Patents by Inventor Nora E. LaFreniere

Nora E. LaFreniere 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).

  • Elevator system control responsive to hoistway access detection
    Patent number: 7954606
    Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes a sensor (30, 36) for detecting the presence of an individual within a hoistway (24). A controller (32) prevents movement of an elevator car (22) whenever an individual is in the hoistway (24). A pit override device (34) provides an override signal to the controller (32) permitting movement of the elevator car (22) if someone is in a pit (26). A car top override device (38) selectively provides an override signal to the controller (32) permitting movement of the car. A disclosed example includes controlling at least one light (40) within the hoistway (24) in conjunction with movement or attempted movement of the elevator car (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Helio Tinone, Anthony Black, Nora E. LaFreniere
  • Elevator System Control Responsive to Hoistway Access Detection
    Publication number: 20080223667
    Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes a sensor (30, 36) for detecting the presence of an individual within a hoistway (24). A controller (32) prevents movement of an elevator car (22) whenever an individual is in the hoistway (24). A pit override device (34) provides an override signal to the controller (32) permitting movement of the elevator car (22) if someone is in a pit (26). A car top override device (38) selectively provides an override signal to the controller (32) permitting movement of the car. A disclosed example includes controlling at least one light (40) within the hoistway (24) in conjunction with movement or attempted movement of the elevator car (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Helio Tinone, Anthony Black, Nora E. LaFreniere