Patents by Inventor Richard Fargo
Richard Fargo 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).
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Patent number: 10407273Abstract: An elevator control system is configured to control an elevator car constructed and arranged to move along a hoistway defined by a stationary structure. The elevator system may include a communication pathway and a hoistway control system supported by the stationary structure and configured to send a continuous brake command signal over the pathway. A car control system is carried by the elevator car and is configured to receive the continuous brake command signal and initiate a brake Ustop mode upon a loss of the brake command signal, and independent of the hoistway control system.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2016Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANYInventors: David Ginsberg, Xiaodong Luo, Shashank Krishnamurthy, Dang V. Nguyen, Richard Fargo
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Publication number: 20170073183Abstract: An elevator control system is configured to control an elevator car constructed and arranged to move along a hoistway defined by a stationary structure. The elevator system may include a communication pathway and a hoistway control system supported by the stationary structure and configured to send a continuous brake command signal over the pathway. A car control system is carried by the elevator car and is configured to receive the continuous brake command signal and initiate a brake Ustop mode upon a loss of the brake command signal, and independent of the hoistway control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: David Ginsberg, Xiaodong Luo, Shashank Krishnamurthy, Dang V. Nguyen, Richard Fargo
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Patent number: 8087497Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes multiple elevator cars (22, 32) within a hoistway (28). A first compensation member (40) is associated with a first counterweight (24). A second compensation member (50) is associated with a second one of the elevator cars (32). Each compensation member has one end that moves with the associated elevator system component and an opposite end (44, 54) secured in a fixed position within the hoistway. In one example, a compensation member has a linear density that is approximately four times a linear density of a corresponding load bearing member.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventor: Richard Fargo
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Patent number: 8047335Abstract: A shock-absorbing hitch termination (40) includes a terminating member (52) that moves against a first bias (62) responsive to a first level of tension on a load bearing member (26) associated with a car (22) and counterweight (24) in an elevator system (20). A support member (60) moves with the terminating members (52) against a second, passive bias (70) responsive to increased tension on the load bearing member (26). In one example, the second bias is provided by mechanical springs (70). In another example the second bias is provided by air springs. In still another example the second bias is provided by pressurized actuators (82). The shock-absorbing hitch termination may be supported for movement with the car, counterweight or both. In another example, the shock-absorbing hitch termination is provided in a stationary structure (90) within the elevator system.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Richard Fargo, Richard L. Hollowell
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Patent number: 7497315Abstract: An escalator drive assembly (30) includes a sensor that facilitates detecting when the normal drive assembly operation is interrupted, such that a brake should be activated. In one example, a sensor member (40) in the form of a flange (42) is associated with a drive pulley (34) and normally rotates in unison with the drive pulley. When there is a failure in the normal operation of the drive mechanism, however, there is a resulting relative movement between the sensor member (40) and the drive pulley (34). Such relative motion preferably activates a switch (80) that provides a signal that indicates a failure of the normal operation of the drive mechanism (30). Another example sensor includes a sensor member (202, 212) that engages a drive belt (35). If the belt (35) breaks, the sensor member (202, 212) moves to provide an indication of the broken belt condition. Various braking application modes are possible using the invention.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Richard Fargo, Helmut Meyer, Frank Sansevero, Markus Hame, Hermann Wiese
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Publication number: 20080271958Abstract: An elevator door lock includes a locking member (40) that moves into an unlocked position responsive to contact with at least one door coupler member (32, 34). In disclosed examples, the locking member (40) comprises an arm that is pivotally supported by one of the door coupler members (34). The other coupler member (32) contacts a contact portion (42) on the locking member (40) to move the locking member into an unlocked position as the first coupler member (32) moves toward the second coupler member (34). In a disclosed example, a magnetic coupling between the coupler members maintains the locking member (40) in an unlocked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2004Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Muhidin A. Lelic, Pei-Yuan Peng, Bryan Robert Siewert, Jacek F. Gieras, Michael Tracey, Michael Flynn, Thomas Malone, Richard Fargo
