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.

Abstract: A safety system for a truck loading dock with an elevated platform provides an alarm that warns of a hazard at the loading dock such as a forklift operating inside the truck or a falling hazard that may exist due to the dock door being open while a truck is not present at the dock. In cases where a dock's open doorway is protected by a barrier that can be opened or closed, the alarm can be de-activated by closing the barrier. In some embodiments, the safety system includes a remote body sensor that detects when someone or something is near the doorway. In response to the body sensor, a second, more pronounced alarm can warn of more imminent danger where someone on the platform may be too close to an open doorway when a truck is not present.

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.

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 safety system for a truck loading dock with an elevated platform provides an alarm that warns of a hazard at the loading dock such as a forklift operating inside the truck or a falling hazard that may exist due to the dock door being open while a truck is not present at the dock. In cases where a dock's open doorway is protected by a barrier that can be opened or closed, the alarm can be de-activated by closing the barrier. In some embodiments, the safety system includes a remote body sensor that detects when someone or something is near the doorway. In response to the body sensor, a second, more pronounced alarm can warn of more imminent danger where someone on the platform may be too close to an open doorway when a truck is not present.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for operating dock levelers, vehicle restraints, and other types of loading dock equipment includes one or more features that prolong the life of the hydraulic fluid. A hydraulic reservoir with a desiccant filled breather cap or a hermetically sealed pliable reservoir minimizes the hydraulic fluid's exposure to condensation and atmospheric moisture. The system can be used for prolonging the life of both biodegradable and- non-biodegradable hydraulic fluids. In some embodiments, the system includes an acceptably biodegradable fluid having a combination of properties that makes the fluid particularly suitable for loading dock equipment.

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 hydraulic system for operating dock levelers, vehicle restraints, and other types of loading dock equipment includes one or more features that prolong the life of the hydraulic fluid. A hydraulic reservoir with a desiccant filled breather cap or a hermetically sealed pliable reservoir minimizes the hydraulic fluid's exposure to condensation and atmospheric moisture. The system can be used for prolonging the life of both biodegradable and- non-biodegradable hydraulic fluids. In some embodiments, the system includes an acceptably biodegradable fluid having a combination of properties that makes the fluid particularly suitable for loading dock equipment.