Abstract: A trailer restraint positively restrains a trailer against a dock by means of the trailer ICC bar. The trailer restraint is self-aligning with an ICC bar located anywhere within its range of operation. The trailer restraint comprises a shoe that pivots on a trunnion shaft within a housing located under the trailer ICC bar. The trunnion shaft is slidable within the housing against a strong spring. A hydraulically operated slider advances to pivot the shoe until a working surface thereof contacts the trailer ICC bar. Further advancement of the slider causes the shoe to pivot about the contact point of the shoe on the ICC bar, thereby sliding the trunnion shaft until the shoe working surface is aligned with the trailer ICC bar. A lock bar received on the trunnion shaft slides therewith. A pawl engages teeth on the lock bar to prevent further sliding of the lock bar and trunnion shaft.

Abstract: A system for transporting, storing and retrieving goods (11) in a warehouse (10) is disclosed. A vehicle (16) moves the goods (11) upon a track system (18) into a storage area (22). The storage area (22) has a plurality of lanes (24) and tiers (33), (35), and the vehicle (16) is moved to the appropriate lane (24) utilizing a lift and transfer unit (28). The lift and transfer unit (28) docks with the appropriate lane (24) utilizing shafts (94), (96) which engage with receiving ends (100), (102) on the lane (24). A safety stop (108) is also provided to insure that complete docking has occurred before transfer of the vehicle (16) from the lift and transfer unit (28) to the storage racks (22) or vice versa.

Abstract: These loaders for transfer of cargo containers or semitrailers to and from railway cars etc. have parallel swinging links vertically connecting the load-spreader support end of the lift arm with the end of the arm which is mounted to a pivot. The links are free to swing back when the loadspreader engages a vehicle to cushion and carry the load-spreader aligned with the vehicle for transfer across the chord of a transfer arc. A weight extends the links out at the bottom to extend the loadspreader to swing back through vertical for least change in elevation. The load arm is supported on wheels to run on the cam track at or near the same elevation that is mounted to swing up and down on the mount about the pivot, so the cam track wheels run on a substantially uniform radius from the pivot. The inner end of the arm extends up to support the top ends of the swinging links which depend to support the outer end of the arm or vice versa.

Abstract: Apparatus for restraining movement of a parked vehicle away from a loading dock comprises an upwardly extending block which is movable from a lower position to an upper position which captures a portion of the parked vehicle to restrain movement of the parked vehicle away from the loading dock. This apparatus provides a safety lock system to ensure that during loading and unloading of a parked vehicle the vehicle cannot accidentally pull away from the loading dock which would result in injury to the forklift truck operator. A linkage mechanism is provided which provides for the raising and lowering of the block. A drive mechanism raises and lowers the linkage in determining the lower an upper positions of the block. The linkage comprises two spaced-apart linked arms which may be in the form of a parallelogram linkage arrangement.

Abstract: As automated loading/unloading system is shown, which uses a lift truck 10 for loading and unloading cargos and adpated to travel between a container 90 and a coneyor 50, a rotatably disposed turntable 60 for rotation about a vertical axis, the turntable being rotated when the lift truck 10 is on top thereof so as to turn the lift truck to face the container 90 or conveyor 50. A transport passage 80 installed between the turntable 60 and container 90 to permit the lift truck 10 to reach the container 90. An external power unit 100 is employed for controlling the lift truck and the turntable 60. Guide rails 70 and 81 are provided to extend along the turntable 60 and the transport passage 80 along one edge. The lift truck 10 is designed so as to urge its body to one side in its movement so that the movement of the lift truck is guided by the rails 70 and 81 and the inside wall of the container on the same side of the rails.

Abstract: A loading device, for automatic rear end loading of trucks or trailers by means of a forklifting type of device being movably mounted on a platform that can be lowered and lifted is improved by a docking and loading gate defining a particular position for the rear end of a truck or trailer on one hand and of a direction of loading on the other hand, the position being established with respect to a truck or trailer when positioned in and at the loading dock; a loading bridge is arranged in the loading gate for bridging the space from the loading platform to the truck or trailer when in the loading dock, the bridge is lowered to obtain particular positions in which the bridge exerts a particular load upon the truck or trailer in the loading dock which position is maintained as the load and forklift move across the bridge, onto the truck or trailer.