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Publication number: 20080093177Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes multiple elevator cars (22, 32) within a hoistway (28). A first compensation member (40) is associated with a first counterweight (24). A second compensation member (50) is associated with a second one of the elevator cars (32). Each compensation member has one end that moves with the associated elevator system component and an opposite end (44, 54) secured in a fixed position within the hoistway. In one example, a compensation member has a linear density that is approximately four times a linear density of a corresponding load bearing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2004Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANYInventor: Richard Fargo
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Publication number: 20070119659Abstract: An elevator door mover device (40) includes a threaded ferromagnetic shaft (42). Magnetic movers (48) associated with doors (26) generate magnetic fields that cause the doors to move responsive to rotation of the shaft (42). In one example, a controller (46) controls a speed of a motor (44) that drives the shaft (42). The controller (46) in some examples also selectively controls the strength of the magnetic fields of the movers, which provides more customizable door performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2003Publication date: May 31, 2007Applicant: OTIS ELEVATER COMPANYInventor: Richard Fargo
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Patent number: 7219784Abstract: A passenger conveyor drive belt assembly (40) includes a belt support (60) that facilitates proper engagement between the drive belt (42) and corresponding links (32) of a step chain (30) under selected conditions such as a full brake application. The belt support (60) preferably is positioned between a drive sheave (50) and an idler sheave (52) within the loop traveled by the drive belt. The belt support (60) includes at least one moveable support member (62) that does not contact the inner surface of the drive belt during normal operation conditions. In one example, the belt support (60) comprises a plurality of rollers (62).Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventor: Richard Fargo
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Patent number: 7168547Abstract: Passenger conveyor (2) including an endless conveyor band (6) connected to a drive chain (8) at each lateral edge thereof and driven by a conveyor band drive (40) including an electric motor (48) and one drive output device (42) at each lateral edge of the conveyor band (6) for driving the respective drive chain (8), characterised in that the conveyor band drive (40) is arranged laterally outside of the conveyor band (6).Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Dietmar Thaler, Richard Fargo, Helmut J. W. Meyer
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Publication number: 20060175152Abstract: A shock-absorbing hitch termination (40) includes a terminating member that moves against a first bias (62) responsive to a first level of tension on a load bearing member (26) associated with a car (22) and counterweight (24) in an elevator system (20). A support member (60) moves with the terminating members (52) against a second, passive bias (70) responsive to increased tension on the load bearing member (26). In one example, the second bias is provided by mechanical springs (70). In another example the second bias is provided by air springs. In still another example the second bias is provided by pressurized actuators (82). The shock-absorbing hitch termination may be supported for movement with the car, counterweight or both. In another example, the shock-absorbing hitch termination is provided in a stationary structure (90) within the elevator system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2003Publication date: August 10, 2006Inventors: Richard Fargo, Richard Hollowell
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Publication number: 20060144672Abstract: Passenger conveyor (2) including an endless conveyor band (6) connected to a drive chain (8) at each lateral edge thereof and driven by a conveyor band drive (40) including an electric motor (48) and one drive output device (42) at each lateral edge of the conveyor band (6) for driving the respective drive chain (8), characterised in that the conveyor band drive (40) is arranged laterally outside of the conveyor band (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2003Publication date: July 6, 2006Inventors: Dietmar Thaler, Richard Fargo, Helmut Meyer
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Publication number: 20060137960Abstract: A passenger conveyor drive belt assembly (40) includes a belt support (60) that facilitates proper engagement between the drive belt (42) and corresponding links (32) of a step chain (30) under selected conditions such as a full brake application. The belt support (60) preferably is positioned between a drive sheave (50) and an idler sheave (52) within the loop traveled by the drive belt. The belt support (60) includes at least one moveable support member (62) that does not contact the inner surface of the drive belt during normal operation conditions. In one example, the belt support (60) comprises a plurality of rollers (62).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2003Publication date: June 29, 2006Inventor: Richard Fargo
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Publication number: 20060054458Abstract: A plurality of stepchain links (30, 130, 230) of a passenger conveyor system (20) connected to form a continuous loop are from die cast or from stamped or laser cut metal. Each stepchain link (30, 130, 230) includes a plurality of teeth (32, 132, 232) made of a single piece of material that engage a drive member (36). In one example, a plate of injection molded plastic teeth (294) are snapped onto the links to reduce corrosion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2002Publication date: March 16, 2006Applicant: OTIS ELECATOR COMPANYInventors: Helmut Meyer, Richard Fargo
