In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has a first conveyor segment, a second conveyor segment spaced below the first conveyor segment, a first vertical lift disposed at a first end of the module, and a second vertical lift disposed at a second end of the module. The first and second lifts each transfer inventory carriers between the first and second conveyor segments. The first conveyor segment, the second conveyor segment, the first vertical lift, and the second vertical lift together define a conveying loop in a vertical plane, and the storage module translates inventory carriers around the conveying loop until a desired one of the inventory carriers is presented at one of the first and second module ends. An inventory item can be retrieved from, or stowed in, the desired one of the inventory carriers at the one of the first and second module ends.

A gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. A self-raising assembly is operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position. The self-raising assembly includes at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure. A raising actuator is usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position.

A gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. A self-raising assembly is operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position. The self-raising assembly includes at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure. A raising actuator is usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position.

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.

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.

A boom conveyor includes a boom that carries a conveyor, a support structure for the boom, a rear pivot joint that connects a rear end of the boom to the support structure, and a pivot drive that controls pivoting movement of the boom about the rear pivot joint. The boom conveyor apparatus includes an operator platform and an attachment mechanism at a front end of the boom whereby the operator platform may be attached to the boom or detached therefrom. The attachment mechanism includes a leveling mechanism that is configured to apply a leveling adjustment to the operator platform.

An autonomous dock station system having an automated material lift truck (AMT), a pallet conveyor, and a facility guidance system can automatically load and/or unload a trailer at a dock station. The autonomous dock station system can coordinate these components according to a workflow procedure. In some embodiments, the workflow procedure can begin with the pallet conveyor supplying a loaded pallet to a specified position. The AMT, initially guided by fixed guidance elements of the facility guidance system, can lift the pallet off the conveyor and transport it to a trailer entrance where the AMT switches from the facility guidance system to a trailer guidance system. The AMT can then carry the pallet to an unloading position, move the pallet to one side of the trailer as needed, unload the pallet and return to the pallet conveyor. The workflow procedure can repeat until the trailer is full.

An autonomous dock station system having an automated material lift truck (AMT), a pallet conveyor, and a facility guidance system can automatically load and/or unload a trailer at a dock station. The autonomous dock station system can coordinate these components according to a workflow procedure. In some embodiments, the workflow procedure can begin with the pallet conveyor supplying a loaded pallet to a specified position. The AMT, initially guided by fixed guidance elements of the facility guidance system, can lift the pallet off the conveyor and transport it to a trailer entrance where the AMT switches from the facility guidance system to a trailer guidance system. The AMT can then carry the pallet to an unloading position, move the pallet to one side of the trailer as needed, unload the pallet and return to the pallet conveyor. The workflow procedure can repeat until the trailer is full.

A highway towable dock-lift trailer for use in loading and/or unloading trucks, rail cars, containers, etc., for example, in any location and across all industries and applications, and can include a tow bar that allows the trailer be towed to a desirable position or location. When the tow bar is removed from the trailer or repositioned relative to the frame, either a truck can back into position or the trailer lift can be positioned against the truck, etc., and the trailer lift is then ready to load and/or offload the truck. As an operator elevates the loading platform of the trailer, via hydraulic lifting means, for example, the lift can move up to truck height and hydraulically operated lifting arms can operate opposed automatic folding ramps, which simultaneously can open for load distribution and close for safety. The trailer can include a bridge that extends from the platform to a towing vehicle and/or a steerable motive force mechanism to allow maneuvering of the trailer when not coupled to a towing vehicle.

A highway towable dock-lift trailer for use in loading and/or unloading trucks, rail cars, containers, etc., for example, in any location and across all industries and applications, and can include a tow bar that allows the trailer be towed to a desirable position or location. When the tow bar is removed from the trailer or repositioned relative to the frame, either a truck can back into position or the trailer lift can be positioned against the truck, etc., and the trailer lift is then ready to load and/or offload the truck. As an operator elevates the loading platform of the trailer, via hydraulic lifting means, for example, the lift can move up to truck height and hydraulically operated lifting arms can operate opposed automatic folding ramps, which simultaneously can open for load distribution and close for safety. The trailer can include a bridge that extends from the platform to a towing vehicle and/or a steerable motive force mechanism to allow maneuvering of the trailer when not coupled to a towing vehicle.