Abstract: For accurate positioning of a conveyor vehicle relative to a fixed docking station, the conveyor vehicle comprises a load carrying platform, which is displaceably supported on a base portion of the vehicle. The load carrying platform can be extended towards said docking station and is provided with positioning members at its front side. By these positioning members the platform is lifted at its front side onto the level of the docking station and is positioned relative thereto. The platform furthermore is provided with a leveling device, so that the rear side of the platform is lifted substantially simultaneously together with the front side while it is extended towards the docking station.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint for preventing a vehicle, such as a truck, from accidentally pulling away from a loading dock during a loading operation. The vehicle restraint comprises a mounting plate mounted on the front vehicle face of the loading dock and a slide is mounted for movement on the mounting plate and is biased to an upper position. The slide has an inner end pivotally connected to the mounting plate and has an upper surface formed with a notch or recess. The outer surface of the slide slopes downwardly and outwardly at an angle to the horizontal. When a truck backs toward the loading dock, an abutment, such as an ICC bar at the rear end of the truck, will engage the inclined outer surface and wedge the slide downwardly against the force of the biasing member, and the ICC bar will then engage the notch located in the upper surface of the slide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a truck shipping dock hook system for locking a truck trailer by an ICC bar to a shipping dock. The system includes a hook pivotally mounted to the dock, a pressurized air source, a normally closed first solenoid valve connected with the air source, a tank containing a low temperature fluid connected with the first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve, a vent connected with the second solenoid valve, and a hydraulic cylinder with a piston rod pivotally connected to the hook for powering the same.

Abstract: Cargo trailer aligning apparatus is provided for aligning a loading track on the floor of a cargo trailer with a loading track on the floor of a loading dock. The tracks are aligned both vertically and horizontally. The aligning apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart aligning ramps which are positioned beneath the loading dock surface for interaction with a pair of spaced apart aligning legs which extend downwardly from the rear of the cargo trailer. The interaction occurs as the cargo trailer is backed up to the loading dock.

Abstract: It is necesary to supply electronic components to a precise location in a transfer station 26, the components being supplied in a plurality of magazines 22 e.g. for a component placement machine. Desirably the magazines may be readily exchanged without significant time being taken in setting up the magazine position accurately. Suitably the magazines are mounted on a turntable 24 each magazine having a location mark 362 positioned accurately relative to a transfer position 286. Drive structure 264 moves the turntable 24 to present the transfer position 286 of the magazine 22 at the transfer station 26 and sensing structure 358 senses the mark 362 when the supply structure 18 is in a characterizing mode. Information supplied by the sensing structure 358 determines when the transfer position 286 is at a precise location of the transfer station 26.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of unloading a container having shelves at different levels, each shelf being filled with at least three adjacent stacks of trays filled with a product, such as eggs. The container is comprised of four vertical angle sections connected by horizontal sections which support the stack carrying shelves. The middle stack of trays is always removed first, after loosening that stack by moving it slightly sideways to prevent jamming with the outer adjacent stacks of trays. In one embodiment, a fork-shaped unloading device is used for the unloading, which device can be inserted under tunnel-shaped openings of the lowermost tray of a stack of trays, and the points of which are provided with switch elements or sensors to sense the edge of the shelf. A beam, with electromagnets, is used to lift a superadjacent shelf so that stacks of trays can be unloaded from a subadjacent shelf.

Abstract: Combination machine tool appartaus and pallet changing system includes a single pallet changer for changing both work pieces at a work piece machining station on the machine tool and tools at a tool storage station on the machine tool. The work piece machining station and tool storage station are offset approximately 45.degree. from each other as measured from the rotational axis of the pallet changer, which is provided with additional retractable rotational stops for locating the pallet changer at these additional 45.degree. indexing positions. Also, the tool storage station is located forwardly of the work piece machining station, thus allowing the pallet changer to be positioned closer to the front of the machine tool in the region of the work piece machining station without interfering with the indexing movement of the pallet changer between stations.

