Patents by Inventor Richard A. Nichols

Richard A. Nichols 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: 11955942
    Abstract: An RF signal is processed by coupling an input signal into a signal loop, the signal loop comprising a resonator and a processing block, and filtering the input signal in the signal loop to produce an output signal by obtaining a plurality of resonator outputs from the resonator and processing the plurality of resonator outputs to generate feedback signals. The feedback signals are connected to a point upstream of the resonator. At least one of the plurality of resonator outputs is processed in the processing block. The signal loop is definable by a transfer function having poles, and the plurality of resonator outputs are processed such that the poles of the transfer function are independently controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Anlotek Limited
    Inventors: Jorgen Staal Nielsen, Richard Nichols
  • Patent number: 11932512
    Abstract: A method of communication between a robot and an elevator system using a robot communication system including: collecting data on a landing of a building using a sensor system of the robot; and transmitting the data to the elevator system of the building, the data being transmitted to the elevator system directly from the robot, through a cloud computing network, or through a building system manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen Richard Nichols, Bradley Armand Scoville, Michael P. Keenan, Jr., Nicholas Cope, James Sorrels, Mohip Joarder
  • Patent number: 11814266
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes a platform and a plurality of supports configured to selectively engage a nearby structure. The plurality of supports include at least a first support and a second support. The first and second supports alternate between engaging the nearby structure to support the platform while the other one of the supports is disengaged from the nearby structure. At least one of the first and second supports is configured to move relative to the platform while engaging the nearby structure to cause vertical movement of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen Richard Nichols, Tadeusz Pawel Witczak, John-Paul Clarke
  • Publication number: 20230148673
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic smoking device (100) with an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114) and to an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114). In order to facilitate refilling a liquid reservoir (134) of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114), the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114) comprises a docking valve (146) for docking a source of liquid (148) to be stored in the liquid reservoir (134), and a liquid duct (156) that is adapted to receive liquid (172) from the docking valve (146) and that opens into the refillable liquid reservoir (134) at a predetermined distance (A) to the docking valve (146).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Stefan Biel, David Jones, Richard Nichols
  • Patent number: 11470884
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic smoking device (100) with an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114) and to an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114). In order to facilitate refilling a liquid reservoir (134) of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114), the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114) comprises a docking valve (146) for docking a source of liquid (148) to be stored in the liquid reservoir (134), and a liquid duct (156) that is adapted to receive liquid (172) from the docking valve (146) and that opens into the refillable liquid reservoir (134) at a predetermined distance (A) to the docking valve (146).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventors: Stefan Biel, David Jones, Richard Nichols
  • Publication number: 20220278672
    Abstract: An RF signal is processed by coupling an input signal into a signal loop, the signal loop comprising a resonator and a processing block, and filtering the input signal in the signal loop to produce an output signal by obtaining a plurality of resonator outputs from the resonator and processing the plurality of resonator outputs to generate feedback signals. The feedback signals are connected to a point upstream of the resonator. At least one of the plurality of resonator outputs is processed in the processing block. The signal loop is definable by a transfer function having poles, and the plurality of resonator outputs are processed such that the poles of the transfer function are independently controllable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Jorgen Staal Nielsen, Richard Nichols
  • Publication number: 20220200574
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying or controlling a resonator connected to a signal loop having an input, an output, and a closed loop frequency response. The signal loop has a primary resonator having a primary frequency response. There is at least one adjustable resonator having an adjustable frequency and a secondary Q-factor. An adjustable scaling block applies a gain factor. A controller is connected to the at least one adjustable resonator and the adjustable scaling block. The controller has instructions to adjust the closed loop frequency response toward a desired closed loop frequency response by controlling the adjustable frequency of the at least one adjustable resonator and the gain factor of the adjustable scaling block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: Anlotek Limited
    Inventors: Jorgen Staal Nielsen, Richard Nichols
  • Publication number: 20220177265
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system interface includes a voice-activated input that is configured to receive audible input from a user. A processor is configured to determine a response to the audible input based on a content of the audible input and at least one other factor. An output provides at least an audible indication of the determined response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Arthur HSU, Stephen Richard NICHOLS, Harrison DANIELS
  • Publication number: 20220177266
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator passenger interface configuration device includes a configuration input that allows an authorized individual to input an indication of a desired functionality of at least one selected elevator passenger interface that is configured to receive audible passenger input. A processor determines at least one operation executable by the elevator passenger interface to provide the desired functionality based on the indication of the desired functionality. Memory associated with the processor at least temporarily stores information regarding the operation. A configuration output is configured to communicate information regarding the operation from the memory to the elevator passenger interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Harrison DANIELS, Stephen Richard NICHOLS, Marija TRCKA
  • Publication number: 20220177269
