Patents by Inventor Alois Senger

Alois Senger 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: 10221046
    Abstract: A moving handrail monitoring system includes a sensor configured to sense at least part of a moving handrail of the passenger conveying device to acquire a data frame; a processing device configured to analyze and process the data frame to monitor whether a tension degree of the moving handrail is in a normal state, wherein the processing device is configured to include: a target object recognition module configured to recognize, based on a sensed movement and/or position and/or color and/or shape, a moving handrail portion that serves as a target object from the data frame; an object feature extraction module configured to extract a tension degree feature of the moving handrail portion; and a judgment module configured to compare the extracted tension degree feature with a system preset interval, and judge whether a current tension degree of the moving handrail is normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: ZhaoXia Hu, Wilfrid Fuchs, Alois Senger, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn
  • Patent number: 10183843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to step roller monitoring and maintenance personnel monitoring of a passenger conveyor, and belongs to the field of passenger conveyor technologies. In the monitoring system and monitoring method of the present invention, an imaging sensor and/or a depth sensing sensor is used to sense the step roller/maintenance personnel of the passenger conveyor to acquire data frames, and the data frames are analyzed and processed to monitor whether the movement or position of the step roller/activity or position of the maintenance personnel is in a normal state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: ZhaoXia Hu, JianGuo Li, Alois Senger, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn, Wei Ge, Yanying Chen, LongWen Wang, DuEon Kim
  • Patent number: 10173864
    Abstract: A moving handrail monitoring system includes a sensor configured to sense at least part of a moving handrail of the passenger conveying device to acquire a data frame; a processing device configured to analyze and process the data frame to monitor whether a tension degree of the moving handrail is in a normal state, wherein the processing device is configured to include: a target object recognition module configured to recognize, based on a sensed movement and/or position and/or color and/or shape, a moving handrail portion that serves as a target object from the data frame; an object feature extraction module configured to extract a tension degree feature of the moving handrail portion; and a judgment module configured to compare the extracted tension degree feature with a system preset interval, and judge whether a current tension degree of the moving handrail is normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: ZhaoXia Hu, Wilfrid Fuchs, Alois Senger, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn
  • Publication number: 20180257912
    Abstract: A moving handrail monitoring system includes a sensor configured to sense at least part of a moving handrail of the passenger conveying device to acquire a data frame; a processing device configured to analyze and process the data frame to monitor whether a tension degree of the moving handrail is in a normal state, wherein the processing device is configured to include: a target object recognition module configured to recognize, based on a sensed movement and/or position and/or color and/or shape, a moving handrail portion that serves as a target object from the data frame; an object feature extraction module configured to extract a tension degree feature of the moving handrail portion; and a judgment module configured to compare the extracted tension degree feature with a system preset interval, and judge whether a current tension degree of the moving handrail is normal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: ZhaoXia Hu, Wilfrid Fuchs, Alois Senger, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn
  • Patent number: 10071884
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of passenger conveyor technologies, and provides an engaging state detection system of a passenger conveyor and a detection method thereof. In the engaging state detection system and detection method of the present invention, a depth sensing sensor is used to sense at least an engaging portion between a step and a comb plate of the passenger conveyor to obtain depth maps, and the depth maps are analyzed by a processing apparatus to detect whether an engaging state between the step and the comb plate is a normal state. The detection of the engaging state includes detection on whether comb teeth of the comb plate are broken, whether engaging teeth of the step are broken, and/or whether a foreign matter exists on an engaging line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: JianGuo Li, Nigel Morris, Alois Senger, Jianwei Zhao, ZhaoXia Hu, Qiang Li, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn, LongWen Wang, Qian Li, Gero Gschwendtner
  • Patent number: 10059569
    Abstract: A monitoring system and a monitoring method for a passenger conveying device, and the passenger conveying device. The monitoring system comprises an imaging sensor and/or a depth sensing sensor for sensing a monitoring area of the passenger conveying device to acquire data frames; and a processing device for performing data processing on the data frames to monitor whether the monitoring area is abnormal, and configured to comprise: a background acquisition module for acquiring a background model based on data frames sensed when the monitoring area is in a normal state; a foreground detection module for comparing data frames sensed in real time with the background model to obtain a foreground object; a foreground feature extraction module for extracting a corresponding foreground object markup feature from the foreground object; and a state judgment module for judging whether the foreground object belongs to an abnormal population.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Yanzhi Chen, Alan Matthew Finn, Arthur Hsu, Jianwei Zhao, ZhaoXia Hu, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Longwen Wang, XuLei Guo, Alois Senger
