Abstract: A dock leveler having a frame and a deck pivotably mounted at one end thereof to the frame. A lip is pivotably mounted to the deck at another end thereof. A lip latch and lip extension mechanism are mounted to the leveler and comprises a lip latch pivotably connected to the deck by a crank mechanism and a latch bar pivotably connected to the crank mechanism. The latch bar has one end selectively engaging a latch bracket mounted to the deck. A bar is connected at one end to the crank mechanism and another end is operably connected to the lip. A first spring is operably connected to the crank mechanism and the frame. A second spring is operably connected to the bar and the frame. A third spring operably couples another end of the latch bar to the second spring.

Abstract: A loading dock including a dock surface and a supporting structure positioned within a pit in the dock surface. The loading dock also includes a ramp, an inflatable assembly, and a support. The ramp is pivotally coupled to the supporting structure, and the inflatable assembly is positioned under the ramp and adapted to move the ramp between a lowered position and a raised position. The support is positioned under and supports the inflatable assembly. The support is supported by a pit floor and is unsecured to the pit floor.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a mechanically actuated dock leveler with a mounting frame secured in a pit of a loading dock, and a deck assembly with a deck and extendable lip. A deck lift assembly biases the deck to move from a parked position to a raised position to activate a lip extension assembly. As the deck is “walked down”, the lip is extended and the lip extension assembly is deactivated in a controlled manner so that the deck and lip reach an engaged position against the trailer and are kept in place by a hold down mechanism. The deck assembly has a float housing with a slot for releasably engaging the lift assembly to achieve a range of float positions where the deck and lip rest on and float with the trailer as it is loaded and unloaded. The deck assembly has a durable combined lip lug and header plate hinge construction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for automatically aligning an end of a passenger loading bridge with a doorway of an aircraft. A beacon is transmitted from the doorway of the aircraft. The beacon is sensed and from the sensed beacon a direction for moving of the end of the passenger loading bridge is determined. The passenger loading bridge is then moved according to the determined direction. The process is iterated until the docking of the bridge to the aircraft is completed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for automatically aligning an end of a passenger loading bridge with a doorway of an aircraft. A beacon is transmitted from the doorway of the aircraft. The beacon is sensed and from the sensed beacon a direction for moving of the end of the passenger loading bridge is determined. The passenger loading bridge is then moved according to the determined direction. The process is iterated until the docking of the bridge to the aircraft is completed.

Abstract: A loading bridge includes motors for moving the open end forward, backward, left, right, up and down so the open end can be aligned with a passenger door of an airplane. To minimize collisions between the loading bridge and the airplane, a deadman switch is provided under the control of a second person on the ground adjacent the open end of the loading bridge. So long as the second person holds the deadman switch in a preferred position, the motors are operative to drive the loading bridge forward, backward, left and right. When the second person releases the deadman switch, the loading bridge can no longer move in these directions.

Abstract: A dock leveler for use in a loading dock. The dock leveler includes a ramp, an inflatable assembly, and a gas moving device. The ramp includes an undersurface and is pivotal between a generally horizontal lowered position and an upwardly-inclined, raised position. The inflatable assembly is positioned under the ramp. The gas-moving device is mounted adjacent to the undersurface and fluidly connected to the inflatable assembly. A conduit fluidly connects the top of the inflatable assembly and the gas-moving device to provide gas to the top of the inflatable assembly. A support is positioned under and supports the inflatable assembly. The support is supported by a pit floor and is unsecured to the pit floor. The support can be manually lifted completely out of engagement with the pit floor when the ramp is in the raised position.

Abstract: A dock leveler having a frame and a deck pivotably mounted at one end thereof to the frame. A lip is pivotably mounted to the deck at another end thereof. A lip latch and lip extension mechanism are mounted to the leveler and comprises a lip latch pivotably connected to the deck by a crank mechanism and a latch bar pivotably connected to the crank mechanism. The latch bar has one end selectively engaging a latch bracket mounted to the deck. A bar is connected at one end to the crank mechanism and another end is operably connected to the lip. A first spring is operably connected to the crank mechanism and the frame. A second spring is operably connected to the bar and the frame. A third spring operably couples another end of the latch bar to the second spring.

