Patents by Inventor Matthew C. McNeill
Matthew C. McNeill 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).
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Patent number: 11668131Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2018Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Matthew C. McNeill, Kyle E. Nelson, Richard A. Horton
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Publication number: 20220170311Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2022Publication date: June 2, 2022Inventors: Matthew C. McNeill, Kyle E. Nelson, Richard A. Horton
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Patent number: 10934113Abstract: Pedestrian-Vehicle safety systems for loading docks are disclosed herein. An example safety system includes a first sensor to monitor a first area adjacent a dock, a bi-directional sensor to signal both incoming movement and outgoing movement of a vehicle relative to the dock, and an incoming sensor to signal only incoming movement of the vehicle relative to the dock. A signaling device is responsive to outputs of at least one of the first sensor, the bi-directional sensor, and the incoming sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2018Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Allan H. Hochstein, Andrew Brooks, Jason Senfleben, Kenneth C. Bowman, Matthew Sveum, James C. Boerger, Joseph Manone, Matthew C. McNeill
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Publication number: 20180347254Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Matthew C. McNeill, Kyle E. Nelson, Richard A. Horton
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Patent number: 10113352Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Matthew C. McNeill, Kyle E. Nelson, Richard A. Horton
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Patent number: 10053904Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Matthew C. McNeill, Kyle E. Nelson, Richard A. Horton
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Publication number: 20180186583Abstract: Pedestrian-Vehicle safety systems for loading docks are disclosed herein. An example safety system includes a first sensor to monitor a first area adjacent a dock, a bi-directional sensor to signal both incoming movement and outgoing movement of a vehicle relative to the dock, and an incoming sensor to signal only incoming movement of the vehicle relative to the dock. A signaling device is responsive to outputs of at least one of the first sensor, the bi-directional sensor, and the incoming sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2018Publication date: July 5, 2018Inventors: Allan H. Hochstein, Andrew Brooks, Jason Senfleben, Kenneth C. Bowman, Matthew Sveum, James C. Boerger, Joseph Manone, Matthew C. McNeill
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Patent number: 9777529Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Matthew C. McNeill, Kyle E. Nelson, Richard A. Horton
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Publication number: 20170044817Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2016Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventors: Matthew C. McNeill, Kyle E. Nelson, Richard A. Horton
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Patent number: 9096170Abstract: Example light fixtures include one or more light transmitting illuminated rods that emit a series or array of discrete spots of light. Some example light fixtures disclosed herein include optical features that provide an intriguing, attention-getting affect that can be useful particularly in alerting personnel of certain conditions at a doorway of a truck loading dock. In some examples, the light transmitting rods are mechanically coupled to a housing that contains an LED light source. The mechanical coupling allows the illuminated rods to be readily replaced without disrupting with the operation or wiring of the light source. Some example light fixtures illuminate the cargo bay of a vehicle at the loading dock.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Mark R. Swessel, Norbert Hahn, Tim Muhl, Mark G. Petri, Paul Maly, Charles S. Waugaman, Matthew C. McNeill, Paul D. Rowlett, Jason Dondlinger
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Publication number: 20140247347Abstract: Methods and apparatus for video based process monitoring and control are disclosed. An example method for monitoring a process having at least one state includes obtaining a first set of images of the process and identifying from the first set of images at least one reference image that corresponds to the at least one state. The example method also includes obtaining at least one analysis image of the process. The example method further includes comparing the analysis image to the at least one reference image using digital analysis. The example method also includes determining whether the analysis image corresponds to the at least one state based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventors: Matthew C. McNeill, Francis J. Cusack, JR., James Boerger
