Abstract: A spring-assisted trailer loading ramp for an equipment trailer includes a ramp support and at least one ramp rotatably mounted to an end of the ramp support by a spring assist assembly. The spring assist assembly includes: a plurality of pivot tabs mounted to the end of the ramp support, a primary pivot bar received by holes in the plurality of pivot tabs and by first holes in a plurality of hinge plates, at least one primary coil spring on the primary pivot bar configured to act on the ramp support and one of the hinge plates, a secondary pivot bar received by second holes in the plurality of hinge plates and mounted to the at least one ramp, and at least one secondary coil spring on the secondary pivot bar configured to act on the at least one ramp and one of the hinge plates.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a foldable ramp may include a swivel lifting arm being biased in a passive position of the foldable ramp and being activatable for releasing and transmitting its bias into a lifting force on the foldable ramp. The foldable ramp may be for providing wheelchair access to a passenger car rear door. The foldable ramp can be swivelled between several positions including a passive position in which the foldable ramp is arranged in the car in a lying position.

Abstract: A stair lift includes a movable user carrier, an authentication device comprising a signal receiver and at least two signal emitters, wherein each emitter is assigned to a different user of the stairlift, operation adjustment means, for generating a behavioral profile of the stair lift, and a control unit for controlling the stairlift. A method of operating a stair lift includes authenticating one of at least two signal emitters assigned to a first user, and adjusting the behavioral profile of the stair lift according to a stored operation profile associated with the authenticated signal emitter.

Abstract: A seismic shim for electronic equipment comprises a base comprising at least a first hole through the base, wherein the first hole is configured to receive a first fastener, and an extension portion extending from the base. The extension portion is perpendicular to the base and comprises at least a second hole through the extension portion, wherein the second hole is configured to receive a second fastener. The seismic shim also comprises a first gusset and a second gusset disposed between the base and the extension portion. The second gusset is spaced apart from the first gusset. The seismic shim is configured for anchoring to an underlying floor structure via the first fastener inserted through the first hole, and is configured for attachment to a surface of the electronic equipment via the second fastener inserted through the second hole.

Abstract: A system for prioritizing trailers delivering retail goods for an available receiving facility comprises a control unit that assigning a trailer from the plurality of trailers to be received by an available loading dock in response to data received by the control unit regarding a determined event requiring the retail goods in the trailer; and a plurality of sensors that receive and process information regarding the event and output the information as the data to the control unit. The control unit includes an allocation engine that identifies a match between the trailer and the available loading dock and prioritizes the trailer over other trailers of the plurality of trailers for receipt by the available loading dock according to the determined event.

Abstract: A Ground drilling device having a drilling carriage and a sled movable back and forth on the drilling carriage, wherein at least one gear is present for the drive of the sled, whose rotary movement is transformed into a linear movement by means of a rack, wherein a force relieving pathway is provided to relieve the gear of a radially introduced force.

Abstract: It is aimed to provide a method for guiding of a motor vehicle on the basis of image data, particularly when manoeuvring trucks toward docking stations by a docking controller coupled to a steering system, comprising: identifying, by the docking controller the vehicle's current position; receiving a collision free path; and manoeuvring the vehicle by said docking controller according to said free path, wherein the vehicle's current position is identified by means of an off board vehicle scanner that is mounted in a fixed position relative to the dock station; wherein said vehicle scanner produces scan data signifying a set that are analyzed to identify a reference point of the vehicle and a vehicle's orientation; wherein said reference point and vehicle orientation are transmitted to the docking controller to update the vehicle's current position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring a dock leveler are disclosed herein. One example dock leveler system for use at a doorway of a loading dock, where a body is sometimes present at the loading dock, includes a deck movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The example dock leveler system also includes a sensor having a field of view extending over the deck when the deck is in the lowered position. The sensor is in a normal state when the deck is in the lowered position while the body is off the deck, the sensor is in a triggered state when the deck is in the lowered position while the body is on the deck interrupting the field of view, and the sensor is in the triggered state when the deck is in the raised position with the deck interrupting the field of view regardless of whether the body is on or off the deck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting collaborative robots and humans in a narrowing work envelope. A base platform is provided, and a work platform is positioned above the base platform for supporting one or more humans, wherein the work platform is narrower than the base platform, and the work platform is positioned relative to the base platform to provide areas for positioning one or more robots on one or more sides of the work platform. The robots are supported on the base platform independently of the work platform, so that movement of the work platform does not affect the robots' positions.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes a lip plate that is rotationally attached to an edge of a deck at a hinge and operable between raised and lowered positions. A spring assist assembly extends between the deck and the lip plate. The spring assist assembly includes a plurality of springs that linearly operate along respective calibrating posts to bias the lip plate toward the raised position. A base end and a compression end of each spring are adjustable along the respective calibrating posts.

