US 12,454,426 B2
Control systems for operation of loading dock equipment, and associated methods of manufacture and use
Richard K. Hoofard, Dallas, TX (US); Brett A. Walford, Corinth, TX (US); Stephen Kosek, Fort Worth, TX (US); and Daryl Day, Frisco, TX (US)
Assigned to ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems AB, Landskrona (SE)
Filed by ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems AB, Landskrona (SE)
Filed on Feb. 5, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/433,152.
Application 18/433,152 is a continuation of application No. 17/693,997, filed on Mar. 14, 2022, granted, now 11,926,497.
Application 17/693,997 is a continuation of application No. 16/245,172, filed on Jan. 10, 2019, granted, now 11,305,953, issued on Apr. 19, 2022.
Application 16/245,172 is a continuation in part of application No. 15/145,605, filed on May 3, 2016, granted, now 11,225,824, issued on Jan. 18, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0246782 A1, Jul. 25, 2024
Int. Cl. B65G 69/00 (2006.01); B65G 69/28 (2006.01); G06F 3/048 (2013.01)
CPC B65G 69/008 (2013.01) [B65G 69/005 (2013.01); B65G 69/2882 (2013.01); G06F 3/048 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A control panel for controlling operation of a plurality of pieces of loading dock equipment at a loading dock, the control panel comprising:
a display screen configured to—
display a first control element, wherein user interaction with the first control element causes activation of a function of a first one of the pieces of loading dock equipment; and
automatically display a second control element in the absence of the first control element after receiving a signal from the first one of the pieces of loading dock equipment indicating that the function of the first one of the pieces of loading dock equipment has been completed or has not been completed, wherein:
when the signal indicates that the function of the first one of the pieces of loading dock equipment has been completed, user interaction with the second control element causes activation of a function of a second one of the pieces of loading dock equipment; and
when the signal indicates that the function of the first one of the pieces of loading dock equipment has not been completed, the second control element provides an indication to the user to engage an alternate one of the pieces of loading dock equipment.