Abstract: A chocking device for securing a vehicle at a loading dock having a guide rail mountable to a driveway and a carriage movable on the guide rail. A drive mechanism, which may be hydraulic or electric is employed to advance the carriage from a stored position to a position proximate to a wheel of the vehicle. A chock assembly is pivotedly mounted on the carriage and is movable by the drive mechanism from a retracted position to an engaging position. The chock assembly comprises an arm having a sensor bar to contact one portion the wheel and a chock plate movable in response to contact of the sensor against the wheel to contact another portion of the wheel and block movement of the vehicle. A lock assembly is mounted on the guide rail for movement thereon, and is moved by the drive mechanism into contact with the chock plate to restrain the chock plate in the extended position.

Abstract: A loading dock having a dock face, a driveway positioned adjacent to the dock face, a wheel chock positioned above the driveway for movement relative to the driveway, and a power mechanism interconnected with the chock to provide power to the chock. The power mechanism is at least partially recessed within the driveway. Preferably, the power mechanism is spaced from the dock face so that vehicles having lift gates can be serviced under a variety of conditions. The power mechanism can be positioned within a housing that is also spaced from the dock face. The housing can include a ramped portion facing the dock face so that contact with the housing by a lift gate will be deflected.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint is provided for releasably securing a parked vehicle to an adjacent structure. The vehicle restraint includes a carriage assembly which is adjustably vertically mounted to the adjacent structure and a restraining member which is pivotably attached to the carriage assembly for rotational movement between a stored (or vehicle-release) position, wherein the restraining member is enclosed within the carriage assembly, and an operative (or vehicle-locking) position, wherein a portion of the restraining member projects outwardly and upwardly from the carriage assembly. The vehicle restraint also includes a locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the restraining member into the stored position when an external force or torque, in a direction toward the stored position, is exerted on the distal end of the restraining member.

Abstract: System (10) for automatically conveying photosensitive cargo containers (15) through a storage compartment (14) of a vehicle, preferably a trailer (12) and selective environmentally controlled enclosures (32,40,42) comprises a conveyor device (18) positioned in the storage compartment (14) that cooperates with interconnected conveying devices (34) in the enclosures (32,40,42). Devices are provided for aligning and positioning the rear exit end (16) of vehicle (12) snugly against the entrance port (30) of a proximally positioned enclosure (32). A system control device (100) connecting the conveying device (18) and conveying devices (34) enables the cargo containers (15) to be automatically conveyed from the vehicle (12), through the entrance port (30) and into the proximal enclosure (32).

Abstract: A loading dock having a truck leveler for allowing the truck to be positioned at different heights. The loading dock includes a dock surface, a driveway extending from the dock surface and positioned at a level below the dock surface, and a ramp movably interconnected with the driveway. The driveway defines a tire path along which a truck tire will travel when a truck is backed toward the dock surface. The ramp is movable from an active position aligned with the tire path to an inactive position out of the tire path. The ramp can be pivotally interconnected with the driveway. Alternatively, the ramp can be linearly slidably interconnected with the driveway. In either embodiment, a power actuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder) can be operatively connected with the ramp and positioned to pivot the ramp between the active and inactive positions.

Abstract: A system for restraining a vehicle, such as a truck having a pair of separated tires mounted on an axle, positioned at a loading dock. A member is movable from a stored position near or under the loading dock to an operative position under the vehicle and located between said separated tires. A pair of restraining elements are mounted on the movable member and are movable from a stored position between the tires to an outward extended position where each of the restraining elements engage a respective one of said pair tires. A mechanism, such as an hydraulic system, is mounted to said member at one end and to a fixed point at the other to move the member to a position under the vehicle. The pair of restraining elements is moved to the outward extended position by action of the moving mechanism for the member or by movement of a sensor that contacts a tire.

Abstract: A chocking device for securing a vehicle at a loading dock having a guide rail mountable to a driveway and a carriage movable on the guide rail. A drive mechanism, which may be hydraulic or electric is employed to advance said carriage from a stored position to a position proximate to a wheel of the vehicle. A chock assembly is pivotedly mounted on the carriage and is movable by the drive mechanism from a retracted position to an engaging position. In one embodiment the chock assembly comprises an arm having a sensor bar to contact one portion of the wheel and a chock plate movable in response to contact of the sensor bar against the wheel to contact another portion of the wheel and block movement of the vehicle. A lock assembly is mounted on the guide rail for movement thereon, and is moved by the drive mechanism into contact with the chock plate to restrain the chock plate in the extended position.

