Patents Represented by Attorney William W. Jones

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  • Escalator handrail guard warning device
    Patent number: 5001459
    Abstract: The location on an escalator where the handrail reenters the balustrade is provided with an electrical field projector which will establish a limited extent electrical field around the handrail reentry housing. The field is established with a pair of antennae disposed adjacent to the handrail reentry. The antennae are preferably connected to the main AC power source for the escalator, and can be angularly adjusted to focus the field that they project. Shrouds are positioned adjacent to each antenna to confine the lateral extent of the field. An object entering the field will cause a field disturbance which creates a signal setting off an audible alarm. Subsequent stopping of the escalator can ensue if the disturbance is not removed in a predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Herbert Jacoby, David L. Steel
  • Self adjustable escalator handrail drive
    Patent number: 4998613
    Abstract: The handrail drive is a mangle-type drive wherein the handrail passes through the nip of a pair of opposed drive rollers. A plurality of drive roller pairs may be used. The drive rollers are keyed to rotatable shafts to which drive sprockets are also keyed. The drive sprockets are rotated by an endless chain which in turn is driven by one or more powered sprockets. The drive roller shafts are journaled in rotatable bearings which are mounted in a mechanism housing with the bearings being eccentrically mounted in the housing with respect to the drive roller shafts. The housing is divided into two halves, each mounting one of the rollers in a drive roller pair. The two housing halves are hinged together so that the nip of each drive roller pair can be opened by pivoting one half of the housing away from the other half of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: James A. Rivera, Gerald E. Johnson
  • Automatic blood pressure measurement in hyperbaric chamber
    Patent number: 4996992
    Abstract: Blood pressure measurements are performed on subjects disposed in hyperbaric chambers. The measurements are made by an automatic blood pressure monitoring instrument having a differential pressure transducer component. The reference side of the pressure transducer is open to the pressure in the hyperbaric chamber. A rotary vane pump is used to inflate the cuff with the inflation fluid supply from within the hyperbaric chamber, and exhaust from deflating the cuff is vented back into the hyperbaric chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: CAS Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John LaViola, William C. Watson
  • Balustrade radius development for curved escalator
    Patent number: 4984671
    Abstract: The balustrade of a linear or curved escalator has upper and lower edges that are curved in elevation between the horizontal landing portions and the constant slope inclined medial portion of the escalator. The radius which defines the upper and lower balustrade curves is developed so as to have the maximum value possible without producing a discontinuity in the vertical distance between the escalator handrail and the escalator tread surface which would be noticeable by a passenger on the escalator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Frank Sansevero, Dat Nguyen
  • Flexible escalator handrail
    Patent number: 4982829
    Abstract: The escalator handrail is provided with increased lateral flexibility by forming it with a guide rail spanning web which is elliptical in cross-section. Adjacent internal reinforcement cables are positioned in slightly vertically offset horiozntal planes so as not to unduly hinder lateral flexure of the handrail. The handrail's increased flexibility results in less frictional drag on the guide rail, and adapts the handrail for use with helical escalator assemblies and provides improved performance in conventional rectilinear escalators as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Gerald E. Johnson, Dat Nguyen
  • Snap-together picture frame
    Patent number: 4982517
    Abstract: The picture frame consists of four rectilinear members which can be joined a right angles to each other to form the complete frame. The members are joined together by interlocking components which are formed in mating parts on the ends of the members. One of the components is a fixed catch which is disposed on one end of the rectilinear member, and the other component is a flexible latch which is disposed on the other end of the member. The rectilinear members are formed in a number of different lengths which are then packaged in groups for forming different size frames. To form the frame, the latch end of one member is simply pushed into the catch end of the adjacent member. The frames can also be manually disassenbled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: Raymond Bilodeau
  • Easy opening can with internal reclosure flap
    Patent number: 4979635
    Abstract: The easy open beverage can has a weakened spout portion formed in one end which is punched out from the can end and pivoted into the interior of the can. A punch tab which remains connected to the can end is used to punch the spout portion. A closure flap is foldably connected to and underlies the punch tab, and is connected to the can by the rivet which also connects the tab to the can. The closure flap is swung about the rivet to close the can opening by twisting the punch tab about the rivet. The closure flap may have a seal-enhancing polymer coating on it and a lightly biased peripheral skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: Joshua Levine
  • Mount system for elevator guide rails
    Patent number: 4977983
    Abstract: Guide rails for a cantilevered elevator are mounted in the elevator hoistway on structural components of the building. The mounting assembly provides for an increased number of guide rail securement points in the hoistway without the need for increasing the number of structural components directly built into the building. Increased resistance to lateral deflection of the guide rails is thus achieved without requiring heavier than normal guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Alfonso Garrido, Jose Sevilleja, Julian Cabanas
  • Escalator handrail obstruction device with sensors
    Patent number: 4976345
    Abstract: An elastomeric collar is positioned at the mouth of the escalator handrail reentry housing. The collar will deform when subjected to forces running parallel to the direction of travel of the handrail. Sufficient deformation of the collar will activate a switch which turns the escalator off. if an object enters the reentry housing and becomes lodged therein against the handrail, the forces generated thereby normal to the direction of travel of the handrail will activate a pressure sensor which in turn will turn the escalator off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Willy Adrian, Detlev B. Moldenhaur
  • Automatic blood pressure measuring device
    Patent number: 4972840