Abstract: A truck restraining apparatus has a vertically extending jackscrew (18) to which a follower nut (38) is mounted. A hook shaped restraining member (36) is resiliently coupled to the follower nut and moves therewith when the jackscrew is rotated. The hook shaped member engages the ICC bar of a truck to restrain it from moving, while the resilient coupling compensates for float.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for coupling two bodies able to move relatively with respect to each other by a given incertainty of amplitude, essentially characterized in that it comprises, on a first body, a projecting part having an end section of determined value and members for controlling the displacement of said projecting part with respect to said first body, and, on the second body, a cavity having an inlet opening whose section has dimensions larger than those of the end of the projecting part, the valve of the difference between these two sections being at least equal to that of the given incertainty, and members for exerting at least one couple of reaction forces between said projecting part and the inner wall of said cavity. The invention is more particularly applicable to the systems for coupling carriages and work stations in so-called flexible workshops.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint for releasably locking a vehicle to an adjacent structure includes a frame which can be mounted adjacent to the structure, a sector assembly which is mounted within the frame to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis in a first rotational direction to a restraint position in which the vehicle is locked to the adjacent structure and in an opposite second rotational direction to a release position in which the vehicle is released, an actuator which is connected to the frame and sector assembly to rotate the sector assembly in its first rotational direction into the restraint position, and at least one movable impediment biased to move to lock the sector assembly in its restraint position until released.

Abstract: A loading or unloading platform is located and secured in a frame mounted beneath the bottom of a semi-trailer. The platform is removable from underneath the semi-trailer by releasing a lock and pulling the platform out from under the trailer after extension of the retractable wheels of the platform. The platform is then available for use in a locked position adjacent to any door of the semi-trailer. A ramp is used in combination with the platform. The ramp is located underneath the bottom of the semi-trailer in two spaced-apart mounting brackets, one mounting bracket for each end of the ramp. One mounting bracket is fixed in position and includes a lock for locking a bottom end of the ramp underneath the semi-trailer. The other mounting bracket includes a swivel turntable and a pivoting holder for engaging the top end of the ramp.

Abstract: A dock leveler assembly and latch mechanism therefor are provided which are adapted to automatically cause unlatching of components thereof if the assembly is activated without a vehicle being present or if the vehicle moves away from a dock; thus enabling the assembly to readily return to an inoperative mode position.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint for preventing a vehicle or truck from accidentally pulling away from a loading dock. The truck restraint comprises a frame to be mounted on the vertical front face of the loading dock and a restraining member is mounted for pivotal movement in a generally vertical plane parallel to the dock face between a first lower storage position and a second operative position where the restraining member will prevent outward movement of the truck away from the dock. A curved plate or abutment is mounted in spaced relation to the frame and extends throughout the length of the path of pivotal movement of the restraining means. The restraining member is normally disposed out of contact with the abutment as the restraining member pivots between the storage and operative positions.

Abstract: An improved vehicle restraint for preventing movement of a vehicle such as a truck away from a loading dock during a loading operation. The vehicle restraint includes a guide frame mounted on the front face of a loading dock and a vehicle restraining device is movable on said guide frame from a lower storage position to an upper operative position where it engages the ICC bar on a truck. A biasing mechanism serves to bias the restraining device upwardly to the operative position while a power operated drive mechanism acts to drive the restraining means downwardly to the storage position. The restraining device includes a slide or carriage that moves on the guide frame and a hook that is pivoted to the slide. A linkage connects the frame and the hook in a manner such that the force of the biasing device will not only move the slide upwardly on the guide frame but will also pivot the hook upwardly relative to the slide.

Abstract: A load positioning assembly and method for locating and maintaining a load supporting device on a material handling vehicle, includes a load carrying device mounted on a frame and a load carrying portion elevationally movable along an elevationally oriented axis. A pilot member which is freely movably supported on a carrier connected to the load carrying portion is elevationally movable with the load carrying portion between first and second preselected elevationally spaced apart positions relative to the frame. A first engaging device moves the pilot member in directions transverse to the axis in response to movement of the pilot member toward the first elevational position and maintains the pilot member at a first preselected transverse location relative to the axis and the load supporting device at a preselected transverse location at the first elevational position of the load carrying portion. The load positioning assembly is particularly suited for use on an SGV.