Abstract: A mechanical track restraint that can be mounted to a loading dock without any modification whatsoever to the loading dock or to the concrete pad that is poured in front of the loading dock on which a truck sits during the loading process. The mechanical track restraint can be bolted onto the dock, can be removed and replaced with another device, moved to another location easily and quickly, and can be installed and/or repaired quickly. The device includes a base having a pipe and angle irons welded to the pipe to hold the pipe in place. Fitted within the pipe is a dowel and a spring that coils about the dowel. Fitted over the dowel and spring combination is a holding tube which telescopes within the pipe. The pipe has a slot cut in the front of it so that a hook which is hingedly connected to the holding tube can extend out from the pipe and travel in an up and down direction to raise and lower the hook. Sleeves are welded to the holding tube and the hook includes pivot arms extending into the sleeves.

Abstract: System (10) for automatically conveying photosensitive cargo containers (15) through a storage compartment (14) of a vehicle, preferably a trailer (12) and selective environmentally controlled enclosures (32,40,42) comprises a conveyor device (18) positioned in the storage compartment (14) that cooperates with interconnected conveying device (34) in the enclosures (32,40,42). Devices are provided for aligning and positioning the rear exit end (16) of vehicle (12) snugly against the entrance port (30) of a proximally positioned enclosure (32). A system control device (100) connecting the conveying means (18) and conveying device (34) enables the cargo containers (15) to be automatically conveyed from the vehicle (12), through the entrance port (30) and into the proximal enclosure (32).

Abstract: A wheel-actuated vehicle restraint device is provided for restraining at least one wheel of a vehicle during loading and unloading thereof. The vehicle restraint comprises a lock assembly comprising an actuation assembly for initially engaging the wheel of the incoming vehicle and a lock assembly for chocking the wheel in response to engagement between the wheel and the actuation assembly. The lock assembly is operatively connected to the actuation assembly at a connection point such that the connection point is selectively positionable in response to the dimensions and location of the wheel for insuring that the lock assembly engages a bottom portion of the wheel and moves along the peripheral surface of the wheel to a chock position. In one embodiment, the actuation assembly comprises a trigger assembly disposed to engage the wheel and a trolley assembly operatively connecting the lock assembly and trigger assembly.

Abstract: A coke oven door extractor is mounted on the rail car and includes door engaging supports movable in individually differing amounts relative to a plane parallel to and including the door jamb and a door jamb height axis of symmetry and movable vertically, allowing the door extractor to compensate for front-to-back tilting and side-to-side leaning of the coke oven door jamb due to thermal distortion of the battery and variations in individual door heights. The extractor includes a first frame pivotally mounted to the car, a second frame horizontally translatably mounted to the first frame, and a third frame vertically translatably and pivotally mounted to the second frame, with the third frame including the door supports.

Abstract: A system for loading and unloading a vehicle, including: a vehicle actuated wheel chock positioning device for at least one tire of such a vehicle which is rotatable on a treadway between an initial position and a plurality of operating positions, the chock positioning device including a mechanism engageable by such tire at the initial position and movable with the tire as it rolls on the treadway, a chock positionable behind the tire when the mechanism is in any of the operating positions in response to engagement of the mechanism by the rolling tire, and a controllable lock capable of selectively locking the chock in a chock position behind the tire corresponding to one of the operating positions, the system, in one preferred embodiment further including a leveling ramp carrying the chock positioning device with a device to vertically position the device and a vehicle chocked thereby to a selectable vertical position.

Abstract: An indirect locking and lock release mechanism is provided that permits remote actuation of the lock release function and automatic reset of the locking function in a chamber. Linear actuation of a push rod from a transfer platform causes linear actuation of a linearly aligned push rod on the ramp which in turn causes pivotal movement of a blocking member from a locked to an unlocked position in the chamber. A detent device on the transfer platform sealed in an airtight workstation permits remote actuation of the locking components in the chamber from a worksuit provided in the workstation. The locking function is automatically reset without any intervention by the user of the workstation.