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Publication number: 20140075842Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Matthew C. McNeill, Kyle E. Nelson, Richard A. Horton
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Patent number: 8622712Abstract: In the event of a fire, in some examples, a ceiling fan stops its fan blades at a predetermined position so as to avoid obstructing the spray from an overhead sprinkler head. The fan can be stopped by various apparatus including, but not limited to, a spring loaded roller engaging a lobed member to urge the fan to a chosen stop position, an electromechanical brake that grips a rotating member at certain locations, a stationary magnet attracted to one or more iron pads that rotate to certain locations, and a motor controller responsive to a rotational position sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Aaron J. Wiegel, Daniel M. Anderson, Donald P. Grant, Jason Dondlinger, Joe Korman, Mark G. Petri, Matthew C. McNeill, Ronald P. Snyder
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Publication number: 20130327914Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Matthew C. McNeill, Kyle E. Nelson, Richard A. Horton
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Publication number: 20130332217Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Matthew C. McNeill, Kyle E. Nelson, Richard A. Horton
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Patent number: 8497761Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Matthew C. McNeill, Kyle E. Nelson, Richard A. Horton
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Patent number: 8490668Abstract: A retractable barrier system includes an example gear assembly that can be manipulated for rapidly deploying a flexible barrier, exerting high torque for the initial tightening of the barrier, maintaining high static tension in barrier when in use, and/or rapidly retracting barrier for storage. In some examples, the gear assembly is a worm drive with a worm that can be selectively disengaged from a worm gear. Other optional features of the barrier system include selective right-hand/left-hand configurations, an electric switch that can be added to indicate whether the barrier system is in use, an intermediate coupling that joins the distal ends of two barriers for creating an extra long barrier system, and removable vehicle-mounted posts for certain loading dock applications.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Ronald P. Snyder, Jason D. Miller, Donald P. Grant, Paul J. Maly, Mike Gallenberger, Aaron J. Wiegel, Daniel M. Anderson, Daniel Quarles, Eric Bublitz, James Oates, Joe Korman, Matthew C. McNeill, Jason Dondlinger
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Publication number: 20120061032Abstract: A retractable barrier system includes an example gear assembly that can be manipulated for rapidly deploying a flexible barrier, exerting high torque for the initial tightening of the barrier, maintaining high static tension in barrier when in use, and/or rapidly retracting barrier for storage. In some examples, the gear assembly is a worm drive with a worm that can be selectively disengaged from a worm gear. Other optional features of the barrier system include selective right-hand/left-hand configurations, an electric switch that can be added to indicate whether the barrier system is in use, an intermediate coupling that joins the distal ends of two barriers for creating an extra long barrier system, and removable vehicle-mounted posts for certain loading dock applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: Ronald P. Snyder, Jason D. Miller, Donald P. Grant, Paul J. Maly, Mike Gallenberger, Aaron J. Wiegel, Daniel M. Anderson, Daniel Quarles, Eric Bublitz, James Oates, Joe Korman, Matthew C. McNeill, Jason Dondlinger
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Patent number: 8087443Abstract: A retractable barrier system includes an example gear assembly that can be manipulated for rapidly deploying a flexible barrier, exerting high torque for the initial tightening of the barrier, maintaining high static tension in barrier when in use, and/or rapidly retracting barrier for storage. In some examples, the gear assembly is a worm drive with a worm that can be selectively disengaged from a worm gear. Other optional features of the barrier system include selective right-hand/left-hand configurations, an electric switch that can be added to indicate whether the barrier system is in use, an intermediate coupling that joins the distal ends of two barriers for creating an extra long barrier system, and removable vehicle-mounted posts for certain loading dock applications.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Ronald P. Snyder, Jason D. Miller, Donald P. Grant, Paul J. Maly, Mike Gallenberger, Aaron J. Wiegel, Daniel M. Anderson, Daniel Quarles, Eric Bublitz, James Oates, Joe Korman, Matthew C. McNeill, Jason Dondlinger
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Patent number: D751735Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Mark R. Swessel, Norbert Hahn, Tim Muhl, Mark G. Petri, Paul Maly, Charles S. Waugaman, Paul D. Rowlett, Jason Dondlinger, Matthew C. McNeill