Abstract: An actuator includes a piston assembly movably disposed within an assembly housing having a fixedly supported end and an opposing end that receives a movable piston assembly. The piston assembly includes a piston rod and an attached piston head having a fixed orifice as well as an orifice with a check valve to create rate control of the assembly. Hydraulic fluid is caused to move through the axially movable piston head based on compressive and tensile loads imparted to the assembly. A plurality of pre-loaded springs are configured to selectively provide pressure relief in the event the orifices of the piston become clogged, wherein the plurality of pre-loaded springs, such as disc springs, further provide an energy absorbing function of the assembly based on loading conditions.

Abstract: A method for constructing a dock housing for a pre-existing loading dock. The dock housing includes a base with top and bottom surfaces and front, back and opposed sidewalls. The front wall has integral fork pockets for interaction with forks on a fork truck for movement of the base into a desired location and the top surface has an opening to receive a dock leveler into such opening. Also included is a modular frame mounted onto the base in sections, the sections including a frame-front wall, opposed frame-sidewalls and a frame-top wall, the frame-front wall having a trailer-receiving opening to receive a trailer, the frame-sidewalls including a slotted-base attachment for securement of the base and sidewalls together. The dock housing is formed by securing the frame-sidewalls to a wall of a pre-existing building as well as securing the base, the frame-front wall and the frame-top wall together.

Abstract: A device for helping a wheeled vehicle pass over an obstacle. The device includes a stationary frame with a bottom and two symmetrical parallel side walls; a plate provided with two ends, a first end being movable between a high position and a low position, and an assembly for driving the first end between a low position and a high position. The drive assembly includes: a linear ram mounted under the plate with a stationary end adjacent to the second end and rigidly connected to the bottom, a mobile end, and a carriage movable in horizontal translation and resting on guides mounted on the bottom of the frame. The carriage includes two tappets and a pair of arms, the arms being symmetrical, each arm resting on one of the tappets of the carriage, and each arm supporting the first end of the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for a dock housing for a pre-existing loading dock. The dock housing includes a base with top and bottom surfaces and front, back and opposed sidewalls. The front wall has integral fork pockets for interaction with forks on a fork truck for movement of the base into a desired location and the top surface has an opening to receive a dock leveler into such opening. Also included is a modular frame mounted onto the base in sections, the sections including a frame-front wall, opposed frame-sidewalls and a frame-top wall, the frame-front wall having a trailer-receiving opening to receive a trailer, the frame-sidewalls including a slotted-base attachment for securement of the base and sidewalls together. The dock housing is formed by securing the frame-sidewalls to a wall of a pre-existing building as well as securing the base, the frame-front wall and the frame-top wall together.

Abstract: A method of distributing freight between an intermodal shipping container and the freight containers of one or more surface-road transports, comprising the steps of: providing a freight container of at least a first surface-road transport; providing a first intermodal shipping container containing freight having a collective weight in excess of the maximum weight that can be lawfully carried in the freight container of each surface-road transport; providing a selectively moveable cross-dock having a body defining an interior storage area and at least first and second openings in the body through which freight may be moved into and out of the interior storage area; positioning a loading/unloading opening of the first intermodal shipping container proximate one of the openings in the cross-dock; positioning a loading/unloading opening of the freight container proximate the other opening in the cross-dock; and distributing freight between the intermodal shipping container and the freight container via cross-dock

Abstract: A gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure. The support structure is connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform. A releasable position locking assembly inhibits rotation of the support structure in a raising direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring a dock leveler are disclosed herein. One example dock leveler system for use at a doorway of a loading dock, where a body is sometimes present at the loading dock, includes a deck movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The example dock leveler system also includes a sensor having a field of view extending over the deck when the deck is in the lowered position. The sensor is in a normal state when the deck is in the lowered position while the body is off the deck, the sensor is in a triggered state when the deck is in the lowered position while the body is on the deck interrupting the field of view, and the sensor is in the triggered state when the deck is in the raised position with the deck interrupting the field of view regardless of whether the body is on or off the deck.

