Assa Abloy Entrance Systems Ab

4front Engineered Solutions, Inc.

Daryl Day

Richard K Hoofard

L Blake Whitley

Brett A Walford

Stephen Kosek

Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are described herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a sequence of operations. The sequence of operations can include different sub-sequences based on loading dock conditions. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of control elements that enable operation of the loading dock equipment. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment. Some functionality of the control panel can be enabled or disabled based on a current level of authorization.

Control systems for operation of loading dock equipment, and associated methods of manufacture and use

The present disclosure is directed generally to trailer validation systems and, more particularly, to systems capable of verifying that a trailer is associated with the proper loading dock station. In some embodiments, a trailer validation system includes a display, a processor operably connected to the display, a communication device operably coupled to the processor, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions for operating the trailer validation system. The display screen can be positioned on a trailer or at a loading dock. The communication device can receive information related to an identity of the trailer. The instructions can be executed by the processor to cause the display to display at least a portion of the information. When the display is positioned at the loading dock, the displayed information can be readable by a device mounted to the trailer to enable the trailer to identify the loading dock station.

Trailer validation systems

The present disclosure is directed generally to powered trailer systems and, more particularly, to powered trailer systems for opening and closing trailer doors at, e.g., a vehicle loading dock, and to vehicle and/or trailer power delivery and charging systems. A powered trailer door operating system can include a guide track having a lower guide track portion and an upper guide track portion; a drive support coupled to the upper guide track portion having a drive shaft positioned within a central cavity; and a carriage slidingly coupled to the drive support and operably coupled to the trailer door. The carriage can be operably engaged with the drive shaft through the slot such that rotation of the drive shaft causes the carriage to translate along the drive support, thereby moving the trailer door between the open and closed positions.

Powered trailer systems

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

Systems and methods for automated loading and unloading at a dock station

Systems and methods for monitoring components of a loading dock station that implement a remote monitoring and authorization system are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide information regarding the status of various components of the loading dock station to a remote monitoring and authorization control unit, where a supervisor or the like is capable of reviewing real time information regarding the status of the components and progress through and adherence to a workflow protocol. The systems and methods can also provide for authorization requests to be sent to the remote monitoring and authorization control unit, such as requests to override certain components of the docking station. The user at the remote monitoring and authorization control unit can then grant or deny requests based on status information and other data provided at the remote monitoring and authorization control unit.

Remote loading dock authorization systems and methods

Light for a loading dock

Signal light for a loading dock

Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling operations of autonomous vehicles and systems in, for example, logistics yards at distribution, manufacturing, processing and/or other centers for the transfer of goods, materials, and/or other cargo. In some embodiments, an autonomous yard tractor or other vehicle can include one or more systems for locating an over-the-road trailer parked in a yard of a distribution center, engaging the trailer, and moving the trailer to a loading dock for loading/unloading operations in accordance with a workflow procedure provided by a central control system. In other embodiments, an autonomous yard tractor can locate the trailer at the loading dock after the loading/unloading operations, engage the trailer, and move the trailer to a parking location in the yard. In some embodiments, the autonomous yard tractor can include a sensor system configured to detect the position of the trailer relative to, for example, the tractor, and/or the dock station can include a sensor system configured to detect the position of the trailer relative to, for example, the dock station during a docking procedure.

Vehicle guidance systems and associated methods of use at logistics yards and other locations

Signal light for a loading dock with patterns of projected light

Identification and guidance systems configured to facilitate vehicle management in logistics yards or the like are described. The systems can include an identification and guidance (I/G) unit attached to each transport vehicle within the logistics yard. The I/G unit transmits information (e.g., location and guidance information) over a wireless network to a remote controller. The remote controller can transmit relevant information received from the I/G unit to a portable communications device associated with the transport vehicle to which the I/G unit is mounted. For example, the portable communications device may be located in a tractor being used to maneuver the transport vehicle about the logistics yard so that the driver can use the information displayed on the portable communications device to assist with maneuvering the transport vehicle. Related methods are also described.

Vehicle identification and guidance systems and associated methods

An automatic dock servicing system can monitor status of dock stations and/or dock station components, analyze the status to determine whether it satisfies a service condition for one or more service actions and, when service conditions are satisfied, cause the corresponding service actions to be performed. In some embodiments, a control panel can track a number of trailer loading/unloading cycles at the dock station. When the number of cycles reaches a threshold for performing a service on the dock station, the control panel can automatically initiate the service action. Some service actions that can be initiated by placing a maintenance or part request, sending control signals to a control panel or to dock station components, and/or sending messages or providing remote controls to other personnel.

Growing community of inventors

Frisco, TX, United States of America

Daryl Day