Patents Examined by Michael A Riegelman
  • Patent number: 11479442
    Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring characteristics of an elevator door motion procedure use a smart mobile device including multiple sensors. The method includes: (i) determining a time window, within which a door motion is assumed to occur, including a time interval enclosed by a start time limit and an end time limit and wherein at least one of the start time limit and the end time limit is determined based on first measurement values acquired by a first sensor in the smart mobile device; and (ii) detecting characteristics of the procedure based on second measurement values acquired during the time window by a second sensor in the smart mobile device. Using the method, door motion characteristics can be reliably monitored using a passenger's smart mobile phone while substantially limiting sensing and processing capacities required by the smart mobile phone as well as avoiding compromising passenger privacy requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventors: Alberto Chiappa, Martin Kusserow, Zack Zhu
  • Patent number: 11465885
    Abstract: A belt (30) for suspending and/or driving an elevator car (14) includes a plurality of tension elements (32) extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, at least one tension element of the plurality of tension elements having one or more tension element coating layers (46) applied thereto. A plurality of fibers are interlaced with the plurality of tension elements forming a composite belt structure. A belt coating (44) at least partially encapsulates the composite belt structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott Alan Eastman, Daniel A. Mosher, Wenping Zhao, John P. Wesson, Brad Guilani
  • Patent number: 11465880
    Abstract: Elevator maintenance space projection systems and elevator systems including a projector located within an elevator shaft and arranged to project a display space within the elevator shaft such that the display space includes one or more projected images identifying at least one of a safety volume, a refuge space, and a maintenance location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Bi Xiong
  • Patent number: 11459210
    Abstract: An elevator car comprises one or more side walls (4a) defining an interior space for accommodating passengers and/or cargo, and a support frame positioned above the interior space. A working platform (12) is suspendably connected to the support frame and moveable between a stowed position, above the interior space, and an operational position, suspended within the interior space. The working platform (12) comprises at least one stabilizing member (14) and the at least one stabilizing member (14) comprises a first engagement portion (22). At least one side wall (4a) comprises a second engagement portion (6) such as a handrail. When the working platform (12) is in the operational position, the first engagement portion (22) is configured to engage with the second engagement portion (6) so as to stabilize the working platform (12) in the operational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Aurelien Fauconnet, Pascal Rebillard
  • Patent number: 11460101
    Abstract: A filling and draining device for filling lubricant into and draining lubricant out of a housing (1), having a lubricant line (2, 21, 22) through which the lubricant passes into the housing (1), during filling, and through which the lubricant passes when the lubricant is drained from the housing (1). The housing (1) has a valve (6) through which the lubricant flows during filling and draining such that, for filling, the valve (6) adopts a first aperture width for the lubricant and, for draining, the valve (6) adopts a second aperture width for the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Sascha Fiesel
  • Patent number: 11459208
    Abstract: The system comprises a synchronization shaft rotatably supported on an elevator car frame, the synchronization shaft being operatively connected to at least one safety gear, a lever attached to the synchronization shaft, an electromagnet operatively connected to the lever, spring means operatively connected to the synchronization shaft, and resetting means operatively connected to the synchronization shaft. Deactivation of the electromagnet releases the lever allowing the spring means to rotate the synchronization shaft from a first position to a second position in which the safety gear is activated. Activation of the resetting means rotates the synchronization shaft from the second position to the first position in which the safety gear is deactivated and the spring means is brought back to the excited state at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Pekka Hallikainen, Antti I Maki, Antti Koskinen, Petri Hartikainen
  • Patent number: 11447369
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of a method provides control over a temperature of a jacket on an elevator tension member that includes at least one electrically conductive cord that is at least partially covered by the jacket. The method includes determining an amount of electrical energy needed to achieve a desired temperature of the jacket and supplying the determined amount of electrical energy to the electrically conductive cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Cole Downey Murphy
  • Patent number: 11440772
    Abstract: A mechanism that allows a ladder to be moved to either a use position or a retracted position. The ladder can be moved from the retracted position to the use position with a minimal effort, and the ladder moves by itself from the use position to the retracted position. A pit ladder apparatus for an elevator according to the present invention includes a position change means to be provided in a fixing metal frame fixed to the hoistway and allowing a ladder to be moved to either the use position when the ladder is used or the retracted position for retracting the ladder when it is not used so as not to interfere with operation of the elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hironobu Kamada
  • Patent number: 11440774
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator rope sway damping assembly includes a plurality of sway dampers having a width and a length. An actuator device selectively causes movement of the sway dampers in a direction transverse to the length between a first position where the sway dampers are spaced apart by a first distance and a second, sway-damping position where the sway dampers are spaced apart by a second, shorter distance. The actuator device provides an indication when the sway dampers are in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Cuauhtemoc Castro Inzunza, Michael J. Tracey, Patricia Derwinski
  • Patent number: 11434876
    Abstract: A method of handling a wind turbine blade comprising: providing a forklift adaptor, the forklift adaptor including a base and an endwall, coupling the base of the forklift adaptor to at least one tine of a forklift placing a root handling apparatus within a root ring of a wind turbine blade, the root handling apparatus including a plurality of struts and at least one tension rod, and actuating the at least one tension rod to engage a surface of the root ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: TPI Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: Özer Onurlu, Furkan Ünal
  • Patent number: 11434107
