled to a housing that contains an LED light source. The mechanical coupling allows the illuminated rods to be readily replaced without disrupting with the operation or wiring of the light source. Some example light fixtures illuminate the cargo bay of a vehicle at the loading dock.