  • Patent number: 10053337
    Abstract: A people conveyor comprises two landing areas located at two opposing ends of the people conveyor; a movable conveying element extending between the two landing areas and configured for conveying passengers between the two landing areas; a handrail extending parallel to the conveying element between the two landing areas and configured for moving with the conveying element; a handrail exit/entry portion located at one of the landing areas and configured for receiving a return portion of the handrail; and a safety switch assembly provided at the handrail exit/entry portion and configured for stopping the handrail when activated. The safety switch assembly comprises at least one sensor surface providing a touch sensor for detecting any part of a human body, in particular a finger, approaching and/or touching at least one of the at least one sensor surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Alexander Turek, Alois Senger
  • Patent number: 10046952
    Abstract: A moving handrail monitoring system includes a sensor configured to sense at least part of a moving handrail of the passenger conveying device to acquire a data frame; a processing device configured to analyze and process the data frame to monitor whether a tension degree of the moving handrail is in a normal state, wherein the processing device is configured to include: a target object recognition module configured to recognize, based on a sensed movement and/or position and/or color and/or shape, a moving handrail portion that serves as a target object from the data frame; an object feature extraction module configured to extract a tension degree feature of the moving handrail portion; and a judgment module configured to compare the extracted tension degree feature with a system preset interval, and judge whether a current tension degree of the moving handrail is normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: ZhaoXia Hu, Wilfrid Fuchs, Alois Senger, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn
  • Patent number: 9994428
    Abstract: A brake for use in a passenger conveyor system is provided. The passenger conveyor system includes a drive system operable to drive a drive component in a desired direction. The brake is actuated by a reversal in direction of movement of the drive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Du Dai, Alois Senger, Jian Cheng
  • Publication number: 20180105399
    Abstract: A people conveyor comprises two landing areas located at two opposing ends of the people conveyor; a movable conveying element extending between the two landing areas and configured for conveying passengers between the two landing areas; a handrail extending parallel to the conveying element between the two landing areas and configured for moving with the conveying element; a handrail exit/entry portion located at one of the landing areas and configured for receiving a return portion of the handrail; and a safety switch assembly provided at the handrail exit/entry portion and configured for stopping the handrail when activated. The safety switch assembly comprises at least one sensor surface providing a touch sensor for detecting any part of a human body, in particular a finger, approaching and/or touching at least one of the at least one sensor surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Alexander Turek, Alois Senger
  • Publication number: 20180032598
    Abstract: The present invention provides a big data analysis and processing system and method for a passenger transport apparatus, wherein the big data analysis and processing system comprises: a data collection module, the data collection module comprising: an imaging sensor and/or depth sensing sensor, configured to constantly collect image data and/or depth map data of at least one region of the passenger transport apparatus; and an image processing module, configured to process the image data and/or depth map data to acquire a plurality of types of data of the passenger transport apparatus, comprising one or more of device running data, load data, abnormal behavior data and contingency data; a database, the database gathering and storing the plurality of types of data; and a statistical analysis unit, the statistical analysis unit performing classification and statistics on the plurality of types of data according to a statistical analysis method, and generating an analysis report.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Alois Senger, Yanying Chen, ZhaoXia Hu, Zhen Jia, JianGuo Li, Hui Fang, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn, Nigel Morris
  • Publication number: 20180029836
    Abstract: A temperature monitoring system for a passenger transport apparatus includes a temperature detection apparatus; and a control apparatus. When the temperature of at least one of a plurality of components is lower than a working temperature range, the control apparatus sends out a notification message and/or enables a heating apparatus to heat the component; when the temperature of at least one of the plurality of components reaches an early warning temperature range, the control apparatus sends out a notification message and/or enables a heat dissipation apparatus to dissipate heat for the component; and when the temperature of at least one of the plurality of components continues to rise and exceeds the working temperature range, the control apparatus sends out a notification message and/or enables the passenger transport apparatus to brake. The present invention is able to monitor a component running condition and predict a component service life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Yanying Chen, ZhaoXia Hu, Wilfrid Fuchs, Alois Senger, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su