Abstract: A device for restraining the upward movement of a dock comprising a hydraulic cylinder having a fixed end; a piston slideably disposed in the cylinder so as to define opposed first and second chambers; a rod having one end connected to the slideable piston, extending through the first chamber and having another end adapted for connection to the dock; hydraulic reservoir containing hydraulic fluid communicating with the first chamber; valve means disposed between the reservoir and the first chamber, the valve means having open position permitting the hydraulic fluid to flow from the first chamber to the reservoir and extending the rod in response to the upward movement of dock; a closed position stopping the flow of the hydraulic fluid from the first chamber to the reservoir and restraining the upward movement of the dock.

Abstract: A dockleveler having a lip that can be both moved between a pendent inoperative position and an operative position and moved from a retracted to an extended position. This feature allows the lip to be partially extended during an end load so that the lip engages a portion of the vehicle bed and does not contact the load. The dockleveler further includes a barrier that is resiliently mounted to provide a cushioning effect when impacted by material handling equipment. This feature reduces the likelihood of damage to the barrier and/or dockleveler, and further reduces the chance of disrupting a load carried by the material handling equipment.

Abstract: A dock leveler system includes a pivotal deck whose movement provides the impetus for moving a bumper between an operative position and a retracted position. The bumper is movable relative to the deck, so that after a truck bumps up against the bumper, the bumper can move below the deck to avoid creating an obstacle to a forklift or the like traveling on the deck. The moveable bumper can be disposed within the width of a dock leveler deck that encompasses the full-width of a truck bed. Of the various embodiments, some bumpers pivot underneath the deck, and others move straight up and down. In the operative position, some bumpers are flush with the top of the deck, and others protrude above the deck.

Abstract: A mobile passenger ramp for loading and unloading aircraft, the ramp comprising having upper and lower frame sections connected pivotally so that the ramp can be folded for storage or movement about the tarmac and unfolded at an obtuse angle to form a wide “footprint” to provide wind or jet blast stability. An arcuate surface bridges between the ramps of the two frames when unfolded. The compact ramp remains safely clear of a “No-Go” zone while still being sufficiently long to minimize the slope of the ramp for improved ease of use by passengers, either ambulatory or in wheelchairs. A steerable wheel at one end of the ramp enables rotation of one frame about the pivoting connection for folding and unfolding the frames. Fixed wheels on the upper frame and a castored wheel positioned near the pivot point on the lower frame provide stability and easy maneuverability of the folded ramp.

Abstract: A dock leveler including a ramp having a rear edge movably interconnected with a loading dock, an intermediate member movable relative to the ramp, and an inflatable assembly positioned to cause relative movement between the ramp and the intermediate member upon inflation of the inflatable assembly, thereby resulting in movement of the ramp. The intermediate member is movably mounted to a pit floor, a support structure, or the ramp. A roller member is mounted to an end of the intermediate member. The inflatable assembly can be operatively associated with a vacuum device to allow for selective removal of gas from the inflatable assembly. Alternatively, a hydraulic assembly and a support frame may replace the inflatable assembly and intermediate member. The dock leveler includes hook-type bracket members and mounting bores to accommodate either powering arrangement.

Abstract: A dock leveler for a truck loading dock includes a pivotal deck that is actuated by an inflatable column assembly. The inflatable column assembly includes a pliable tube that when inflated has a generally vertical cylindrical shape that can provide a heavy deck with substantial columnar support. The shape and orientation of the column assembly is such that the lengths of the pliable tube's seams are minimized. A pliable fabric sheet held in tension against the underside of the deck provides a generally flat, broad surface against which the pliable tube can push as the inflatable column assembly pushes the deck upward. A footed pallet underneath the pliable tube can be banded to the deck during shipment. After installation, the pallet can be readily lifted for cleaning the pit floor underneath the pallet.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes a frame, a ramp, a lip, and a linkage. The ramp is rotatably coupled to the frame for rotation between a substantially horizontal first position and an inclined second position. The lip is coupled to the ramp for rotation between a pendent position and an extended position. The linkage is coupled to the lip and includes a pivot point and a centerline. The linkage supports the lip in the extended position when the pivot point is on a first side of the centerline and allows the lip to fall pendent under the force of gravity when the pivot point is on a second side of the centerline. The pivot point is moved from the first side of the centerline to the second side of the centerline when the lip is contacted by a vehicle that creates a downward moment on the lip.

