Abstract: Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a preset sequence of operations. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of graphical control elements (e.g., touch-sensitive buttons) that enable operation of the loading dock equipment in an appropriate sequence. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the graphical control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment.

Abstract: Wheel chock systems for use at loading docks and other locations are described herein. In some embodiments, the wheel chock systems can include a wheel chock assembly that is positionable in contact with a vehicle wheel to restrain the vehicle at a loading dock. The wheel chock assembly can include a sensor target, and a corresponding sensor can be mounted to, for example, an outer wall of the loading dock or a wheel chock storage cradle mounted to the outer wall. In operation, the sensor can emit a wireless signal (e.g., an electromagnetic signal) that is reflected off of the sensor target and received back by the sensor when the wheel chock has been positioned in a blocking relationship relative to the vehicle wheel to restrain the vehicle at the loading dock. The sensor can be operably connected to a loading dock signal system (e.g., a signal light system) that displays appropriate signals to loading dock personnel based on detection of proper wheel chock placement.

Abstract: Fans having fan blades with lightweight blade tips are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, each fan blade includes a blade tip attached to an end portion of a main airfoil. The blade tip includes a shaped body that is molded over a support structure to form the shape and exterior surface of the blade tip.

Abstract: Fans having fan blades with lightweight blade tips are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, each fan blade includes a blade tip attached to an end portion of a main airfoil. The blade tip includes a shaped body that is molded over a support structure to form the shape and exterior surface of the blade tip.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a system of fans in a facility from a central system controller are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system of fans can be configured to shut down automatically during an emergency condition or event. For example, a fan system controller can be connected to the system of fans and provide a signal to each of the fans. While each of the fans receives the signal, power is connected to a motor on each of the fans. Upon detection of an emergency condition, the fan system controller disconnects the signal to the fans, thereby automatically simultaneously shutting down the entire system of fans.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a system of fans in a facility from a central system controller are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system of fans can be configured to shut down automatically during an emergency condition or event. For example, a fan system controller can be connected to the system of fans and provide a signal to each of the fans. While each of the fans receives the signal, power is connected to a motor on each of the fans. Upon detection of an emergency condition, the fan system controller disconnects the signal to the fans, thereby automatically simultaneously shutting down the entire system of fans.

Abstract: Dock levelers, such as mechanical dock levelers, are described herein. In one embodiment, a mechanical dock leveler includes a ramp having a lip pivotally attached to a forward edge. A ramp lifting system is configured to assist upward rotation of the ramp as it is manually raised. In this embodiment, a lip lifting system is operably coupled to the ramp lifting system so that the ramp is initially “downward biased” prior to being raised, and then becomes at least partially supported in a raised position by the lip lifting mechanism, once the lip lifting mechanism is engaged.

Abstract: Fans having blade tips with downwardly extending airfoil surfaces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a high volume low speed ceiling fan includes a plurality of blades, each having an anhedral or downward sloping tip portion. The blade tips can also include an aft swept portion that extends between the main airfoil portion of the fan blade and the anhedral tip portion.

Abstract: Loading dock lighting systems having one or more colored lights for communicating information, such as loading dock equipment status information, to dock operators and/or other personnel working in or around a shipping trailer or other transport vehicle are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a lighting system for illuminating the interior of a transport vehicle during loading/unloading can include a lighting feature that visually communicates information to a person or persons working in the vehicle. The lighting feature can include, for example, one or more lights of various colors and/or flashing lights.

Abstract: A frame of a dock leveler that positions a deck portion of the dock leveler so that the deck portion is level with a surrounding dock floor at a driveway end when mounted in a pit in the dock floor includes a pit supported portion placed on a floor of the pit, a deck supporting portion providing support to the deck portion, and an adjusting assembly connected to the pit supported portion and to the deck supporting portion and operable to move and hold the deck supporting portion so that the deck portion of the dock leveler is at a selected position with respect to the surrounding dock floor.