Abstract: A system for use in a loading dock facility includes a control unit which checks the condition of input terminals connected to control switch, locking device, overhead door and/or leveler condition sensors and which develops signals on output terminals connected to signal lights, a vehicle locking device, an overhead door mechanism and/or a leveler device. The control unit is programmable to be versatile and to obtain various safe and reliable modes of operation and is also operable to perform various diagnostic operations.

Abstract: A multi-condition responsive vehicle restraining apparatus includes a hook member having an edge for contacting an ICC bar on a vehicle and a tip located at one end of the edge and extending upwardly therefrom for restraining the ICC bar from passing the hook member. A beam arrangement mounts the hook member and is movable for moving the hook member on a forward stroke from an inoperative lowered toward an operative raised position and on a return stroke away from the operative raised toward the inoperative lowered position. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is connected to the beam arrangement for actuating the same to move the hook member on its forward and return strokes. Components are provided for sensing the presence of any one of three conditions concerning the placement of the vehicle ICC bar with respect to the hook member and concurrently therewith providing an indication of which condition prevails.

Abstract: A pallet transferring arrangement and method for positioning a pallet transfer deck relative to a load transfer station is provided. The pallet transferring arrangement has a jack assembly for elevationally moving a load carrying member between first and second spaced positions relative to a vehicle frame. First and second guide assemblies guide the load carrying member and a supporting arrangement movably supports a pallet transfer deck on the load carrying member for movement in a plane. A plurality of replaceable deck positioning socket members engage a plurality of replaceable deck positioning cone members at the second position of the load carrying member and maintains the pallet transfer deck from movement in the plane. The plurality of deck positioning socket members are free from engagement with the deck positioning cone members at the first position of the load carrying members.

Abstract: A driveway truck restraining apparatus including a sealed casing embedded partially in the ground, a ram mounted in the casing for movement between a storage position and an operative position blocking the travel of the ICC bar located on the back of a truck, a pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly mounted on the loading dock and being operatively connected to the ram, and an indoor signal assembly mounted on the inside of the loading dock and an outdoor signal assembly mounted on the outside of the loading dock, the signal assemblies being electrically connected to the piston and cylinder assembly to provide control signals indicating the position of the ram and the absence or presence of a truck at the loading dock.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint to be mounted on a loading dock for preventing accidental movement of a vehicle, such as a truck, from the dock during a loading operation. A hydraulic cylinder unit is connected through a flexible member, such as a chain, to a hook-like restraining member. By extending and retracting the hydraulic cylinder unit, the restraining member can be moved between the lower storage position and an upper operative position where it engages the ICC bar of the truck. In addition, a resilient member, such as a gas spring, is operably connected to the chain at a location between the attachment of the hydraulic cylinder to the chain and the attachment of the chain to the restraining member. The resilient nature of the gas spring will permit limited movement of the chain to accommodate vertical float of the ICC bar and truck bed during a loading operation.

Abstract: Device (10) to convey yarn packages which is suitable to take the yarn packages from a supply machine such as a winding machine, open-end spinning machine, two-for-one twisting machine, take-up frame for manmade filaments, fly frame, finishing machine, etc., the yarn packages being taken substantially at the outlet of the supply machine and then being delivered to transient storage containers, which may consist of creels, support shafts, dyehouse chests, cases, cartons, pallets, etc.

Abstract: An egg carton stacking and loading apparatus having a stacking assembly that adds subsequent cartons to the bottom of the stack. The apparatus includes a transfer assembly having a pair of upright panels that abut both sides of the carton stack during transfer in order to prevent inadvertent tipping of the stack. The transfer panels shift the carton stack onto a loading assembly, which carries the egg carton stack onto a storage surface. The loading assembly includes a support panel and a pusher panel which advance simultaneously, and thereafter the support panel is withdrawn while the position of the pusher panel is maintained.

