Abstract: A blocking device (11) for a truck (2) is provided. The blocking device (11) includes at least one height-adjustable blocking arm (24), wherein the at least one blocking arm (24) includes a telescopable plunger (29). The plunger (29) is movable from below the truck (2) against a truck underride guard (5), whereby a rolling-away or driving-away of the truck is prevented.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring components of a loading dock station that implement a remote monitoring and authorization system are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide information regarding the status of various components of the loading dock station to a remote monitoring and authorization control unit, where a supervisor or the like is capable of reviewing real time information regarding the status of the components and progress through and adherence to a workflow protocol. The systems and methods can also provide for authorization requests to be sent to the remote monitoring and authorization control unit, such as requests to override certain components of the docking station. The user at the remote monitoring and authorization control unit can then grant or deny requests based on status information and other data provided at the remote monitoring and authorization control unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for preventing semitrailer collisions with a loading ramp. The system comprises a sensor unit network, and a guide block.

Abstract: Provided herein are vehicle restraint systems for releasably securing a vehicle having a RIG bar to a loading dock. The vehicle restraint systems can include a vehicle engagement member, such as a restraint hook, that is configured to engage RIG bars having a variety of geometries, including conventional RIG bars having a square cross-sectional area and modified RIG bars having more complex geometries. The engagement member can include an engagement region having a scallop feature configured to provide clearance for the RIG bars during engagement.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for sensing RIG positioning and vehicle restraint movement. An example method includes determining a presence of a RIG and enabling a barrier to move to an operational position when the RIG is present.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a bed system that is mechanically and electrically connectable to a main body of a medical image diagnosis apparatus includes a traveling unit and an interface. The traveling unit provided between the bed system and a floor surface. The interface configured to receive an operation of locking or unlocking driving of the traveling unit. The operation on the interface of locking or unlocking driving of the traveling unit is interlocked with electrical connection between the bed system and the main body.

Abstract: A robotic shuttle system for logistics and a control method thereof are disclosed. The novel robotic shuttle system for logistics is compact in structure, convenient for disassembly and maintenance, and integrated intelligently, and may precisely realize the functions such as moving, lifting, carrying, fault warning, etc. The novel robotic shuttle system for logistics includes a novel logistics shuttle robot and a WCS automatic storage system; the novel logistics shuttle robot includes a vehicle body, a straight motor, a straight wheel, a transverse motor, a transverse wheel, a position sensor, a lifting motor, an encoder, a PLC controller, a lifting position sensor, a telescopic fork, a finger, a telescopic fork position sensor, a telescopic fork motor, and an antenna; and the bottom of the vehicle body is respectively provided with the straight wheel and the transverse wheel.

Abstract: A dish cart includes a top with a slot for receiving a lift arm that may be lifted up through the slot to raise or lower dishes. Lobe openings emanating from the slot receive lobes of a lift paddle secured to the lift arm. The cart may define a gap below the top for permitting insertion of the lift paddle and the lift arm. The cart may be adjusted to receive differently sized dishes by means of rails of different sizes or adjustable vanes. A dish drop station includes the lift arm and lift paddle and a lift mechanism for raising and lower the lift arm. The dish drop station may include a cart present sensor and include a lock for retaining the cart. The controller may be programmed to the lower the lift arm to an unlock position that disengages the cart lock.

Abstract: A device for the heat treatment of food products is disclosed, including a heat treatment device having at least one oven unit with a cooking chamber being configured for receiving product carriers with food products, and including t least one charging trolley for receiving at least one charging rack for a plurality of product carriers which can be coupled to the heat treatment device to move the at least one charging rack with product carriers back and forth between the at least one oven unit and the charging trolley, wherein catches are provided on the heat treatment device, to which receiving means are assigned on each charging trolley, and a drive is provided for vertical movement of the catches to the receiving means on the charging trolley from the entry position of the charging trolley via vertical lifting, and to align the charging trolley with the catches by means of further lifting, until same reaches a defined end position in the working position.

Abstract: A conveyance apparatus according to an embodiment includes a fork unit, a lift unit, a movable cart unit, an auxiliary leg, and a distal end support mechanism. The lift unit is configured to drive the fork unit upward and downward. The movable cart unit is configured to support the lift unit and be movable on a traveling surface by driving a drive wheel. The auxiliary leg unit is provided for the movable cart unit, and is movable along a longitudinal direction of the fork unit and having an auxiliary wheel a position of which is changeable relative to the movable cart unit. The distal end support mechanism is provided on a distal end side of the fork unit and is switchable between a non-contact state with the traveling surface and a contact state with the traveling surface.

