Patents by Inventor James F. Kerr

James F. Kerr 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: 9435156
    Abstract: A ladder system includes an overhead track system, a ladder, a latch and a carriage. The overhead track system includes a first guide track and a second guide track. The carriage is operatively configured to move longitudinally along the first and second guide tracks and to move laterally between the first and second guide tracks. The ladder is pivotally mounted to the overhead track system. A lateral carriage brake is provided which prevents lateral movement of the ladder, and a longitudinal carriage brake is provided to prevent longitudinal movement of the ladder. The latch is operatively configured to affix the ladder to the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Material Control, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Patent number: 9206643
    Abstract: A rolling ladder includes opposing side members between which a plurality of treads are disposed at predetermined locations to define a ladder. The ladder further includes a support structure coupled to the ladder and including a front wheel support coupled to a plurality of rolling devices. A leg assembly has a user-adjustable length leg, allowing the user to extend or retract either leg to accommodate uneven or irregular floor surfaces. The leg length may also be adjusted to allow for wear in the material of the leg. A lock mechanism is responsive to user actuation and is configured to move the rolling devices from a rolling position to a retracted position, wherein the leg of the leg assembly contacts the floor to thereby inhibit movement of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Material Control, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Kerr, Nicholas J. Valore
  • Patent number: 9051779
    Abstract: A ladder assembly for use with movable shelving is disclosed. The ladder assembly may comprise an overhead track assembly, a carriage, and a ladder. The overhead track assembly includes a first guide track and a second guide track. The carriage is operatively configured to move longitudinally along the first and second guide tracks. The ladder is pivotally and slidably mounted to the carriage. The ladder has an operating position and a stored position. The operating position is located in an open available aisle of the movable shelving. The stored position may be located substantially vertical and outside of the aisle of the movable shelving allowing the movable shelving to close the aisle without interference from the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Material Control, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Patent number: 8882067
    Abstract: A guide track system and a bracket assembly thereof for supporting guide tracks thereof are provided. The guide track system comprises a first guide track piece, a second guide track piece, and a bracket assembly configured to support the first and second guide track pieces. The bracket assembly comprises a mounting feature configured to be mounted to a support structure, and a guide track supporting feature connected to the mounting feature and configured to support a portion of the guide track mounted thereon. The guide track supporting feature, in turn, comprises a body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends, wherein the first end is configured to be coupled with an end of the first guide track piece, and the second end is configured to be coupled with an end of the second guide track piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Material Control, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Publication number: 20140231171
    Abstract: A rolling ladder includes opposing side members between which a plurality of treads are disposed at predetermined locations to define a ladder. The ladder further includes a support structure coupled to the ladder and including a front wheel support coupled to a plurality of rolling devices. A leg assembly has a user-adjustable length leg, and is coupled to the support structure. A lock mechanism is responsive to user actuation and is configured to move the rolling devices from a rolling position to a retracted position, wherein the leg of the leg assembly contacts the floor to thereby inhibit movement of the ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: James F. Kerr, Nicholas J. Valore
  • Publication number: 20140097039
    Abstract: A ladder system includes an overhead track system, a ladder, a latch and a carriage. The overhead track system includes a first guide track and a second guide track. The carriage is operatively configured to move longitudinally along the first and second guide tracks and to move laterally between the first and second guide tracks. The ladder is pivotally mounted to the overhead track system. A lateral carriage brake is provided which prevents lateral movement of the ladder, and a longitudinal carriage brake is provided to prevent longitudinal movement of the ladder. The latch is operatively configured to affix the ladder to the carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Patent number: 8622171
    Abstract: A ladder system includes an overhead track system, a ladder, a latch and a carriage. The overhead track system includes a first guide track and a second guide track. The carriage is operatively configured to move longitudinally along the first and second guide tracks and to move laterally between the first and second guide tracks. The ladder is pivotally mounted to the overhead track system. A lateral carriage brake is provided which prevents lateral movement of the ladder, and a longitudinal carriage brake is provided to prevent longitudinal movement of the ladder. The latch is operatively configured to affix the ladder to the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Material Control, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Publication number: 20130248285