Abstract: Apparatus (100) and method for providing active motion compensation control of an articulated gangway (200) which comprises at least one fixed part fixedly mounted on a sea going vessel, a movable part being movable relative to the fixed part, and at least one actuator for moving the movable part relative to the fixed part. A first position reference device provides position and attitude information (m) of the vessel referenced to earth. A second position reference device provides position and attitude information (y) of the movable part referenced to the gangway. An actuator driver generates an actuator control output in response to a regulator signal (R). An active motion compensation controller device receives the position and attitude information m and y, an operator control input (J), and the velocity information (y{dot over (y)}) of the movable part. A differential kinematic (DiffKin) device compute and outputs a current position (p) and velocity (v) of the gangway endpoint from m and y.

Abstract: A dock leveler for an edge of a loading dock which includes a frame, a two-piece lip, a lift assist spring and an assist bar. The lift assist spring is connected on a first end to the bottom side of the lip at the pivot point and connected on a second end to the frame. The assist bar is used to move the lip between the extended/engaged and retracted/disengaged positions. By attaching the lip assist spring to the bottom of the distal lip portion, the force exerted on the lip causes it to maintain closure at the pivot point between the distal and proximal lip portions when in the extended/engaged position. Additionally, the distance between the lift assist spring and lip is minimized thereby dampening a fall distance when the lip becomes unsupported by a truck trailer; and the amount of force needed to actuate the assist bar is minimized.

Abstract: A dock leveler for an edge of a loading dock which includes a frame, a two-piece lip, a lift assist spring, an assist bar and an integral safety barrier. The lift assist spring is connected on a first end to the bottom side of the lip at the pivot point and connected on a second end to the frame. The assist bar is used to move the lip between the extended/engaged and retracted/disengaged positions. The dock leveler includes a bracket with a vertical portion and a horizontal portion, the horizontal portion is secured to the frame on a frame-end and secured to the vertical portion on free-end. The lip can rotate above and over the bracket when in an extended/engaged position; the lip contacts the horizontal portion when in the retracted/disengaged position acting as a safety barrier.

Abstract: A closed-loop hydraulic control system that may arrest the motion of attached devices in the event of loss of electrical or hydraulic power or in the event of an emergency. Gangways from a ship to a platform and ladders on fire trucks may have hydraulic control systems that allow for free motion in several different directions in order to keep stability in rough waters or shifting ground. If the gangway or ladder begins to fall due to loss of hydraulic power or a failure in the securing of one end, the closed-loop control system may detect these situations and actuate the closing of valves to limit or stop the falling motion of the gangway or ladder. Various control or damping algorithms may be employed to yield a desired and controlled arresting of motion.

Abstract: A device (1) for helping a wheeled vehicle to negotiate an obstacle, characterized in that it comprises a stationary frame (10) and at least one deployable ramp (2), said ramp having a bottom end intended to come into contact with the ground (3) and an opposite top end mechanically connected to at least one ramp lifting lever that lifts the top end of said ramp over an end-of-extraction-travel portion, said lifting lever being in the form of a foot mounted so as to pivot on the ramp between an inactive flapped-down position and an end position in which said foot at least partially supports the weight of the top end of said ramp, said foot having a lifting function over a travel portion adjacent to the end position and being kept in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A method of distributing freight between an intermodal shipping container and the freight containers of one or more surface-road transports, comprising the steps of: providing a freight container of at least a first surface-road transport; providing a first intermodal shipping container containing freight having a collective weight in excess of the maximum weight that can be lawfully carried in the freight container of each surface-road transport; providing a selectively moveable cross-dock having a body defining an interior storage area and at least first and second openings in the body through which freight may be moved into and out of the interior storage area; positioning a loading/unloading opening of the first intermodal shipping container proximate one of the openings in the cross-dock; positioning a loading/unloading opening of the freight container proximate the other opening in the cross-dock; and distributing freight between the intermodal shipping container and the freight container via cross-dock

Abstract: A method of increasing a door opening width of a crossover vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair ramp or lift assembly. The method includes positioning a template on a B pillar and a template on a C pillar and marking cut lines on the pillars. The method includes cutting along the cut lines with a cutting tool to remove portions of the B pillar and the C pillar. A B pillar cover assembly is assembled and a reinforcement plate is coupled to a remaining portion of the C pillar. An adhesive is applied to the B pillar cover assembly and to a C pillar cap. A modified B pillar is produced by coupling the B pillar cover assembly to a remaining portion of the B pillar, and a modified C pillar is produced by coupling the C pillar cap to the reinforcement plate and the remaining portion of the C pillar.