Abstract: A transport cart includes a frame defining at least one support surface structured to support a cassette positioned on the cart. A first stopping member is coupled to the frame so as to be rotatable to at least a first orientation and a second orientation. The first stopping member is also movable with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position spaced farther apart from the frame than the first position. An anti-rotation element is coupled to the frame and is structured to permit rotation of the first stopping member from the first orientation to the second orientation when the first stopping member is in the first position. The anti-rotation element is also structured to prevent rotation of the first stopping member from the first orientation to the second orientation when the first stopping member is in the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system and a control system configured to manipulate an orientation of a vehicle restraint relative to a carriage that supports the restraint such that the hook is moveable between an engaged or extended position wherein the hook interferes with translation of vehicle relative to the vehicle restraint system and a disengaged or retracted position wherein the vehicle can be associated with or removed from interaction with the vehicle restraint system. The control system includes a single indicia whose output is manipulated such that a characteristic of the output of the indicia, rather that strictly operation thereof, indicates a secured or less than secured condition associated with operation of the restraint relative to a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint for a loading dock includes a barricade member that is rotationally operable between a stored position, a blocking position and a verification position. The barricade member in the blocking position is adapted to laterally secure a vehicle relative to the loading dock. An operable latch is coupled proximate an outer end in the barricade member. The operable latch is selectively operable between retracted and extended positions. When the barricade member is in the blocking position and the operable latch is in the extended position, the operable latch vertically secures the vehicle relative to the barricade member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aligning ramp for aligning a shipping container loaded on a vehicle, the aligning ramp including: a support structure; guiding means supported by the support structure above a base plane, which guiding means includes at least two guides arranged parallel and at a distance from each other, wherein each guide diverges relative to the base plane from a first position to a second position; an elongate carriage, wherein each end of the elongate carriage is guided by a guide of the guiding means; and connecting means arranged in longitudinal direction at a central position to the elongate carriage.

Abstract: A reloading supply system includes a loading cart (100) and a machine (200). The loading cart has a first material tray (120) that includes a first combed surface (122) configured to retain a supply material in the first material tray. The machine has a second material tray (220) that includes a second combed surface (222) configured to retain the supply material in the second material tray after the supply material is transferred from the first material tray of the loading cart to the second material tray of the machine. Teeth (124) of the first combed surface are configured to pass by teeth (224) of the second combed surface. The first combed surface and the second combed surface are configured such that the supply material in the first material tray is transferred to the second material tray as the teeth of the first combed surface pass by the teeth of the second combed surface.

Abstract: The present invention is an impact vehicle restraint with a hook and auxiliary securing/locking mechanism that combine to secure the RIG bar of a trailer to a loading dock. A motor rotates the hook between retracted and extended positions. When extended, the hook secures and holds the RIG bar to the dock. When the hook is extended, the auxiliary securing/locking mechanism is also extended to and held at a set position by a biasing mechanism. When the hook is blocked by an obstruction, forward movement of the trailer causes the RIG bar and the obstruction to slide into engagement with the auxiliary securing/locking mechanism, which accepts the RIG bar and obstruction and moves to a locked position to secure the RIG bar. The retraction of the hook by the motor overpowers the biasing mechanism and causes the retraction of the auxiliary securing/locking mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint for a loading dock includes a barricade member that is rotationally operable between a stored position, a blocking position and a verification position. The barricade member in the blocking position is adapted to laterally secure a vehicle relative to the loading dock. An operable latch is coupled proximate an outer end in the barricade member. The operable latch is selectively operable between retracted and extended positions. When the barricade member is in the blocking position and the operable latch is in the extended position, the operable latch vertically secures the vehicle relative to the barricade member.

Abstract: Vehicle restraints for use at loading docks are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a vehicle restraint can include a frame mountable relative to a loading dock face, a restraining structure configured to engage, for example, a Rear Impact Guard (RIG) of a shipping vehicle, and a linkage operably coupling the restraining structure to the frame. The linkage can include a collapsible strut operably coupled between the frame and the restraining structure. In operation, the linkage can be raised to engage the restraining structure with the RIG and prevent the vehicle from moving away from the dock face. Additionally, the restraining structure can be disengaged from the RIG by collapsing the strut, even if the RIG is imparting a significant load on the restraining structure that might otherwise bind the restraining structure in the engaged position.

