Patents by Inventor Richard L. Hollowell

Richard L. Hollowell 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: 11738971
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator governor includes a rotatable governor mechanism, a tension sheave, and a tension frame associated with the tension sheave. The tension frame has a mass configured to bias the tension frame and the tension sheave under an influence of gravity. A damper is configured to resist vertical movement of the tension frame relative to a fixed surface in a first condition and to allow vertical movement of the tension frame relative to the fixed surface in a second, different condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Richard L. Hollowell
  • Patent number: 11673770
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator governor includes a rotatable governor mechanism, a tension sheave, and a tension frame associated with the tension sheave. The tension frame has a mass configured to bias the tension frame and the tension sheave under an influence of gravity. A damper is configured to resist vertical movement of the tension frame relative to a fixed surface in a first condition and to allow vertical movement of the tension frame relative to the fixed surface in a second, different condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Richard L. Hollowell
  • Publication number: 20220411228
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator governor includes a rotatable governor mechanism, a tension sheave, and a tension frame associated with the tension sheave. The tension frame has a mass configured to bias the tension frame and the tension sheave under an influence of gravity. A damper is configured to resist vertical movement of the tension frame relative to a fixed surface in a first condition and to allow vertical movement of the tension frame relative to the fixed surface in a second, different condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventor: Richard L. HOLLOWELL
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20220033215
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of a device for controlling movement of an elevator car includes an emergency stopping supervisor, such as a processor and memory associated with the processor. The emergency stopping supervisor is configured to: determine when an indication from an electrical protection device indicates that the elevator car should be stopped, issue a command for the elevator car to move at a reduced speed, monitor continued movement of the elevator car at the reduced speed, and continue to allow the elevator car to move at the reduced speed until a selected condition exists or immediately cause the elevator car to stop if the reduced speed is not within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2020
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Richard L. Hollowell, Randy Roberts, Xiaodong Luo, Benjamin J. Watson, Marcin Wroblewski
  • Publication number: 20220033221
    Abstract: An elevator system including: an elevator car configured to travel through an elevator shaft; a first guide beam extending vertically through the elevator shaft, the first guide beam comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a propulsion system configured to move the elevator car through the elevator shaft; a first on-board energy management system configured to power the propulsion system, the first on-board energy management system is attached to the propulsion system and configured to travel with the propulsion system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Randy Roberts, Richard L. Hollowell
  • Publication number: 20210078829
    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: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Richard L. Hollowell, Kiron Bhaskar
  • Patent number: 10875743
    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: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard L. Hollowell, Kiron Bhaskar
  • Patent number: 10399820
    Abstract: A system for determining stiffness of an elevator system tension member includes a landing floor indicator to transmit a landing floor signal of an elevator car to a stiffness estimator, and a car position encoder to transmit a car position signal of the elevator car in a hoistway to the stiffness estimator. A machine position encoder transmits a machine position signal to the stiffness estimator. The tension member is operably connected to the machine to move the elevator car along the hoistway. A load weight sensor is located at the elevator car to transmit a load weight signal of the elevator car to the stiffness estimator. The stiffness estimator utilizes at least the landing floor signal, the car position signal, the machine position signal and the load weight signal to calculate an estimated stiffness of the tension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Randall Keith Roberts, YiSug Kwon, David Wayne Mckee, Richard L. Hollowell
  • Publication number: 20180362302
    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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Richard L. Hollowell, Kiron Bhaskar
  • Publication number: 20170008734
