Example safety systems for use at a loading dock are disclosed. An example safety system includes a sensor installed at the loading dock. The sensor provides a feedback signal in response to sensing the vehicle. An alarm device is mounted below a lowest elevation of the doorway. The alarm device is positioned between the first lateral plane and the second lateral plane of the doorway. An alarm signal is emitted by the alarm device in response to the feedback signal.

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.

A trailer restraining device comprising a portable frame having mounted thereto a tail hook and a king pin receiver that includes at least one of a receiver hydraulic cylinder, a receiver pneumatic cylinder, a receiver electric actuator, and a receive winch.

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

A system for allowing a chassis for an intermodal shipping container having fittings and a floor to be secured to a loading dock is provided. The system is capable of being stowed away into the chassis when not in use, and moveable to a locking position for interfacing with the dock's restraining system when the chassis is to be secured to the loading dock.

The present invention is a vehicle restraining hook. The hook includes a shank extending between an axle interface and a hook bend. The hook bend comprises an inner hook surface extending between the shank and a hook tip. The inner hook surface comprises at least a primary bend and a secondary bend, and in some cases a tertiary bend. Each of the primary bend and secondary bend comprises two planar surfaces, while the tertiary bend comprises a curved surface. These surfaces interact with a RIG bar to generate a force rotating the hook up and ensuring that it maintains contact with the RIG bar.

A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.

A dock apparatus includes a plurality of loading dock components. An identification system is coupled with the plurality of loading dock components. A control panel is in signal communication with the plurality of loading dock components via the identification system. The identification system automatically cooperates with the control panel to define an operating sequence of the plurality of loading dock components. A power module is in signal communication with the control panel and an installed component of the plurality of loading dock components. The control panel provides instructions to the power module according to the operating sequence and the power module delivers a predetermined electrical current to the installed components of the plurality of loading dock components in a sequential pattern defined by the operating sequence.

There is provided herein an endoscope assembly comprising at least one front-pointing viewing element on a front end of a distal section of the endoscope assembly, at least one side-looking viewing element on at least one side wall of the distal section of the endoscope assembly, a working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool towards the distal section, and a system for regulating the direction of exit of medical device wherein said system enables the medical device to exit at multiple angles to the long dimension of the endoscope device either from the front end or through side walls of the distal section of the device.

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