Abstract: A care method and a care robot that can simplify care and reduce the burden on a caregiver, in particular the burden on the caregiver during the transfer of a care receiver. A sheet is spread out on top of a bed, and the care receiver is laid on the sheet. The sheet is formed so that both ends thereof have parts to be held that are held by arms of a robot. The robot and the arms are positioned relative to the care receiver, and the robot is moved towards the bed so that the arms hold the parts to be held. The arms are raised by a predetermined distance, and when the arms are in the raised state, the robot is moved away from the bed.

Abstract: The present invention is an impact vehicle restraint with spaced shear plates that hold a rotating hook and rotating ramp extension leg. The forward ends of the shear plates support an impact zone structure that forms a ramp plane that accommodates a wide variety of trailer ICC bars. The impact zone structure takes the form of a single central impact plate or dual side impact strips. The central impact plate travels with the hook and spans and rests on the shear plates when the hook is retracted. The dual side impact strips are made of weldable metal with a yield strength of at least 100,000 psi and a Brinell Hardness of at least 300. The central impact plate and hardened strips allow unobstructed rotation of the hook and ramp extension leg. The hook is free to pass through a ramp plane in both embodiments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for transporting heavy duty racks on an uneven ground surface by means of a transport vehicle, comprising the following features: a) a housing (3) having a carrier plate (1) for transporting a heavy duty rack (12), having two separately powered drive wheels (20) hinged to a respective axis of rotation (5) on both sides in the center of the housing (3), having at least one stabilizing wheel (9) in the front and at least one stabilizing wheel (21) in the back; b) a transverse control arm (34), which connects the drive wheels (20), which respectively can be pivoted about the axis of rotation (5) by means of an angle lever (40) such that they are able to carry out vertical movements independently from one another; c) a centrally arranged actuating element (31), which can move two front lift rods (19) and two rear lift rods (16) by means of a lifting rotary lever (27) and of a push rod (24) connected thereto, for raising and lowering the carrier plate (1); d) a sys

Abstract: A method for mounting and combination of an analytical apparatus with a platform for mounting such an apparatus comprising at least two units, and a platform on which said apparatus is mounted is disclosed, said platform comprising at least one platform element, and multiple feet for placing the platform elements on a surface. The feet are individually adjustable in height.

Abstract: Vehicle restraints with activated catches are disclosed. An example vehicle restraint includes a main body mountable at a loading dock and to move vertically relative to the loading dock. A barrier is movable relative to the main body to selectively block and release a RIG of a vehicle, where the barrier is selectively movable to a first blocking position to block the RIG, a stored position to release the RIG, and an intermediate position between the first blocking position and the stored position. A pawl is movable relative to the barrier between an activated position and a released position. A stop is carried by the main body and a pawl actuator is coupled to at least one of the main body and the barrier. The pawl actuator has a contact surface to engage the RIG, where the contact surface is movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the barrier.

Abstract: Example vehicle restraints having example anti-rotation features are disclosed herein. In some examples, an actuator in the form of a hydraulic cylinder moves both a vehicle barrier and its brace between stored and activated positions. If the vehicle pushes the barrier from an upper blocking position to an intermediate blocking position, the brace helps support the barrier at the intermediate blocking position to prevent the vehicle from further pushing the barrier to its stored position. To avoid damaging a cover plate or other relatively weak areas of a vehicle's RIG (rear impact guard), some example barriers disclosed herein exert a holding force that is less at the upper blocking position than at the intermediate blocking position.

Abstract: Example vehicle restraints with rotating and translating barriers are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint disclosed herein a main body installable at a loading dock and a barrier to be coupled to the main body. The barrier rotates about an axis relative to the main body between an upper blocking position to block the RIG and a stored position to release the RIG, where for a given elevation of the main body the barrier being higher in the upper blocking position than in the stored position. The barrier moves radially with respect to the axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for blocking a vehicle, a method making use of such a device and a loading-unloading station provided therewith. The device includes a guide track disposed along a driveway, a blocking component for blocking a wheel of the vehicle, and height-adjusting component for height adjustment of the guide track and/or the blocking component during use. The device preferably includes an anti-roll mode, wherein the blocking component engages at a first height, and a locking mode, wherein the blocking component engages at a second, greater height.