Abstract: In a watercraft storage system a “wishbone” or U-shaped cradle liftable and rotatable by an overhead crane comprises adjustable air filled hull supports to either side of a boat hull and a keel support toward the stern of the watercraft. The cradle central opening clears a cantilever storage rack support beam assembly allowing the watercraft to be lowered onto or raised from the cantilever storage rack support beam assembly by an overhead traveling crane. To substantially reduce any longitudinal swaying of the cradle and watercraft during raising and lowering, a system or diagonal anti-sway bracing cables that automatically retract and extend is employed. In the preferred embodiment, the cradle is lowered into a water-filled channel within the storage structure to re-float the watercraft. A watercraft to be stored can be brought into the channel which contains alignment means to accurately position the watercraft over the cradle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring a dock leveler are disclosed. An example method for monitoring a loading dock includes determining if a door at a doorway of a loading dock is in an open position; determining if a vehicle is present at the doorway; determining if a body is present in a first area of the loading dock, the first area including a deck positioned adjacent the doorway; and determining if a body is present in a second area of the loading dock adjacent the doorway, the second area including only a portion of a deck adjacent the doorway.

Abstract: An apparatus that permits a wheelchair to traverse stairs. A carriage platform supporting the wheelchair is housed in an inclined ways assembly and moves by means of a rotated threaded rod supported in the ways and traveling nuts fixed to the carriage; a debarkation ramp hinged to the carriage, spans the distance and elevation difference between the carriage and the desired landing point.

Abstract: A tail trailer includes a main deck mounted on a main frame, a main tail pivotally connected to a rearward end of the main deck and a flip tail pivotally secured to a rearward end of the main tail. The flip tail is movable between a folded position beneath the main tail and an unfolded position extending outwardly from the rearward end of the main tail. A lifting and holding assembly is provided between the main frame and the main tail for pivotally moving and maintaining a desired position of the main tail and the flip tail relative to the main deck. A combined locking and supporting arrangement beneath the main tail provides ground engaging support for the main tail, and also provides locking engagement for holding the flip tail in the folded position.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a lowered stowed position and a raised deployed position. The operable ramp has a ramp panel rotatable about a first axis located at a first end. A support element is slidingly coupled to the ramp panel. The operable ramp further includes a drive assembly comprising an endless loop coupled to an end of the support element. The endless loop has a linear portion and an arcuate portion. During a first phase of deployment, the end of the support element moves upward along the linear portion. During a second phase of deployment, the end of the support element moves along the arcuate portion of the endless loop.

Abstract: A system for aligning outer edges of upper surfaces of ramp portions of a loading ramp. The system may include a plurality of sensors configured to provide signals indicative of whether the outer edges of upper surfaces of adjacent ramp portions are aligned. The system may also include a plurality of actuators configured to raise and lower at least one of the outer edges of an upper surface of a ramp portion. The system may also include a controller configured to receive signals from the plurality of sensors, determine whether the outer edges of upper surfaces of adjacent ramp portions are aligned, and provide signals to the actuators to affect movement thereof causing the outer edges of the upper surfaces of the adjacent ramp portions to be aligned.

