Patents by Inventor Brett A. Walford

Brett A. Walford 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: 11926497
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are described herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a sequence of operations. The sequence of operations can include different sub-sequences based on loading dock conditions. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of control elements that enable operation of the loading dock equipment. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment. Some functionality of the control panel can be enabled or disabled based on a current level of authorization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY ENTRANCE SYSTEMS AB
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Brett A. Walford, Stephen Kosek, Daryl Day
  • Patent number: 11920402
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a preset sequence of operations. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of graphical control elements (e.g., touch-sensitive buttons) that enable operation of the loading dock equipment in an appropriate sequence. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the graphical control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems AB
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Brett A. Walford, Stephen Kosek
  • Publication number: 20220338719
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling loading dock equipment, such as in response to a trailer approaching and docking at a docking station, are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide scanning devices and scanning operations which assist with, for example, properly aligning a trailer at a docking station and/or checking an interior area in front of the dock door for obstructions. The systems and methods can also transmit messages between components of the system and/or to users of the system regarding the status of components of the systems and/or the status of the overall docking process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Brett A. Walford, Eric Breen
  • Publication number: 20220306410
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are described herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a sequence of operations. The sequence of operations can include different sub-sequences based on loading dock conditions. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of control elements that enable operation of the loading dock equipment. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment. Some functionality of the control panel can be enabled or disabled based on a current level of authorization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Brett A. Walford, Stephen Kosek, Daryl Day
  • Publication number: 20220243524
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a preset sequence of operations. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of graphical control elements (e.g., touch-sensitive buttons) that enable operation of the loading dock equipment in an appropriate sequence. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the graphical control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Brett A. Walford, Stephen Kosek
  • Patent number: 11358813
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling loading dock equipment, such as in response to a trailer approaching and docking at a docking station, are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide scanning devices and scanning operations which assist with, for example, properly aligning a trailer at a docking station and/or checking an interior area in front of the dock door for obstructions. The systems and methods can also transmit messages between components of the system and/or to users of the system regarding the status of components of the systems and/or the status of the overall docking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems AB
    Inventors: Brett A. Walford, Eric Breen
  • Patent number: 11305953
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are described herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a sequence of operations. The sequence of operations can include different sub-sequences based on loading dock conditions. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of control elements that enable operation of the loading dock equipment. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment. Some functionality of the control panel can be enabled or disabled based on a current level of authorization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems AB
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Brett A. Walford, Stephen Kosek, Daryl Day
  • Patent number: 11225824
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a preset sequence of operations. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of graphical control elements (e.g., touch-sensitive buttons) that enable operation of the loading dock equipment in an appropriate sequence. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the graphical control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems AB
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Brett A. Walford, Stephen Kosek
  • Publication number: 20190144218
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are described herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a sequence of operations. The sequence of operations can include different sub-sequences based on loading dock conditions. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of control elements that enable operation of the loading dock equipment. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment. Some functionality of the control panel can be enabled or disabled based on a current level of authorization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Brett A. Walford, Stephen Kosek, Daryl Day
  • Publication number: 20190002216
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling loading dock equipment, such as in response to a trailer approaching and docking at a docking station, are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide scanning devices and scanning operations which assist with, for example, properly aligning a trailer at a docking station and/or checking an interior area in front of the dock door for obstructions. The systems and methods can also transmit messages between components of the system and/or to users of the system regarding the status of components of the systems and/or the status of the overall docking process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Brett A. Walford, Eric Breen
  • Patent number: 10081504
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling loading dock equipment, such as in response to a trailer approaching and docking at a docking station, are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide scanning devices and scanning operations which assist with, for example, properly aligning a trailer at a docking station and/or checking an interior area in front of the dock door for obstructions. The systems and methods can also transmit messages between components of the system and/or to users of the system regarding the status of components of the systems and/or the status of the overall docking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems AB
    Inventors: Brett A. Walford, Eric Breen
  • Publication number: 20170320685
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a preset sequence of operations. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of graphical control elements (e.g., touch-sensitive buttons) that enable operation of the loading dock equipment in an appropriate sequence. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the graphical control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Brett A. Walford, Stephen Kosek
  • Publication number: 20170043967
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling loading dock equipment, such as in response to a trailer approaching and docking at a docking station, are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide scanning devices and scanning operations which assist with, for example, properly aligning a trailer at a docking station and/or checking an interior area in front of the dock door for obstructions. The systems and methods can also transmit messages between components of the system and/or to users of the system regarding the status of components of the systems and/or the status of the overall docking process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Brett A. Walford, Eric Breen
  • Patent number: 8842000
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a system of fans in a facility from a central system controller are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system of fans can be configured to shut down automatically during an emergency condition or event. For example, a fan system controller can be connected to the system of fans and provide a signal to each of the fans. While each of the fans receives the signal, power is connected to a motor on each of the fans. Upon detection of an emergency condition, the fan system controller disconnects the signal to the fans, thereby automatically simultaneously shutting down the entire system of fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Daryl Day, Richard K. Hoofard, Brett A. Walford
  • Patent number: 8838279
    Abstract: Technology generally directed to operation of loading dock equipment such as vehicle restraints, dock levelers, overhead doors/openers, barrier gates, lights, and linked or unlinked control systems is disclosed herein. The disclosed technology may be employed to power electrical loading dock systems from batteries and/or alternative power sources, including “green” power sources. For example, the technology may be employed at new, temporary, and/or mobile facilities having any number of loading docks where reliable commercial power may not be readily available. Further, the technology may also be employed at warehouses in remote and/or developing areas where electrical infrastructure is not available and/or reasonably priced. The technology may be embodied as methods, apparatuses, manufactures (e.g., computer- and/or processor-readable storage and/or other mediums), and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin I. Blackwell, Brett A. Walford, Lowell Blake Whitley, Michael Story, Allan Thomson
  • Publication number: 20140022071
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a system of fans in a facility from a central system controller are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system of fans can be configured to shut down automatically during an emergency condition or event. For example, a fan system controller can be connected to the system of fans and provide a signal to each of the fans. While each of the fans receives the signal, power is connected to a motor on each of the fans. Upon detection of an emergency condition, the fan system controller disconnects the signal to the fans, thereby automatically simultaneously shutting down the entire system of fans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Daryl Duane Day, Brett A. Walford
  • Publication number: 20110238231
    Abstract: Technology generally directed to operation of loading dock equipment such as vehicle restraints, dock levelers, overhead doors/openers, barrier gates, lights, and linked or unlinked control systems is disclosed herein. The disclosed technology may be employed to power electrical loading dock systems from batteries and/or alternative power sources, including “green” power sources. For example, the technology may be employed at new, temporary, and/or mobile facilities having any number of loading docks where reliable commercial power may not be readily available. Further, the technology may also be employed at warehouses in remote and/or developing areas where electrical infrastructure is not available and/or reasonably priced. The technology may be embodied as methods, apparatuses, manufactures (e.g., computer- and/or processor-readable storage and/or other mediums), and/or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: 4 FRONT ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin I. Blackwell, Brett A. Walford, L. B. Whitley, Michael Story, Allan Thomson