Abstract: Some example vehicle restraints that include a movable barrier for selectively blocking a vehicle's RIG (Rear Impact Guard) near the dock face of a loading dock also include a spring loaded brace that helps hold the barrier in its blocking position, even when the RIG separates from the barrier. To hold the brace in its activated position where it supports the barrier, some examples of the brace include a tooth that engages a detent in a catch. The catch, in some examples, includes a tooth-engaging surface that protrudes into a circular path along which the tooth can travel relative to the barrier.

Abstract: Some example vehicle restraints that include a movable barrier for selectively blocking a vehicle's RIG (Rear Impact Guard) near the dock face of a loading dock also include a spring loaded brace that helps hold the barrier in its blocking position, even when the RIG separates from the barrier. To hold the brace in its activated position where it supports the barrier, some examples of the brace include a tooth that engages a detent in a catch. The catch, in some examples, includes a tooth-engaging surface that protrudes into a circular path along which the tooth can travel relative to the barrier.

Abstract: Example manual wheel restraint systems and methods for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock include are disclosed herein. An example wheel restraint disclosed herein includes a retractable wheel-blocking barrier mounted to a carrier that can be repositioned along a track, where the track is anchored to a driveway of a loading dock. The track runs generally parallel to a vehicle path that a wheel of a vehicle travels along as the vehicle backs into the dock. To block a rear wheel of the vehicle parked at the dock, the barrier extends laterally into the wheel path, adjacent or in front of the wheel. To release the vehicle, the barrier retracts out from within the wheel path. In some examples, to ensure that the vehicle is secured, the barrier and/or the carrier include barrier or carrier catches to help hold the barrier and carrier in a fixed position. In some examples, one or more sensors determine or sense whether the catches are secured or released and generate signals accordingly.

Abstract: A positioning mechanism, used for positioning a material being transported, includes a loading assembly and a positioning assembly. The loading assembly includes a fixing member and a loading member movably fixed to the fixing member for loading the material. The positioning assembly includes a first engaging member mounted on the loading member, and a second engaging member engaged with the first engaging member. The second engaging member includes a mounting plate and a locking rod mounted on the mounting plate. The mounting plate is located beside a predetermined position. The first engaging member defines a connecting portion. The second engaging member includes a locking rod. The locking rod forms a latching end, and the latching end is tapered outwardly along the axis of the locking rod. The latching end engages with the connecting portion to position the loading member to the predetermined position.

Abstract: An example wheel restraint includes a track to be positioned adjacent a vehicle approach path of a loading dock. A shuttle is pivotally coupled to the track via a track follower and pivots between a home position and a deployed position about a shuttle axis substantially parallel to and offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the track. A barrier is pivotally coupled to the shuttle and pivots between a non-blocking position and a blocking position about a pivot axis substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the track such that the shuttle rotates in a first direction about the shuttle axis when the shuttle moves from the home position to the deployed position and bather rotates in a second direction about the pivot axis when the barrier moves from the non-blocking position to the blocking position, where the first direction being different than the second direction.

Abstract: A mobile platform has a separate and independent linear actuator pivotally connected near each opposite end of the platform where there is a contact limit switch that when triggered by contact with the side of a flatbed, stops movement of the actuator, and thus stops movement of the platform, toward the side of the flatbed. Because each of the two actuators is pivotally connected to its respective end of the platform and moves independently of the other, each end of the platform can stop moving toward the flatbed before or after, depending on how the flatbed is misaligned, the other end of the platform stops moving toward the flatbed. In this way the platform self-aligns to the alignment of the flatbed and avoids the need to reposition a flatbed that is not precisely aligned parallel to the central axis of the loading bay.

Abstract: A method for positioning a mobile platform at a station that includes moving the mobile platform near a bumper by applying torque to a drive shaft. The mobile platform is maneuvered until a contact stop of the platform is touching the bumper. A locking mechanism is engaged to the mobile platform before the torque to the drive shaft is released to assure position retention at the station. A system for precise positioning of a mobile platform at a station is provided that includes a stationary bumper at said station. A mobile platform has stop contacts, a drive shaft, and sensors for measuring contact with said stationary bumper. The mobile platform having a locking mechanism for preventing movement of the drive shaft in response to input from at least one of the sensors in response to contact with the stationary bumper to provide the precise positioning of said mobile platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cargo item within a cargo area that is defined by a pickup truck bed and a bed liner that is disposed within the pickup truck bed, the bed liner defining a plurality of elongate grooves. The apparatus includes a rod that extends along an axis in an axial direction of the rod. An engaging structure is receivable within at least one groove from the plurality of elongate grooves of the bed liner for engagement with the bed liner. An adjustable connecting structure connects the engaging structure to the rod and allows adjustment of an axial position of the engaging structure along the rod in the axial direction of the rod. A body is connected to the rod for engaging the cargo item.

