Patents by Inventor Paul J. Maly
Paul J. Maly 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: 9845209Abstract: Example vehicle restraint apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed herein. An example method includes moving a barrier via a vehicle restraint drive unit relative to a main body proximate the dock between a fully extended position to block the vehicle, a fully retracted position to release the vehicle, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position; monitoring a status of the barrier as the barrier moves through the plurality of intermediate positions; comparing the status to a reference value; determining that an event has occurred based on the comparison of the status and the reference value; and providing an output in response to determining that the event has occurred.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Rite Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Bradley J. Stone, Jason Senfleben, Paul J. Maly
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Patent number: 9738467Abstract: Example vehicle restraint apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed. An example vehicle restraint apparatus includes a barrier movable between a fully extended position to restrain a vehicle at a loading dock, a fully retracted position to release the vehicle, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position. A sensor is mounted to the vehicle restraint apparatus, where the sensor is to monitor at least one of a barrier or a vehicle. The sensor includes a camera to capture an image of the at least one of the barrier or the vehicle. A controller is to receive the captured image from the camera, the controller to determine at least one of a characteristic of the at least one of the barrier or the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Bradley J. Stone, Jason Senfleben, Paul J. Maly
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Publication number: 20170008711Abstract: Example vehicle restraint apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed. An example vehicle restraint apparatus includes a barrier movable between a fully extended position to restrain a vehicle at a loading dock, a fully retracted position to release the vehicle, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position. A sensor is mounted to the vehicle restraint apparatus, where the sensor is to monitor at least one of a barrier or a vehicle. The sensor includes a camera to capture an image of the at least one of the barrier or the vehicle. A controller is to receive the captured image from the camera, the controller to determine at least one of a characteristic of the at least one of the barrier or the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventors: Bradley J. Stone, Jason Senfleben, Paul J. Maly
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Patent number: 9481531Abstract: Example vehicle restraint apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint includes a main body proximate a dock, a vehicle restraint drive unit, and a barrier coupled to the vehicle restraint drive unit and the main body. The barrier is movable relative to the main body between an extended position, a retracted position, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the extended position and the retracted position. A sensor provides a plurality of position feedback signals corresponding to a plurality of sensed positions of the barrier when the barrier moves along the plurality of intermediate positions. A controller receives the plurality of position feedback signals, performs a plurality of comparisons of the plurality of position feedback signals with a stored reference, and generates an output signal based on the compared value.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Bradley J. Stone, Jason Senfleben, Paul J. Maly
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Publication number: 20160311635Abstract: Example vehicle restraint apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed herein. An example method includes moving a barrier via a vehicle restraint drive unit relative to a main body proximate the dock between a fully extended position to block the vehicle, a fully retracted position to release the vehicle, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position; monitoring a status of the barrier as the barrier moves through the plurality of intermediate positions; comparing the status to a reference value; determining that an event has occurred based on the comparison of the status and the reference value; and providing an output in response to determining that the event has occurred.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2016Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventors: Bradley J. Stone, Jason Senfleben, Paul J. Maly
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Publication number: 20150239686Abstract: Example vehicle restraint apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint includes a main body proximate a dock, a vehicle restraint drive unit, and a barrier coupled to the vehicle restraint drive unit and the main body. The barrier is movable relative to the main body between an extended position, a retracted position, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the extended position and the retracted position. A sensor provides a plurality of position feedback signals corresponding to a plurality of sensed positions of the barrier when the barrier moves along the plurality of intermediate positions. A controller receives the plurality of position feedback signals, performs a plurality of comparisons of the plurality of position feedback signals with a stored reference, and generates an output signal based on the compared value.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2014Publication date: August 27, 2015Inventors: Bradley J. Stone, Jason Senfleben, Paul J. Maly
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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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Patent number: 8453705Abstract: A vertically moving door of a truck loading dock includes a disconnectable horizontal joint that provides the door with a barrier position, wherein an upper section of the door can be separated from a lower section to create a ventilation area between the two. The ventilation area allows fresh outside air to enter the building, while the lower section remains at its lowermost position for safety and security. More specifically, the lower section serves as a barrier that helps prevent someone or something from accidentally falling through the doorway when a truck is not present at the dock. A lightweight, resilient strap can be attached to the lower section of the door to help protect that section from an otherwise damaging impact. A lattice of straps or a mesh can be installed across the ventilation area to help secure the building against theft.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Jason D. Miller, Donald P. Grant, Paul J. Maly, Joseph A. Manone, Daniel M. Anderson, Ronald W. Bennett, Mark G. Petri, Ronald P. Snyder
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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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Publication number: 20110000626Abstract: A vertically moving door of a truck loading dock includes a disconnectable horizontal joint that provides the door with a barrier position, wherein an upper section of the door can be separated from a lower section to create a ventilation area between the two. The ventilation area allows fresh outside air to enter the building, while the lower section remains at its lowermost position for safety and security. More specifically, the lower section serves as a barrier that helps prevent someone or something from accidentally falling through the doorway when a truck is not present at the dock. A lightweight, resilient strap can be attached to the lower section of the door to help protect that section from an otherwise damaging impact. A lattice of straps or a mesh can be installed across the ventilation area to help secure the building against theft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventors: Jason D. Miller, Donald P. Grant, Paul J. Maly, Joseph A. Manone, Daniel M. Anderson, Ronald W. Bennett, Mark G. Petri, Ronald P. Snyder
