A ramp is configured to allow a vehicular machine to move from a ground surface to an elevated surface of a transport vehicle. The ramp has a length along a longitudinal direction and includes a first portion, a first web, and a second portion. The first portion includes a first rail and a second rail, each of the first and second rails being oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. The first web is positioned on the first portion and includes a first array of raised members arranged so that a first plurality of longitudinal travel paths are defined on the first web between at least some of the raised members of the first array. The second portion is connected to the second rail at a first hinge. The second portion includes a third rail and a fourth rail.

Systems and methods for automatically controlling loading dock equipment, such as in response to a trailer approaching and docking at a docking station, are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide scanning devices and scanning operations which assist with, for example, properly aligning a trailer at a docking station and/or checking an interior area in front of the dock door for obstructions. The systems and methods can also transmit messages between components of the system and/or to users of the system regarding the status of components of the systems and/or the status of the overall docking process.

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 modular loading dock that includes a planar ramp member with lower and upper ends. The upper end abuts a preexisting structure and the lower end has a lower edge with a lip, the lip is able to be activated between an extended/engaged position to contact a truck bed. The ramp member has an at least thirteen foot long hydraulically-adjustable ramp section with an integrated dock leveler, the entire length of the ramp section is able to be moved between an upward and downward position. The loading dock also includes a base with top and bottom surfaces, the top surface has an opening to receive a dock leveler into the opening and a dock housing consisting of a modular frame mounted onto the base in sections. The length and adjustability of the planar ramp member allows accommodation of large-sized trailers as well as smaller-in-size delivery trucks and vans.

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 and forms a ramp section. The first portion has a flat section adjacent the trailing 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 disposed further from the driveway than the trailing edge of the second portion. The second portion includes an extension portion. The vehicle leveler also has at least one drainage aperture which is formed within and extends through the second portion for improved user safety.

Aspects of unbinding apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed. One aspect disclosed herein is an apparatus for unbinding a stacked load of logs. For example, the apparatus may comprise: a plurality of support arms movable toward a plurality of side surfaces of the stacked load, each support arm of the plurality of support arms comprising a guide surface and being: adjustable to abut against one or more side surfaces of the plurality of side surfaces; and independently movable relative to the plurality of support arms in one or more directions responsive to a physical shape of the one or more side surfaces to establish a formfitting abutment between the plurality of support arms and the plurality of side surfaces. In this example, once the formfitting abutment is established, the guide surfaces of the plurality of support arms may be positioned and operative to guide a log released from the stacked load along an escape path over and away from an unbinding area adjacent the stacked load. Aspects of related methods and systems also are disclosed herein.

A modular loading dock that includes a planar ramp member with lower and upper ends. The upper end abuts a preexisting structure and the lower end has a lower edge with a lip, the lip is able to be activated between an extended/engaged position to contact a truck bed. The ramp member has an at least thirteen foot long hydraulically-adjustable ramp section with an integrated dock leveler, the entire length of the ramp section is able to be moved between an upward and downward position. The loading dock also includes a base with top and bottom surfaces, the top surface has an opening to receive a dock leveler into the opening and a dock housing consisting of a modular frame mounted onto the base in sections. The length and adjustability of the planar ramp member allows accommodation of large-sized trailers as well as smaller-in-size delivery trucks and vans.

An automated biological or chemical sample processing system includes a dock frame and at least one dock frame module. The dock frame includes at least one docking interface that operably couples and interfaces the dock frame with laboratory equipment. The dock frame defines a spine structure of the system alongside which a variable number of laboratory equipment are arrayed. The dock frame extends longitudinally and has a variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length. The at least one dock frame module includes the docking interface, where each module is interchangeable with another module, and has control features with a predetermined relationship to a reference datum of the dock frame module and with a reference datum of the dock frame so that the at least one dock frame module is interchangeably coupled in linear configuration with at least the other dock frame module to select the variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length.

An automated biological or chemical sample processing system includes a dock frame and at least one dock frame module. The dock frame includes at least one docking interface that operably couples and interfaces the dock frame with laboratory equipment. The dock frame defines a spine structure of the system alongside which a variable number of laboratory equipment are arrayed. The dock frame extends longitudinally and has a variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length. The at least one dock frame module includes the docking interface, where each module is interchangeable with another module, and has control features with a predetermined relationship to a reference datum of the dock frame module and with a reference datum of the dock frame so that the at least one dock frame module is interchangeably coupled in linear configuration with at least the other dock frame module to select the variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length.

A middle mounted implement tractor utilizes a movable frame design in order to provide for middle mounting of implements on a tractor that can drive up to the implement, raise its front portion in the air, drive forward over the implement, and then lower the front portion to the ground and attach the middle mounted implement. This is accomplished utilizing a front frame assembly pivotably connected to a mounting frame assembly which mounts the implement; a frame mover mechanism that lifts the front frame and mounting frame; a middle frame which connects the cab, frame mover mechanism and related components; and a rear frame which attaches rear wheels, caster wheels, engine, etc. The front wheels can turn one hundred and eighty degrees and the tractor can easily interchange consumables via a carriage system that allows simple loading and unloading of tanks, etc.