Abstract: A dock leveler that is mounted in a recessed pit and having a deck as wide as necessary to provide access to the transport vehicle. A lip is mounted to the front of the deck of the leveler and pivoted in a conventional manner. At each side of the lip are narrower lip segments. The bumpers are supported with vertical plates so that the plates may fit in the gap between the lip and the lip segments. Thus the lip segments may be stored behind the bumpers and the effective width of the lip may be greater than the space between the bumpers. The lip segment has a back edge that abuts the front of the deck when extended, or may be of the “barrier lip” configuration where the rear of the lip is extended above the top of the deck to provide a run-off guard when the lip is pendent. The lip may also extend linearly. Each lip segment has a hydraulic cylinder and a control valve or may be manually selected. There is a control circuit which can selectively activate any of the lips.

Abstract: A loading dock including a dock surface and a supporting structure positioned within a pit in the dock surface. The loading dock also includes a ramp, an inflatable assembly, and a support. The ramp is pivotally coupled to the supporting structure, and the inflatable assembly is positioned under the ramp and adapted to move the ramp between a lowered position and a raised position. The support is positioned under and supports the inflatable assembly. The support is supported by a pit floor and is unsecured to the pit floor.

Abstract: A dock leveler has a support with a deck pivotally secured to the support at one end for movement between a stored position and an elevated position. A deck lip is pivotally connected to the deck assembly for movement between a pendant stored position and a bridging position projecting from said deck assembly. A lift mechanism acts on said deck assembly to lift it toward the elevated position and a lip operating mechanism operatively connected to the lip moves it from the pendant position to the bridging position. A latch holds the lip in the bridging position. The latch releases the lip upon relative movement between the lip and the deck assembly and has a yieldable connection to permit limited pivotal movement between said lip and said deck assembly upon application of a rearward force from a vehicle to allow the lip to move to an unlatched position.

Abstract: A cargo carrying trailer includes a mobile body having a floor and upright wall structure mounted upon the floor such that the floor and wall structure together define at least one load compartment for hauling cargo therein. The floor has an opening extending from adjacent to a peripheral portion of the floor to an inwardly spaced location. The trailer also includes a ramp disposed in the floor opening and an arrangement for converting the ramp relative to the floor between vertically displaced raised and lowered positions to permit loading cargo over the ramp to the compartment from locations at different elevations. In the raised position the ramp extends substantially coplanar with the floor and thus at an elevated location, whereas in the lowered position the ramp has one end disposed adjacent to the floor and an opposite end disposed below the one end of the ramp and thus below the elevated location.

Abstract: A recycling control system for a dock leveler including a pivotally mounted deck. There is a powered lifting mechanism for raising the deck and a lip pivotally mounted to the deck for movement between pendant and extended positions. The control assembly includes a lip-position member couplable to the lip for movement therewith such that the position of the lip-position member is indicative of lip position. There is a switch couplable to the lifter and operable to a first condition wherein power is provided to the lifter and operable to a second condition wherein power is not provided to the lifter. There is an actuator disposed on the lip-position member for movement relative thereto between at least a first position where the actuator operates the switch to the first condition, and a second position where the switch can be operated to the second condition. The actuator is disposed to move between the first and second positions as the lip moves toward the pendant position.

