Methods and apparatus to monitor environmental conditions and reduce condensation are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first sensor system to measure a first temperature in a first area and a second sensor system to measure a second temperature in a second area adjacent to the first area. The first area being separated from the second area by a door. A controller has at least one memory, instructions, and processor circuitry to execute the instructions to at least: compare the first temperature and the second temperature; determine if a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a temperature threshold; and in response to determining that the temperature difference does not exceed the temperature threshold, deactivate a fan located in the first area.
Methods and apparatus to monitor and/or adjust operations of doors are disclosed. An apparatus includes processor circuitry to execute instructions to: monitor a position of a door panel associated with a door system; detect when a beam from a photo-eye sensor associated with the door system is in an unexpected non-triggered state based on the position of the door panel; and generate an alert or notification indicating a significance of the beam in the unexpected non-triggered state.
E05F 15/74 - Mécanismes pour battants mus par une force motrice avec déclenchement automatique sensible au déplacement ou à la présence de personnes ou d’objets utilisant des cellules photo-électriques
E05F 15/40 - Dispositifs de sécurité, p.ex. détection d’obstacles ou de fin de course
E06B 9/80 - Mesures de sécurité contre le déroulement intempestif ou l'ouverture sans autorisation; Dispositifs de freinage ou d'immobilisation; Dispositifs pour limiter le déroulement
3.
TRAFFIC ALERT DEVICES AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME
Traffic alert devices and methods of using the same are disclosed. A traffic alert device includes a housing having a first surface to face in a first direction toward a first area, and a directional motion sensor carried by the housing. The sensor monitors motion in a second area different than the first area, the second area being in a second direction angled relative to the first direction. The traffic alert device further includes a light emitter carried by the housing, the light emitter positioned to emit light that emanates from the first surface. The light emitter generates a visual signal in response to the sensor detecting an object in the second area approaching the sensor.
Example bulkheads for cargo transporters (e.g., refrigerated trailers, trucks, reefers, and containers) are disclosed. An example bulkhead includes an overhead track system mountable to an enclosed cargo transporter within a cargo storage area. A first carriage is attached to the overhead track system. The first carriage is movable relative to the overhead track system in at least one of a lateral direction or a longitudinal direction while being guided by the overhead track system. A first panel is suspended by the first carriage from the overhead track system, where the weight of the first panel is substantially supported by the overhead track system via the first carriage.
Example bulkheads for enclosed cargo transporters (e.g., trailers, trucks, reefers, and containers) are disclosed. An example bulkhead includes a first panel and a second panel adjoining the first panel to define a partition that includes a first lateral edge along the first panel and a second lateral edge along the second panel. The partition has a partition width extending from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge. A harness is structured to extend beyond the partition width. The harness includes a breakaway fastener assembly that renders the bulkhead in an operative configuration and a restorable breakaway configuration. The breakaway fastener assembly is to couple to the partition when the bulkhead is in the operative configuration, and the breakaway fastener assembly to decouple from the partition when the bulkhead is in the restorable breakaway configuration.
Apparatus for tensioning pliable airducts while supporting internal HVAC components are disclosed. An airduct system includes an airduct having an elongate tubular wall of a pliable material. The airduct system further includes a frame disposable inside the tubular wall of the airduct, the frame including a hoop to support the tubular wall in a radial direction, the hoop to define an opening to provide passage of a flow of air along a length of the airduct. The airduct system also includes an HVAC component disposable within the tubular wall of the airduct, the HVAC component to be attached to and supported by the frame inside the airduct, the HVAC component to adjust a characteristic of the air.
Switch arrangements for powered doors are disclosed. A door includes a panel and a track to guide movement of the panel between an open position and a closed position. The track defines a track slot extending along an exterior length of the track. The door further includes a sensor target to be carried by the panel within the track. The door also includes a sensor selectively attachable to an exterior of the track via the track slot. The sensor to detect the sensor target when the panel is in a first position. The track defines an aperture to be positioned between the sensor target and the sensor when the panel is in the first position.
Example dock leveler apparatuses are disclosed. A dock leveler apparatus includes a curtain assembly that includes an upper curtain section and a lower curtain section. The curtain assembly is movable between a folded configuration and a pendant configuration. The curtain assembly having a longer length in the pendant configuration than in the folded configuration. A connector couples to the upper curtain section to a deck pivotally coupled to a base frame of a dock leveler. A releasable coupling between the upper curtain section and the lower curtain section. The releasable coupling is to removably couple the lower curtain section and the upper curtain section.
Methods and apparatus to monitor and manage loading dock operations are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a sensor feedback analyzer to analyze feedback from sensors associated with a dock at a material handling facility to determine durations for completion of tasks in a sequence of operations associated with loading or unloading of a trailer at the dock based on the feedback. The apparatus also includes an efficiency analyzer to compare the durations to target thresholds associated with the tasks. The apparatus further includes a user interface generator to generate a user interface indicating at least one of the durations or the target thresholds.
10.
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DOOR CURTAIN BREAKAWAY DETECTION
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for door curtain breakaway detection. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a sensor to detect a lateral edge of a door curtain within a guide of a door, and a controller to identify when the door curtain transitions from an operational state to a breakaway state based on a signal from the sensor, the operational state corresponding to when the lateral edge of the door curtain is enclosed by the guide as the door curtain moves between open and closed positions, and the breakaway state corresponding to when a portion of the lateral edge of the door curtain below an upper end of the guide breaks away from the guide.
Impact resistant retractable safety barriers are disclosed. An apparatus includes a support member, a flexible elongate member to extend and retract through an opening in the support member, and a stop member including a region to interface with the flexible elongate member. The stop member engages with structure of the support member surrounding the opening to limit a distance with which the flexible elongate member extends through the opening. The stop member cooperates with the structure of the support member to maintain a gap between a surface of the region of the stop member and the structure of the support member. A width of the gap is equal to or greater than a thickness of the flexible elongate member.
Example room partitions are disclosed. An example room partition includes a plurality of poles to be suspended from a track. A curtain assembly has a plurality of sleeves through which the plurality of poles extends. The curtain assembly has a lowermost edge. An upper lock pin is attached to an upper end of a first pole of the plurality of poles and is movable between a raised lock position and a lowered unlock position relative to the first pole, the upper lock pin to be restrained when the upper lock pin is in the raised lock position, the upper lock pin to be unrestrained when the upper lock pin is in the lowered unlock position. A lower lock pin is attached to a lower end of the first pole and is movable between a descended lock position and an elevated unlock position relative to the first pole. The lower lock pin is to extend lower than the lowermost edge of the curtain assembly when the lower lock pin is in the descended lock position. The lower lock pin is to be above the lowermost edge of the curtain assembly when the lower lock pin is in the elevated unlock position.
Example fan and light units and associated mounting arrangements for use at a loading dock are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a proximal arm to be pivotally coupled to a building structure adjacent a vehicle loading dock. The apparatus further includes a distal arm to be pivotally coupled to the proximal arm. The apparatus also includes an illuminating fan assembly pivotally coupled to the distal arm. The illuminating fan to pivot about both a first axis and a second axis relative to the distal arm. The first axis and the second axis being substantially perpendicular. The illuminating fan assembly including a fan, a light, and a frame. The frame is to support the fan and the light.
B65G 69/34 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de retenue des véhicules, dispositifs d'immobilisation des roues, dispositifs de positionnement ou d'amortissement
B65G 69/28 - Rampes de chargement; Quais de chargement
F21V 33/00 - Combinaisons structurales de dispositifs d'éclairage avec d'autres objets, non prévues ailleurs
14.
MONITORING AND ALERTING SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS AT LOADING DOCKS
Monitoring and alerting systems (10) for detecting hazardous conditions at loading docks (34) are disclosed. An example monitoring and alerting system includes a first sensor system to monitor a location of a first brace (24a) of a first dock station of the loading dock. The first brace being positionable in a first stored position, a first operative position, and a first transition position, where the first transition position is between the first stored position and the first operative position. A second sensor system is to monitor a location of a second brace (24b) of a second dock station of the loading dock adjacent the first dock station. The second brace is positionable in a second stored position, a second operative position, and a second transition position, where the second transition position is between the second stored position and the second operative position. A first signaling device (20a) at the first dock station is responsive to outputs of the first sensor system and the second sensor system. A second signaling device (20b) at the second dock station is responsive to outputs of the first sensor system and the second sensor system.
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.
An example air barrier system for a data center within a building is disclosed. The example air barrier system includes a pliable barrier material to partition an area above a top of row of computer cabinets in the data center and below an overhead surface of the building. The pliable barrier material is to reduce mixing of air between first and second aisles on opposites sides of the row of computer cabinets. The example air barrier system also includes a frame to support the pliable barrier material in position when in the area above the top of the row of computer cabinets. The frame is to be supported by the row of computer cabinets without support from the overhead surface.