Abstract: The drive screw system comprises a drive screw and a drive nut adapted for driving a cooperating member such as a vehicle restraining device between the proximal and distal ends of the drive screw. At least one bearing assembly is mounted to a track for supporting the drive screw and automatically moving between the proximal and distal ends of the drive screw in response to the drive nut to automatically maintain a predetermined maximum unsupported length of the drive screw. Each bearing assembly comprises two bearing supports connected at a fixed length and which are coaxially disposed relative to each other. In one embodiment, the length of each bearing assembly are integral multiples of the smallest fixed connecting length and the drive screw has stationary bearing supports disposed at the proximal and distal ends wherein the distance between the stationary supports is (n+1)*L where n is the number of bearing assemblies and L is the length of the shortest bearing assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus used in a loading dock comprising a dock leveler mounted at the loading dock with a pit positioned below said dock leveler. A frame is mounted in the pit to support a vehicle restraint. The restraint has an arm assembly mounted to said frame for pivoting motion and a hook assembly having multiple hook elements mounted on the arm assembly and outward from the frame. A first actuator is mounted to the frame and engaging the arm assembly to drive both the arm assembly and the hook assembly to a lower inoperative position. A second actuator is mounted to the first actuator and the arm assembly to provide a constant upward bias tending to pivot the arm assembly and the hook assembly upward to an operative position.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint employs a 4 bar linkage to lift a restraining member to a position that engages a vehicle thus restraining it at a loading dock. The linkage is upwardly based to hold the unit in an engaging position and may be retracted by using any of a number of mechanical techniques such as hydraulic electric or pneumatic power. The 4 bar linkage transfers all loading on the unit from the ICC to the frame thus isolating any driven members from overloads. A secondary hook mounted to the 4 bar linkage is pivotally spring loaded to limit vehicle travel away from the dock and to extend the capture range of the device in the case of ICC's bars that are damaged or mounted at non-standard positions at the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A docking assembly (200) for docking with a vehicle (108), the vehicle having a nonrigid docking member (70) having an apparatus for positioning (124, 126, 128, 130, 132) mounted thereon. The docking assembly has a frame (202) to which is mounted a positioning slot (222) having flared walls (224) for guiding therein and securing thereto the apparatus for positioning of the vehicle to thereby dock the vehicle to the docking assembly.

Abstract: A coke oven rail car with a drive control system for positioning the car and for spotting the functional equipment carried by the car. A sensor determines the relative position of the car with respect to a selected oven in a coke oven battery. The car includes a first drive for effecting gross movement of the car along the rails and gross positioning of the car relative to the selected oven. The car further includes a second automatically controlled drive for effecting fine movement of the caw along the rails and fine positioning of the car relative to the selected oven. In one embodiment the first drive is manually controlled, while in another embodiment the first drive is automatically controlled. The second automatically controlled drive can take the form of one or two disk clutch type mechanisms or a clutch band type mechanism.

Abstract: The combined dolly and ramp assembly includes a ramp having a pair of laterally spaced arms and an inclined ramp surface interconnecting the arms adjacent one end and at an elevation for receiving a roll of web material from a pallet. The dolly includes a frame mounted on casters and which has a pair of inclined surfaces meeting at an apex centrally of the dolly. The dolly is movable into an opening between the arms 16 of the ramp to align the inclined ramp with one of the inclined surfaces of the dolly. A foot-actuated latch automatically and releasably locks the dolly and ramp to one another. The roll of web material is rolled down the ramp onto the dolly and secured by a strap to anchor points on the dolly. By releasing the latch, the dolly with the roll may be displaced to another station.