Abstract: An improved vehicle restraint for preventing movement of a vehicle, such as a truck away from a loading dock during a loading operation. The vehicle restraint includes a guide frame mounted on the front face of the loading dock and a hook is disposed to move vertically on the guide frame between a lower inoperative position and an upper operative position where the hook engages an abutment on the vehicle. The hook is moved between the inoperative and operative positions by a fluid cylinder assembly, including a cylinder which is disposed in a recess in the driveway adjacent the loading dock, and the piston rod of the fluid cylinder assembly is connected to the hook. By introducing fluid into the lower end of the cylinder, the piston rod will be extended to move the hook to the operative position. The compressible nature of the fluid in the cylinder enables the hook to follow rising and falling of the truck bed during the loading operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring load units between two carriers having at least one transferring device movable between the carriers, the transferring device being adapted to carry the load unit during the transfer, and a bridging device being movable in order to bridge the gap between the carriers. The bridging device forms a part of a support path device for supporting the transferring device during its movement and has support path portions, which, when the bridging device is moved into a bridging position, are located in overlapping relation, in the direction of movement of the transferring device, to further support path portions, which are arranged on the first carrier, while forming a path supporting the transferring device during substantially the entire movement from the first carrier to the second carrier.

Abstract: A railroad freight car having a rotatable loading floor for transferring loads between it and a station platform. The railroad station has two platforms on opposite sides of the rail car. An edge of each platform is provided at each longitudinal end with a sloping beam which angles upwardly from the end of the platform towards its center. The lowest part of the beam, which is at the free end of the platform, is below a set of wheels carried on the chassis of the rail car. The center portion of the platform is at a height above that of these rollers. The rollers are arranged to extend laterally of the rail car and to overlie the beams. As the rail car pulls into the station, the rollers will engage the upwardly sloping part of the beams to thereby raise the chassis in relation to its wheels by virtue of extending the suspension as the car continues in its direction of movement.

Abstract: A transport carriage has a carrier element forming a support plane for the purpose of receiving pallets. In order to bring the carrier element, for the purpose of transferring the pallet onto a stationary support plane in a stationary stand or the like, into the same plane as the latter, and fix it in the correct position, the carrier element is wheeled to the stand in a raised position, is supported by being lowered, guided in geometrically exact manner, on its standside edge onto two stationary points formed by two locating lugs provided on stand which lie in a straight line parallel to the stationary support plane, and which is then lifted by the opposite edge by means of a lifting element into the common transfer plane.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint for preventing accidental movement of a vehicle away from a loading dock. The vehicle restraint comprises a frame mounted on the front face of the dock and a restraining member having a hook-like configuration is mounted for movement on the frame between the lower storage position and an upper operative position where the restraining member is engaged with an abutment, such as an ICC bar, on the vehicle. The restraining member is biased upwardly to the operative position and a power operated unit is arranged to move the restraining member downwardly from the operative position to the storage position where it is locked in the storage position by a releasable latch. On release of the latch, the biasing mechanism will move the restraining member upwardly into engagement with the ICC bar, and the biasing mechanism enables the engaged restraining member to follow both upward and downward movement of the ICC bar during a loading operation.

Abstract: The leveler is positioned upon the flat top surface of the truck apron at some predetermined position in front of the dock. In the down position the surface cover plate of the leveler is parallel with the flat top surface of the truck apron. The lifting is provided by hydraulic cylinders secured to the leveler inwardly from the rear whereby avoiding interference with ancillary dock equipment. Thus, an aperture can be provided in the rear to accommodate a truck restraining device.

Abstract: An improved vehicle restraint for preventing movement of the vehicle such as a truck away from a loading dock during a loading operation. The vehicle restraint includes a guide frame mounted on the front face of the loading dock and a carriage or slide is moved vertically on the guide frame by a fluid cylinder unit between a lower storage position and an upper operative position. A restraining member is movably mounted with respect to the slide and is biased to an inoperative position where the restraining member is disposed beneath the level of the upper surface of the slide. Extending the cylinder unit will move the slide upwardly into engagement with the ICC bar on the truck and further extension of the cylinder unit after engagement of the slide with the ICC bar will move the restraining member from the inoperative position to an operative position above the level of the slide to thereby provide an obstruction to prevent the truck from pulling away from the loading dock.