Abstract: Wheel chocks for use with loading docks are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a manual wheel chock configured in accordance with the present disclosure includes a restraint arm pivotally coupled to a carriage that is rollably mounted to a longitudinal guide rail. The restraint arm is rotatable in a first direction to move a wheel stop in front of a wheel of a vehicle parked adjacent the guide rail. The restraint arm is also rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction to move the wheel stop away from the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and method for blocking a vehicle, and a loading-unloading station provided with such a device. The device includes a guide track disposed along a driveway; a carriage guided by the guide track and provided with a blocking means for blocking a wheel of a vehicle; a locking member provided on the carriage for locking the carriage releasably relative to the guide track; displacing means for displacing the carriage from a first rest position for the blocking means to a second blocking position, wherein the displacing means are provided with an energy storage system such that energy supplied by the vehicle can be used to displace the carriage; and releasing means operatively connected to the displacing means for releasing the carriage such that it follows a wheel of a vehicle as soon as this passes the first position.

Abstract: Example manual wheel restraint systems and methods for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock include are disclosed herein. An example wheel restraint disclosed herein includes a retractable wheel-blocking barrier mounted to a carrier that can be repositioned along a track, where the track is anchored to a driveway of a loading dock. The track runs generally parallel to a vehicle path that a wheel of a vehicle travels along as the vehicle backs into the dock. To block a rear wheel of the vehicle parked at the dock, the barrier extends laterally into the wheel path, adjacent or in front of the wheel. To release the vehicle, the barrier retracts out from within the wheel path. In some examples, to ensure that the vehicle is secured, the barrier and/or the carrier include barrier or carrier catches to help hold the barrier and carrier in a fixed position. In some examples, one or more sensors determine or sense whether the catches are secured or released and generate signals accordingly.

Abstract: A control system or method for a vehicle references a camera and sensors to determine when an offset of a yaw rate sensor may be updated. The sensors may include a longitudinal accelerometer, a transmission sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and a steering angle sensor. The offset of the yaw rate sensor may be updated when the vehicle is determined to be stationary by referencing at least a derivative of an acceleration from the longitudinal accelerometer. The offset of the yaw rate sensor may be updated when the vehicle is determined to be moving straight by referencing at least image data captured by the camera. Lane delimiters may be detected in the captured image data and evaluated to determine a level of confidence in the straight movement. When the offset of the yaw rate sensor is to be updated, a ratio of new offset to old offset may be used.

Abstract: An example of a vehicle brace for use at a loading dock includes a vehicle support member that can travel to various heights along a vertical track. The support member exerts a substantial but limited resistive force up against the underside of a vehicle's rear impact guard to mitigate bouncing of the vehicle's truck or trailer bed as the vehicle is being loaded and/or unloaded of its cargo. Of particular interest in some examples is a rather short brake actuator mounted at an angle to create an inclined binding clamp action, the actuator being installed to travel with the vehicle support member, and the track having an inclined braking surface so that the brake's clamping force does not rely on friction alone, all of which provides for a compact vehicle brace installable as a self-contained unit and operated without having to rely on structural support from a driveway surface.

Abstract: Example vehicle restraints with rotating and translating barriers are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint disclosed herein a main body installable at a loading dock and a barrier to be coupled to the main body. The barrier rotates about an axis relative to the main body between an upper blocking position to block the RIG and a stored position to release the RIG, where for a given elevation of the main body the barrier being higher in the upper blocking position than in the stored position. The barrier moves radially with respect to the axis.

Abstract: Example vehicle restraints having example anti-rotation features are disclosed herein. In some examples, an actuator in the form of a hydraulic cylinder moves both a vehicle barrier and its brace between stored and activated positions. If the vehicle pushes the barrier from an upper blocking position to an intermediate blocking position, the brace helps support the barrier at the intermediate blocking position to prevent the vehicle from further pushing the barrier to its stored position. To avoid damaging a cover plate or other relatively weak areas of a vehicle's RIG (rear impact guard), some example barriers disclosed herein exert a holding force that is less at the upper blocking position than at the intermediate blocking position.