    Abstract: An elevator system includes a hoistway and an elevator car positioned in and movable along the hoistway. The elevator car includes a first sheave and a second sheave spaced apart from the first sheave. The first sheave and second sheave have parallel axes of rotation and each include a traction surface and a gearless prime mover operably connected to the traction surface to drive rotation of the traction surface. A first load bearing member is positioned in the hoistway and a second load bearing member is positioned in the hoistway. The first load bearing member passes laterally under the first sheave, vertically upward between the first sheave and the second sheave, and laterally over the second sheave. The second load bearing member passes laterally under the second sheave, vertically between the second sheave and the first sheave, and laterally over the first sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard L. Hollowell, Kiron Bhaskar
  • Patent number: 11421553
    Abstract: A rotating structure provides a first annular array of first radial scoops and a second annular array of second radial scoops arranged axially with respect to the first annular array of first radial scoops. A first component is arranged in an axially forward direction relative to the first annular array of first radial scoops. A second component is arranged in an axially aft direction relative to the second annular array of second radial scoops. A lubrication system includes at least one nozzle aimed at the first and second annular arrays of first and second radial scoops. A first lubrication delivery path fluidly connects the first annular array of first radial scoops to the first component along the axially forward direction. A second lubrication delivery path fluidly connects the second annular array of second radial scoops to the second component along the axially aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd A. Davis, Gianna E. Sabino
  • Patent number: 11421776
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an auxiliary transmission brake arrangement (100) for a transmission (10) of a vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to an auxiliary transmission brake arrangement comprising a lubrication arrangement for improved lubrication of gear wheels connecting the auxiliary transmission brake arrangement to an output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Anders Hedman
  • Patent number: 11420847
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile operating unit for an elevator, comprising an operating interface manually operable by a user to control movement of an elevator car; and an orientation sensor for sensing orientation of the operating unit. The invention also relates to an elevator comprising said mobile operating unit and a method for monitoring elevator wherein said mobile operating unit is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Jaakko Kalliomaki, Juha-Matti Aitamurto, Jari Kantola, Jukka Lindberg, Pekka Laukkanen
  • Patent number: 11414299
    Abstract: Arrangement in an elevator for stopping uncontrolled movement of an elevator car, which elevator comprises at least an elevator car (1) arranged to move reciprocally in the elevator hoistway along guide rails (1a), and means for stopping uncontrolled movement of the elevator car (1). The arrangement according to the invention comprises an arrester (4, 5) separate from the guide rails (1a) of the elevator car (1) and independent of the suspension of the elevator car (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Ari Kattainen, Matti Rasanen, Markku Haapaniemi
  • Patent number: 11414303
    Abstract: A method for modernizing an elevator system, includes using a first and second car for transporting passengers and/or goods between vertically displaced floors of a building, and thereafter removing the first elevator car from use for transporting passengers and/or goods between vertically displaced floors, and thereafter installing a construction time elevator into the lower end of the first hoistway, the traveling zone of the car of the construction time elevator covering only partially the height of the first hoistway; and thereafter using the car of the construction time elevator and the second car simultaneously for transporting passengers and/or goods between vertically displaced floors of the building, during which using the method includes performing construction work in the first hoistway above the traveling zone of the car of the construction time elevator; and thereafter changing the traveling zone of the car of the construction time elevator to extend higher in the hoistway, and thereafter using t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Markku Haapaniemi, Matti Räsänen, Tarvo Viita-aho, Petri Kere, Janne Laine, Jari Österman, Jorma Mustalahti, Anssi Venho, Jori Hägg, Otto Lanz
  • Patent number: 11407617
    Abstract: An elevator system includes a hoistway, a rail extending along the hoistway and an elevator car located in and movable along the hoistway. A drive assembly is operably connected to the elevator car and includes two or more wheels engaged to opposing surfaces of the rail. The drive assembly is configured to apply an engagement force to the rail to both support the elevator car at the rail and drive the elevator car along the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Kiron Bhaskar
  • Patent number: 11407616
    Abstract: A belt of an elevator system includes one or more tension elements extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, and an elastomeric jacket at least partially enveloping the one or more tension elements. The jacket defines a traction side configured to be interactive with a traction sheave of the elevator system and a back side opposite the traction side. A protective tape is applied to the elastomeric jacket at the back side. A method of assembling an elevator system includes forming a belt, and installing the belt in a hoistway of the elevator system. One or more additional components of the elevator system are installed in the hoistway. A protective tape is removed from a jacket of the belt after installation of the one or more additional components is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hong Yang, Xiaoyuan Chang
  • Patent number: 11401133
    Abstract: A method of controlling a stairlift, the stairlift including a rail, a chair, and a drive assembly having a drive engine for driving the chair along the rail. The chair is attached to the drive assembly and the chair has an armrest, wherein the armrest is pivotably supported at the chair by a hinge. The hinge allows a rotational movement of the armrest, in particular along a vertical axis. The method includes detecting an angular position of the armrest and controlling at least one functionality of the stairlift, in particular a functionality of the drive assembly, as a function of the detected angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: TK Home Solutions B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Boxum, Paul Kasbergen, Albertus Blokzijl
  • Patent number: 11383959
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of expanding an elevator system in a hoistway, involving: connecting an elevator car at a first level to an overhead winch that is connected to a hoist-beam at a second level, the elevator car being supported by a rail system, the rail system defining, at a first level, first and second rails with first and second rail terminal ends; connecting a machine system mounted to the first rail terminal end to a machine hoist mounted at the second level; removing a dead-end hitch from the second rail terminal end; hoisting the machine system to the second level; extending the rail system to the second level to define third and fourth rail terminal ends; hoisting the elevator car and the dead-end hitch to the second level; and installing the machine system and the dead-end hitch at the second level, to the third and fourth rail terminal ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Paul Thomas Cornett, Jr.