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:
Mar. 17, 2009
Filed:
Apr. 05, 2005
Tim Muhl, Slinger, WI (US);
Andrew Wanie, Jackson, WI (US);
Norbert Hahn, Franklin, WI (US);
Mark G. Petri, Mequon, WI (US);
Pamela Pietrangelo, Oak Creek, WI (US);
Reinhardt E. Sander, Wauwatosa, WI (US);
Jeffrey R. Schwager, Mequon, WI (US);
Tim Muhl, Slinger, WI (US);
Andrew Wanie, Jackson, WI (US);
Norbert Hahn, Franklin, WI (US);
Mark G. Petri, Mequon, WI (US);
Pamela Pietrangelo, Oak Creek, WI (US);
Reinhardt E. Sander, Wauwatosa, WI (US);
Jeffrey R. Schwager, Mequon, WI (US);
Rite-Hite Holding Corporation, Milwaukee, WI (US);
Abstract
A dock leveler for a truck loading dock includes a pivotal deck that is raised by an inflatable actuator. The actuator includes a pliable upper section that when inflated has a generally vertical cylindrical shape that can provide a heavy deck with substantial columnar support. The actuator also includes a relatively rigid base that is sealingly joined to the pliable upper section such that upper section and the rigid base define an inner chamber of air. A blower for inflating the actuator can be installed inside or outside the actuator. In some embodiments, a valve system reverses the airflow so that the blower can forcibly deflate and compress the actuator up against the bottom of the deck so that the area underneath the actuator can be cleaned.