The device 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. The embodiment also includes a second portion which has a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge of the second portion is removably attached to the trailing edge of the first portion and the leading edge of the second portion is disposed further from the driveway than the trailing edge of the second portion. The second portion also includes an extension portion. The first portion and second portion are separate from each other until they are removably attached by a connection apparatus. The device also includes at least one wheel chock with a corresponding wheel-chock track.

The wheel chock includes a locking mechanism that can be held in a locked state when properly positioned on a base plate. The locking mechanism includes a positioning unit having at least one tooth provided to engage a side of a corresponding one of the blocking elements in a latched engagement when the positioning unit is in the fully locked position. The locking mechanism also includes an actuating device to move the positioning unit from the unlocked position towards the fully locked position, and a holding device to selectively hold the positioning unit in the fully locked position.

A vehicle leveler which includes a first portion with a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge is disposed further from the driveway than the leading edge. The leveler also includes a second portion with 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 vehicle leveler has a door interlock system with at least one pair of photoelectric sensors with a sensor path. When a vehicle is being loaded or unloaded on the vehicle leveler, and at least one of the vehicle doors is opened, the door blocks the sensor path of the photoelectric sensors and prevents the vehicle leveler from lowering or raising.

The wheel chock is part of a wheel chock restraint system that also includes a base plate to prevent a parked vehicle from moving away in an unauthorized or accidental manner in a departure direction. The wheel chock includes a main body having a bottom base portion and a tire-engaging bulge. It also includes a tire deformation cavity, made within the main body on the tire-facing side. Teeth are provided underneath the bottom base portion of the wheel chock to engage at least one of the corresponding teeth provided on the base plate in a latched engagement. The wheel chock has an improved resistance to rollover and tipping when the wheel is pressed forcefully against the wheel chock.

The wheel chock includes a locking mechanism that can be held in a locked state when properly positioned on a base plate. The locking mechanism includes a positioning unit having at least one tooth provided to engage a side of a corresponding one of the blocking elements in a latched engagement when the positioning unit is in the fully locked position. The locking mechanism also includes an actuating device to move the positioning unit from the unlocked position towards the fully locked position, and a holding device to selectively hold the positioning unit in the fully locked position.

This invention provides a station for opening trailer swing doors that uses a sled with a manipulator arm and associated end effector/tool to perform the unlocking of the trailer lock rod, swinging open of the door, holding the door in the opened position and applying an resilient/flexible/springy retention clip thereto. The sled moves into and out of a confronting position relative to the trailer rear/doors to allow that trailer to drive into or out of the station at the beginning or end of the task. Closing of doors can also be performed at the station in the reverse order of steps. The door retention clip can be adapted with features that allow it to perform the various opening and closing tasks herein. The station can include tracks for guiding the sled between a non-interfering and interfering position with respect to the path of travel of the truck/trailer.

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.

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 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 system for preventing semitrailer collisions with a loading ramp (10) comprising: a sensor unit (100) comprising a sensor and configured for sensing when the rear end of a semitrailer (12) is approaching a loading ramp (10); a guide block (200) adapted to be positioned on the ground, laterally and/or medially to the opening of a loading ramp; the guide block comprises a first wheel blocking means configured as a sled (210) adapted for supporting the tread of a rear tire of the semitrailer, and moves from a forwarded position relative to said loading ramp to a retracted position relative to the ramp when being pushed by the rear tire as the semitrailer is reversing towards the ramp; the sensor unit is configured to send a blocking signal to said guide block (200) when the distance between said rear end of said semitrailer (12) and said loading ramp (10) is below a preset threshold, wherein said wheel blocking means locks its position in response to said blocking signal, thereby blocking the movement of said sled; a rain flap (14) isolation device adapted for preventing said rear tire and its rain flap from touching each other while said rear tire is positioned within said sled during its movement from a forwarded position relative to said loading ramp to a retracted position relative to said loading ramp when being pushed by said rear tire as said semitrailer is reversing towards said loading ramp.