Patents Assigned to Ellis Industries, Inc.
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Patent number: 5657502Abstract: A loading lip extender operating mechanism for edge mounted dock levelers to elevate and lower a bridge plate connected to a dock and loading lip plate pivotably coupled to the bridge plate to follow the movements imparted to the bridge plate. The elevation of the bridge plate to a vertical orientation causing the loading lip plate to be extended above the level of the dock. The loading lip plate can be moved forwardly of the vertical position of the bridge plate outwardly and upwardly so it is extended over the truck bed parked adjacent the dock and dropped onto the truck bed to permit loading and/or unloading of the truck. The bottom side of the bridge plate carries a camming surface for coaction with a cam follower included with the lip extender operating mechanism. The operating mechanism is constructed as a unitary structure having quick release mounting clips to allow the unitary structure to be quickly mounted and de-mounted in essentially "zero" time.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Ellis Industries, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence D. Ellis
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Patent number: 4553895Abstract: A truck latch for use with a motor vehicle equipped with an ICC bumper or bar for restraining the unexpected departure of the motor vehicle. The truck latch is securable to a loading dock for coaction with the ICC bumper for a motor vehicle parked adajcent thereto. The truck latch is in the form of a tubular latch element having a hook-like restraining device extending therefrom. The latch element is vertically mounted to be bidirectionally axially movable and rotatable in a tubular supporting structure to be positioned in a coupled or de-coupled relationship with the ICC bumper. The latched condition of the truck latch may be electrically signalled by a switching element located to sense the travel of the latch element and to be operated thereby when the latch is coupled to the bumper.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1984Date of Patent: November 19, 1985Assignee: Ellis Industries, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence D. Ellis
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Patent number: 4065824Abstract: A lip extender for use with a loading dock leveler. The lip extender includes a lower link connected at its lower end to the base plate of the leveler and a toggle arm connected at its upper end beneath the lip. The opposite ends of the toggle arm and lower link are pivotally connected together. Upward movement of the hinge connection between the bridge plate and lip moves them both upwardly to a cocked position to which they are supported by the toggle arm and lower link, which pivot into an over-center position. Downward force exerted on the upper part of the bridge plate causes a cam follower carried by the pivotal connection between the toggle arm and lower link to engage a cam surface mounted beneath the bridge plate. A coil spring mounted about the lower pivotal point of the lower link exerts pressure against the lower link, thereby counter-balancing the weight of the lip and bridge plate during pivotal movement of the lower link in either direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1976Date of Patent: January 3, 1978Assignee: Ellis Industries, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence D. Ellis, Robert E. Evans
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Patent number: 3974537Abstract: A lip extender for use with a loading dock leveler. The lip extender includes a lower link connected at its lower end to the base plate of the leveler and a toggle arm connected at its upper end beneath the lip. The opposite ends of the toggle arm and lower link are pivotally connected together. Upward movement of the hinge connection between the bridge plate and lip moves them both upwardly to a cocked position in which they are supported by the toggle arm and lower link, which pivot into an over-center position. Downward force exerted on the upper part of the bridge plate causes a cam follower carried by the pivotal connection between the toggle arm and lower link to engage a cam surface mounted beneath the bridge plate. The lip is thereby extended simultaneously upwardly and outwardly over the rear edge of a truck disposed adjacent to the dock. When the lip reaches its fully extended position, the toggle arm moves past the center position and allows the lip to drop onto the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1975Date of Patent: August 17, 1976Assignee: Ellis Industries, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence D. Ellis, Robert E. Evans
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Patent number: 3952376Abstract: An apparatus for securing together two elongated members, such as rope, at two portions thereof including a friction increasing member interposed between adjacent sides of the two portions and a heat shrinkable tube surrounding the two portions. A normally dry, heat activated adhesive is coated on the interior surface of the tube or on the two portions of the elongated members to adhere the heat shrinkable tube to the elongated members. In instances where only small stresses are encountered by the connecting apparatus, the friction member is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1975Date of Patent: April 27, 1976Assignee: Ellis Industries, Inc.Inventor: J. Scott Ellis