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.

A system and method are provided for automated engaging of a truck trailer at a loading dock. Sensors measure a distance and an angle of alignment between the incoming trailer and a wall of the loading dock. An outside lighting system guides a truck driver backing the trailer toward the dock door. A vehicle restraint system fixates the trailer within the loading dock in response to signals from the sensors. An overhead dock door opens once the trailer is successfully fixated by the vehicle restraint system. A dock leveler deploys after the overhead dock door opens. An inside dock light indicates to dock personnel that the trailer is ready to be serviced. Once servicing of the trailer is finished, an automated release of the trailer from the loading dock may be initiated by PLC communication.

Various example vehicle restraints for use at a loading dock for blocking and later releasing a vehicle's rear impact guard. In some examples, the vehicle restraint includes a hook-shaped barrier that rotates between a lowered position and a raised position. The barrier rotates up to block the rear impact guard and rotates down to release it. The barrier also translates or shifts forward and back between a retracted position and an extended position. The barrier shifts forward to relieve forward pressure that the vehicle might exert against the barrier just prior to releasing the rear impact guard.

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.

Monitoring and alerting systems for detecting hazardous conditions at loading docks are disclosed. An example monitoring and alerting system includes a first sensor system to monitor a location of a first brace of a first dock station of the loading dock. The first brace being positionable in a first stored position, a first operative position, and a first transition position, where the first transition position is between the first stored position and the first operative position. A second sensor system is to monitor a location of a second brace of a second dock station of the loading dock adjacent the first dock station. The second brace is positionable in a second stored position, a second operative position, and a second transition position, where the second transition position is between the second stored position and the second operative position. A first signaling device at the first dock station is responsive to outputs of the first sensor system and the second sensor system. A second signaling device at the second dock station is responsive to outputs of the first sensor system and the second sensor system.

An automatic dock servicing system can monitor status of dock stations and/or dock station components, analyze the status to determine whether it satisfies a service condition for one or more service actions and, when service conditions are satisfied, cause the corresponding service actions to be performed. In some embodiments, a control panel can track a number of trailer loading/unloading cycles at the dock station. When the number of cycles reaches a threshold for performing a service on the dock station, the control panel can automatically initiate the service action. Some service actions that can be initiated by placing a maintenance or part request, sending control signals to a control panel or to dock station components, and/or sending messages or providing remote controls to other personnel.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling objects being loaded or unloaded from a storage structure or vehicle, such as a trailer. In example embodiments, a plurality of parcels may be stored in or on a trailer that is attached to a cab of a delivery vehicle. Upon arrival at a deposit location, the trailer loaded with the one or more parcels may be removably secured to a an adjustable platform designed to be raised to a predetermined angle for unloading of the one or more parcels. Once the adjustable platform is raised to the predetermined angle, a plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms may be configured to pivot, allowing for the movement of a controlled volume of the one or more parcels onto the receiving platform.

A tool cart having a frame, a lifting device for lifting the frame, a locking device to lock the tool cart horizontally relative to a work station or a packaging machine (collectively referred to below as the packaging machine), and a stop element that may engage with an underside of the packaging machine when lifted. The lifting device and locking device operate independently. A method for transferring a tool component including one or more of the steps of: aligning the tool cart relative to the packaging machine; locking the tool cart in position relative to the packaging machine; lifting a frame of the tool cart by way of a lifting device until the stop element engages an underside of the packaging machine; and transferring the tool component between the tool cart and the packaging machine may be included.

A method for preventing drive off of a refrigerated transport unit includes detecting whether an electrical power system of the refrigerated transport unit is electrically connected to a utility power source, and performing an action when the electrical power system is electrically connected to the utility power source includes. A drive off protection system includes a refrigerated transport unit including an electrical power system and a controller that monitors the electrical power system. The controller configured to perform an action when the electrical power system is electrically connected to the refrigerated transport unit.

A system and method are provided for automated engaging of a truck trailer at a loading dock. Sensors measure a distance and an angle of alignment between the incoming trailer and a wall of the loading dock. An outside lighting system guides a truck driver backing the trailer toward the dock door. A vehicle restraint system fixates the trailer within the loading dock in response to signals from the sensors. An overhead dock door opens once the trailer is successfully fixated by the vehicle restraint system. A dock leveler deploys after the overhead dock door opens. An inside dock light indicates to dock personnel that the trailer is ready to be serviced. Once servicing of the trailer is finished, an automated release of the trailer from the loading dock may be initiated by PLC communication.