  • Publication number: 20180029841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of passenger conveyor technologies, and provides an engaging state detection system of a passenger conveyor and a detection method thereof. In the engaging state detection system and detection method of the present invention, a depth sensing sensor is used to sense at least an engaging portion between a step and a comb plate of the passenger conveyor to obtain depth maps, and the depth maps are analyzed by a processing apparatus to detect whether an engaging state between the step and the comb plate is a normal state. The detection of the engaging state includes detection on whether comb teeth of the comb plate are broken, whether engaging teeth of the step are broken, and/or whether a foreign matter exists on an engaging line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: JianGuo Li, Nigel Morris, Alois Senger, Jianwei Zhao, ZhaoXia Hu, Qiang Li, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn, LongWen Wang, Qian Li, Gero Gschwendtner
  • Publication number: 20180029833
    Abstract: A moving handrail monitoring system includes a sensor configured to sense at least part of a moving handrail of the passenger conveying device to acquire a data frame; a processing device configured to analyze and process the data frame to monitor whether a tension degree of the moving handrail is in a normal state, wherein the processing device is configured to include: a target object recognition module configured to recognize, based on a sensed movement and/or position and/or color and/or shape, a moving handrail portion that serves as a target object from the data frame; an object feature extraction module configured to extract a tension degree feature of the moving handrail portion; and a judgment module configured to compare the extracted tension degree feature with a system preset interval, and judge whether a current tension degree of the moving handrail is normal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: ZhaoXia Hu, Wilfrid Fuchs, Alois Senger, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn
  • Publication number: 20180029838
    Abstract: A monitoring system and a monitoring method for a passenger conveying device, and the passenger conveying device. The monitoring system comprises an imaging sensor and/or a depth sensing sensor for sensing a monitoring area of the passenger conveying device to acquire data frames; and a processing device for performing data processing on the data frames to monitor whether the monitoring area is abnormal, and configured to comprise: a background acquisition module for acquiring a background model based on data frames sensed when the monitoring area is in a normal state; a foreground detection module for comparing data frames sensed in real time with the background model to obtain a foreground object; a foreground feature extraction module for extracting a corresponding foreground object markup feature from the foreground object; and a state judgment module for judging whether the foreground object belongs to an abnormal population.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Yanzhi Chen, Alan Matthew Finn, Arthur Hsu, Jianwei Zhao, ZhaoXia Hu, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Longwen Wang, XuLei Guo, Alois Senger
  • Publication number: 20180029834
    Abstract: The present invention relates to step roller monitoring and maintenance personnel monitoring of a passenger conveyor, and belongs to the field of passenger conveyor technologies. In the monitoring system and monitoring method of the present invention, an imaging sensor and/or a depth sensing sensor is used to sense the step roller/maintenance personnel of the passenger conveyor to acquire data frames, and the data frames are analyzed and processed to monitor whether the movement or position of the step roller/activity or position of the maintenance personnel is in a normal state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: ZhaoXia Hu, JianGuo Li, Alois Senger, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn, Wei Ge, Yanying Chen, LongWen Wang, DuEon Kim
  • Patent number: 9676597
    Abstract: The invention relates to a truss construction (2) for a passenger conveyor comprising at least one self-supporting element (4, 16). The self-supporting element, which is a roller molded element (4, 16), extends in a conveying direction of the passenger conveyor and is formed with at least one rail portion (6, 8) for guiding step chain rollers (7a) and/or step rollers (7b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Alois Senger, Goetz Metzdorf
  • Patent number: 9550655
    Abstract: A moving walkway with a pallet return mechanism is disclosed. The moving walkway generally includes a pallet track having a passenger portion connected to a return portion through an end portion, a plurality of pallets coupled to the pallet track with each pallet extending between front and back ends, and a pallet return apparatus adapted to sequentially lower the front and back ends of the pallet to transition each pallet from the passenger portion to the return portion of the pallet track. Methods for returning the pallet on the pallet track are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Alois Senger, Alexander Turek
  • Publication number: 20160251204
    Abstract: A brake for use in a passenger conveyor system is provided. The passenger conveyor system includes a drive system operable to drive a drive component in a desired direction. The brake is actuated by a reversal in direction of movement of the drive component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Du Dai, Alois Senger, Jian Cheng
  • Patent number: 9272882
    Abstract: A system for detecting a person relative to a passenger conveyor includes a driving circuit for supplying an oscillating drive signal to a first electrode of a capacitive sensor configured to produce an electric field toward a second electrode in response to the oscillating drive signal. A detection circuit is connected to the capacitive sensor, and produces an output as a function of the capacitance of the capacitive sensor, such that the detection circuit senses a change in capacitance of the capacitive sensor, such as when a person enters the electric field between the first and second electrodes. A controller is responsive to the change in capacitance sensed by the detection circuit to selectively adjust an operation mode of the passenger conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Soldner, Arthur C. Hsu, William A. Veronesi, Bryan R. Siewert, Gero Gschwendtner, Abdullah Ercan, Alois Senger