Abstract: A dock leveler for a truck loading dock includes a pivotal deck that is raised by an inflatable actuator. The actuator includes a pliable upper section that when inflated has a generally vertical cylindrical shape that can provide a heavy deck with substantial columnar support. The actuator also includes a relatively rigid base that is sealingly joined to the pliable upper section such that upper section and the rigid base define an inner chamber of air. A blower for inflating the actuator can be installed inside or outside the actuator. In some embodiments, a valve system reverses the airflow so that the blower can forcibly deflate and compress the actuator up against the bottom of the deck so that the area underneath the actuator can be cleaned.

Abstract: A dock leveler or dock lift deck comprises two upper plates that are connected to create a permanently visible longitudinal joint that serves as a guideline for a forklift operator. In some cases the joint may have a variable width gap that helped in squaring up the deck during manufacturing. To draw attention to the guideline, the two upper plates may each have an embossed pattern that is shifted out of registry with each other.