Pedestrian-Vehicle safety systems for loading docks are disclosed. An example system includes a first sensor system to determine a position of a vehicle relative to a pedestrian zone adjacent a dock wall of a loading dock and a second sensor system to monitor the pedestrian zone. The second sensor system to attempt to detect a pedestrian in the pedestrian zone, the second sensor system responsive to signals from the first sensor system to enable the second sensor system to dynamically change a sensing area of the pedestrian zone to maintain a delta threshold between the vehicle and the pedestrian zone in response to the vehicle moving toward a dock wall of the loading dock.
Various example vehicle restraints (10) for use at a loading dock (16) for blocking and later releasing a vehicle's rear impact guard. In some examples, the vehicle restraint includes a hook-shaped barrier (18) that rotates between a lowered position and a raised position. The barrier rotates up to block the rear impact guard and rotates down to release it. The barrier also translates or shifts forward (20) and back (22) via a secondary track (48) and between a retracted position and an extended position via a main track (44). The barrier shifts forward to relieve forward pressure that the vehicle might exert against the barrier just prior to releasing the rear impact guard.
B65G 69/00 - Mesures auxiliaires ou dispositifs utilisés en liaison avec le chargement ou le déchargement
B65G 69/34 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de retenue des véhicules, dispositifs d'immobilisation des roues, dispositifs de positionnement ou d'amortissement
A loading dock including a dock leveler movable between a standard loading position, a cross-traffic position and a below-deck loading position. The dock leveler has deck and lip movably coupled to the deck. A seal assembly is coupled to the loading dock adjacent a forward edge of the dock leveler. The seal assembly sealingly engages a front surface of a lip of the dock leveler and a rear surface of the lip when the dock leveler is positioned in a cross-traffic position or a below-dock position.
Maneuverable ergonomic trailer stands (10) are disclosed. An example portable trailer stand includes a frame having an upper ledge (26); an extendable leg (38) coupled to the frame, the upper ledge being vertically movable to selectively engage and disengage an underside of a trailer parked on a driveway based on movement of the extendable leg relative to the frame; a wheel (30) connected to the frame, the wheel to remain at a substantially fixed distance from the upper ledge as the upper ledge is vertically moved.
Maneuverable ergonomic trailer stands are disclosed. An example portable trailer stand includes a frame having an upper ledge; an extendable leg coupled to the frame, the upper ledge being vertically movable to selectively engage and disengage an underside of a trailer parked on a driveway based on movement of the extendable leg relative to the frame; a wheel connected to the frame, the wheel to remain at a substantially fixed from the upper ledge as the upper ledge is vertically moved.
Methods and apparatus to monitor and manage loading docks and facility (100) operations are disclosed. The apparatus includes a data analyzer (1104) to: monitor first data indicating whether a truck trailer (300) is present at a dock (102) of the material handling facility (100); and monitor second data indicating a condition associated with a door at the dock (102), the second data being different than the first data. The apparatus further includes a notification generator to generate a notification based on the first data and the second data.
Example vehicle restraints with a barrier having rotational and translational motion are described. An example vehicle restraint includes a carriage frame movable vertically relative to the dock. A drive shaft is supported by the carriage frame. A drive unit is to rotate the drive shaft about a shaft axis and relative to the carriage frame. A hub is connected to rotate with the drive shaft about the shaft axis, the hub having an outer diameter surface that is radially off center relative to the shaft axis. A barrier defines a bore that encircles the outer diameter surface of the hub. The barrier is movable selectively to an extended position and a retracted position. The barrier being connected to move selectively to the extended position and the retracted position in response to relative rotation between the outer diameter surface of the hub and the bore of the barrier.
A vehicle snow and ice remover comprises a plurality of modular pieces assembled together to form a pair of vertical supports and a cross piece connecting the pair of vertical supports and a roof clearing device movable along the pair of vertical supports. The plurality of modular pieces include at most two different shapes and each having a maximum outer dimension that is less than or equal to 75% of a height of each of the vertical supports.
Methods and apparatus to wirelessly interlock doors are disclosed. A door system includes a user interface to receive interlock configuration data input from a user, the interlock configuration data to define an interlock condition to be satisfied before a first door is to undergo an operation, the interlock condition associated with a current state of a second door. The door system includes a first wireless transceiver to receive a signal from a second wireless transceiver associated with a second door. The method includes a door operation controller to at least one of (1) implement the operation of the first door in response to a request when the current state of the second door satisfies the interlock condition, (2) ignore the request, or (3) not execute the operation of the first door in response to the request when the current state of the second door does not satisfy the interlock condition.
E05F 17/00 - Dispositifs particuliers pour déplacer plusieurs battants manœuvrés simultanément
E05F 15/70 - Mécanismes pour battants mus par une force motrice avec déclenchement automatique
E05F 15/73 - Mécanismes pour battants mus par une force motrice avec déclenchement automatique sensible au déplacement ou à la présence de personnes ou d’objets
E05F 15/76 - Mécanismes pour battants mus par une force motrice avec déclenchement automatique sensible au déplacement ou à la présence de personnes ou d’objets sensible à des dispositifs portés par des personnes ou des objets, p.ex. aimants ou miroirs
E05F 15/77 - Mécanismes pour battants mus par une force motrice avec déclenchement automatique utilisant une commande sans fil
26.
A RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR A FREIGHT TRANSPORTER AND A RELATED METHOD
A vehicle restraint system to restrain or monitor a freight transporter near a platform structure of a loading dock and related method are disclosed. The restraint system comprising a wheel chock having an inclined tire-engaging surface, the wheel chock being movable selectively to a stored position, a wheel blocking position at which the wheel chock is to engage the freight transporter, and a displaced position, the wheel chock being closer to the platform structure when the wheel chock is in the stored position than when the wheel chock is in the wheel blocking position, the wheel chock being closer to the platform structure when the wheel chock is in the wheel blocking position than when the wheel chock is in the displaced position. The restraint system further comprising a measurement system to measure a distance between the wheel chock and a reference to detect if the wheel chock moves a predetermined distance relative to the wheel blocking position.
Fabric drop-down diffusers are disclosed. An example drop-down diffuser includes an upper panel including an upper fabric sheet to be held in radial tension by an upper hoop. The upper panel defines a supply air inlet. The example drop-down diffuser further includes a lower panel to be underneath and spaced apart from the upper panel. The example drop- down diffuser also includes a circumferential fabric sheet to encircle the upper panel and the lower panel. The circumferential fabric sheet is to extend downward from the upper panel to the lower panel to define an air chamber bordered by the upper panel, the lower panel and the circumferential fabric sheet. The air chamber is connected in fluid communication with the supply air inlet.
Fabric drop-down diffusers are disclosed. An example drop-down diffuser includes an upper panel including an upper fabric sheet to be held in radial tension by an upper hoop. The upper panel defines a supply air inlet. The example drop-down diffuser further includes a lower panel to be underneath and spaced apart from the upper panel. The example dropdown diffuser also includes a circumferential fabric sheet to encircle the upper panel and the lower panel. The circumferential fabric sheet is to extend downward from the upper panel to the lower panel to define an air chamber bordered by the upper panel, the lower panel and the circumferential fabric sheet. The air chamber is connected in fluid communication with the supply air inlet.
Pedestrian-Vehicle safety systems for loading docks are disclosed. An example system includes pedestrian sensors to monitor a first pedestrian zone and a second pedestrian zone in front of a dock face of a loading dock. The at least one pedestrian sensors to attempt to detect a pedestrian in at least one of the first pedestrian zone or the second pedestrian zone. The first pedestrian zone is different than the second pedestrian zone. A first vehicle detector is to attempt to detect a vehicle near the first pedestrian zone and a second vehicle detector is to attempt to detect the vehicle near the second pedestrian zone. A sensor manager is to disable the first pedestrian zone when the first vehicle detector detects the vehicle approaching the first pedestrian zone and the at least one pedestrian sensors does not detect the pedestrian in the first pedestrian zone. The sensor manager is to disable the second pedestrian zone when the second vehicle detector detects the vehicle approachingthe second pedestrian zone and at least one of the at least pedestrian sensors does not detect the pedestrian in the second pedestrian zone.
Cooling systems for devices arranged in rows are disclosed. An example cooling system includes an inflatable air duct to be positioned above a cold aisle defined between two rows of electronic equipment. The inflatable air duct is to be air permeable to deliver conditioned air into the cold aisle. The electronic equipment has fans to force cool air within the cold aisle through the electronic equipment to adjacent hot aisles on opposite sides of the two rows of the electronic equipment. The inflatable air duct to be spaced apart from the rows of computers such that the cold aisle is in unobstructed fluid communication with the adjacent hot aisles over top of the rows of electronic equipment. The conditioned air delivered from the inflatable air duct to substantially prevent a mixing of warm air in the hot aisles with the cool air in the cold aisle.