Abstract: A dock leveler frame includes a pit supported portion; a deck supporting portion configured to provide support to a deck portion of the dock leveler; and a fastener configured to contact corresponding structure on the pit supported portion and deck supporting portion, the corresponding structure configured to allow the pit supported portion and deck supporting portion to be fastened to each other via the fastener at multiple positions with respect to each other. A method of configuring a dock leveler frame to install a dock leveler in a pit and have a level deck without the use of shims includes: providing a pit supported portion of a dock lever frame; placing a deck supporting portion of the frame is a desired position with respect to the pit supported portion; and fastening the pit supported portion to the deck supporting portion with a fastener inserted into a hole and a slot.

Abstract: Dock levelers, such as mechanical dock levelers, are described herein. In one embodiment, a mechanical dock leveler includes a ramp having a lip pivotally attached to a forward edge. A ramp lifting system is configured to assist upward rotation of the ramp as it is manually raised. In this embodiment, a lip lifting system is operably coupled to the ramp lifting system so that the ramp is initially “downward biased” prior to being raised, and then becomes at least partially supported in a raised position by the lip lifting mechanism, once the lip lifting mechanism is engaged.

Abstract: A dock leveler frame includes a pit supported portion; a deck supporting portion configured to provide support to a deck portion of the dock leveler; and a fastener configured to contact corresponding structure on the pit supported portion and deck supporting portion, the corresponding structure configured to allow the pit supported portion and deck supporting portion to be fastened to each other via the fastener at multiple positions with respect to each other. A method of configuring a dock leveler frame to install a dock leveler in a pit and have a level deck without the use of shims includes: providing a pit supported portion of a dock lever frame; placing a deck supporting portion of the frame is a desired position with respect to the pit supported portion; and fastening the pit supported portion to the deck supporting portion with a fastener inserted into a hole and a slot.

Abstract: A frame of a dock leveler that positions a deck portion of the dock leveler so that the deck portion is level with a surrounding dock floor at a driveway end when mounted in a pit in the dock floor includes a pit supported portion placed on a floor of the pit, a deck supporting portion providing support to the deck portion, and an adjusting assembly connected to the pit supported portion and to the deck supporting portion and operable to move and hold the deck supporting portion so that the deck portion of the dock leveler is at a selected position with respect to the surrounding dock floor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a dock leveler in a manner to reduce the effects of free fall and stump-out. The apparatus includes the use of a retractable support leg. The method includes maintaining the support leg in a support position and retracting the support leg under certain conditions.

Abstract: A dock leveler including a support leg system configured to remain in a support position when the dock leveler descends rapidly and retract when the dock leveler descends slowly. Also, a dock leveler including a multi-tiered lip keeper support system for supporting the ramp at more than one position. In addition, a method of supporting a dock leveler ramp. The method includes attaching a first and second lip engaging apparatus under the ramp.

Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading docket. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition. The docket leveler has a horizontally translatable ramp.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a dock leveler in a manner to reduce the effects of free fall and stump-out. The apparatus includes the use of a retractable support leg.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a dock leveler includes a support leg system configured to remain in a support position when the dock leveler descends rapidly and retract when the dock leveler descends slowly. In another embodiment, a dock leveler includes a multi-tiered lip keeper support system for supporting the ramp at more than one position. In another embodiment, a method of supporting a dock leveler ramp includes attaching a first and second lip engaging apparatus under the ramp.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for an upward-acting door includes spaced-apart wall brackets and cable drums supported on the brackets and connected to flexible cables which depend from the drums and connected to the lower side edges of an upward-acting sectional garage door. One or both of the cable drums may be connected to one end of a torsion coil spring and the opposite end of each spring is connected to a hub assembly. Elongated spring winding and protective cover tubes are sleeved over the springs and are connected to the brackets by worm-gear drive winding mechanisms, respectively, for rotating the tubes to effect winding of the torsion coil springs through the hub assemblies but preventing rotation of the tubes during normal operation of the counterbalance system. The cable drums and spring hub assemblies may be supported on an elongated synchronizing shaft or a torque transfer shaft extending between and supported on the wall brackets.