Patents by Inventor H. Eugene Toennisson

H. Eugene Toennisson 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).

  • Proximity hand rail monitor for a moving walkway
    Patent number: 7404477
    Abstract: The present invention discloses and teaches method and apparatus for the detection of a disengaged, moving, handrail on a people moving walkway particularly an escalator. By the present invention a proximity sensor is positioned beneath the handrail for detection of a handrail that has become disengaged from its underlying guide rail. Upon detection of a disengaged handrail, the proximity sensor sends an electrical signal to a controller which stops the escalator or walkway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventors: H. Eugene Toennisson, Kyle A. Apperson, Richard D. Rodich
  • Escalator wheel monitor
    Patent number: 7225912
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a mechanical device that monitors the support wheels, or rollers, of a moving escalator stair step. The diameter of each support wheel is indirectly measured by determining the height of each support wheel axial above a given plane. Support wheels that have unacceptable diameter trip an activation mechanism that sends an electrical signal to stop the escalator's driving motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: FujiTec America Inc.
    Inventors: H. Eugene Toennisson, Kyle A. Apperson, Mark T. Davidson, Dustin J. Charville, John D. Shupe, Masashi Tsuchihata