Adjustable lateral seals for loading dock barriers are disclosed. An example barrier includes a header structure coupled to the wall, where the header structure is horizontally elongate, extending above the doorway, and protrudes in the forward direction from the wall. A lateral seal is coupled to the wall. The lateral seal is vertically elongate and extends below the header structure. The lateral seal extends farther into a cargo passageway of a loading dock when the weather barrier is in a relaxed configuration than when the weather barrier is in an activated configuration. The lateral seal is to be engage by a vehicle when the vehicle is in a parked position. The lateral seal including an upper seal segment and a lower seal segment, the upper seal segment to move between a lowered position and a raised position relative to the lower seal segment. A flexible elongate member has an upper end coupled to the header structure and a lower end coupled to the upper seal segment. The flexible elongate member is to deflect from a relaxed position to a deflected position. The upper seal segment to move from the lowered position to the raised position in response to the flexible elongate member deflecting from the relaxed position to the deflected position.
Adjustable lateral seals for loading dock barriers are disclosed. An example barrier includes a header structure coupled to the wall, where the header structure is horizontally elongate, extending above the doorway, and protrudes in the forward direction from the wall. A lateral seal is coupled to the wall. The lateral seal is vertically elongate and extends below the header structure. The lateral seal extends farther into a cargo passageway of a loading dock when the weather barrier is in a relaxed configuration than when the weather barrier is in an activated configuration. The lateral seal is to be engage by a vehicle when the vehicle is in a parked position. The lateral seal including an upper seal segment and a lower seal segment, the upper seal segment to move between a lowered position and a raised position relative to the lower seal segment. A flexible elongate member has an upper end coupled to the header structure and a lower end coupled to the upper seal segment. The flexible elongate member is to deflect from a relaxed position to a deflected position. The upper seal segment to move from the lowered position to the raised position in response to the flexible elongate member deflecting from the relaxed position to the deflected position.
A safety systems for use at a loading dock is disclosed. An example safety system includes a sensor installed at the loading dock. The sensor provides a feedback signal in response to sensing the vehicle. An alarm device is mounted below a lowest elevation of the doorway. The alarm device is positioned between the first lateral plane and the second lateral plane of the doorway. An alarm signal is emitted by the alarm device in response to the feedback signal. The alarm device is mounted on a vehicle restraint.
B65G 69/34 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de retenue des véhicules, dispositifs d'immobilisation des roues, dispositifs de positionnement ou d'amortissement
B65G 69/00 - Mesures auxiliaires ou dispositifs utilisés en liaison avec le chargement ou le déchargement
B65G 69/28 - Rampes de chargement; Quais de chargement
A weather barrier for a vehicle loading dock is disclosed which includes a side support member being vertically elongate between an upper end and a lower end of the side support member. A vertically elongate front sheet includes a pliable sheet having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is to attach to the front end of the side support member. The front sheet extends in a lateral direction from the proximal end to the distal end, where the lateral direction is horizontal and perpendicular to the forward direction. The front sheet is to extends in front of the doorway. A stay is to be coupled to the front sheet. The stay is resiliently flexible and horizontally elongate. The stay is to subject the front sheet to tension in a horizontal direction.
Puncture resistant seals for loading docks are disclosed. An example weather barrier disclosed herein includes a canopy having a back end and a front end, where the back end is mountable to a wall above a doorway and the front end is to protrude forward from the wall when the canopy is mounted to the wall. A front bar is at the front end of the canopy and the front bar is horizontally elongate. A back curtain hangs from the front bar. The back curtain has an upper curtain edge attached to the front bar. The back curtain has a lower curtain edge that is at a lower elevation than an elevation of the upper doorway edge when the canopy is mounted to the wall. The back curtain has a curtain width. A front panel hangs in front of the back curtain. The front panel is less flexible than the back curtain. The front panel has a panel width that is approximately 50 to 80 percent of the curtain width. A space is interposed between and defined by the front panel and the back curtain.
Bumpers (12) for use at loading docks are disclosed. An example bumper (12) includes a housing (100) defining a lip-engaging surface (90) to engage a lip (18) of a deck (22) when the lip (18) is in a retracted position, and a RIG-engaging surface (88) positioned adjacent the lip-engaging surface (90). The RIG-engaging surface (88) is movable relative to the lip-engaging surface (90). The RIG- engaging surface (88) is to move relative to the lip- engaging surface (90) when a RIG (44) of a vehicle (16) imparts a force to the RIG- engaging surface (88) when the vehicle (16) is at a loading dock (10).
An example retractable bollard system for installation in a support surface that includes pavement is disclosed. The example bollard system includes a shell that when installed in the support surface extends below an upper surface of the pavement. The example bollard system includes a post to be telescopically coupled to the shell. The post is axially movable relative to the shell selectively to an upper area and a lower area. The post extends farther above the shell when the post is in the upper area than when the post is in the lower area. The example bollard system further includes a shock absorber to encircle the shell. The shock absorber is made of a polymeric material.
E01F 13/04 - Dispositions pour interdire ou limiter la circulation, p.ex. portes, barrières pouvant être déplacées pour permettre ou empêcher le passage
E01F 15/00 - Dispositions de sécurité pour ralentir, maintenir sur la route ou arrêter les véhicules à la dérive, p.ex. bornes de protection ou pieux garde-fous; Dispositions pour réduire les dommages occasionnés aux structures du bord de la route par l'impact de véhicules
An example retractable bollard system for installation in a support surface that includes pavement is disclosed. The example bollard system includes a shell that when installed in the support surface extends below an upper surface of the pavement. The example bollard system includes a post to be telescopically coupled to the shell. The post is axially movable relative to the shell selectively to an upper area and a lower area. The post extends farther above the shell when the post is in the upper area than when the post is in the lower area. The example bollard system further includes a shock absorber to encircle the shell. The shock absorber is made of a polymeric material.
E01F 13/04 - Dispositions pour interdire ou limiter la circulation, p.ex. portes, barrières pouvant être déplacées pour permettre ou empêcher le passage
An example retractable bollard system for installation in a support surface that includes pavement is disclosed. The example bollard system includes a shell that when installed in the support surface extends below an upper surface of the pavement. The example bollard system includes a post to be telescopically coupled to the shell. The post is axially movable relative to the shell selectively to an upper area and a lower area. The post extends farther above the shell when the post is in the upper area than when the post is in the lower area. The example bollard system further includes a shock absorber to encircle the shell. The shock absorber is made of a polymeric material.
E01F 13/04 - Dispositions pour interdire ou limiter la circulation, p.ex. portes, barrières pouvant être déplacées pour permettre ou empêcher le passage
An example cooling system for a datacenter is disclosed. The datacenter includes a plurality of computers arranged in a row within a building. The row of computers separates a cold aisle and a hot aisle. The row of computers defines an air passageway between the cold aisle and the hot aisle. The row of computers is associated with a top surface that is below and spaced apart from an overhead surface of the building to define a gap between the top surface and the overhead surface. The example cooling system includes an inflatable air duct to be disposed within the gap. The inflatable air duct has selectively an inflated state and a deflated state. The inflatable air duct filling more of the gap when the inflatable air duct is in the inflated state than when the inflatable air duct is in the deflated state.
F24F 3/052 - Systèmes à conduits multiples, p.ex. systèmes dans lesquels de l'air chaud et de l'air froid sont amenés, par des circuits séparés, de la centrale aux chambres mélangeuses dans les lieux à conditionner
An example cooling system for a datacenter is disclosed. The datacenter includes a plurality of computers arranged in a row within a building. The row of computers separates a cold aisle and a hot aisle. The row of computers defines an air passageway between the cold aisle and the hot aisle. The row of computers is associated with a top surface that is below and spaced apart from an overhead surface of the building to define a gap between the top surface and the overhead surface. The example cooling system includes an inflatable air duct to be disposed within the gap. The inflatable air duct has selectively an inflated state and a deflated state. The inflatable air duct filling more of the gap when the inflatable air duct is in the inflated state than when the inflatable air duct is in the deflated state.