Abstract: A dock leveler for use in a loading dock. The dock leveler includes a ramp, an inflatable assembly, and a gas moving device. The ramp includes an undersurface and is pivotal between a generally horizontal lowered position and an upwardly-inclined, raised position. The inflatable assembly is positioned under the ramp. The gas-moving device is mounted adjacent to the undersurface and fluidly connected to the inflatable assembly. A conduit fluidly connects the top of the inflatable assembly and the gas-moving device to provide gas to the top of the inflatable assembly. A support is positioned under and supports the inflatable assembly. The support is supported by a pit floor and is unsecured to the pit floor. The support can be manually lifted completely out of engagement with the pit floor when the ramp is in the raised position.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular mobile platform with a plurality of vertically adjustable supports is provided for transferring passengers between a single corridor passageway of an airport and an aircraft having a plurality of doors on a side of an aircraft. A first room is mounted on the mobile frame and has a first portal for docking with a doorway of the single corridor passageway. A second room and a third room are slidably receivable within and extendable from the first room. The second room has a first vestibule that extends substantially normally from the second room to dock with a first aircraft door via a second portal, and the third room has a second vestibule that extends substantially normally from the third room to dock with a second aircraft.

Abstract: A dock leveler having a frame and a deck pivotably mounted at one end thereof to the frame. A lip is pivotably mounted to the deck at another end thereof. A lip latch and lip extension mechanism are mounted to the leveler and comprises a lip latch pivotably connected to the deck by a crank mechanism and a latch bar pivotably connected to the crank mechanism. The latch bar has one end selectively engaging a latch bracket mounted to the deck. A bar is connected at one end to the crank mechanism and another end is operably connected to the lip. A first spring is operably connected to the crank mechanism and the frame. A second spring is operably connected to the bar and the frame. A third spring operably couples another end of the latch bar to the second spring.

Abstract: A dock leveler that is mounted in a recessed pit and having a deck as wide as necessary to provide access to the transport vehicle. A lip is mounted to the front of the deck of the leveler and pivoted in a conventional manner. At each side of the lip are narrower lip segments. The bumpers are supported with vertical plates so that the plates may fit in the gap between the lip and the lip segments. Thus the lip segments may be stored behind the bumpers and the effective width of the lip may be greater than the space between the bumpers. The lip segment has a back edge that abuts the front of the deck when extended, or may be of the “barrier lip” configuration where the rear of the lip is extended above the top of the deck to provide a run-off guard when the lip is pendent. The lip may also extend linearly. Each lip segment has a hydraulic cylinder and a control valve or may be manually selected.

Abstract: An electric power supply system for dock equipment at a freight loading dock, such equipment including dock levelers and truck restraints which are powered by electric motors. The emergency power supply system utilizes electric powered freight moving vehicles, such as lift trucks, which include on-board storage battery electric power sources. The dock equipment includes controllers which are provided with selector switches for selecting power from an electrical distribution system or from the lift trucks by way of a disconnectable power cable assembly. An AC voltage step-down transformer and rectifier are provided for supplying the proper voltage to the controller, depending on the voltage and current characteristics required of the dock equipment motor or motors.

Abstract: A dock leveler including a ramp having a rear edge movably interconnected with a loading dock and an inflatable assembly positioned to cause movement of the ramp inflation of the inflatable assembly. There is a support positioned under the inflatable assembly. The support is movably coupled to the ramp.

Abstract: A restraint device for restraining a vehicle to a loading dock is disclosed. The restraint device has a pivot member with a hooking member pivotable between an upwards operative position and a downwards inoperative position. The device also has springs for biasing the pivot member in the upwards operative position and an actuator member for bringing back the pivot member from the upwards operative position to the downwards inoperative position. Such a restraint device is securable to a loading dock equipped with a dock leveller which has a platform pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position and a lip. When the platform is in the lowered position, the lip is hanging in a pendant position and engages and presses on the top end of the actuator member thus maintaining the pivot member in the downwards inoperative position.

Abstract: The dock leveler is adapted to be mounted to a loading dock and includes a ramp, a guard, and a biasing member. The ramp is rotatably coupled to the loading dock and the guard is rotatably coupled to the ramp. The guard is rotated between a raised position that forms a barrier and a lowered position that permits loading equipment to freely pass. The biasing member is coupled to the guard and biases the guard toward the raised position when the guard is in the raised position and biases the guard toward the lowered position when the guard is in the lowered position.

