Patents by Inventor James C. Alexander

James C. Alexander has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7165486
    Abstract: A valve circuit, including a first and second circuit portion, for hydraulically controlling a loading dock vehicle restraint. The first circuit portion permits raising and lowering of the vehicle restraint. The second circuit portion permits extension and retraction of the vehicle restraint. Preferably, the first and second circuit portion are separate and are configured on the same valve block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Alexander, James R. Weber
  • Patent number: 7162761
    Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck assembly rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Alexander, Richard Hoofard
  • Patent number: 7131160
    Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck assembly rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: SPX Dock Products Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Alexander, Richard Hoofard
  • Patent number: 7100233
    Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck assembly rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: SPX Dock Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Alexander, Richard Hoofard
  • Patent number: 7062813
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a dock leveler in a manner to reduce the effects of free fall and stump-out. The apparatus includes the use of a retractable support leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: SPX Dock Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, James C. Alexander, Douglas H. Massey, Michael M. Meichtry
  • Patent number: 7043790
    Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck assembly rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: SPX Dock Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Alexander, Richard Hoofard
  • Patent number: 7017220
    Abstract: A counter balance mechanism for a mechanically-operated, vertically-storing dock leveler that can upwardly bias the dock leveler at desired angles of rotation and downwardly bias the dock leveler at other angles of rotation, and neutrally bias the dock leveler at yet other angles of rotation. A method for assisting the operation of a mechanically-operated, vertically-storing dock leveler of desirable simplicity is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Alexander, Richard K. Hoofard
  • Patent number: 6984834
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation source module for use in a fluid treatment system. In one embodiment, the module comprises: a substantially elongate first support member having a longitudinal first axis; and a first pair of radiation source assemblies extending from the first support member, each radiation source assembly comprising a radiation source; wherein the first pair of radiation source assemblies is oriented such that a second axis extending through a center point of each radiation source assembly is disposed at an angle with respect to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Trojan Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Alexander, Michael A. Plaisier, Michael P. Sarchese
  • Patent number: 6975226
    Abstract: A unified docking apparatus is provided. It includes a single set of controls to operate a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a barrier device, a dock seal, and a loading light. Some optional embodiments include selector switch to select which apparatus the single set of controls will control. Other optional embodiments automatically select the apparatus to be controlled by the single set of controls. A method of operating a docking apparatus using a single set of controls is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: SPX Dock Products Inc.
    Inventors: Terence Reynard, James C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6951041
    Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, James C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6931686
    Abstract: A dock leveler includes a support leg system configured to remain in a support position when the dock leveler descends rapidly and retract when the dock leveler descends slowly. A disengaging system is also included to disengage the support legs from retracting when the dock level lip is in a pendant position. A method of operating a dock leveler includes keeping a support leg in a support position when a dock leveler descends rapidly and retracting a support leg when the dock leveler descends slowly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: SPX Dock Products Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, James C. Alexander, Douglas H. Massey
  • Patent number: 6896469
    Abstract: A valve circuit, including a first and second circuit portion, for hydraulically controlling a loading dock vehicle restraint. The first circuit portion permits raising and lowering of the vehicle restraint. The second circuit portion permits extension and retraction of the vehicle restraint. Preferably, the first and second circuit portion are separate and are configured on the same valve block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: SPX Dock Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6883198
    Abstract: A dock leveler and installation thereof having a bumper assembly to protect the deck and the lip of the leveler. In one embodiment the dock leveler comprises a pivotable deck and a lip attached to the deck at one end thereof. A bumper is operably connected to the deck and moveable with the deck. The bumper is selectively moveable to protrude beyond the end of the deck to protect the dock leveler from impact. In another embodiment a dock leveler installation comprises a loading dock having a front face. A dock leveler is mounted at the loading dock and has a pivotable deck and a lip attached to the deck at one end thereof. A bumper is operably connected to the front face beneath the dock leveler and projecting in front of the lip when the lip is in a pendent position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: James C. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20040237223
    Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: United Dominion Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, James C. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20040211926
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation source module for use in a fluid treatment system. In one embodiment, the module comprises: a substantially elongate first support member having a longitudinal first axis; and a first pair of radiation source assemblies extending from the first support member, each radiation source assembly comprising a radiation source; wherein the first pair of radiation source assemblies is oriented such that a second axis extending through a center point of each radiation source assembly is disposed at an angle with respect to the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Trojan Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Alexander, Michael A. Plaisier, Michael P. Sarchese
  • Patent number: 6804850
    Abstract: A dock leveler and installation thereof having a bumper assembly to protect the deck and the lip of the leveler. In one embodiment the dock leveler comprises a pivotable deck and a lip attached to the deck at one end thereof. A bumper is operably connected to the deck and moveable with the deck. The bumper is selectively moveable to protrude beyond the end of the deck to protect the dock leveler from impact. In another embodiment a dock leveler installation comprises a loading dock having a front face. A dock leveler is mounted at the loading dock and has a pivotable deck and a lip attached to the deck at one end thereof. A bumper is operably connected to the front face beneath the dock leveler and projecting in front of the lip when the lip is in a pendent position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: United Dominion Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James C Alexander
  • Publication number: 20040177457
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a dock leveler in a manner to reduce the effects of free fall and stump-out. The apparatus includes the use of a retractable support leg. The method includes maintaining the support leg in a support position and retracting the support leg under certain conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Kelley Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, James C. Alexander, Douglas H. Massey, Michael M. Meichtry
  • Publication number: 20040177456
    Abstract: A dock leveler includes a support leg system configured to remain in a support position when the dock leveler descends rapidly and retract when the dock leveler descends slowly. A disengaging system is also included to disengage the support legs from retracting when the dock level lip is in a pendant position. A method of operating a dock leveler includes keeping a support leg in a support position when a dock leveler descends rapidly and retracting a support leg when the dock leveler descends slowly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, James C. Alexander, Douglas H. Massey
  • Patent number: 6781516
    Abstract: A unified docking apparatus is provided. It includes a single set of controls to operate a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a barrier device, a dock seal, and a loading light. Some optional embodiments include selector switch to select which apparatus the single set of controls will control. Other optional embodiments automatically select the apparatus to be controlled by the single set of controls. A method of operating a docking apparatus using a single set of controls is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: United Dominion Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Terence Reynard, James C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6769149
    Abstract: A dock leveler having a frame and a deck pivotably mounted at one end thereof to the frame. A lip is pivotably mounted to the deck at another end thereof. A lip latch and lip extension mechanism are mounted to the leveler and comprises a lip latch pivotably connected to the deck by a crank mechanism and a latch bar pivotably connected to the crank mechanism. The latch bar has one end selectively engaging a latch bracket mounted to the deck. A bar is connected at one end to the crank mechanism and another end is operably connected to the lip. A first spring is operably connected to the crank mechanism and the frame. A second spring is operably connected to the bar and the frame. A third spring operably couples another end of the latch bar to the second spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: United Dominion Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Alexander