Patents by Inventor John Stofira

John Stofira 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: 9517921
    Abstract: A hydraulic elevator system does not include a machine room but does include an access panel that allows at least a control valve and controller to be accessible from outside of the hoistway while the control valve and controller remain in the hoistway. An exemplary elevator system includes a hoistway. An elevator car is supported within the hoistway. The hydraulic cylinder is associated with the elevator car for selectively moving the elevator car. A reservoir is within the hoistway. The reservoir is configured to contain fluid for selectively causing extension of the cylinder. A control valve within the hoistway controls communication of the fluid between the reservoir and the cylinder. A controller within the hoistway controls movement of the elevator car. An access panel is on one side of the hoistway for selectively closing and opening into the hoistway near the control value and the controller. The opening provides access to at least the control valve and the controller from outside of the hoistway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: John Stofira, Frank M. Sansevero, A. Phillip Winey
  • Publication number: 20140216854
    Abstract: An exemplary elevator system includes a hoistway. An elevator car is supported within the hoistway. The hydraulic cylinder is associated with the elevator car for selectively moving the elevator car. A reservoir is within the hoistway. The reservoir is configured to contain fluid for selectively causing extension of the cylinder. A control valve within the hoistway controls communication of the fluid between the reservoir and the cylinder. A controller within the hoistway controls movement of the elevator car. An access panel is on one side of the hoistway for selectively closing and opening into the hoistway near the control value and the controller. The opening provides access to at least the control valve and the controller from outside of the hoistway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: John Stofira, Frank M. Sansevero, A. Phillip Winey