US 12,078,504 B2
Loading dock alignment system
Ellie H. MacDonald, Timmonsville, SC (US); Michael Urban, III, Blacksburg, VA (US); and Shawn C. Mizell, Florence, SC (US)
Assigned to Sam Carbis Asset Management, LLC, Florence, SC (US)
Filed by Sam Carbis Asset Management, LLC, Florence, SC (US)
Filed on Oct. 14, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/501,132.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/094,526, filed on Oct. 21, 2020.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/091,549, filed on Oct. 14, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0113157 A1, Apr. 14, 2022
Int. Cl. G01C 21/36 (2006.01); B65G 69/00 (2006.01); H04N 5/272 (2006.01); H04N 7/18 (2006.01)
CPC G01C 21/3658 (2013.01) [B65G 69/006 (2013.01); H04N 5/272 (2013.01); H04N 7/183 (2013.01)] 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for guiding a driver of a tractor trailer truck entering a loading bay for proper alignment of the hatch in the top of a tank carried on the trailer, wherein the loading bay elongates along a longitudinal axis, the system comprising:
a first sensor disposed to a first side of the loading bay;
a rear sensor spaced apart from the first sensor;
a camera having a field of view aimed between the first sensor and the rear sensor;
a display screen disposed in continuous uninterrupted view of the driver as the truck is entering the loading bay;
a controller connected electronically to the first sensor, the rear sensor, the camera and the display screen;
wherein the display screen is configured to display a pair of parallel stripes indicative of the detection of an object by the rear sensor within a predetermined distance from the rear sensor.