H05K 7/20 - Modifications en vue de faciliter la réfrigération, l'aération ou le chauffage
F24F 3/052 - Systèmes à conduits multiples, p.ex. systèmes dans lesquels de l'air chaud et de l'air froid sont amenés, par des circuits séparés, de la centrale aux chambres mélangeuses dans les lieux à conditionner
Dynamically configurable traffic controllers and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first display facing a first direction; a second display facing a second direction; a third display facing a third direction; and a processor, in response to a first input being received indicative of traffic approaching the first display and no traffic approaching the second display and the third display, the processor to cause the second display and the third display to display a first signal and for the first display not to display the first signal or a second signal, the first signal providing a first warning level, the second signal providing a second warning level greater than the first warning level, the first signal illuminatable on the second display, the second signal illuminatable on the second display, the first signal, when illuminated, disposed within a perimeter of the second signal, when illuminated.
An example cooling system for a datacenter is disclosed. The datacenter includes a plurality of computers arranged in a row within a building. The row of computers separates a cold aisle and a hot aisle. The row of computers defines an air passageway between the cold aisle and the hot aisle. The row of computers is associated with a top surface that is below and spaced apart from an overhead surface of the building to define a gap between the top surface and the overhead surface. The example cooling system includes an inflatable air duct to be disposed within the gap. The inflatable air duct has selectively an inflated state and a deflated state. The inflatable air duct filling more of the gap when the inflatable air duct is in the inflated state than when the inflatable air duct is in the deflated state.
F24F 3/052 - Systèmes à conduits multiples, p.ex. systèmes dans lesquels de l'air chaud et de l'air froid sont amenés, par des circuits séparés, de la centrale aux chambres mélangeuses dans les lieux à conditionner
Methods and apparatus for monitoring a dock leveler are disclosed. An example method for monitoring a loading dock includes determining if a door at a doorway of a loading dock is in an open position; determining if a vehicle is present at the doorway; determining if a body is present in a first area of the loading dock, the first area including a deck positioned adjacent the doorway; and determining if a body is present in a second area of the loading dock adjacent the doorway, the second area including only a portion of a deck adjacent the doorway.
Dock leveler safety supports are disclosed herein. An example dock leveler disclosed herein includes a deck movable relative to a platform between a raised position and a lowered cross-traffic position when the dock leveler is in a working configuration, where a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge of the deck are proximate the platform when the deck is in the lowered cross-traffic position and the deck residing at least partially in a pit when the front edge of the deck is in the lowered cross-traffic position. A front edge of the deck is above at least one of the lowered cross-traffic position or the raised position and inhibited from descending toward the lowered cross-traffic position when the dock leveler is in a service configuration. A first deck obstruction is movable relative to a deck between a secured position and an unrestrained position, where the first deck obstruction in the secured position configures the dock leveler in the service configuration and the first deck obstruction in the unrestrained position configures the dock leveler in the working configuration. The first deck obstruction extends farther beyond the outer perimeter of the deck when the first deck obstruction is in the secured position than when the first deck obstruction is in the unrestrained position.
B65G 69/28 - Rampes de chargement; Quais de chargement
B65G 69/34 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de retenue des véhicules, dispositifs d'immobilisation des roues, dispositifs de positionnement ou d'amortissement
46.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING A DOCK LEVELER
Methods and apparatus for monitoring a dock leveler (16) are disclosed herein. One example dock leveler system for use at a doorway (22) of a loading dock (10), where a body (12) is sometimes present at the loading dock, includes a deck (14) movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The example dock leveler system also includes a sensor (30) having a field of view (32) extending over the deck when the deck is in the lowered position. The sensor is in a normal state when the deck is in the lowered position while the body is off the deck, the sensor is in a triggered state when the deck is in the lowered position while the body is on the deck interrupting the field of view, and the sensor is in the triggered state when the deck is in the raised position with the deck interrupting the field of view regardless of whether the body is on or off the deck.
B65G 69/28 - Rampes de chargement; Quais de chargement
B65G 69/34 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de retenue des véhicules, dispositifs d'immobilisation des roues, dispositifs de positionnement ou d'amortissement
47.
WEATHER BARRIER APPARATUSES FOR SEALING OR SHELTERING VEHICLES AT LOADING DOCKS
Example weather barrier apparatuses for sealing or sheltering vehicles at loading docks are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first seal to be engaged by a vehicle as the vehicle moves between a departed position and a parked position relative to the first seal. The first seal has a penetration portion movable between a relaxed condition when the vehicle releases the first seal and an activated condition when the vehicle engages the first seal. A second seal is coupled adjacent the first seal. The second seal has an opening to be positioned adjacent the penetration portion of the first seal such that at least a portion of the penetration portion extends across at least a portion of the opening when the first seal is in the relaxed condition, and the opening of the second seal receives at least the penetration portion of the first seal when the first seal is in the activated condition.
Pedestrian-Vehicle safety systems for loading docks are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes sensing whether a person (12) is within a certain area (52a) adjacent a dock face (22) of a loading dock (14), emitting a first signal in response to sensing the person being present within the certain area, sensing rearward movement of a vehicle (10) toward the dock face, emitting a second signal in response to sensing rearward movement of the vehicle while the person is not present in the certain area, and emitting a third signal in response to sensing both the rearward movement of the vehicle and the person being present within the certain area.
B65G 69/34 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de retenue des véhicules, dispositifs d'immobilisation des roues, dispositifs de positionnement ou d'amortissement
B65G 69/28 - Rampes de chargement; Quais de chargement
F16P 3/00 - Dispositifs de sécurité agissant en conjonction avec la commande ou le fonctionnement d'une machine; Commandes exigeant l'emploi simultané de plusieurs parties du corps humain
F16P 3/14 - Dispositifs de sécurité agissant en conjonction avec la commande ou le fonctionnement d'une machine; Commandes exigeant l'emploi simultané de plusieurs parties du corps humain avec dispositifs, p.ex. des éléments sensibles, qui agissent sur la commande ou le fonctionnement de la machine lorsqu'une partie du corps humain se trouve dans ou près de la zone de danger les dispositifs étant des cellules photo-électriques ou d'autres dispositifs sensibles sans contact mécanique
G01B 21/02 - Dispositions pour la mesure ou leurs détails, où la technique de mesure n'est pas couverte par les autres groupes de la présente sous-classe, est non spécifiée ou est non significative pour mesurer la longueur, la largeur ou l'épaisseur
G01V 3/12 - Prospection ou détection électrique ou magnétique; Mesure des caractéristiques du champ magnétique de la terre, p.ex. de la déclinaison ou de la déviation fonctionnant par ondes électromagnétiques
G08B 5/00 - Systèmes de signalisation optique, p.ex. systèmes d'appel de personnes, indication à distance de l'occupation de sièges
G08B 21/02 - Alarmes pour assurer la sécurité des personnes
49.
PEDESTRIAN-VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS FOR LOADING DOCKS
Pedestrian-Vehicle safety systems for loading docks are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes sensing whether a person is within a certain area adjacent a dock face of a loading dock, emitting a first signal in response to sensing the person being present within the certain area, sensing rearward movement of a vehicle toward the dock face, emitting a second signal in response to sensing rearward movement of the vehicle while the person is not present in the certain area, and emitting a third signal in response to sensing both the rearward movement of the vehicle and the person being present within the certain area.
B65G 69/28 - Rampes de chargement; Quais de chargement
B60R 21/34 - Protection des personnes extérieures au véhicule, p.ex. des piétons
B65G 67/02 - Chargement ou déchargement des véhicules terrestres
F16P 1/00 - Dispositifs de sécurité indépendants de la commande ou du fonctionnement de toute machine
G01B 21/02 - Dispositions pour la mesure ou leurs détails, où la technique de mesure n'est pas couverte par les autres groupes de la présente sous-classe, est non spécifiée ou est non significative pour mesurer la longueur, la largeur ou l'épaisseur
G08B 21/02 - Alarmes pour assurer la sécurité des personnes
G08B 7/06 - Systèmes de signalisation selon plus d'un des groupes ; Systèmes d'appel de personnes selon plus d'un des groupes utilisant une transmission électrique
Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.
F16L 3/18 - Supports pour tuyaux, pour câbles ou pour conduits de protection, p.ex. potences, pattes de fixation, attaches, brides, colliers avec disposition particulière permettant au tuyau de bouger permettant un mouvement selon l'axe
Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the ducts longitudinal direction.
Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.
F16L 3/18 - Supports pour tuyaux, pour câbles ou pour conduits de protection, p.ex. potences, pattes de fixation, attaches, brides, colliers avec disposition particulière permettant au tuyau de bouger permettant un mouvement selon l'axe
Example vehicle restraint apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint includes a main body proximate a dock, a vehicle restraint drive unit, and a barrier coupled to the vehicle restraint drive unit and the main body. The barrier is movable relative to the main body between an extended position, a retracted position. and a plurality of intermediate positions between the extended position and the retracted position. A sensor provides a plurality of position feedback signals corresponding to a plurality of sensed positions of the barrier when the barrier moves along the plurality of intermediate positions. A controller receives the plurality of position feedback signals, performs a plurality of comparisons of the plurality of position feedback signals with a stored reference, and generates an output signal based on the compared value.
