CHICAGO — Rite-Hite’s NEMA 4X Dok-Commander system, which integrates multiple pieces of loading dock equipment into one centralized control unit, has now added a significant new element — a real-time trailer presence monitor, Lok-Vu, which provides a camera view of the exterior vehicle restraint. It also lets users see when engagement with a trailer’s rear impact guard (RIG) takes place.
The Dok-Commander system allows equipment such as Dok-Lok vehicle restraints, overhead doors and dock levelers to be programmed so they operate in a safe sequential order. In all cases, that sequence begins with the RIG of the backing trailer getting secured to the exterior dock wall by the Dok-Lok restraint. Having a real-time camera view to confirm this engagement adds another layer of safety and efficiency to this process.
“Operating external dock equipment with multiple controls at an internal dock position can be confusing and sometimes dangerous,” said Troy Bergum, product manager of Rite-Hite Products. “The re-engineered Dok-Commander system featuring Lok-Vu not only conforms with best practice guidelines for electrical control systems, the live camera monitoring provides a kind of safety and security never seen before.”
The Dok-Commander’s interlock feature ensures equipment is engaged in the proper sequence of operation at all times. Users can disable the use of a hydraulic leveler or overhead door until the vehicle restraint has achieved a safe engagement; require the overhead door to be opened prior to leveler operation; or ensure the leveler is stored safely before the restraint can be disengaged. The Dok-Commander can also be linked with an active building security system, which notifies that system (and activates facility response protocol) if an engaged vehicle restraint is tampered with. Should a vehicle engagement breech happen for any reason, the Lok-Vu video stream can help workers correct the problem by visually confirming when the restraint’s proper engagement with a trailer has been reestablished.