Abstract: A towable truck with a rotatable platform for transferring cargo units from or to intermediate transportation devices, for handling goods in particular within airport structures. The platform comprises alternate projecting and re-entering parts which, when the truck is in its loading or unloading position, are disposed along the longitudinal sides of this latter and are suitably designed for approach and copenetration by intermediate transportation devices or the like comprising complementary terminal parts provided with motorized rollers, so as to allow automatic transfer of the cargo units.

Abstract: A guided vehicle, which follows a guidepath into and out from a work station, is provided with an article carrying table that includes a plurality of cone shaped mounting plates each disposed upon a ball transport unit to provide for relative movement between the article carrier, any article carried thereby, and the body of the vehicle. Each side, of two opposed sides, of the article carrier mounts a number of guide wheels; including entry guide wheels larger in diameter than side guide wheels, with the entry wheels disposed proximate carriers of the carrier and side wheels disposed therebetween. Guide rails disposed at the work station cooperate with the guide wheels to effect relative movement between the article carrier and vehicle body if the vehicle enters the work station out of a centered alignment therewith.

Abstract: A ground level truck restraint assembly, including a casing adapted to be buried in a driveway in front of a loading dock, a restraining member mounted in the casing for movement between a storage position in the casing to an operative position projecting upwardly from the casing into the path of motion of the ICC bar on a truck and a housing having a slide mounted on the dock a cable having one end connected to the restraining member and the other end connected to the slide in the housing for moving the restraining member to the operative position when a truck is located at the dock.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint to prevent a truck, or other vehicle, from accidentally pulling away from a loading dock during a loading operation. The vehicle restraint includes a pair of spaced vertical guide tracks mounted on the front face of the dock and a slide is mounted for movement within the tracks. The slide has an extension that extends outwardly from the dock between the guide tracks and a restraining member, such as a hook, is pivotally connected to the extension about a generally vertical axis, so that the restraining member can be pivoted from a storage position, where the restraining member is generally parallel to the front face of the dock to an operating position where the restraining member extends outwardly from the dock. The restraining member is formed with a notch or recess in its lower surface, which is adapted to engage the ICC bar at the rear of the truck.

Abstract: A rapid-load system for loading a series of pallets into a sputtering apparatus. The system comprises a magazine having a plurality of vertically spaced pallet supports whose spacing is sufficient to allow insertion of a pallet into the magazine directly without contact between the pallet and magazine. The magazine is removably supported in a load-in chamber of the sputtering apparatus by a chamber track assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint for preventing a vehicle such as a truck from accidentally pulling away from a loading dock during a loading operation. The vehicle restraint comprises a mounting plate mounted on the front vertical face of the loading dock and a slide is mounted for movement on the mounting plate and is biased to an upper position. The slide is provided with an angular front surface that is inclined downwardly and outwardly. When a truck backs toward the loading dock, an abutment, such as an ICC bar at the rear end of the truck, will engage the inclined surface, wedging the slide downwardly against the force of the biasing means and the ICC bar will then be received within a recess or notch located in the upper edge of the slide.

