Patent classifications
B65G69/00
PORTABLE TRAILER STABILIZERS
A portable trailer stabilizer, comprising: (i) a support surface engagement element configured to selectively engage a support surface; (ii) a trailer engagement element configured to selectively engage a forward end portion of a trailer; (iii) a hydraulic cylinder operatively connected between the support surface engagement element and the trailer engagement element, the hydraulic cylinder configured to extend the trailer engagement element relative to the support surface engagement element; (iv) an on-board, self-contained energy source comprising a hydraulic accumulator operatively coupled to the hydraulic cylinder; (v) an isolation valve fluidically interposing the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic accumulator; (vi) a positioning element engagement element configured to selectively couple with a trailer stabilizer positioning element of a tractor; and (vii) a valve operator mechanism configured to (a) open the isolation valve when the when the positioning element engagement element is coupled to the trailer stabilizer positioning element of the tractor, and (b) shut the isolation valve when the positioning element engagement element is uncoupled from the trailer stabilizer positioning element of the tractor, where the hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic accumulator, and the isolation valve are operatively connected in a closed hydraulic system containing a hydraulic fluid.
GRAIN BYPASS FOR STORAGE BIN AND EXTERNAL AUGERS
A grain bypass can be retrofit to an out auger of a grain bin. This allows for the transfer of grain, such as corn, from the grain bin to a portable auger and/or truck or other type of transfer vehicle. The grain bypass can be configured to instead divert grain down a second bypass path so as to substantially cleanout the grain bypass housing. The grain bypass includes a slide that can be inserted into the grain bypass in two separate positions so that the slide can always be contained within the system, and thus remain with the system at all times.
WHEEL CHOCK AND METHOD
The wheel chock is part of a wheel chock restraint system that also includes a base plate to prevent a parked vehicle from moving away in an unauthorized or accidental manner in a departure direction. The wheel chock includes a main body having a bottom base portion and a tire-engaging bulge. It also includes a tire deformation cavity, made within the main body on the tire-facing side. Teeth are provided underneath the bottom base portion of the wheel chock to engage at least one of the corresponding teeth provided on the base plate in a latched engagement. The wheel chock has an improved resistance to rollover and tipping when the wheel is pressed forcefully against the wheel chock.
REMOTE LOADING DOCK AUTHORIZATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS
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.
Vehicle leveler with safety features
The vehicle leveler includes a first portion which has a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge is disposed further from the driveway than the leading edge. The embodiment also includes a second portion which has a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge of the second portion is attached to the trailing edge of the first portion and the leading edge of the second portion is disposed further from the driveway than the trailing edge of the second portion. The second portion also includes an extension portion. The vehicle leveler also includes opposing side portions which extend the length of and contact the second portion and extension portion, the opposing side portions have a top surface which forms a walkway.
Automatic Guided Vehicle System
An automatic guided vehicle system includes an automatic guided vehicle and a docking station for docking with the automatic guided vehicle. One of the automatic guided vehicle and the docking station has a pair of first vertical guide surfaces and the other has a pair of rows of rollers. The first vertical guide surfaces extend a predetermined length along a first horizontal direction and are spaced by a predetermined distance in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The rows of rollers are in rolling contact with the first vertical guide surfaces to guide the automatic guided vehicle to a predetermined position in the docking station.
VEHICLE PROXIMITY SENSOR FOR POSITIONING A VEHICLE AT A DOCK
A loading dock having a sensing device to determine proximity of a vehicle to the loading dock is disclosed. The loading dock includes a loading bay. The loading dock also includes a driving platform that receives a vehicle approaching the loading dock. The driving platform is positioned beneath the loading bay. The loading dock include a loading platform extending from the loading bay. The loading dock is equipped with a sensing device attached to the loading platform. The sensing device determines and monitors a distance between the vehicle and the loading platform. The loading dock also includes an indicating device that generates a signal when the distance between the vehicle and the loading platform is less than a threshold distance.
Wheel chock and method
The wheel chock is part of a wheel chock restraint system that also includes a base plate to prevent a parked vehicle from moving away in an unauthorized or accidental manner in a departure direction. The wheel chock includes a main body having a bottom base portion and a tire-engaging bulge. It also includes a tire deformation cavity, made within the main body on the tire-facing side. Teeth are provided underneath the bottom base portion of the wheel chock to engage at least one among corresponding teeth provided on the base plate in a latched engagement. The wheel chock has an improved resistance to rollover and tipping when the wheel is pressed forcefully against the wheel chock.
Vehicle Leveler with Safety Features
A vehicle leveler includes a first portion which has a leading edge and a trailing edge; the trailing edge is disposed further from the driveway than the leading edge. The vehicle leveler also includes a second portion which has a leading edge and a trailing edge; the leading edge of the second portion is attached to the trailing edge of the first portion and the leading edge of the second portion is disposed further from the driveway than the trailing edge of the second portion. The second portion also includes an extension portion. The vehicle leveler has at least one tension bar connecting the first portion on a proximal end and a lift cylinder on a distal end as well as at least one tension strap. When the vehicle leveler is in an elevated position the tension bar and tension strap keeps the lift cylinder from accidentally shifting.
WHEEL CHOCK WITH LOCKING MECHANISM
The wheel chock includes a locking mechanism that can be held in a locked state when properly positioned on a base plate. The locking mechanism includes a positioning unit having at least one tooth provided to engage a side of a corresponding one of the blocking elements in a latched engagement when the positioning unit is in the fully locked position. The locking mechanism also includes an actuating device to move the positioning unit from the unlocked position towards the fully locked position, and a holding device to selectively hold the positioning unit in the fully locked position.