B65G 69/34 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de retenue des véhicules, dispositifs d'immobilisation des roues, dispositifs de positionnement ou d'amortissement
54.
MONITORING VEHICLE RESTRAINTS OVER A CONTINUOUS RANGE OF POSITIONS
Example vehicle restraint apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint includes a main body proximate a dock, a vehicle restraint drive unit, and a barrier coupled to the vehicle restraint drive unit and the main body. The barrier is movable relative to the main body between an extended position, a retracted position, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the extended position and the retracted position. A sensor provides a plurality of position feedback signals corresponding to a plurality of sensed positions of the barrier when the barrier moves along the plurality of intermediate positions. A controller receives the plurality of position feedback signals, performs a plurality of comparisons of the plurality of position feedback signals with a stored reference, and generates an output signal based on the compared value.
B65G 69/34 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de retenue des véhicules, dispositifs d'immobilisation des roues, dispositifs de positionnement ou d'amortissement
Vehicle restraints with activated catches are disclosed. An example vehicle restraint includes a main body mountable at a loading dock and to move vertically relative to the loading dock. A barrier is movable relative to the main body to selectively block and release a RIG of a vehicle, where the barrier is selectively movable to a first blocking position to block the RIG, a stored position to release the RIG, and an intermediate position between the first blocking position and the stored position. A pawl is movable relative to the barrier between an activated position and a released position. A stop is carried by the main body and a pawl actuator is coupled to at least one of the main body and the barrier. The pawl actuator has a contact surface to engage the RIG, where the contact surface is movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the barrier. The contact surface moves between the raised position and the lowered position in response to relative movement between the RIG and the barrier while the contact surface is in engagement with the RIG. Movement of the contact surface from the raised position to the lowered position is to cause the pawl to move from the released position to the activated position. The pawl is spaced apart from the stop when the barrier is at the intermediate position while the pawl is in the released position and the pawl to engage the stop when the barrier is at the intermediate position while the pawl is in the activated position.
B65G 69/34 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de retenue des véhicules, dispositifs d'immobilisation des roues, dispositifs de positionnement ou d'amortissement
Vehicle restraints with underside catches are disclosed. An example vehicle restraint includes a main body and a barrier. The barrier includes a proximal end, and a distal end. The distal end is selectively movable to a first blocking position, a plurality of extended blocking positions, and a stored position. The example vehicle restraint also includes an engageable feature. The example vehicle restraint further includes a stop. The stop is to engage the engageable feature when the distal end is at the first blocking position while the stop is at a holding position. The stop is spaced apart from the engageable feature when the distal end is at the first blocking position while the stop is at a release position. The stop is spaced apart from the engageable feature when the distal end is in the stored position.
B65G 69/34 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de retenue des véhicules, dispositifs d'immobilisation des roues, dispositifs de positionnement ou d'amortissement
57.
SAFETY SYSTEMS FOR VERTICALLY STORING DOCK LEVELERS
Example dock leveler safety systems (12a-f) for vertically storing dock levelers (24) are disclosed herein. An example dock leveler safety system disclosed herein may be used at a dock platform (16) in a pit (26) having a pit floor (28), where the pit floor is at a lower elevation than the dock platform and the dock platform and the pit floor define the pit. The dock leveler safety system comprises a deck (30) to pivot relative to the dock platform between an upright position and a lowered position such that the deck extends farther over the pit floor when the deck is in the lowered position than when the deck is in the stored upright position. A sensor (54) monitors a sensed region (56) within the pit when the deck is in the upright position and the sensor provides a reaction signal (60) in response to a body (50) being detected within the sensed region. The deck enters a state of restricted movement in response to the reaction signal.
Dock leveler safety systems (12a-12l) for vertically storing dock levelers (24) are disclosed herein. An example method for sensing a body (50) present within an area of a pit (26) at a loading dock (14) includes monitoring the area of the pit via a sensor system (521) by capturing an image of the area, comparing the captured image to a reference image to determine whether a body is present in the area of the pit, and commanding a deck (30) of a dock leveler to not lower relative to the pit if the body is present.
Weather barrier (10) with a side seal member (34a) to be vertically elongate and having a front surface facing away from a doorway, the side seal member (34a) extending laterally farther into a cargo passageway when its front surface (98) is engaged by a vehicle. The apparatus also includes an upper seal member (28) to hang in front of the side seal member (34a), the upper seal member (28) being horizontally elongate and having a lower corner point (72) proximate the side seal member (34a), the front surface (98) facing away from the lower corner point (72) when the vehicle presses against the barrier (10).
Example weather barrier apparatuses (10) disclosed herein include vehicle-actuated mechanisms for forcibly pressing a seal member down against a roof of a vehicle (14) parked at a loading dock (16). In some examples, rather than relying on gravity alone, rearward movement of the vehicle mechanically expands a seal member (38) to create sufficient reach and sealing pressure to press the expandable seal member firmly against vehicle roofs (14) of various heights and positions. In some examples, an example vehicle-actuated mechanism disclosed herein forces a compressible seal down against the vehicle's roof and maintains a compressive sealing force over a range of roof heights and positions. Some example weather barrier apparatuses disclosed herein include example means for mitigating certain jam conditions.
A weather barrier apparatus (10) includes rear edge seals (24, 26) to sealingly engage a rearward facing edge (28) of a vehicle (12) parked at a loading dock (14). In some examples, the rear edge seal (24, 26) is part of a pivotal upper or side seal member that also includes a surface seal. The surface seal is spaced apart from the edge seal (142, 148) and is to sealingly engage a side or upper surface (82, 130) of the vehicle (12). In some examples, the vehicle's side surface (130) is the outward facing surface of the vehicle's swung-open door (132). In some examples, the vehicle (12) backing against the edge seal (26) is what deploys the side seal (24). Some example weather barrier apparatus (10) include an upper seal member (24) and two side seal members (26), where vehicle-activated movement of the upper seal and side seal members (24, 26) are coordinated to seek and seal against rear corners (30) of a cargo opening of the vehicle (12). In some examples, one or more seal members (26) lengthen in response to the size and position of the vehicle (12).
Example manual wheel restraint systems and methods for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock include are disclosed herein. An example wheel restraint disclosed herein includes a retractable wheel-blocking barrier mounted to a carrier that can be repositioned along a track, where the track is anchored to a driveway of a loading dock. The track runs generally parallel to a vehicle path that a wheel of a vehicle travels along as the vehicle backs into the dock. To block a rear wheel of the vehicle parked at the dock, the barrier extends laterally into the wheel path, adjacent or in front of the wheel. To release the vehicle, the barrier retracts out from within the wheel path. In some examples, to ensure that the vehicle is secured, the barrier and/or the carrier include barrier or carrier catches to help hold the barrier and carrier in a fixed position. In some examples, one or more sensors determine or sense whether the catches are secured or released and generate signals accordingly. The signals, in some examples, alert dock personnel of the condition of the catches.
Motion sensing dock lighting systems are disclosed. An example lighting system for use at a loading dock where a material handling device is used to load or unload a vehicle parked at the loading dock includes a motion sensing system to be spaced apart from the material handling device. The motion sensing system is to provide an operation signal in response to the material handling device undergoing a change in travel direction within the vehicle. The example lighting system also includes a lamp to be operatively connected in signal communication with the motion sensing system so as to receive the operation signal from the motion sensing system. The lamp is to have a first illuminating mode and a second illuminating mode, and the lamp is to switch between the first illuminating mode and the second illuminating mode in response to the operation signal.
Motion sensing dock lighting systems are disclosed. An example lighting system for use at a loading dock where a material handling device is used to load or unload a vehicle parked at the loading dock includes a motion sensing system to be spaced apart from the material handling device. The motion sensing system is to provide an operation signal in response to the material handling device undergoing a change in travel direction within the vehicle. The example lighting system also includes a lamp to be operatively connected in signal communication with the motion sensing system so as to receive the operation signal from the motion sensing system. The lamp is to have a first illuminating mode and a second illuminating mode, and the lamp is to switch between the first illuminating mode and the second illuminating mode in response to the operation signal.
Example vehicle restraints having example anti-rotation features are disclosed herein. In some examples, an actuator in the form of a hydraulic cylinder moves both a vehicle barrier and its brace between stored and activated positions. If the vehicle pushes the barrier from an upper blocking position to an intermediate blocking position, the brace helps support the barrier at the intermediate blocking position to prevent the vehicle from further pushing the barrier to its stored position. To avoid damaging a cover plate or other relatively weak areas of a vehicle's RIG (rear impact guard), some example barriers disclosed herein exert a holding force that is less at the upper blocking position than at the intermediate blocking position.