Abstract: A bridge apparatus to transfer persons between a moving structure such as a vessel and a second structure such as an offshore installation, for example, to span gaps between work boats and fixed offshore installations such as wind turbines. The bridge comprises a platform supported by a line, the platform being moveable in a vertical direction by movement, of the line, wherein the line extends in a vertical direction from the platform to a capstan, and from the capstan to a counterweight.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes an inflatable bellows to which pressurized air is selectively coupled. The inflatable bellows is arranged to raise and lower a distal portion of a hinged ramp in response to the degree to which the inflatable bellows is inflated with compressed air. A relief valve is coupled to the inflatable bellows, where the relief valve is arranged to selectively release compressed air from the inflatable bellows in response to an operator action that is (for example) intended to lower the ramp. An exhaust manifold is arranged to receive the selectively released air from the relief valve and to directionally exhaust a focused stream of compressed air underneath the hinged ramp so that the compressed air is directed to move debris towards the distal portion of the hinged ramp to facilitate cleaning of the loading dock pit that lies underneath the hinged ramp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ship, in particular a freight ship, comprising an outer wall and a gangway for embarking and disembarking the ship, which can be moved backwards and forwards between an embarking/disembarking position and a stored position when the ship is being driven. The invention also relates to a ship in which the gangway comprises a base having a lower surface which, when said gangway is in the stored position, is flush with the surface of the outer wall. The invention also relates to a gangway for embarking and disembarking a ship, which is embodied according to the claimed invention for use on a ship.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position, a neutral position, and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a ramp panel rotatably coupled at a first end about a first axis and a support that is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction about a second axis. A cam follower is coupled to the support and supportingly engages a second end of the ramp panel. Rotation of the support moves the cam follower along an arcuate path. The weight of the ramp panel biases the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is between the stowed position and the neutral position. A drive assembly selectively rotates the support in the first and second direction, and a stop limits rotation of the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is in the stowed position.

Abstract: Exemplary methods are provided for installing a ramp assembly into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, a vehicle well disposed in the floor, and inboard and outboard ramp support members. In one embodiment, ramp assembly mounts, such as movable support fittings, are utilized for installing the ramp assembly into the vehicle.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp movable between a deployed position, a stowed position, and an intermediate position and a drive mechanism comprising a motor configured to move the ramp between the deployed position and the stowed position. The motor has a shunted mode and a non-shunted mode. The assembly further includes a first detecting arrangement configured to detect a position of the ramp and a second detecting arrangement configured to detect a direction of movement of the ramp, with the motor being placed in one of the shunted mode and the non-shunted mode based on the position and the direction of movement of the ramp.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes an inflatable bellows to which pressurized air is selectively coupled. The inflatable bellows is arranged to raise and lower a distal portion of a loading dock ramp in response to the degree to which the inflatable bellows is inflated with compressed air. A control valve is coupled to the inflatable bellows, where the control valve is arranged to selectively release compressed air from the inflatable bellows in response to an operator action that is (for example) intended to lower the ramp. An exhaust manifold is arranged to receive the selectively released air from the control valve and to directionally exhaust a focused stream of compressed air underneath the ramp so that the compressed air is directed to move debris towards the distal portion of the ramp to facilitate cleaning of the loading dock pit that lies underneath the ramp. A solar power subsystem stores solar energy to power a compressor that provides the compressed air.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a support element and an inner ramp rotatable at a first end about a first axis. The operable ramp further includes an outer ramp rotatably coupled to a second end of the inner ramp about a second axis. The outer ramp has a first cam follower that engages a slot formed in the support element. A drive assembly selectively rotates the inner ramp relative to the outer ramp, such that rotation of the inner ramp in a first direction moves the second axis from a raised position to a lowered position. The operable ramp forms a step in the stowed position, and the outer ramp and the inner ramp form an inclined transition between a first surface and a second surface when the operable ramp is in the deployed position.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a lowered stowed position and a raised deployed position. The operable ramp has a ramp panel rotatable about a first axis located at a first end. A support element is slidingly coupled to the ramp panel. The operable ramp further includes a drive assembly comprising an endless loop coupled to an end of the support element. The endless loop has a linear portion and an arcuate portion. During a first phase of deployment, the end of the support element moves upward along the linear portion. During a second phase of deployment, the end of the support element moves along the arcuate portion of the endless loop.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the operable ramp forms a step. The operable ramp has a first panel rotatably coupled at a first end about a first axis. The first axis moves in a first direction when the operable ramp moves toward the lowered position and in a second direction when the operable ramp moves toward the raised position. The operable ramp further includes a second panel rotatably coupled at a first end to a second end of the first panel. The first panel and the second panel cooperate to provide an inclined surface when the operable ramp is in the lowered position. A linkage is operably coupled to the first panel to selectively rotate the first panel about the first axis.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for providing a transition surface between a vehicle floor and an alighting surface is disclosed. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion that is rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A sensor senses an angle of the ramp portion relative to a horizontal plane and provides a sensor output that corresponds to the angle of the ramp portion relative to the horizontal plane. The ramp assembly further includes a controller that receives the sensor output and an alert device. The controller controls the alert device to provide an alert when the angle of the ramp portion relative to the horizontal plane reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a ramp panel rotatable about a first end. A second end of the ramp panel is lower in the deployed position than in the stowed position. A rotatable support supports a second end of the ramp panel, and a drive assembly selectively rotates the support (1) in a first direction to lower the second end of the ramp panel and (2) in a second direction to raise the second end of the ramp panel. A stop limits rotation of the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is in the stowed position. The weight of the ramp panel biases the support in the second direction, i.e., toward the stop, when the operable ramp is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for providing a transition surface between a vehicle floor and an alighting surface is disclosed. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion that is rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A sensor senses an angle of the ramp portion relative to a horizontal plane and provides a sensor output that corresponds to the angle of the ramp portion relative to the horizontal plane. The ramp assembly further includes a controller that receives the sensor output and an alert device. The controller controls the alert device to provide an alert when the angle of the ramp portion relative to the horizontal plane reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a support element and an inner ramp rotatable at a first end about a first axis. The operable ramp further includes an outer ramp rotatably coupled to a second end of the inner ramp about a second axis. The outer ramp has a first cam follower that engages a slot formed in the support element. A drive assembly selectively rotates the inner ramp relative to the outer ramp, such that rotation of the inner ramp in a first direction moves the second axis from a raised position to a lowered position. The operable ramp forms a step in the stowed position, and the outer ramp and the inner ramp form an inclined transition between a first surface and a second surface when the operable ramp is in the deployed position.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a frame assembly, a ramp connected to the frame assembly, a drive member having first and second engagements, and a counterbalance mechanism cooperating with the drive member. The ramp is pivotable relative to the frame assembly and has a deployed position and a stowed position. The drive member is configured to move the ramp between the deployed position and the stowed position. The counterbalance mechanism includes a gas strut having a first end and a second end. The first end of the gas strut is secured to the frame assembly and the second end of the gas strut is movable relative to the frame assembly. The first and second engagements of the drive member are configured to engage the second end of the gas strut.

