Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are described herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a sequence of operations. The sequence of operations can include different sub-sequences based on loading dock conditions. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of control elements that enable operation of the loading dock equipment. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment. Some functionality of the control panel can be enabled or disabled based on a current level of authorization.

The present invention relates to a dock shelter module that is disposed at a side of a warehouse and connects the inside and outside of the warehouse, dock shelter module comprising: a top frame; a pair of side frames coupled to both sides of the top frame, longitudinally extending, and forming a loading-unloading space in cooperation with the top frame; a bottom frame coupled to the lower ends of the side frames and having a dock leveler seated thereon; a first gate coupled to the top frame, disposed at the front of the loading-unloading space, and opening and closing the outside of the warehouse and the loading-unloading space; a second gate coupled to the top frame, disposed at the rear of the loading-unloading space, and opening and closing the inside of the warehouse and the loading-unloading space; and an air curtain generator installed on the bottom of the top frame between the first gate and the second gate, and forming an air curtain in the loading-unloading space in accordance with whether the first gate and the second gate are opened and closed.

The present invention is a dock seal system for mounting on a structure wall. The system includes at least one side seal made up of a backer board having a hollow configuration and a foam seal attached to the backer board. A first side of at least one wear pleat is removably connected to the foam seal by at least one pleat fastener. This allows rapid, easy replacement of worn-out wear pleats.

A head pad assembly includes a plurality of head pad subassemblies pivotably joined along their lateral edge so as to allow vertical rotation of one subassembly relative to an adjoining subassembly when the head pad is actuated. At least one head pad subassembly includes a stiff upper backing portion and a lower compressible pad. The head pad assembly further includes one or more flexible hinges coupling the plurality of head pad subassemblies along their lateral edges to effect the vertical rotation. The head pad assembly further includes an actuator assembly configured to raise and lower the plurality of head pad subassemblies between an upper position and a lower, sealing position.

Seal apparatus for dock levelers are disclosed. An example seal apparatus includes a compressible core defining a cavity, a cover to engage at portion of an outer surface of the compressible core, and a mounting bracket, the compressible core and the cover to couple to the mounting bracket.

Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are described herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a sequence of operations. The sequence of operations can include different sub-sequences based on loading dock conditions. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of control elements that enable operation of the loading dock equipment. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment. Some functionality of the control panel can be enabled or disabled based on a current level of authorization.

A system for docking a vehicle to a building, wherein the vehicle functions as a space of the building when the vehicle is connected thereto, and wherein the building includes at least one station inside or outside thereof such that the vehicle can dock at the at least one station, includes a server configured to check whether the at least one station is available to allow a user to select a station for a vehicle, to select the station randomly when the user does not select the station, and when the vehicle is docked at the selected station, to connect the vehicle to the selected station in wired or wireless manner to manage use of the selected station.

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.

Examples provide an adjustable, temperature-controlled receiving tunnel for receiving after-hours delivery of pallets or other items and/or providing temporary overflow storage of items. The receiving tunnel includes a set of cooling units and drop-down bulkheads creating temperature-controlled storage zones within the receiving tunnel. A guidance system provides instructions to a delivery truck driver connecting to the receiving tunnel. An extension device enables the tunnel to connect to a delivery truck which is unaligned with the end of the receiving tunnel. An autonomous pallet jack can autonomously move pallets from the delivery truck storage area into the interior of the receiving tunnel. A set of doors associated with the receiving tunnel can be locked or unlocked providing a pass-through tunnel into a receiving facility storage area for transport of pallets from the delivery truck into the storage area of the receiving facility.

A temperature control docking system (TCDS) is configured for providing temperature controlled air for circulation within one or more freight trailers. The freight trailers are engaged with corresponding control docks of the TCDS, each control dock additionally defining a docking door configured between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The docking door separates the interior of the TCDS from an exterior thereof (and from the freight trailer). Upon engaging the freight trailer with the control dock, the docking door is configured to an open configuration, and a temperature maintenance unit positioned within the interior of the TCDS and corresponding with the control dock provides temperature controlled air for circulation within the interior of the freight trailer so as to maintain a desired temperature within the freight trailer.