Example vehicle restraints with rotating and translating barriers are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint disclosed herein a main body installable at a loading dock and a barrier to be coupled to the main body. The barrier rotates about an axis relative to the main body between an upper blocking position to block the RIG and a stored position to release the RIG, where for a given elevation of the main body the barrier being higher in the upper blocking position than in the stored position. The barrier moves radially with respect to the axis.
B65G 69/34 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de retenue des véhicules, dispositifs d'immobilisation des roues, dispositifs de positionnement ou d'amortissement
Example doors having a seal attached to an edge member of a door panel are disclosed herein. An example seal includes a flexible sheet of material with its longitudinal edges turned inward toward a more central portion of the sheet such that the sheet is turned partially or somewhat inside-out to provide a bulging seal geometry that is favorable for sealing in multiple directions. The seal, for example, is suitable for sealing in a head-on direction engaging an abutting surface, such as a doorjamb. The seal can also seal in sliding engagement with an adjacent surface parallel to the door panel. In some examples, the sheet defines a hollow chamber in which the longitudinal edges of the sheet reinforce or brace an exterior curved portion of the seal. In some examples, the sheet of material is a unitary seamless piece with an attached touch-and-hold fastener that makes the seal readily replaceable.
Example flexible face panels (12) for dock shelters and dock seals at a loading dock (20) include a tip seal (58) and/or an air-filled blister (14) or elongate "bubble" that sealingly conforms to a rear portion of a vehicle (18) (e.g., truck, trailer, etc.) at the dock. In some examples, an air chamber (72) within the blister (14) is open at one or both ends. This prevents otherwise trapped pressurized air from adversely affecting the blister's compliance or its ability to sealingly conform to irregular surfaces of the vehicle. In some examples, as the vehicle (18) backs into and deflects the face panel (12), the blister (14) distorts and wraps itself around the vehicle's surface irregularities, such as door hardware and protruding lights. In some examples, the face panel's tip seal (58) includes an overlapping seal flap, wherein a series of slits in the tip seal allow the seal to fit over the vehicle's various surface irregularities.
Pliable-wall air ducts with suspended frames are disclosed herein. An example air duct system includes an air duct having a pliable sidewall. The pliable sidewall has a total weight. The example air duct system includes a framework to be disposed within the air duct. The framework includes a shaft to extend in the longitudinal direction, a rib to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a plurality of spokes to connect the rib to the shaft. The example air duct system a plurality of hangers. Each hanger comprises an elongate member having an upper section and a lower section. The lower section is to be coupled to the framework via access through a corresponding opening defined by the pliable sidewall. Most of the total weight of the pliable sidewall is to be carried by the framework.
F16L 3/00 - Supports pour tuyaux, pour câbles ou pour conduits de protection, p.ex. potences, pattes de fixation, attaches, brides, colliers
B23P 19/00 - Machines effectuant simplement l'assemblage ou la séparation de pièces ou d'objets métalliques entre eux ou des pièces métalliques avec des pièces non métalliques, que cela entraîne ou non une certaine déformation; Outils ou dispositifs à cet effet dans la mesure où ils ne sont pas prévus dans d'autres classes
Example insulated dividers, such as curtain-doors and temporary walls for dividing areas of a building, include features that make the dividers particularly suited for food and drug related environments that demand cleanliness and require dividers to be periodically washed down to remove microorganisms and other contaminants. Some example dividers include a touch-and-hold fastener to hold a flexible insulated pad within an internal space of a pliable hollow panel. In some examples, the insulated pad is made of polyester batting with loops of fiber to which the hook portion of the touch-and-hold fastener can engage. In some examples, both the insulated pad and the touch-and-hold fastener are completely contained within the hollow panel so that neither the pad nor the fastener provides an exposed external surface for harboring microorganisms. In some examples, the pliable panel's outer peripheral edge is hermetically sealed by thermal bonding, heat sealing, welding and/or ultrasonic joining.
Some examples of vehicle restraints (10) that include a movable barrier (18) for selectively blocking a vehicle's RIG (Rear Impact Guard) (20) near the dock face (14) of a loading dock (16) also include a spring loaded brace (26) that helps hold the barrier in its blocking position, even when the RIG separates from the barrier. To hold the brace in its activated position where it supports the barrier, some examples of the brace include a tooth (32) that engages a detent (82) in a catch (28). The catch, in some examples, includes a tooth-engaging surface (74) that protrudes into a circular path (76) along which the tooth (32) can travel relative to the barrier (18).
Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structure are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension. A method retrofitting an existing air duct system with internal expanding structure is also disclosed.
Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structure are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension. A method retrofitting an existing air duct system with internal expanding structure is also disclosed.
Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both the shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension. A method of retrofitting an existing air duct system with internal expanding structure is also disclosed.
An example of a vertically operating door includes a flexible panel comprising two pliable sheets of material with a plurality of pads or mats of thermal insulation between the two sheets. In some examples, a plurality of horizontally elongate baffles made of pliable strips of material are installed between the two sheets. The baffles effectively divide one large interior volume between the sheets into more manageable smaller volumes or chambers. The baffles restrict the air between the sheets from being forced to the bottom of the panel as the panel ascends and bends across an overhead roller. Without the baffles and smaller chambers, the panel sheets in the area near the bottom of the panel would tend to bulge outward as the door opens.
Systems and methods to detect and warn proximate entities of interest are described herein. An example signal generation system for a vehicle capable of different modes of movement includes a detector to determine at least one property of vehicle movement and an output representative of that at least one property and a selectively variable signal generator includes an input to receive the at least one output representative of the at least one property of vehicle movement and, responsively, generates a selected signal based on the received output. In some examples, a detector on a pedestrian detects the selected signal from the signal generator and, responsively, provides an output indicative of a vehicle in proximity to the pedestrian. In some examples, a trajectory vector is generated for at least two entities of interest based on at least one characteristic of movement of each entity. Each entity's trajectory vector is expanded and each entity's expanded trajectory vector is analyzed for overlap with the other entity's expanded trajectory vector to assess the possibility of a collision between them.
B60Q 1/52 - Agencement des dispositifs de signalisation optique ou d'éclairage, leur montage, leur support ou les circuits à cet effet les dispositifs ayant principalement pour objet d'indiquer le contour du véhicule ou de certaines de ses parties, ou pour engendrer des signaux au bénéfice d'autres véhicules pour indiquer d'autres intentions ou conditions, p.ex. demandes d'attente ou de dépassement pour indiquer des situations critiques
Systems and methods to detect and warn proximate entities of interest are described herein. An example signal generation system for a vehicle capable of different modes of movement includes a detector to determine at least one property of vehicle movement and an output representative of that at least one property and a selectively variable signal generator includes an input to receive the at least one output representative of the at least one property of vehicle movement and, responsively, generates a selected signal based on the received output. In some examples, a detector on a pedestrian detects the selected signal from the signal generator and, responsively, provides an output indicative of a vehicle in proximity to the pedestrian. In some examples, a trajectory vector is generated for at least two entities of interest based on at least one characteristic of movement of each entity. Each entity's trajectory vector is expanded and each entity's expanded trajectory vector is analyzed for overlap with the other entity's expanded trajectory vector to assess the possibility of a collision between them.
B60Q 1/26 - Agencement des dispositifs de signalisation optique ou d'éclairage, leur montage, leur support ou les circuits à cet effet les dispositifs ayant principalement pour objet d'indiquer le contour du véhicule ou de certaines de ses parties, ou pour engendrer des signaux au bénéfice d'autres véhicules
B60Q 1/50 - Agencement des dispositifs de signalisation optique ou d'éclairage, leur montage, leur support ou les circuits à cet effet les dispositifs ayant principalement pour objet d'indiquer le contour du véhicule ou de certaines de ses parties, ou pour engendrer des signaux au bénéfice d'autres véhicules pour indiquer d'autres intentions ou conditions, p.ex. demandes d'attente ou de dépassement
G08B 23/00 - Alarmes réagissant à des conditions indésirables ou anormales, non spécifiées
78.
CURVED TRANSITION PLATES FOR PIVOTAL DOCK LEVELER DECKS
Example dock levelers at a truck-loading platform include a stationary curved transition plate extending between a rear edge of the leveler's pivotal deck and a rear edge of a pit at which the leveler is installed. The transition plate has a curved portion that extends underneath the deck's rear edge. The plate provides a smooth transition for forklifts traveling between the platform and the deck, thus reducing and/or minimizing the jarring of the forklift and its driver. To prevent debris and obstructions from getting trapped within the deck's rear hinge, the rear edge of the deck rises up and over the transition plate as the deck pivots upward, thereby providing a self-cleaning effect. With the rear edge of an inclined deck being above the transition plate, water runoff from the deck drains onto the transition plate rather than through the hinge gap to a generally inaccessible area underneath the deck.
Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example head curtain assembly for a vehicle loading dock includes a retractable curtain (22) stiffened by a resiliently compressible foam panel (34) that is more flexible about a horizontal axis than about a vertical axis. The difference in directional flexibility can be created by sewing the foam panel (34) to a pliable cover (38) using a series of parallel horizontal thread lines. The thread lines create in the foam a series of compressed indentations (36) that run horizontally across the curtain (22) so that the curtain tends to bend more easily along those lines. The relative stiffness in the horizontal direction enables the curtain to exert an appreciable sealing force against two lateral dock seal members (26), and the vertical flexibility makes the curtain easy to retract to accommodate vehicles (12) of various heights. Touch-and-hold fasteners make many of the individual components of the head curtain readily replaceable.
Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example head curtain assembly for a vehicle loading dock includes a retractable curtain stiffened by a resiliently compressible foam panel that is more flexible about a horizontal axis than about a vertical axis. The difference in directional flexibility can be created by sewing the foam panel to a pliable cover using a series of parallel horizontal thread lines. The thread lines create in the foam a series of compressed indentations that run horizontally across the curtain so that the curtain tends to bend more easily along those lines. The relative stiffness in the horizontal direction enables the curtain to exert an appreciable sealing force against two lateral dock seal members, and the vertical flexibility makes the curtain easy to retract to accommodate vehicles of various heights. Touch-and-hold fasteners make many of the individual components of the head curtain readily replaceable.
Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example head curtain assembly for a vehicle loading dock includes a retractable curtain stiffened by a resiliently compressible foam panel that is more flexible about a horizontal axis than about a vertical axis. The difference in directional flexibility can be created by sewing the foam panel to a pliable cover using a series of parallel horizontal thread lines. The thread lines create in the foam a series of compressed indentations that run horizontally across the curtain so that the curtain tends to bend more easily along those lines. The relative stiffness in the horizontal direction enables the curtain to exert an appreciable sealing force against two lateral dock seal members, and the vertical flexibility makes the curtain easy to retract to accommodate vehicles of various heights. Touch-and-hold fasteners make many of the individual components of the head curtain readily replaceable.
In some example pliable air duct systems, inflatable ducts of various diameters and lengths are created by selectively assembling pre-existing stock pieces in different combinations. In some examples, the stock pieces include disconnectable longitudinal joints and disconnectable circumferential joints, wherein the longitudinal joints enable interconnecting multiple stock pieces to achieve a desired tube diameter, and the circumferential joints allow connecting multiple tube segments end-to-end to produce an air duct assembly of a desired length. To control the volume and/or the direction of air discharged from the duct, the duct assembly, in some examples, includes an adjustable register comprising a movable pliable sheet that overlies a discharge opening in a pliable sidewall of the duct. In some examples, the inflatable duct includes one or more cutout patterns on the duct's sidewall to provide guidance in creating a sidewall discharge opening of a proper size and location.
F24F 13/068 - Bouches pour diriger ou distribuer l'air dans des pièces ou enceintes, p.ex. diffuseur d'air de plafond formées de parois, plafonds ou planchers perforés
F24F 13/075 - Bouches pour diriger ou distribuer l'air dans des pièces ou enceintes, p.ex. diffuseur d'air de plafond ayant des tiges ou des lamelles parallèles orientant l'écoulement, p.ex. ayant des tiges ou des lamelles réglables individuellement
F24F 13/10 - Organes de réglage de l'écoulement d'air, p.ex. persiennes, grilles, volets ou plaques directrices mobiles, p.ex. registres
An example of a vehicle brace for use at a loading dock includes a vehicle support member that can travel to various heights along a vertical track. The support member exerts a substantial but limited resistive force up against the underside of a vehicle's rear impact guard to mitigate bouncing of the vehicle's truck or trailer bed as the vehicle is being loaded and/or unloaded of its cargo. Of particular interest in some examples is a rather short brake actuator mounted at an angle to create an inclined binding clamp action, the actuator being installed to travel with the vehicle support member, and the track having an inclined braking surface so that the brake's clamping force does not rely on friction alone, all of which provides for a compact vehicle brace installable as a self-contained unit and operated without having to rely on structural support from a driveway surface.
B65G 69/34 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de retenue des véhicules, dispositifs d'immobilisation des roues, dispositifs de positionnement ou d'amortissement
B60S 13/00 - Dispositifs autonomes pour manœuvrer les véhicules
84.
FLEXIBLE INSULATED DOOR PANELS WITH INTERNAL BAFFLES
An example of a vertically operating door includes a flexible panel comprising two pliable sheets of material with a plurality of pads or mats of thermal insulation between the two sheets. In some examples, a plurality of horizontally elongate baffles made of pliable strips of material are installed between the two sheets. The baffles effectively divide one large interior volume between the sheets into more manageable smaller volumes or chambers. The baffles restrict the air between the sheets from being forced to the bottom of the panel as the panel ascends and bends across an overhead roller. Without the baffles and smaller chambers, the panel sheets in the area near the bottom of the panel would tend to bulge outward as the door opens.
Example light fixtures include one or more light transmitting illuminated rods that emit a series or array of discrete spots of light. Some example light fixtures disclosed herein include optical features that provide an intriguing, attention-getting affect that can be useful particularly in alerting personnel of certain conditions at a doorway of a truck loading dock. In some examples, the light transmitting rods are mechanically coupled to a housing that contains an LED light source. The mechanical coupling allows the illuminated rods to be readily replaced without disrupting with the operation or wiring of the light source. Some example light fixtures illuminate the cargo bay of a vehicle at the loading dock.
B60Q 3/30 - Agencement des dispositifs d’éclairage pour l’intérieur des véhicules; Dispositifs d’éclairage spécialement adaptés à l’intérieur des véhicules pour les habitacles autres que les habitacles des passagers ou du conducteur, p.ex. les compartiments des bagages ou du moteur
B60Q 3/64 - Agencement des dispositifs d’éclairage pour l’intérieur des véhicules; Dispositifs d’éclairage spécialement adaptés à l’intérieur des véhicules caractérisés par les aspects optiques utilisant des guides de lumière pour un seul dispositif d’éclairage
B60Q 3/66 - Agencement des dispositifs d’éclairage pour l’intérieur des véhicules; Dispositifs d’éclairage spécialement adaptés à l’intérieur des véhicules caractérisés par les aspects optiques utilisant des guides de lumière pour distribuer la lumière entre plusieurs dispositifs d’éclairage
F21S 8/00 - Dispositifs d'éclairage destinés à des installations fixes
F21S 8/04 - Dispositifs d'éclairage destinés à des installations fixes destinés uniquement au montage sur un plafond ou sur une structure similaire en porte-à-faux
A wheel restraint (10) for restraining a vehicle (14) at a loading dock (16) includes a wheel chock (20) suspended from a tether (32). The tether hangs from an overhead beam (34) such that the wheel chock can be swung down and underneath the vehicle (14) and placed directly in front of a wheel (12) of the vehicle. A pin (24) can be used to help hold the chock (20) to an anchor (26) that is fastened to a driveway of the loading dock (16). The orientation of the pin (24) and the anchor holes (28) in which the pin can be selectively inserted prevents the chock from tipping back and makes the restraint (10) more tolerant of dirt, ice and other contaminants. In some examples, an offset between the beam (34) and the wheel (12) results in the tether (32) urging the chock toward the anchor.
A vehicle restraint installed within a pit underneath a dock leveler of a loading dock platform includes a single actuator that both extends and raises a barrier into engagement with a vehicle's ICC bar. When the barrier is in a retracted, stored position, the barrier is underneath the dock leveler and behind a front face of the loading dock platform. To engage the vehicle's ICC bar, the single actuator extends to first push the barrier along a first track to an intermediate position. That same actuator then pushes the barrier along a second track to a raised, operative position where the barrier engages and captures the vehicle's ICC bar. A spring coupled to the actuator provides the barrier with freedom to float along the second track to accommodate similar incidental movement of the ICC bar as the vehicle is serviced at the dock.
An example wheel restraint includes a wheel chock that is manually movable between a retracted or release position clear of a wheel of a vehicle at a loading dock and an operative position to block the path of the wheel. In the release position, the chock can be manually moved freely along a track that is mounted to a driveway of the dock. When the chock is manually moved from its release position to its operative position, a locking feature automatically restricts the movement of the chock relative to the track. When the chock is manually moved back to its release position, the locking feature automatically disengages. Although the wheel chock is connected to a track, much of the force exerted by the wheel against the chock can be transmitted directly from the chock to the driveway.