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of a device includes an elevator passenger interface configured to allow a passenger to place a call for elevator service by indicating at least one of an intended destination and an intended direction. The elevator passenger interface includes at least one sound detector. A processor is configured to determine a number of passengers intending to travel to the intended destination or in the intended direction based on at least an indication from the sound detector regarding voice detection and to associate the determined number of passengers with the call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Harrison DANIELS, Arthur HSU, Stephen Richard NICHOLS
  • Patent number: 11290084
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying or controlling a resonator connected to a signal loop having an input (18828), an output (18822), and a closed loop frequency response. The signal loop has a primary resonator (18810) having a primary frequency response. There is at least one adjustable resonator (18812) having an adjustable frequency (f) and a secondary Q-factor. An adjustable scaling block (18824) applies a gain factor (g). A controller is connected to the at least one adjustable resonator (18812) and the adjustable scaling block (18824). The controller has instructions to adjust the closed loop frequency response toward a desired closed loop frequency response by controlling the adjustable frequency (f) of the at least one adjustable resonator (18812) and the gain factor (g) of the adjustable scaling block (18824).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventors: Jorgen Staal Nielsen, Richard Nichols
  • Publication number: 20220063959
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes a platform and a plurality of supports configured to selectively engage a nearby structure. The plurality of supports include at least a first support and a second support. The first and second supports alternate between engaging the nearby structure to support the platform while the other one of the supports is disengaged from the nearby structure. At least one of the first and second supports is configured to move relative to the platform while engaging the nearby structure to cause vertical movement of the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen Richard NICHOLS, Tadeusz Pawel WITCZAK, John-Paul CLARKE
  • Publication number: 20210284504
    Abstract: A method of collecting data using a robot data collection system including: collecting data on a landing of a building using a sensor system of a robot; transmitting the data to a conveyance system of the building; and adjusting operation of the conveyance system in response to the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen Richard Nichols, Michael P. Keenan, JR., James Sorrels, Sam Wong, Kayla Geer
  • Publication number: 20210284492
    Abstract: A method of assisting an individual using a robot concierge system including: determining that the individual is in need of assistance using a sensor system of a robot assigned to the conveyance system; and assisting the individual through the robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Osamu Sakai, Atsushi Yamada, Hideyuki Honma, Stephen Richard Nichols, Michael P. Keenan, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210284490
    Abstract: A method of communication between a robot and an elevator system using a robot communication system including: collecting data on a landing of a building using a sensor system of the robot; and transmitting the data to the elevator system of the building, the data being transmitted to the elevator system directly from the robot, through a cloud computing network, or through a building system manager.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen Richard Nichols, Bradley Armand Scoville, JR., Michael P. Keenan, JR., Nicholas Cope, James Sorrels, Mohip Joarder
  • Publication number: 20210284485
    Abstract: A method of controlling a first elevator system comprising a first elevator car is including: receiving a first elevator call from a first robot for the first elevator system to transport the first robot from a first elevator bank on a landing to a destination landing; and adjusting operation of at least one of the first robot and the first elevator system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen Richard Nichols, Michael P. Keenan, JR., Enrico Manes, Nicholas Cope, Yu Zhang, Shenhong Wang
  • Publication number: 20210284494
    Abstract: A method of operating a first elevator system including a first elevator car including detecting an individual using a sensor system of a first robot; and notifying a dispatcher of the first elevator system that the individual was detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Shenhong Wang, Stephen Richard Nichols, Michael P. Keenan, JR.
  • Patent number: 11040850
    Abstract: A method of assigning a destination floor to an elevator call associated with a mobile device is provided. The method including: receiving a first elevator call to travel from a first floor, the first floor is a boarding floor for the first elevator call; detecting a location of a mobile device relative to an elevator car of an elevator system; moving the elevator car from the first floor to a second floor in response to the first elevator call; determining when the mobile device exits the elevator car at the second floor in response to the location of the mobile device, the second floor is a destination floor for the first elevator call; receiving a second elevator call from the mobile device; and establishing the second floor as a destination floor for the second elevator call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul A. Simcik, Derk Oscar Pahlke, Markus Mueller, Stephen Richard Nichols
  • Patent number: 11040849
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for preventing an unintended call for a conveyance apparatus of a conveyance system is provided. The conveyance system comprising a first location device and a second location device. The computer-implemented method comprising: detecting a first interaction between the mobile device and the first location device; determining a travel direction of the first mobile device; and automatically filtering a second interaction between the mobile device and a second location device to prevent an unintended call to a conveyance apparatus in response to the travel direction of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Harrison Daniels, Bradley Armand Scoville, Sam Wong, Paul A. Simcik, Stephen Richard Nichols, Yew Hung Leong
  • Publication number: 20210076737
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic smoking device (100) with an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114) and to an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114). In order to facilitate refilling a liquid reservoir (134) of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114), the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114) comprises a docking valve (146) for docking a source of liquid (148) to be stored in the liquid reservoir (134), and a liquid duct (156) that is adapted to receive liquid (172) from the docking valve (146) and that opens into the refillable liquid reservoir (134) at a predetermined distance (A) to the docking valve (146).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Stefan Biel, David Jones, Richard Nichols