Loading dock traffic automation and inventory control system

Abstract

The loading dock traffic automation and inventory control system of the present invention automates the loading dock area by controlling a truck control notification automation system, traffic signal dock lights, loading dock spot light, loading dock fan and dock leveler. The manually operated control panel is energized or de-energized with full automation by the movement of the overhead dock door. The device includes a control panel enclosure mounted on the interior wall of the building next to the loading dock door. One control panel enclosure can service one or two loading dock doors.

Description

I FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to apparatus for automating loading and dock traffic control. II BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Truck restraints are expensive capital equipment. They are expensive to install and maintain (with parts and labor). Traffic signal dock lights have been an economical alternative. [0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,010,571 discloses an automatic loading dock. This concept comprises an automatic dock leveler and dock light, but has no provisions for a ventilation fan, traffic control lights, or an inventory control system. It relies on a plurality of electro-mechanical relays and limit switches which may be prone to failure. [0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,692,755 discloses a loading dock signal and control system. This concept includes traffic control lights as the sole means of communicating to personnel the status of a truck being loaded or unloaded. In addition, this concept comprises a releaseable locking device for preventing a truck from leavin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention comprises a loading dock traffic and inventory control system which includes a truck control notification automation system. The truck control notification automation system reads a sensor electrically in the terminal strip located in the loading dock traffic and inventory control system panel. This tracking and additional safety device accompanies the traffic signal dock lights without the expense of a truck restraint. The truck control notification automation system is integrated and designed in the loading dock automatic and manual control system circuitry. The device design allows for an automatic signal to be read from the sensor as soon as the dock door is opened. The device design also allows for the automatic signal to be read from the sensor as soon as the dock door is closed. The sensor located on the building will read when a truck has backed up to the dock door and therefore signals to the truck control notification automation system when a truck approaches within a specific distance of sensing zone and electrically responds inside and outside the building. Dock employees inside the building are notified when a truck has back up to the dock by warning devices. The truck control notification automation system will immediately respond if the truck pre-maturely pulls away from the dock before loading or unloading is complete and dock door is not closed. The truck control notification automation system signals and alerts the truck driver with a warning beacon strobe located in the cab of the truck, warning beacon strobe located on the truck, the truck horn is activated, the transmission of the truck is locked, the brakes of the truck are locked, an independent signal warning device in front of the truck is activated, the truck driver is notified on his truck radio, the truck driver is notified on his phone, pager, radio or other communication devices, the audio alarm inside the cab of the truck is activated. The dock attendant inside the truck trailer is notified by a safety alarm light inside the truck trailer, audio alarm inside the truck trailer, beacon alarm strobe on the forklift, audio alarm on the forklift, forklift driver is notified on his phone, pager or radio or other communication devices. As the loading dock door is lowered the truck control notification automation system automatically changes to free to depart alert and alarm signal. The computer central station that controls the computer traffic database will notify the truck driver when he or she is free to depart. The departure notification to the truck driver will be received by truck driver on his or her radio, phone, pager, palm pilot, laptop, beacon located in the cab of the truck, signal light in front of the truck.

Problems solved by technology

Truck restraints are expensive capital equipment.

They are expensive to install and maintain (with parts and labor).

It relies on a plurality of electro-mechanical relays and limit switches which may be prone to failure.

Such a device is expensive to install and maintain.

Such a device is expensive to install and maintain.

Such a device is expensive to install and maintain.

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