An example wheel restraint includes a wheel chock that is manually movable between a retracted or release position clear of a wheel of a vehicle at a loading dock and an operative position to block the path of the wheel. In the release position, the chock can be manually moved freely along a track that is mounted to a driveway of the dock. When the chock is manually moved from its release position to its operative position, a locking feature automatically restricts the movement of the chock relative to the track. When the chock is manually moved back to its release position, the locking feature automatically disengages. Although the wheel chock is connected to a track, much of the force exerted by the wheel against the chock can be transmitted directly from the chock to the driveway.
Head curtains for dock.shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example head curtain assembly for a vehicle loading dock includes a retractable curtain (22) stiffened by a resiliently compressible foam panel (34) that is more flexible about a horizontal axis than about a vertical axis. The difference in directional flexibility can be created by sewing the foam panel (34) to a pliable cover (38) using a series of parallel horizontal thread lines. The thread lines create in the foam a series of compressed indentations (36) that run horizontally across the curtain (22) so that the curtain (22) tends to bend more easily along those lines. The relative stiffness in the horizontal direction enables the curtain (22) to exert an appreciable sealing force against two lateral dock seal members, and the vertical flexibility makes the curtain (22) easy to retract to accommodate vehicles of various heights. Touch-and-hold (60, 62, 66, 68, 70, 74) fasteners make many of the individual components of the head curtain readily replaceable.
A dock apparatus comprising first and second weather barriers positioned laterally of a doorway of a loading dock and compressible by a vehicle, the lateral weather barriers include inner surfaces to bulge toward each other in response to the vehicle compressing the lateral weather barriers, and a head curtain at least partially positioned between the lateral weather barriers and being engagable by the vehicle, the head curtain having a lateral stiffness such that in response to the vehicle engaging the head curtain and compressing the lateral weather barriers, the head curtain becomes pinched between the bulging inner surfaces to restrict a vertical movement of the curtain.
An air duct assembly includes upper and lower pliable sheets that can be assembled in a sequence that makes the assembly easier to install and later easier to remove for periodic cleaning. To install the assembly, the upper sheet can be installed first by inserting the edges of the upper sheet within a pair of tracks and then fastening the upper sheet to a vertical supply air duct. An optional airflow modifier (e.g., filter, airflow turning vane, or noise attenuator) can be install where the supply air duct connects to the upper sheet. Once the upper sheet is suspended from the tracks and fastened to the main supply air duct, the lower sheet can be installed separately. Pliable end panels and pliable fasteners (e.g., zipper or VELCRO fastener) can make most of the air duct assembly machine washable. The upper and lower sheets can have different degrees of air permeability.
F16L 41/08 - Raccordements des tuyaux aux parois ou à d'autres tuyaux, dans lesquels l'axe du tuyau est perpendiculaire au plan de la paroi ou à l'axe de l'autre tuyau
F24F 13/068 - Bouches pour diriger ou distribuer l'air dans des pièces ou enceintes, p.ex. diffuseur d'air de plafond formées de parois, plafonds ou planchers perforés
Wheel restraints (10) for restraining vehicles at loading docks (16) are described herein. An example wheel restraint includes a restraining arm (30) to anchor a wheel chock (22) to a fixed point at the dock. When in a blocking position, the chock rests directly upon the dock' s driveway without the chock having to engage additional hardware that could be an obstruction to snow removal. In some examples, the wheel chock automatically swings between its blocking and release positions in response to the arm simply lowering or raising the chock.
A fire safety system includes a sensor arrangement and control scheme for quickly sensing a fire, accurately iden-tifying its location, and controlling a set of ceiling fans and overhead sprinklers to efficiently extinguish the fire. The fire safety system is particularly suited for large buildings such as warehouses, factories, gymnasiums, retail stores, auditoriums, convention centers, theaters or other buildings with large open areas. In some examples, the overhead fans are disabled prior to activating the sprinklers. The placement of the fire sensors, in some cases, are selected upon first considering the location of the overhead fans.
A dock leveler (10) comprising a vehicle-engaging lip (20) pivotally coupled to the vertically adjustable front edge of a deck (18) includes a seal or series of seal segments that close one or more air gaps (36) that exist in the area where the lip is hinged to the deck. Such gaps are particularly large when the lip hinge comprises a hinge pin that couples a series of lugs (30) extending from underneath the deck to a series of lugs (32) extending from the lip, wherein the lugs are spaced apart along the length of the hinge pin (34). The seal or seal segments could be above the deck, below the deck, or interposed between the adjoining edges of the deck and the lip. In some cases, the seal is provided by an air curtain or by a tube that is inflatable or hermetically sealed.
A safety system (16) for a truck loading dock (14) with an elevated platform (18) provides an alarm (26,28) that warns of a hazard at the loading dock such as a forklift operating inside the truck (24) or a falling hazard that may exist due to the dock door (20) being open while a truck is not present at the dock. In cases where a dock's open doorway (12) is protected by a barrier (22) that can be opened or closed, the alarm (26) can be de-activated by closing the barrier. In some embodiments, the safety system includes a remote body sensor (70) that detects when someone (32) or something is near the doorway. In response to the body sensor, a second, more pronounced alarm can warn of more imminent danger where someone on the platform may be too close to an open doorway when a truck is not present.
G08B 25/00 - Systèmes d'alarme dans lesquels l'emplacement du lieu où existe la condition déclenchant l'alarme est signalé à une station centrale, p.ex. systèmes télégraphiques d'incendie ou de police
B65G 69/28 - Rampes de chargement; Quais de chargement
G08B 13/00 - Alarmes contre les cambrioleurs, les voleurs ou tous intrus
A wheel restraint for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock includes various features such as, a wheel chock supported by a spring loaded articulated arm with a spring that can be selectively tightened or released, a sensor that detects whether the chock is solidly against a base plate or floor, a bi-directional pivotal joint between the articulated arm and the wheel chock to ensure that the chock can sit squarely on a mating base plate, a wheel chock that meshes with a hydraulically actuated base plate, pivotal or otherwise movable backstops that prevent a wheel chock from sliding out of position, and a base plate cleaning system. The cleaning system might include a vehicle-actuated brush, fluid spray nozzles, electric heater and removable cover plates.
A rétractable barrier System includes an example gear assembly that can be manipulated for rapidly deploying a flexible barrier, exerting high torque for the initial tightening of the barrier, maintaining high static tension in barrier when in use, and/or rapidly retracting barrier for storage. In some examples, the gear assembly is a worm drive with a worm that can be selectively disengaged from a worm gear. The barrier system (456) includes a take-up member (458) with a drum (460) that in addition to rotating about a first axis (462) can also be rotated about a second axis (464). Second axis (464) allows barrier (402) to be deliberately laid over on a preferred side as the barrier is being extended or retracted. The preferred side might be such that the side facing down, and perhaps getting dirty from the floor, is the side of the barrier (402) that is lest visible when barrier (402) is fully extended and upright.
E01F 13/04 - Dispositions pour interdire ou limiter la circulation, p.ex. portes, barrières pouvant être déplacées pour permettre ou empêcher le passage
E01F 13/02 - Dispositions pour interdire ou limiter la circulation, p.ex. portes, barrières se tenant debout toutes seules
A barrier system and method of operating a barrier system. In some embodiments the barrier system comprises a first support member, a second support member spaced apart from the first support member, a take-up member attached to the first support member, the take-up member is rotatable about a first axis and a second axis, wherein the second axis is angularly displaced out of parallel alignment with the first axis, and a flexible barrier that includes a proximal end attached to the take-up member and a distal end that can be releasably coupled to the second support member, by virtue of the take- up member being rotatable about the first axis, the flexible barrier can selectively retract onto the first take-up member and extend out in a horizontal direction toward the second support member.
E01F 13/04 - Dispositions pour interdire ou limiter la circulation, p.ex. portes, barrières pouvant être déplacées pour permettre ou empêcher le passage
A large industrial ceiling fan (10). includes exceptionally long fan blades (12) with blade tips that can be tilted upward to more broadly distribute the air. Such broad distribution might be particularly beneficial in cases where the fan is installed relatively low to avoid obstacles such as hanging lights, sprinkler heads and rafters. A low mounting position is possible, because the fan is suspended from a hanger (16) of adjustable length. The fan includes several joints that are redundantly bolted and welded for safety. A continuous. retaining ring provides additional safety. A resilient bushing (20) enhances the flexibility of the fan blades and reduces strain where the fan blades connect to a central mounting hub (52). To more broadly distribute the airflow underneath the fan, each fan blade has a twisted geometry to provide an angle of attack that decreases from the root (64) to the tip (14) of the blade.
brevets