Abstract: An indirect locking and lock release mechanism is provided that permits remote actuation of the lock release function and automatic reset of the locking function in a chamber. Components on a transfer carrier permit remote actuation of locking components in a chamber through intermediate components on a ramp between the chamber and the transfer carrier. Members are provided to secure the transfer carrier to the ramp. Linear actuation of a push rod at the remote end of the transfer carrier causes linear actuation of a linearly aligned push rod on the ramp which in turn causes pivotal movement of a blocking member from a locked to an unlocked position in the chamber. Fail safe mechanisms are provided to prevent movement of the blocking member to the unlocked position when the transfer carrier is not secured to the ramp.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting material, such as semiconductor wafers, between process modules coupled to a chamber. The transport apparatus includes a chamber; guide rails affixed to an outer surface of the chamber; one or more material transporters each including a motorized vehicle positioned outside the chamber and movable along the guide rails, a material carrier positioned inside the chamber, and magnetic levitation means for magnetically coupling the material carrier to the motorized vehicle through a nonmagnetic wall of the chamber; and a controller that controls the position of the motorized vehicle along the guide devices to move the material carrier to desired positions within the chamber.

Abstract: In a vehicle (10) of the type having a first frame (12), apparatus for driving and turning the vehicle (18,24), and apparatus for loading, carrying, and unloading a load (110), and wherein the apparatus for loading, carrying, and unloading a load is mounted on a second frame (78) having an underside having a seating surface (72) thereon, the improvement comprising:a third frame (54), supported by the first frame, for supporting the second frame on the seating surface and having mounted thereon a plurality of biasing elements (64) for contacting the second frame to thereby allow limited off-vertical movement of the apparatus for loading, carrying, and unloading a load with respect to the third frame.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for loading and unloading motor vehicles, to be positioned between a loading platform and a vehicle positioning region, includes a frame movable longitudinally to the loading platform, a manipulator-conveyor unit provided with lifting and/or gripping devices and arranged on a support element rotatable through at least 180.degree., the manipulator-conveyor unit being extendable so as to be movable to a position above the loading platform and to a position above the load floor of a vehicle, features being provided for correctly aligning the support element with the load floor, a central processor also being connected to the apparatus. Sensors are associated with the manipulator-conveyor unit for sensing its movement above the support element and are connected to the central processor and to an actuator which correctly positions at least one pair of motorized wheels supporting the manipulator-conveyor unit.

Abstract: An indirect locking and lock release mechanism is provided that permits remote actuation of the lock release function and automatic reset of the locking function in a chamber. Linear actuation of a push rod from a transfer platform causes linear actuation of a linearly aligned push rod on the ramp which in turn causes pivotal movement of a blocking member from a locked to an unlocked position in the chamber. A detent means on the transfer platform sealed in an airtight workstation permits remote actuation of the locking components in the chamber from a worksuit provided in the workstation. The locking function is automatically reset without any intervention by the user of the workstation.

Abstract: A method is provided for restraining a truck from movement during the loading and unloading thereof while the truck is parked in a driveway in a loading dock. The truck restraining device has a lock assembly comprising a base and a locking arm pivotally mounted to the base for rotating between retracted and extended positions. In the retracted position, the locking arm is substantially horizontal for permitting the truck to drive over the restraining device whereas, in the extended position, the locking arm extends upwardly for engaging the truck wheels for restraining movement of the truck.