Abstract: A signal and control system is provided in which signal lights are provided on the inside and outside of a dock facility to give dock personnel and truck drivers clearly visible indications of when it is safe or unsafe to load or unload a truck or to park to remove a truck, dependent upon the condition of switches on the inside which are accessible to dock personnel and to the condition of a locking device on the outside which is engageable with the safety bar of a truck. A slip clutch and a position sensor cooperate to control and avoid adverse effects of slippage in the locking device, a horn is energized to provide a loud audible warning of dangerous conditions, a key pad is used to enter a security code and other features are provided for increased safety and reliability.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a transfer truck to a flat bed or the like comprising a storage bin for aiding in removal of a truck module, such as a dump box, from a truck body, then storing the same until it is needed again. The apparatus includes upstanding side walls and a rear wall with a pair of ramps mounted to the rear wall and brackets at the front of the side walls. The ramps allow rollers on the dump box to roll up the ramp onto the top thereof and the brackets support the front of the dump box. the truck body can then be moved away from the dump box, after disengagement thereof, until it is desired to re-mount the dump box. Of course, other truck modules, such as water tanks, flat beds, etc. can be so mounted and de-mounted.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint for preventing a vehicle, such as a truck, from pulling away from the loading dock during a loading operation. The vehicle restraint includes a frame or supporting structure which is mounted on the generally horizontal driveway in front of the loading dock, and a parallelogram linkage inerconnects the frame and a hook. The parallelogram linkage includes two pair of generally parallel links and the lower ends of both pairs of links are mounted for movement on the frame in a direction toward and away from the dock, while the upper ends of the links are pivotally connected to the hook. A reciprocating drive mechanism interconnects the frame and the linkage, and by moving the lower ends of the links in a direction toward the loading dock, the hook will be moved upwardly in a vertical path to engage an abutment on the rear end of the truck to prevent the truck from accidentally moving away from the loading dock.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a mobile vehicle that supports and positions a load relative to a docking structure, such as a patient relative to a medical diagnostic apparatus. The mobile vehicle includes a wheeled base, a carriage on the base, a hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the carriage relative to the base, a load supporting cradle slidably mounted on the carriage for movement in a longitudinal direction between an operative extended position and an inoperative retracted position on the carriage, and a hydraulic system for controlling the operation of the vehicle and its components. The vehicle includes co-operating members on the base and on the docking structure for properly aligning and positioning the vehicle with respect to the docking structure. The movement of the carriage may be accomplished either manually through a foot pump or through a hydraulic power interlock between the vehicle base and docking structure which is engageable upon docking.

Abstract: A restraining device for securing a parked vehicle to an adjacent structure. The device comprises a base plate having a first and a second end, the base plate being adapted to be rigidly secured to the adjacent structure so as to have its longitudinal axis oriented in a substantially vertical plane. A carriage plate slidably engages the base plate for longitudinal travel therealong between the first and second ends of the base plate. A drive cylinder is attached to the base plate and to the carriage plate for effecting the longitudinal travel of the carriage plate. A hooking member is pivotally mounted on the carriage plate so as to be movable between a stored orientation substantially parallel to the base plate and an operative orientation substantially perpendicular to the base plate.

Abstract: An automatic level device for sensing the height and pitch of an aircraft and for adjusting a loader platform to align with the aircraft. An umbilical cord connected between the platform and the aircraft includes a tube partially filled with mercury and having a plurality of electrodes spaced along one end of the tube. As the height of the aircraft changes the mercury contacts a different number of electrodes and the electrodes provide signals for adjusting the level of the platform and aligning the platform with the aircraft.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint is provided for securing a parked vehicle against a loading dock during loading or unloading of the vehicle. The restraint includes a carriage member which is mounted on a dock wall for vertical movement and is biased to assume a predetermined elevated rest position relative to the roadway on which the vehicle is parked. The carriage member moves vertically downwardly from the rest position upon an external force of predetermined magnitude being exerted on an exposed cam surface of the carriage member. An attaching member is adjustably mounted on the carriage member for movement relative thereto between a vehicle locking mode and a vehicle release mode. Adjustably mounted on a lower portion of the carriage member is a toe-like member which normally assumes a pendent position projecting from the carriage member.

Abstract: A mechanical restraint is provided for use in securing a parked vehicle to a stationary structure, such as a loading dock, while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded. The restraint includes a first member fixedly mounted on the front wall of the loading dock, and a second member mounted on the first member for movement in a vertical plane and for hinged movement about a vertical axis between operative and inoperative modes. The second member is provided with an elongated first section which is in sliding engagement with the first member. The second member, when in a raised position is adapted to turn about the longitudinal axis of the first section which is coaxial with the hinge axis of the second member. The second member is provided with an elongated second section which projects angularly from the upper end portion of the first section. The second section includes a distal end portion provided with a depending projection.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in releasably securing a vehicle against a loading dock during loading and unloading of the vehicle. The device comprises a hingedly mounted vehicle-engaging member located adjacent a front wall of the dock and beneath the plane of the dock loading surface. A handle is provided for effecting controlled movement of the member between an inoperative mode and an operative mode. When in an operative mode, a portion of the member interlocks with a component of the vehicle and restrains movement of the vehicle away from the loading dock. When in an inoperative mode, the member assumes a vehicle-release position wherein the vehicle is free to move away from the loading dock.