Abstract: A method of raising a wheelchair compartment from a non-horizontal ramp position to an approximately horizontal safe position comprises providing a lift mechanism comprising an elevator structure, a wheelchair compartment configured to hold a wheelchair and rotatable from the ramp position to the safe position, a cam connected to the compartment and comprising a cam contact surface, a cam arm connected to the elevator structure and rotatable about a pivot pin, an actuator connected between the elevator structure and the cam arm and configured to rotate the cam arm relative to the pivot pin, and a cam arm bearing connected to the cam arm and configured to press against the cam contact surface of the cam. The method includes operating the actuator when the wheelchair compartment is in the ramp position so as to cause the wheelchair compartment to rise to the safe position.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides selectively deployable worker access with fall protection to at least a portion of the top of a container has a gangway that is configured to be retrofitted to an elevated platform from which the gangway and a fall protection cage is selectively deployable over the top of the container. The fall protection cage is connected to the gangway via a fixed stanchion and an abutment that is adjustably disposed outboard of the fixed stanchion and connected thereto via at least one selectively length adjustable screw member.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion coupled for rotational movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. A first panel is rotatably coupled to the ramp portion about a first axis so that movement of the ramp portion between the stowed position and the deployed position moves the axis along an arcuate path. The ramp assembly further includes a guide that maintains a fixed position relative to the stowed position of the ramp portion. A second panel is slidably associated with the guide and is rotatably coupled to the first panel about a second axis.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion configured for reciprocating motion between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. The ramp assembly includes a counterbalance comprising a lug associated with the ramp portion so that movement of the ramp portion toward the deployed position moves the lug along an arcuate path in a first direction, and movement of the ramp portion toward the stowed position moves the lug along the arcuate path in a second direction. A link is coupled to the lug, and a guide is fixedly located relative to the stowed position of the ramp portion. A biasing element is associated with the link such that movement of the ramp portion away from the neutral position moves the biasing element toward the guide.

Abstract: A step assembly includes a tread and an actuator. The actuator is operably coupled to the tread and configured to selectively reciprocate the tread between a raised position and a lowered position. The actuator is rotatably coupled to the actuator mount, which is slidably coupled to a frame. A spring selectively maintains a position of the actuator mount relative to the frame.