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Patent number: 7832451Abstract: A vertically moving door of a truck loading dock includes a disconnectable horizontal joint that provides the door with a barrier position, wherein an upper section of the door can be separated from a lower section to create a ventilation area between the two. The ventilation area allows fresh outside air to enter the building, while the lower section remains at its lowermost position for safety and security. More specifically, the lower section serves as a barrier that helps prevent someone or something from accidentally falling through the doorway when a truck is not present at the dock. A lightweight, resilient strap can be attached to the lower section of the door to help protect that section from an otherwise damaging impact. A lattice of straps or a mesh can be installed across the ventilation area to help secure the building against theft.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Jason D. Miller, Donald P. Grant, Paul J. Maly, Joseph A. Manone, Daniel M. Anderson, Ronald W. Bennett, Mark G. Petri, Ronald P. Synder
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Patent number: 7775252Abstract: A vertically moving door of a truck loading dock includes a disconnectable horizontal joint that provides the door with a barrier position, wherein an upper section of the door can be separated from a lower section to create a ventilation area between the two. The ventilation area allows fresh outside air to enter the building, while the lower section remains at its lowermost position for safety and security. More specifically, the lower section serves as a barrier that helps prevent someone or something from accidentally falling through the doorway when a truck is not present at the dock. A lightweight, resilient strap can be attached to the lower section of the door to help protect that section from an otherwise damaging impact. A lattice of straps or a mesh can be installed across the ventilation area to help secure the building against theft.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Ronald P. Snyder, Jason D. Miller, Donald P. Grant, Paul J. Maly, Joseph A. Manone, Daniel M. Anderson, Ronald W. Bennett, Mark G. Petri
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Publication number: 20090008042Abstract: 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: July 3, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: 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: 7380375Abstract: A safety system for a truck doorway such as a loading dock with an elevated platform provides an alarm that warns of a falling hazard that may exist due to the dock door being open while a truck is not present at the dock. In cases where a dock's open doorway is protected by a barrier that can be opened or closed, the alarm can be de-activated by closing the barrier. In some embodiments, the safety system includes a remote body sensor that detects when someone or something is near the doorway. In response to the body sensor, a second, more pronounced alarm can warn of more imminent danger where someone on the platform may be too close to an open doorway when a truck is not present.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventor: Paul J. Maly
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Patent number: 7337822Abstract: A retractable barrier includes a rollup or otherwise retractable panel that can extend between two spaced apart support members. When not in use, the panel can retract onto one of the support members to permit passage. The barrier provides substantial impact resistance by having the reactive force of the impact transfer directly between the barrier's retractable panel and its support members without having to rely on the strength of the panel's take-up roller or the strength of the roller's anti-rotation mechanism. This can be accomplished by having a slot-engaging stop member mounted directly to the panel itself. The stop member is preferably a pipe, rod, bar or some other vertically elongate member that can broadly distribute an impact reactive force over the height of the panel. In some embodiments, the barrier can be set for various doorway widths by simply repositioning the stop member's location on the retractable panel.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Ronald P. Snyder, Jason D. Miller, Donald P. Grant, Paul J. Maly, Mike Gallenberger
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Patent number: 7237591Abstract: A retractable barrier includes a rollup or otherwise retractable panel that can extend between two spaced apart support members. When not in use, the panel can retract onto one of the support members to permit passage. The barrier provides substantial impact resistance by having the reactive force of the impact transfer directly between the barrier's retractable panel and its support members without having to rely on the strength of the panel's take-up roller or the strength of the roller's anti-rotation mechanism. This can be accomplished by having a slot-engaging stop member mounted directly to the panel itself. The stop member is preferably a pipe, rod, bar or some other vertically elongate member that can broadly distribute an impact reactive force over the height of the panel. In some embodiments, the barrier can be set for various doorway widths by simply repositioning the stop member's location on the retractable panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Ronald P. Snyder, Jason D. Miller, Donald P. Grant, Paul J. Maly, Mike Gallenberger
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Patent number: 7207370Abstract: A retractable barrier includes a rollup or otherwise retractable panel that can extend between two spaced apart support members. When not in use, the panel can retract onto one of the support members to permit passage. The barrier provides substantial impact resistance by having the reactive force of the impact transfer directly between the barrier's retractable panel and its support members without having to rely on the strength of the panel's take-up roller or the strength of the roller's anti-rotation mechanism. This can be accomplished by having a slot-engaging stop member mounted directly to the panel itself. The stop member is preferably a pipe, rod, bar or some other vertically elongate member that can broadly distribute an impact reactive force over the height of the panel. In some embodiments, the barrier can be set for various doorway widths by simply repositioning the stop member's location on the retractable panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Ronald P. Snyder, Jason D. Miller, Donald P. Grant, Paul J. Maly, Mike Gallenberger
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Publication number: 20030145535Abstract: A bumper system for a loading dock includes an engagement member and a guide member mounted to the face of the dock. The guide member helps guide a vehicle toward the engagement member, which receives the primary impact of the vehicle backing into the dock. If the vehicle is excessively off to one side, the guide member of some embodiments may affect the operation of a dock leveler, vehicle restraint, dock seals, or a door associated with the loading dock. In some embodiments when the vehicle is off to one side the guide member may inhibit the vehicle from reaching the engagement member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Joseph J. DiBiase, Paul J. Maly, Walter J. Swietlik