Abstract: A vehicle restraining apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to be disposed adjacent a fixed structure, such as a loading dock, for securing a vehicle adjacent the fixed structure. In a typical application, the apparatus is disposed adjacent a loading dock for restraining trucks which are backed into a position adjacent the dock during loading and unloading operations. The apparatus includes an articulated structure adapted to be deployed in a vehicle-engaging position adjacent an upright surface of the dock for engaging an adjacent vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint employs a 4 bar linkage to lift a restraining member to a position that engages a vehicle thus restraining it at a loading dock. The linkage is upwardly biased to hold the unit in an engaging position and may be retracted by using any of a number of mechanical techniques such as hydraulic electric or pneumatic power. The 4 bar linkage transfers all loading on the unit from the ICC to the frame thus isolating any driven members from overloads. A secondary hook mounted to the 4 bar linkage is pivotally spring loaded to limit vehicle travel away from the dock and to extend the capture range of the device in the case of ICC's bars that are damaged or mounted at non-standard positions at the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trolley has a chassis provided with a load-carrying assembly and a drive unit for imparting a longitudinal translational motion to the trolley. A centering finger has the shape of a polygonal cross-section, vertical-axis pyramid having downwardly-converging edges. The centering finger is supported by an element that rotatably fastens the centering finger to the chassis. The centering finger is connected to a device that can move the finger between a retracted position that is above the floor and an extended position where the finger engages a matching recess housed in a ring, which is, in turn, set into the floor. The recess is positioned in such a way that the vertical axis of the recess passes through the intersection between the longitudinal and transverse axes of a reference point and a theoretical path of the trolley, and at least one of the sides of the recess is perpendicular to the theoretical path.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint employs a 4 bar linkage to lift a restraining member to a position that engages a vehicle thus restraining it at a loading dock. The linkage is upwardly biased to hold the unit in an engaging position and may be retracted by using any of a number of mechanical techniques such as hydraulic electric or pneumatic power. The actuating mechanism employs a movable sector arm with engaging lugs to co-act with the 4-bar linkage limit the degree of float of the system and form the drive transfer to initially elevate the linkage or retract it against the upward bias. The 4 bar linkage transfers all loading on the unit from the ICC to the frame thus isolating any driven members from overloads. A secondary hook mounted to the 4 bar linkage is pivotally spring loaded to limit vehicle travel away from the dock and to extend the capture range of the device in the case of ICC's bars that are damaged or mounted at non-standard positions at the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: An infusion supply apparatus is provided which can be connected with a stationary apparatus such as an overhead support (1) on the one hand, and with a patient transporter (3) on the other hand. In order to allow an easy and locking transfer from one such apparatus to the other the stationary apparatus (1), the patient transporter (3) and a mobile chassis (5) each have a coupling member (2, 4, 9) and a support for the medical appliances has a coupler system (13) cooperating with respective two such coupling members. The coupling system (13) comprises a locking apparatus (19, 20) which unlocks for selective release of an engagement if two coupling members engage the coupling system and which locks upon engagement of a single coupling member.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint employs a 4 bar linkage to lift a restraining member to a position that engages a vehicle thus restraining it at a loading dock. The linkage is upwardly biased to hold the unit in an engaging position and may be retracted by using any of a number of mechanical techniques such as hydraulic electric or pneumatic power. The 4 bar linkage transfers all loading on the unit from the ICC to the frame thus isolating any driven members from overloads. A secondary hook mounted to the 4 bar linkage is pivotally spring loaded to limit vehicle travel away from the dock and to extend the capture range of the device in the case of ICC's bars that are damaged or mounted at non-standard positions at the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic wheel chocking apparatus for restraining movement of a vehicle away from a loading dock during a loading operation. The apparatus comprises an elongated trough formed in the driveway that extends outwardly from the front face of the loading dock and a wheel chock is mounted in the trough for movement between a storage position, where the wheel chock is located beneath the level of a driveway, and an operative position where the chock extends upwardly above the driveway and is disposed to engage a wheel of a vehicle. The wheel chock is moved between the storage and operative positions by a drive mechanism that is located within the trough and includes a lead screw. A nut is threaded on the lead screw and is connected to the wheel chock via a rigid link. Rotation of the lead screw will move the chock between the storage and operative positions.

Abstract: Restraint for preventing inadvertent horizontal movement away from a loading dock of a vehicle on a driveway adjacent the loading dock, the restraint comprising an elongated restraint arm including a bracket at a first end thereof shaped to engage a component of the vehicle, the restraint arm being connected to the driveway for movement of the first end between a lowered position proximate the driveway and a raised position wherein the bracket is disposed to engage the vehicle component, a piston-cylinder arrangement for selectively biasing the restraint arm to the raised position, and a cam structure at the second end of the restraint arm for locking the restraint arm in the raised position in response to a horizontal force acting on the restraint arm in a direction away from the loading dock and for permitting movement of the restraint arm between the raised and lowered positions in response to a horizontal force acting on the restraint arm toward the loading dock or a vertical force acting on the restraint