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Publication number: 20060027438Abstract: A passenger conveyor system (20) has a drive module that engages only one side (50) of the step chain loop (30). In a multiple drive module arrangement, at least one of the drive modules (40B) engages both sides (50, 52) of the step chain loop while another engages only one side (50). The inventive arrangement is not sensitive to spacing (54, 56) between the drive modules. Another example embodiment includes a synchronizing module (60) that engages both sides (50, 52) of the step chain loop (30).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2003Publication date: February 9, 2006Inventor: Richard Fargo
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Publication number: 20060011450Abstract: A passenger conveyor system (20) includes a drive module (40) that engages a step chain (30) to move steps (22) as desired. A non-metallic drive belt (50) includes a unique configuration of teeth (60) that engage teeth (70, 80) of the step chain (30). In one example, the drive belt teeth (60) include a projection (64) that provides the initial engagement point with the step chain teeth (70, 80). In another example, the teeth (60) include a generally concave step chain link teeth engaging surface (62). The inventive arrangement provides smoother, quieter system operation and minimizes the separating forces that otherwise tend to occur between the belt and the step chain links.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2003Publication date: January 19, 2006Inventors: Richard Fargo, John Benoit, John Wesson
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Publication number: 20050258016Abstract: An escalator drive assembly includes a backup member (40) that facilitates controlling movement of the escalator (20) even when the normal drive assembly operation is interrupted. A backup member (40) in the form of a flange (42) is associated with a drive pulley (34) and normally rotates in unison with the drive pulley (34). When there is a failure in the normal operation of the drive mechanism, however, there is a resulting relative movement between the backup member (40) and the drive pulley (34). Such relative motion preferably activates a switch (80) that provides a signal that indicates a failure of the normal operation of the drive mechanism. The backup member (40) facilitates providing an indication of a failure and control over movement of the escalator (20) even when the normal drive assembly is not operating as intended.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2002Publication date: November 24, 2005Inventors: Richard Fargo, Jorg Ostermeier, Charles Darling, Bernward Engelke, Ernst Fuhring, John Michael Milton-Benoit
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Publication number: 20050173223Abstract: An escalator drive assembly (30) includes a sensor that facilitates detecting when the normal drive assembly operation is interrupted, such that a brake should be activated. In one example, a sensor member (40) in the form of a flange (42) is associated with a drive pulley (34) and normally rotates in unison with the drive pulley. When there is a failure in the normal operation of the drive mechanism, however, there is a resulting relative movement between the sensor member (40) and the drive pulley (34). Such relative motion preferably activates a switch (80) that provides a signal that indicates a failure of the normal operation of the drive mechanism (30). Another example sensor includes a sensor member (202, 212) that engages a drive belt (35). If the belt (35) breaks, the sensor member (202, 212) moves to provide an indication of the broken belt condition. Various braking application modes are possible using the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2003Publication date: August 11, 2005Inventors: Richard Fargo, Helmut Meyer, Frank Sansevero, Markus Hame, Hermann Wiese
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Patent number: 6685004Abstract: An escalator drive machine includes a motor output sheave connected to a drive motor through a belt reduction assembly including a main output sheave. A drive belt extends from the belt reduction assembly and is guided along a plurality of guide sheaves to engage the step chain and propel the escalator tread plates. In addition, by locating a pinch roller adjacent the handrail, the drive belt and handrail can be pinched together to provide a motive force to the handrail. The drive belt thereby synchronously drives the handrail. In another embodiment the drive machine includes a counter-rotating motor to drive a drive belt on each side of the escalator system.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Richard Fargo, Charles Darling
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Patent number: 6672013Abstract: An improved method for mounting elevator rails within a hoistway includes the initial step of securing support brackets to a pair of rails. The brackets, rails, a machine for driving a cab and a dead end hitch are then mounted within the hoistway. A cab may then be moved vertically within the hoistway and additional support brackets are placed at vertically spaced locations. The connection of the brackets and rails provides support to dissipate the loads which are transferred into the rail in such systems wherein the machine or the dead end hitch is fixed to a rail. Once the rails have been adequately supported by additional brackets, the brackets which are secured to the rails are removed from the rail. The brackets provide support, but are no longer fixed to the rails.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Thomas E. Glassey, Leandre Adifon, Thomas Landry, Bruce Swaybill, Richard Fargo, Jim Rivera, Bruce St. Pierre