    Abstract: A system for determining stiffness of an elevator system tension member includes a landing floor indicator to transmit a landing floor signal of an elevator car to a stiffness estimator, and a car position encoder to transmit a car position signal of the elevator car in a hoistway to the stiffness estimator. A machine position encoder transmits a machine position signal to the stiffness estimator. The tension member is operably connected to the machine to move the elevator car along the hoistway. A load weight sensor is located at the elevator car to transmit a load weight signal of the elevator car to the stiffness estimator. The stiffness estimator utilizes at least the landing floor signal, the car position signal, the machine position signal and the load weight signal to calculate an estimated stiffness of the tension member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Randall Keith Roberts, YiSug Kwon, David Wayne Mckee, Richard L. Hollowell
  • Publication number: 20130237358
    Abstract: An elevator load bearing assembly includes a plurality of cords within a jacket. The cords are spaced from an exterior surface on the jacket such that the spacing remains generally constant along the length of the belt. The jacket has a smooth, uninterrupted exterior surface for contacting sheaves as the belt moves in the elevator system. A method of making the inventive belt assembly is disclosed. The inventive belt assembly minimizes the possibility for generating an annoying, audible sound and vibration during elevator operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPNAY
    Inventors: Richard L. Hollowell, Hugh J. O'Donnell, Pedro Baranda
  • Patent number: 8444515
    Abstract: An elevator load bearing assembly includes a plurality of cords within a jacket. The cords are spaced from an exterior surface on the jacket such that the spacing remains generally constant along the length of the belt. The jacket has a smooth, uninterrupted exterior surface for contacting sheaves as the belt moves in the elevator system. A method of making the inventive belt assembly is disclosed. The inventive belt assembly minimizes the possibility for generating an annoying, audible sound and vibration during elevator operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Pedro S. Baranda, Richard L. Hollowell, John T. Pitts, Hugh J. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 8047335
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Richard Fargo, Richard L. Hollowell
  • Patent number: 7878306
    Abstract: An elevator system includes a cab supported for movement within a hoistway. A tension device, which remains close to one end of the hoistway, maintains a desired tension on a load bearing member that supports the cab and moves to achieve a desired placement of the cab. The load bearing member extends from a first end of the hoistway toward the cab, wraps around a first sheave supported on the cab, extends toward the first end of the hoistway, wraps around a second sheave supported near the first end of the hoistway, extends toward a second end of the hoistway, wraps about a third sheave supported near the second end of the hoistway, extends toward the cab, wraps around a fourth sheave supported on the cab, and extends toward the second end of the hoistway where it is secured to the tension device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Bryan Robert Siewert, Mark S. Thompson, Richard L. Hollowell
  • Patent number: 6742769
    Abstract: In an elevator sheave for a flat belt, hard, thin surface plating can be applied to enhance durability while maintaining traction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Pedro S. Baranda, John T. Pitts, Richard L. Hollowell, John P. Wesson, Douglas E. Logan, Zlatko Strbuncelj, James Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20030092524
    Abstract: An elevator load bearing assembly includes a plurality of cords within a jacket. The cords are spaced from an exterior surface on the jacket such that the spacing remains generally constant along the length of the belt. The jacket has a smooth, uninterrupted exterior surface for contacting sheaves as the belt moves in the elevator system. A method of making the inventive belt assembly is disclosed. The inventive belt assembly minimizes the possibility for generating an annoying, audible sound and vibration during elevator operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Pedro S. Baranda, Richard L. Hollowell, John T. Pitts, Hugh J. O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20030025109
    Abstract: In an elevator sheave for a flat belt, hard, thin surface plating can be applied to enhance durability while maintaining traction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Pedro S. Baranda, John T. Pitts, Richard L. Hollowell, John P. Wesson, Douglas E. Logan, Zlatko Strbuncelj, James Hubbard
  • Patent number: 6419208
    Abstract: In an elevator sheave for a flat belt, the optimum crown height is within a range of approximately 0.033 to about 0.003 times the width of the elevator rope. The optimum radius is in the range of about 16.67 to about 50.00 times the width of the elevator rope. Both the crown height (h) and the crown radius (rc) may be expressed as a function of belt width (Wb). The groove width (wg) is in the range of approximately 1.5 and 2.25 times the width of the belt (Wb). A circumferential surface roughness of about 1.0 to 3.0 is applied. A hard, thin surface coating can be applied to enhance durability while maintaining traction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Pedro S. Baranda, John T. Pitts, Richard L. Hollowell, John P. Wesson, Douglas E. Logan
  • Patent number: 6193016
    Abstract: A rope climbing elevator (10) includes prime movers (40,42) and drive sheaves (32,34) secured to the car (10) and engaging stationary ropes (12-26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Hollowell, Samuel C. Wan, Guillaume Georges Bonatre