Loading dock signal light change indicator apparatuses and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a light sensor that detects a change from illumination of a red signal light to illumination of a green signal light from a loading dock signal light assembly, and that generates one or more detection signals in response to that detected change. The apparatus may additionally include a transmitter that transmits one or more wireless signals in response to the one or more light sensor signals, and a receiver that receives the one or more wireless signals from the transmitter. The apparatus may further include an audio/visual device that generates one or more audio or visual outputs in response to the receiver receiving the one or more wireless signals, wherein the audio/visual device is separate and distinct from the loading dock signal light assembly.

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 concrete truck or cement tanker truck alignment system with a loading station having a discharge chute, an electronic sensor that sees through dust or an environmental dust shield, and provides location information used to determine a hopper offset. The hopper offset is a measurement of the physical offset between a feed hopper on the truck and the discharge chute. The system may further include an alignment feedback unit that provides feedback based on the hopper offset. The alignment feedback unit may indicate the hopper offset is within an alignment tolerance. The sensor may use radar. The alignment feedback unit may provide auditory or graphical feedback. The graphical feedback may show a discharge icon representing the position of the discharge chute and a hopper icon representing the feed hopper where the location of the hopper icon is relative to the discharge chute based on the hopper offset.

A system for alignment of a container or trailer to dock equipment includes a vision system for providing visual representations of a section of a container or trailer, an automated unloading apparatus for moving into an interior of the container or trailer, and a control system operably coupled to the vision system, the control system comprising a processor configured via computer executable instructions to receive the visual representations of the section of the container or trailer, interpret the visual representations of the section of the container or trailer, and output control commands for alignment of the container or trailer and/or the automated unloading apparatus. Further, a method for aligning a trailer or container to dock equipment is provided.

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 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.

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for sensing RIG positioning and vehicle restraint movement. An example method includes determining a presence of a RIG and enabling a barrier to move to an operational position when the RIG is present.

The invention relates to an automated transfer assembly for transferring goods, having a frame, having a repositioning installation which for repositioning the frame is disposed on the frame, and having a gripping device which for gripping an item of goods is in connection with the frame. The gripping device comprises a first gripper arm installation for engaging on the item of goods to be gripped, and a second gripper arm installation for engaging on the item of goods to be gripped, said second gripper arm installation being spaced apart from the first gripper arm installation. The transfer assembly furthermore has a control unit for controlling automated gripping of the item of goods to be gripped by means of the gripping device.

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 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.