Abstract: Cross traffic legs for a dock leveler having a ramp mounted for pivotal movement between inclined, declined and cross traffic positions include first leg members mounted for pivotal movement on the ramp and second leg members which are supported on and moveable with respect to the first leg members to allow positioning the ramp in a below dock position. Leg lock members are supported for pivotal movement on the first leg members between working positions engageable with the second leg members to support the ramp in a cross traffic position and retracted positions out of engagement with the second leg members to allow the dock leveler ramp to move to a below dock position. The leg lock members are connected to an extension lip pivotally mounted on the ramp so that, as the lip is extended, the lock members are moved out of engagement with the cross traffic legs. A lock pin is engageable with one of the lock members to prevent unwanted lifting of the lip when the ramp is in a stored, cross traffic position.

Abstract: The apparatus is employed for moving baggage from a scale to a conveyor system. A support member with upper rollers is supported on the scale. Also provided is a bridge base and a bridge having one end pivotally coupled to the forward end of the bridge base. Both the bridge base and bridge have upper rollers. The bridge may be moved to an upward extending position when not in use and to a lower position extending to and supported by the conveyor system such that bags may be placed on the support member, weighed, and then moved by way of the rollers of the support member, the bridge base and the bridge to the conveyor system. In one embodiment, a biasing means is provided for urging the bridge to its upward extending position. A releasable latch is provided for securing the bridge in its lower position. When the latch is released, the biasing means moves the bridge to its upward extending position.

Abstract: A dock leveler including a ramp having a rear edge movably interconnected with a loading dock, an intermediate member movable relative to the ramp, and an inflatable assembly positioned to cause relative movement between the ramp and the intermediate member upon inflation of the inflatable assembly, thereby resulting in movement of the ramp. The inflatable assembly is operatively associated with a vacuum device to allow for selective removal of gas from the inflatable assembly.

Abstract: A method and conversion kit for converting a non-inflatable dock leveler having a lifting mechanism to an inflatable bag dock leveler. The method includes removing the lifting mechanism from the non-inflatable dock leveler and coupling an inflatable lifting assembly to the non-inflatable dock leveler. Removing the lifting mechanism preferably includes removing the spring of a mechanical dock leveler or removing the hydraulic cylinder of a hydraulic dock leveler. The method preferably also includes connecting first and second support members to the non-inflatable dock leveler to support the inflatable lifting assembly. The conversion kit includes an inflatable lifting assembly and a first support member for supporting a first portion of the inflatable lifting assembly. Further preferably, the conversion kit includes a second support member for supporting a second portion of the inflatable lifting assembly.

Abstract: A bridge for the transfer of passengers between an elevated level of a terminal building has a vestibule attached to the terminal building. A first bridge unit extends from the vestibule to a rotunda assembly and is rotatably attached to the rotunda assembly and the vestibule. The rotunda assembly has an elevation system for changing the slope of the first bridge unit relative to the horizontal. A second bridge unit extends from the rotunda assembly and has a bubble attached at its outer end. The second bridge unit has telescoping sections and is movable vertically, telescopically and radially upon operation of a driving system connected at the outer end of the second bridge unit. A telescoping brow extends away from the second bridge unit. The slopes of the first bridge unit and the second bridge unit are controlled to be less than 12 percent with the bubble being movable over a wide range of locations and with a substantial range of vertical motion.

Abstract: A pit type dock leveler having a frame adapted to be fixedly mounted at a dock with a deck, pivotedly mounted to the frame at one end thereof, and having a pivotable lip at the other end. A spring is mounted to the deck and the frame to support and raise the deck the deck. A hydraulic actuator is coupled to the deck and to a pivotable linkage member that is mounted to the frame. In a powered mode, the hydraulic unit acts as a power assist for the springs to move the deck from a generally horizontal stored position into an operative position. A control circuit is employed for controlling operation of the hydraulic actuator. In a manual mode, the linkage and the hydraulic unit act a pivoting follower to deck movement without any extension of the hydraulic unit.