    Abstract: A ladder assembly for use with movable shelving is disclosed. The ladder assembly may comprise an overhead track assembly, a carriage, and a ladder. The overhead track assembly includes a first guide track and a second guide track. The carriage is operatively configured to move longitudinally along the first and second guide tracks. The ladder is pivotally and slidably mounted to the carriage. The ladder has an operating position and a stored position. The operating position is located in an open available aisle of the movable shelving. The stored position may be located substantially vertical and outside of the aisle of the movable shelving allowing the movable shelving to close the aisle without interference from the ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Publication number: 20110283482
    Abstract: A guide track system and a bracket assembly thereof for supporting guide tracks thereof are provided. The guide track system comprises a first guide track piece, a second guide track piece, and a bracket assembly configured to support the first and second guide track pieces. The bracket assembly comprises a mounting feature configured to be mounted to a support structure, and a guide track supporting feature connected to the mounting feature and configured to support a portion of the guide track mounted thereon. The guide track supporting feature, in turn, comprises a body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends, wherein the first end is configured to be coupled with an end of the first guide track piece, and the second end is configured to be coupled with an end of the second guide track piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: James F. KERR
  • Publication number: 20100252362
    Abstract: A ladder system includes an overhead track system, a ladder, a latch and a carriage. The overhead track system includes a first guide track and a second guide track. The carriage is operatively configured to move longitudinally along the first and second guide tracks and to move laterally between the first and second guide tracks. The ladder is pivotally mounted to the overhead track system. A lateral carriage brake is provided which prevents lateral movement of the ladder, and a longitudinal carriage brake is provided to prevent longitudinal movement of the ladder. The latch is operatively configured to affix the ladder to the carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Patent number: 7757813
    Abstract: The ladder system is disposed between two spaced storage shelves of the types found in crowded warehouses. The ladder is mounted on overhead guide tracks and may be moved longitudinally along the shelves and laterally between the shelves. Locating means are provided for immobilizing the ladder against movement laterally and longitudinally. The locating means includes a pair of spring-loaded casters and rubber pads at the lower end of the ladder and a pair of braking mechanisms overlying and engageable with the guide tracks when subjected to the weight of the user to prevent movement of the ladder at the top thereof either intentionally or unintentionally. Finally, a lateral brake is carried by the ladder which prevents the roller carriage from moving laterally. The brake is applied when the ladder is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Material Control, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Publication number: 20090301812
    Abstract: The ladder system is disposed between two spaced storage shelves of the types found in crowded warehouses. The ladder is mounted on overhead guide tracks and may be moved longitudinally along the shelves and laterally between the shelves. Locating means are provided for immobilizing the ladder against movement laterally and longitudinally. The locating means includes a pair of spring-loaded casters and rubber pads at the lower end of the ladder and a pair of braking mechanisms overlying and engageable with the guide tracks when subjected to the weight of the user to prevent movement of the ladder at the top thereof either intentionally or unintentionally. Finally, a lateral brake is carried by the ladder which prevents the roller carriage from moving laterally. The brake is applied when the ladder is in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Patent number: 6964331
    Abstract: The cantilever mounted rotary brush conveyor belt cleaner is mounted on one side of a conveyor apparatus, with the rotary brush extending beneath the head pulley and the return strand of the belt to remove foreign material adhering to the belt. The unit includes a shaft and a rotary brush mounted on the shaft, with a bearing support assembly supporting one end of the shaft and with the other end being unsupported. A frame assembly has a mounting plate which is fixed to the support or frame of the conveyor. The frame has a mounting plate with a rectangular opening therein through which the shaft and the rotary brush extends. The bearing support assembly is located on and abuts one of the surfaces of the mounting plate, with the rotary brush being located opposite the other surface of the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Material Control, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Patent number: 6619427