Abstract: A computer controlled signalling system to assist a driver in accurately positioning a truck chassis at a preprogrammed specific stop point in a loading/unloading lane adjacent to a dockside container crane to facilitate loading/unloading of containerized cargo by the crane and employing a light signal panel visible to the truck driver and having a series of vertically disposed lights thereon sequentially actuated by a computer. The vertical lights indicate to the driver the exact distance he is from, and when he reaches, the desired stop point. The computer is responsive to a video image received from a video camera disposed over the traffic lane and matches the image(s) received with a programmed image for locating, identifying and signalling the position of the truck.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint employs a 4 bar linkage to lift a restraining member to a position that engages a vehicle thus restraining it at a loading dock. The linkage is upwardly based to hold the unit in an engaging position and may be retracted by using any of a number of mechanical techniques such as hydraulic electric or pneumatic power. The 4 bar linkage transfers all loading on the unit from the ICC to the frame thus isolating any driven members from overloads. A secondary hook mounted to the 4 bar linkage is pivotally spring loaded to limit vehicle travel away from the dock and to extend the capture range of the device in the case of ICC's bars that are damaged or mounted at non-standard positions at the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A highway trailer entry guide is provided for mounting on the left and right stiles of a building entranceway for cargo to be loaded or unloaded through the rear entranceway of a highway trailer by a fork lift truck. The entry guide includes a slidable and pivotable extension member permitting engagement with the vertical edges of the entranceway of a highway trailer to thereby permit application to various configurations to accomplish the guide function.

Abstract: Operator intervention in parking a truck and positioning a dock leveler for performing a loading or unloading operation is simplified by a vehicle restraint actuator which is responsive to movement of the dock leveler or other vehicle loading mechanism to cause a vehicle restraint to engage an ICC bar of a vehicle. The vehicle restraint is held in place by a latch mechanism, which is released when the vehicle loading mechanism is moved to perform loading or unloading.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and/or delivering articles comprises a generally horizontal conveyor having a number of cars arranged to travel along it. A receiving station and a delivering station are located in the path of travel of the cars along the conveyor. Each car has doors at its ends which are normally kept closed but which are arranged to open as the car approaches the receiving end delivering stations and to close on leaving the stations. The receiving station has a plate located below the base of the car but engageable therewith and means are provided to retain articles in the car on the plate as the car passes through the receiving station. The delivering station has a similar plate located below the base of the car but engageable therewith and a mechanism is provided to retain articles on the plate until the car passes through the delivering station when it picks up the articles from the plate automatically.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint mountable against a dock face uses a linearly extensible actuator member to move a flat plate restraining device into a vehicle release or restraint position. The plate carries a bracket having a cam profile which via a connection or latch arm converts the linear movement of the drive member into rotational movement of the restraining plate. In the vehicle restraining position all loading on the restraining device is transmitted to the frame without any force component on the actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint for securing a truck to a loading dock. The restraint is actuated by a vehicle ICC bar which moves an arm of the restraint. By use of a cam follower and spring system a restraint member is raised using the motion of the arm to transfer energy to raise the restraint. In the upright position, the restraint captures and prevents a truck from backing away from the dock. The system is held and biased into the engaging position and is released by a mechanical trapping mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint mountable against a dock face uses a linearly extensible actuator member to move a flat plate restraining device into a vehicle release or restraint position. The plate carries a bracket having a cam profile which via a connection or latch arm converts the linear movement of the drive member into rotational movement of the restraining plate. In the vehicle restraining position all loading on the restraining device is transmitted to the frame without any force component on the actuator.

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 frame mounted on the front vertical surface of the loading dock and a slide is mounted for movement on the mounting plate and is biased to an upper position. An inclined cam member is pivoted to the upper portion of the outer end of the slide and extends downwardly and outwardly from the slide and the lower end of the cam member is pivotally connected to the mounting frame via a link of fixed length. 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 cam member, wedging the slide downwardly against the force of the biasing member, and the ICC bar will engage a notch located in the upper edge of the slide to block outward movement of the truck from the loading dock.

Abstract: A restraining device for engaging an ICC bar on a truck including a base, a pivotal deck mounted on the base, a first hydraulic motor for raising the deck into engagement with the ICC bar, a hydraulic circuit responsive to an increase in hydraulic pressure in the first hydraulic motor for actuating a second hydraulic motor mounted on the deck to cause a pair of hands to engage the ICC bar and apply a force biasing it and the truck on which it is mounted toward a building wall.

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: 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.