Abstract: A dockleveler comprising a support structure adapted to be mounted to a loading dock, a ramp connected to the support structure and movable between a raised position and a lowered position, a upward biasing mechanism connected to the ramp, and a holdown mechanism connected between the ramp and the support structure. The holdown mechanism includes a spring assembly having an extension spring that increases in length as the ramp moves toward the raised position. The holdown mechanism further includes an adapter member interconnecting the holdown mechanism with at least one of the ramp and the support structure. The adapter member is separable from the holdown mechanism to allow the attachment of different adapter members to the holdown mechanism without cutting or welding. The extension spring is housed within a first hollow member and a second hollow member positioned at least partially within the first hollow member and movable relative to the first hollow member.

Abstract: A recycling control system for a dock leveler including a pivotally mounted deck, a powered lifting mechanism for raising the deck, and a lip pivotally mounted to the deck for movement between pendant and extended positions, in which the control assembly includes a lip-position member couplable to the lip for movement therewith such that the position of the lip-position member is indicative of lip position, a switch couplable to the lifting means and operable to a first condition wherein power is provided to the lifting means, and operable to a second condition wherein power is not provided to the lifting means, and an actuator disposed on the lip-position member for movement relative thereto between at least a first position where the actuator operates the switch to the first condition, and a second position where the switch can be operated to the second condition, the actuator being disposed to move between the first and second positions as the lip moves toward the pendant position.

Abstract: A dock leveler including a deck pivotally mounted relative to a loading dock, and a lip pivotally connected to the deck at the front end for pivotal movement between a pendant position and an extended position wherein the lip may engage the vehicle, at least one leg member pivotally connected to the front end of the deck for movement between a supporting position and a nonsupporting position, and a leg control member pivotally attached to the front end of the deck and adapted to engage the bed of the vehicle along with the lip, and to maintain the leg member in a nonsupporting position so long as the leg control member is carried on the bed of the vehicle, the leg control member losing contact with a departing vehicle before the lip loses contact with the vehicle, allowing the leg member to return to a supporting position, such that downward movement of the deck will be arrested in the event the vehicle continues departing and the lip loses contact with the bed of the vehicle with a load present on the deck.

Abstract: An edge-of-dock leveler includes a deck plate hingedly interconnected to a dock, a lip plate hingedly interconnected to the deck plate, an air pan mounted on the face of the dock to allow the air pan to rotate with respect to the dock, and a blower mounted on the air pan. The blower inflates an air bag that causes the air pan to rotate away from the dock face. A deck plate bearing is provided between the air pan and the deck plate, and causes the deck plate to rotate with the air pan. A locking arm hangs pendant from the lip plate until the deck plate has raised to a fully raised position, at which time the locking arm engages a bearing. The blower is turned off, allowing the air to escape the air bag, and the lip plate to extend as the air bag deflates.

Abstract: A dock leveler having a ramp, a support leg for supporting the ramp, and an extension lip that is movably connected to the ramp. The support leg is capable of movement relative to the ramp from a supporting position to a retracted position, and the lip is movable to an extended position. Movement of the lip toward the extended position results in movement of the support leg from the retracted position to the supporting position. The dock leveler is operated by raising the ramp above a resting position, retracting the support leg from a supporting position to a retracted position, contacting the lip with a vehicle, extending the lip to an extended position, and moving the support leg from the retracted position to the supporting position during the extending step.

Abstract: A vertically storable dock leveler apparatus includes a generally planar ramp member mounted on a frame by a hinge connection which includes spaced apart hinge plates secured to the frame, each having hinge pin receiving bores formed therein. An elongated cylindrical hinge pin is secured to the ramp and extends through the receiving bores of the hinge plates. The ramp is provided with elongated clearance slots formed therein providing clearance for the hinge plates when the ramp is assembled to the frame. Linearly extensible gas springs are interconnected between the ramp and the frame for biasing the ramp toward a vertically oriented stored position. An elongated actuating member is adapted to be releasably connected to a member mounted on one lateral edge of the ramp and also disposed in a socket member mounted on the frame for use in moving the ramp between working and stored positions and for retaining the ramp in its stored position, respectively.