    Abstract: The ladder system is disposed between two spaced storage shelves of the types found in crowded warehouse-type retail outlets. The ladder is mounted on an overhead track system and may be moved longitudinally along the shelves and laterally between the shelves. The ladder is pivotly connected on one side to the overhead track system whereby the ladder may be moved from a latched position to a folded position about the pivot means against one of the storage shelves to thereby minimize the ladder as an obstruction in the aisle between the storage shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Material Control, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Patent number: 5653307
    Abstract: The ladder system is located adjacent the front face of a storage rack. The ladder is carried by a cantilever supported carriage assembly having a pair of pivotally mounted frames. The ladder is connected to one frame and may move longitudinally along the front face of the storage rack. The ladder and its frame may also be moved laterally in an arc up to 90.degree. in a direction extending perpendicular to the front face of the storage rack. The carriage assembly includes a horizontal ladder support arm on the first frame upon which the ladder is mounted. A user can quickly and easily position the ladder at any position along the storage rack for accessing items stored on the shelves. This ladder system is particularly useful in crowded warehouse-type retail outlets which are now in popular use across the country.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Material Control, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Patent number: 5480002
    Abstract: The ladder system is located adjacent the front face of a storage rack. The ladder is carried by a cantilever supported carriage assembly. The ladder may move longitudinally along the front face of the storage rack and may also be moved laterally in a direction extending perpendicular to the front face of the storage rack. The carriage assembly includes a horizontal ladder support track upon which the ladder is mounted by means of two sets of rollers. With such a construction, the ladder may pivot about the support track to avoid obstructions in the aisle or projecting from the storage rack. In this way, a user can quickly and easily position the ladder at any position along the storage rack for accessing items stored on the shelves. This ladder system is particularly useful in crowded warehouse-type retail outlets which are now in popular use across the United States of America.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: James F. Kerr
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Patent number: 5413191
    Abstract: A ladder system is disposed between two spaced storage shelves. The ladder may move longitudinally along the shelves, and may also be moved laterally between the shelves. Further, the ladder may pivot about a lateral axis such that the ladder may be picked up over obstructions in an aisle between the shelves. In this way, one can quickly and easily position the ladder at any position along or between the two storage shelves for accessing items stored on the shelves. This ladder system is particularly useful in the crowded warehouse-type retail outlets which are now gaining popularity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Material Control, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Patent number: 5082086
    Abstract: A ladder is disclosed including wheels normally received off the ground, and four legs normally supporting the ladder. When it is desired to move the ladder, it is pivoted off the legs until the wheels contact the ground and fully support the ladder. The ladder may then be moved. A rail includes an angled portion which provides a handle allowing the ladder to be easily moved. The wheel is most preferably mounted above the ground by a distance between its radius and its diameter such that when the ladder is supported on the wheels, the legs will not interfere with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Material Control, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Patent number: 5080192
    Abstract: A ladder is disclosed which includes gate members to block access to the ladder. The gate members preferably include a warning against unauthorized use of the ladder. The ladder may be mounted on wheels such that it may be transportable, for uses in environments such as warehouses. Since these environments may be exposed to customer use, the warnings may prevent unauthorized use of the ladder by customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Material Control, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Patent number: 4535883
    Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner having at least one blade mounted on a blade carrying member for scraping an endless conveyor belt. The blade carrying member substantially encloses and is telescopically received on a vertically adjustable elongate support member. A plurality of rollers are located between the blade carrying member and support member for rolling the blade carrying member on and off the support member to service the conveyor belt cleaner. An adjustment mechanism is provided for shifting the support member to change the amount of pressure with which the blade engages the endless belt. The tubular support may be segmented to facilitate removal in confined areas and to permit repair or replacement of individual segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: Material Control, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Kerr