Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
Surfaces or surface portions incorporated into gas-filled neutron detectors are coated with and/or composed of at least partially, neutron reactive material. The surfaces may be flat or curved fins or plates, porous or filamentary material, or semi-solid material or aerogel. The incorporation of the extended surfaces coated with or composed of neutron reactive material increases the neutron detection efficiency of the gas-filled detectors over conventional coated designs. These surfaces or surface portions increase the amount of neutron reactive material present in the detector over conventional coated designs and, as a result, increase the neutron detection efficiency. The surfaces can be made of conductive, semiconductive or insulative materials. The surfaces are arranged such that they do not detrimentally detract from the main function of a gas-filled detector with particular attention to gas-filled proportional detectors.
Abstract:
A system for remotely controlling loading dock components a distribution center (26) having at least one dock (28) for exchanging materials with an associated mobile carrier. A plurality of sensors (76, 78, 80, 82) is included that is disposed within the distribution center (26) and configured to monitor a state of a plurality of peripherals (46, 50, 84) of the at least one dock (28), including at least a first peripheral (46, 84) and a second peripheral (50). The system also includes an electronic procedure compliance system configured to monitor at least the first peripheral (46, 84) and the second peripheral (50) and automatically restrict operation of the second peripheral (50) until the first peripheral (46, 84) is in a state compliant with approved workflow procedures.
Abstract:
A vacuum table (18) includes an introduction section (102) in fluid communication with a vacuum chamber (120) and a compartment (139) dividable by an adjustment partition (156) into primary and secondary vacuum chambers (139a, 139b). Adjustment plates (130) having adjustment apertures (138) are positionable over apertures (128) of the conveying surface (100) of the vacuum table (18) generally perpendicular to the conveying direction. Film (20) extends from between the nip of pinch rollers (12, 13) to the conveying surface (100) and is tensioned therebetween to be cut in excess of 105 cuts per minute by a servo motor controlled rotary cutter (30) which stops after each cut. The shaft (32) of the rotary cutter (30) includes a bore (310) extending from the idle end to provide servo-control loop stability.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
An illuminated loading dock system includes a series of light fixtures (42) having sufficient power to illuminate the interior of a series of trailers (14) from a distance that spans a dock leveler pit (26). The light fixtures are mounted to stanchions (40) (or a railing thereof) that extend upward from an elevated floor (22) that is higher than the pit's floor (24). In some cases the light fixtures are coupled to control panels (38) that control the operation of the dock levelers (30a-30d). In this arrangement, the pit floor is kept clear of clutter, and dockworkers can control the lights and the dock leveler from one safe location, as opposed to having to step down into the pit, underneath a raised dock leveler deck (32).
Abstract:
A hydraulic system for operating dock levelers, vehicle restraints, and other types of loading dock equipment includes one or more features that prolong the life of the hydraulic fluid. A hydraulic reservoir with a desiccant filled breather cap or a hermetically sealed pliable reservoir minimizes the hydraulic fluid's exposure to condensation and atmospheric moisture. The system can be used for prolonging the life of both biodegradable and- non-biodegradable hydraulic fluids. In some embodiments, the system includes an acceptably biodegradable fluid having a combination of properties that makes the fluid particularly suitable for loading dock equipment.
Abstract:
A system for remotely controlling loading dock components a distribution center (26) having at least one dock (28) for exchanging materials with an associated mobile carrier. A plurality of sensors (76, 78, 80, 82) is included that is disposed within the distribution center (26) and configured to monitor a state of a plurality of peripherals (46, 50, 84) of the at least one dock (28), including at least a first peripheral (46, 84) and a second peripheral (50). The system also includes an electronic procedure compliance system configured to monitor at least the first peripheral (46, 84) and the second peripheral (50) and automatically restrict operation of the second peripheral (50) until the first peripheral (46, 84) is in a state compliant with approved workflow procedures.
Abstract:
A vacuum table (18) includes an introduction section (102) in fluid communication with a vacuum chamber (120) and a compartment (139) dividable by an adjustment partition (156) into primary and secondary vacuum chambers (139a, 139b). Adjustment plates (130) having adjustment apertures (138) are positionable over apertures (128) of the conveying surface (100) of the vacuum table (18) generally perpendicular to the conveying direction. Film (20) extends from between the nip of pinch rollers (12, 13) to the conveying surface (100) and is tensioned therebetween to be cut in excess of 105 cuts per minute by a servo motor controlled rotary cutter (30) which stops after each cut. The shaft (32) of the rotary cutter (30) includes a bore (310) extending from the idle end to provide servo-control loop stability.
Abstract:
A dock leveler (12,66) for a truck loading dock includes a lighting system (16,62) mounted to the deck (18,64) of the leveler. The lighting system can be used for illuminating the interior of a trailer (10), illuminating the deck of the dock leveler, and/or providing a warning signal that alerts nearby pedestrians and others in the area that work is being done at the loading dock, hi some cases, the light is protected by a raised curb (48) of the dock leveler' s deck (18). In other cases, the lighting system (62) is pivotally coupled to the deck (64) so that the light can continue pointing toward the trailer regardless of whether the deck is in a horizontal operative position or a vertical stored position.