The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 15, 1995
Filed:
Jul. 23, 1993
Scott L Springer, Milwaukee, WI (US);
Norbert Hahn, Franklin, WI (US);
Michael A Swessel, Cudahy, WI (US);
Rite-Hite Corporation, Milwaukee, WI (US);
Abstract
A vehicle-activated support assembly control system is provided which comprises a sensor assembly which senses the position of the vehicle relative to the dock leveler and an actuation assembly which is operatively connected to the support assembly so as to actuate or maintain the support assembly in a retracted position in response to the position of the vehicle. The actuation assembly is adapted to automatically position the support assembly between (1) a retracted or non-supporting position when the vehicle is in close proximity to the loading dock and (2) an active supporting position when the vehicle is greater than a predetermined distance from the loading dock. The control assembly is adapted to activate the support assembly and move the support assembly to the active supporting position as the vehicle pulls away from the dock leveler but before the lip loses contact with the vehicle. The control system deactivates the support assembly when the lip is safely supported on the vehicle bed or is within a predetermined distance in which the lip is capable of engaging the vehicle bed. The control system permits the support assembly to be in the active supporting position when the lip is extended but not safely supported by the vehicle bed.