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining mean blood pressure involves the use of a pre-programmed microprocessor which interprets pressure oscillation values from a pressure cuff affixed to a subject's limb. The pressure cuff is inflated to a value above apparent systolic pressure and then deflated in steps. The steps are all substantially equal mmHg declinations in cuff pressure. At each step cuff ocsillation values are taken and stored. The greatest cuff oscillation and its associated cuff pressure are noted, along with the next greatest cuff oscillations and associated cuff pressures on either side of the greatest oscillation. The actual mean blood pressure is then determined by forming a window adjacent to the greatest oscillation and calculating, on which side of the greatest oscilation, within the window, the mean pressure is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Cas Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John LaViola, Kevin S. Librett
  • Guide device for hydraulic elevator
    Patent number: 4957191
    Abstract: Movement of the cab of an elevator is guided along hoistway guide rails by a guide assembly that shares loads imposed by the cab between guide shoes and guide rollers. There is one guide shoe/guide roller sub-assembly mounted above and below the cab for engagement with each guide rail. In each sub-assembly, the guide shoe and guide roller are mounted on opposite ends of a pivoting arm. The guide rollers engage opposite sides of the guide rail blade, and the geometry of the system is such that loads are proportionally shared by the guide shoes and guide rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Yoshinori Nakanishi
  • Step chain for curved escalator
    Patent number: 4953685
    Abstract: The steps of the escalator move along a curved path which has a fixed constant radius when viewed in plan. The step chain also follows the constant radius path and thus its effective length must vary at different locations along its path of travel in order to keep the step rollers on their constant radius tracks. The effective length of the step chain is varied using an eccentric pivot cam at chain link connections spaced along the chain whereby the degree of overlap of adjacent links can be changed by controlling the path along which cam actuating rollers travel. The cam actuating rollers control operation of the eccentric pivot cam link connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Gerald Johnson
  • Correction of material layer volume measurements
    Patent number: 4953975
    Abstract: Centrifuged material layer volume measurements are made in a transparent capillary tube containing an elongated float which expands the layers being measured. The extent of layer expansion will vary depending on the tube bore diameter and the float diameter. The tube bore diameter and float diameter for each tube/float pair are measured, and an indication of the difference between the two is marked on the tube. When the volume determinations are made, the measured difference between the tube bore diameter and the float diameter is taken into account before calculating actual layer volume malues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventors: Robert A. Levine, Stephen C. Wardlaw
  • Load distribution detecting system for elevator
    Patent number: 4951786
    Abstract: A load distribution detecting matrix is provided in the floor of an elevator cab. The elevator controller receives information from the matrix and can alter operation of the elevator in response to detection of predetermined load distribution characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Hitoshi Haraguchi
  • Correction of blood count tube readings
    Patent number: 4952054
    Abstract: The method of correcting readings of cell counts in a centrifuged blood sample contained in a transparent tube which also contains a transparent cylindrical float. Light absorption measurements are made at different locations in the tube. A beam of light is directed through the tube and the float and a light absorption reading is taken. A light beam is also directed through the sample above the float and another absorption reading is taken. The ratio of the two readings is determined and compared to a target ratio that is precalculated from an ideal tube and float. Any deviations from the target ratio are proportional to correction factors which are applied to the cell readings taken. A colorant is added to the sample to impart the light absorption capability thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Inventors: Robert A. Levine, Stephen C. Wardlaw
  • Curved escalator with vertical planar step risers and constant horizontal velocity
    Patent number: 4949832
    Abstract: The escalator has steps with vertical planar cleated risers which mesh with cleated trailing edges of the adjacent step. The step chains are selectively kinked and unkinked to provide for a constant spacing of adjacent step axles throughout the path of travel of the escalator. The steps thus display a constant horizontal velocity. The escalator can be adapted to follow a fixed center constant radius in plan helical path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Frank M. Sansevero
  • Sheave array of a self propelled elevator using a linear motor on the counterweight
    Patent number: 4949815
    Abstract: Movement of the elevator is derived from a linear motor forming a part of the counterweight assembly of the elevator. Overhead guide sheaves carry the ropes which connect the counterweight with the cab. The guide sheaves are mounted laterally of the cab on both sides thereof whereby there are no sheaves directly above and in line with the cab. The cab mount beam connects to the center of gravity of the cab but lies skew to the lateral vertical plane of symmetry of the cab so that the ropes will be offset fore and aft of the guide rails of the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Marcel Pavoz
  • Low friction escalator handrail guide
    Patent number: 4946020
    Abstract: The handrail guide is suitable for use on very thin escalator balustrades, such as are typically made of glass or the like. The handrail-contacting-track surface is formed from a low friction plastic material. The plastic track member is affixed to a mount base which clips onto the balustrade, and the track is reinforced by a recessed steel strip plate fastened directly to the base through the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: James A. Rivera, Gerald Johnson
  • Method for increasing agglutination of groups of cells to produce improved cell layer interface in centrifuged blood sample
    Patent number: 4940668
    Abstract: In order to produce a more well defined interface between adjacent cell layers in a centrifuged sample of anticoagulated whole blood, a material which will bond one group of cells together is added to the blood sample prior to centrifugation. The bonding material must produce a high strength bond between one group of cells, but not effect the other cell types. The material is added prior to centrifugation of the blood sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. Wardlaw, Robert A. Levine, Rodolfo R. Rodriguez, Michael R. Loken
  • Call button indicator for an elevator
    Patent number: D315527
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: John M. Kulikowski, William Weirsman