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.

The present invention relates to a system for preventing semitrailer collisions with a loading ramp (10). The system comprises a sensor (100) and guide block (200). The sensor (100) is configured for sensing when the rear end of a semitrailer (12) is approaching a loading ramp (10). The guide block (200) is adapted to be positioned on the ground, and is here shown positioned laterally to the opening of the loading ramp (10). The guide block (200) comprises wheel blocking means (210) configured for supporting the tread of a rear tire of the semitrailer (12). The wheel blocking means (210) is configured to move from a forwarded position relative to the loading ramp (10) to a retracted position relative to the loading ramp (10) as the semitrailer (12) is reversing towards said loading ramp (10). The sensor (100) is configured to send a blocking signal to the guide block (200) when the distance between the rear end of the semitrailer (12) and the loading ramp (10) is below a preset threshold, thereby blocking the movement of the wheel blocking means (210).

A modular and impactable frame which includes an integrated dock leveler. The frame includes opposing front plates, opposing side members, opposing base members and an integral bracing structure which connects each side member to a respective base member, the base members each have a base plate and a pair of front and back supporting legs, each base plate is secured to the grade and is adjustable in a side-to-side direction as well as adjustable in a front-to-back direction so as to securely conform to and attach to the contour of the grade.

An aging apparatus and method for accelerating the maturation of bourbon whiskey distilled spirit having characteristics associated with a much longer maturation process is provided. The method of accelerating the maturation of distilled spirits includes providing a storage warehouse secured in a waterway that produces waves and the storage warehouse has an enclosed interior. The method includes storing a plurality of barrels in the enclosed interior of the storage warehouse with the barrels being filled with distilled spirits. The method also includes moving the storage warehouse and the barrels therein by the waves of the waterway so as to circulate the distilled spirits within the plurality of barrels to thereby accelerate the maturation of the distilled spirits. The aging apparatus includes a base structure and a storage warehouse atop and secured to the base structure. The storage warehouse is sized to accommodate barrels filled with distilled spirts.

A modular and impactable frame which includes an integrated dock leveler. The frame includes opposing front plates, opposing side members, opposing base members and an integral bracing structure which connects each side member to a respective base member, the base members each have a base plate and a pair of front and back supporting legs, each base plate is secured to the grade and is adjustable in a side-to-side direction as well as adjustable in a front-to-back direction so as to securely attach to the grade.

The present invention provides an automatic loading apparatus including a loading platform and a transfer plate. The transfer plate includes a rolling portion and a ramp portion. The rolling portion includes plural roller modules. Each of the roller modules includes a metal frame and plural upper rollers and lower rollers disposed in the metal frame. An upper surface of the transfer plate is made up of the upper rollers, and a lower surface of the transfer plate is made up of the lower rollers. The ramp portion is connected to the rolling portion and arranged on one end of the transfer plate.

A ramp assembly with an inboard ramp section, an outboard ramp section pivotally coupled to the outboard ramp section, a knob coupled to one of the inboard ramp section or the outboard ramp section, a ramp latch coupled to the other of the inboard ramp section or the outboard ramp section, the ramp latch comprising, an elongated shaft extending from a proximal section towards a distal section, a first arcuate jaw extending from the distal section away from the elongated shaft, a second arcuate jaw extending from the distal section away from the elongated shaft, the first and second arcuate jaw defining an opening therebetween, and wherein the knob is selectively positionable at least partially within the opening.

A ramp assembly with an inboard ramp section, an outboard ramp section pivotally coupled to the outboard ramp section, a knob coupled to one of the inboard ramp section or the outboard ramp section, a ramp latch coupled to the other of the inboard ramp section or the outboard ramp section, the ramp latch comprising, an elongated shaft extending from a proximal section towards a distal section, a first arcuate jaw extending from the distal section away from the elongated shaft, a second arcuate jaw extending from the distal section away from the elongated shaft, the first and second arcuate jaw defining an opening therebetween, and wherein the knob is selectively positionable at least partially within the opening.

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 lip hingedly connectable to a deck of a dock leveler, the lip comprising an elongated body having opposite top and bottom surfaces. The elongated body comprising a hinged edge removably and pivotally connectable to the deck; and a distal edge opposite the hinged edge. The lip further comprises a cover lining adapted to at least partially enclose the top and bottom surfaces of the elongated body so as to mitigate impacts thereon.