Abstract: To help hold a trailer bed of a truck steady at a loading dock as the truck is being loaded or unloaded of its cargo, a yieldable vehicle brace exerts a substantial, but limited, reactive force upward against the trailer's rear impact guard to resist the trailer's downward movement. In some embodiments, the brace holds the trailer bed stationary up to a certain load limit and provides the trailer bed with a controlled or dampened descent when the load exceeds that limit. In some cases, the reactive upward force exerted by the brace increases with the downward velocity of the trailer bed. The reactive force can be created by one or more pressure relief valves, hydraulic fluid passing through a flow restriction, a brake, a spring, or various combinations thereof. Some embodiments of the brace include provisions for accommodating horizontal movement of the rear impact guard.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint restricts the movement of a vehicle at a loading dock by engaging the vehicle's RIG (rear impact guard). The vehicle restraint includes a barrier carried by a vertically translatable track follower, the barrier being driven by a motor or some other type of power unit. A RIG sensor detects the RIG's horizontal position relative to the barrier and can periodically energize the motor to maintain the barrier in generally continuous contact with the RIG, even if the RIG moves horizontally away from the barrier. Detection of such horizontal movement of the RIG triggers the barrier to move accordingly to reduce a horizontal gap that may have formed between the RIG and the barrier.

Abstract: A semiconductor workpiece processing apparatus having a first chamber, a transport vehicle, and another chamber. The first chamber is capable of being isolated from an outside atmosphere. The transport vehicle is located in the first chamber and is movably supported from the first chamber for moving linearly relative to the first chamber. The transport vehicle includes a base, and an integral semiconductor workpiece transfer arm movably mounted to the base and capable of multi-access movement relative to the base. The other chamber is communicably connected to the first chamber via a closable opening of the first chamber. The opening is sized to allow the transport vehicle to transit between the first chamber and the other chamber through the opening.

Abstract: The present invention is an impact vehicle restraint with a constant-torque, multi-mode electric motor to secure the ICC bar of a trailer to a loading dock. A mounting plate anchors a carriage to the front of the loading dock. The carriage is biased to a raised position and has a pair of spaced shear plates that house a hook. An electric gearmotor rotates the hook between retracted and extended positions. When extended, the hook secures and holds the ICC bar to the dock. The motor has a higher power level or mode to raise and lower the hook, and a lower power level or mode to continuously adjust the position of the hook and keep it in forced engagement with the ICC bar during the process of loading and unloading the trailer. A control system cycles the motor and hook through an operating cycle.

Abstract: A wheel restraint includes a wheel chock that is manually movable between a retracted position clear of a wheel of a vehicle at a loading dock and an operative position to block the path of the wheel. In the retracted position, the chock can be manually moved freely along a track that is mounted to a driveway of the dock. When the chock is manually moved from its retracted position to its operative position, a locking feature automatically restricts the movement of the chock relative to the track. When the chock is manually moved back to its retracted position, the locking feature automatically disengages. Although the wheel chock is connected to a track, most of the force exerted by the wheel against the chock is transmitted directly from the chock to the driveway.

Abstract: A traction control system and methodology that utilize a phase-out and phase-in of maximum drive torque and/or a regenerative brake torque based on vehicle speed and road slope.

Abstract: Disclosed is a loading station and method that allows for simultaneous loading of a plurality of railway carriages. The loading station includes a length of railway for receiving the railway carriage, and an overhead displacement configuration suitable for displacing a bottom discharge container, containing the bulk material to be discharged into the railway carriage, relative to the railway. The loading station also includes an actuation means for allowing a bottom discharge door of the bottom discharge container to be (a) retained in a closed position when the bottom discharge container is offset relative to the railway carriage, and (b) displaced to the open position when the bottom discharge container is aligned with the railway carriage so as to allow the load inside the bottom discharge container to be loaded directly into the railway carriage.

Abstract: A device for restraining a horizontal bar at the rear of a vehicle to a stationary support adjacent a loading dock, the device having: a frame having a vertical track and a mounting bracket for securing the frame to the stationary support; a suspended carriage mounted to the track for vertical movement relative to the track, the suspended carriage having a forwardly and upwardly extending member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock, having a base, an arm rotatably mounted to the base for rotating between a lowered position out of contact with the vehicle, a partially elevated position and an upright position for contacting the vehicle to restrain the vehicle in a position suitable for loading or unloading, an arm rotator, a position sensor to detect the rotational position of the arm, a lock and a lock actuator for locking the arm, and a controller in operative communication with the position sensor for determining the position of the vehicle relative to the dock upon contact between the arm and the vehicle for actuating the lock to retain the arm in the upright position to restrain the vehicle.