Patents by Inventor Walter Thomas Schmidt

Walter Thomas Schmidt 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: 12643766
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes a plurality of components respectively configured for at least one function during operation of the elevator system. A plurality of sensors are each associated with at least one of the components. Each sensor senses at least one characteristic of an actual performance of an associated one of the components. A processor is configured to receive respective indications from the sensors regarding the actual performance of the associated components, determine a difference between the actual performance and a desired performance of any of the components based on the respective indications, and determine an adjustment to the operation of the elevator system based upon the determined difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Soumalya Sarkar, Paul R. Braunwart
  • Patent number: 12264041
    Abstract: Disclosed is an elevator system having an elevator entryway, the elevator entryway including: a first door, which is an elevator door, a first controller operationally connected to the first door for opening and closing the first door to provide access to an elevator, wherein when the first door is closing: the first controller monitors for first instructions over a frequency applicable to light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and/or a radio detection and ranging (RADAR), and upon receiving the first instructions, the first controller executes the first instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Joseph V. Mantese, Goran Djuknic, Paul R. Braunwart, Enrico Manes, Ziyou Xiong
  • Publication number: 20230356980
    Abstract: Disclosed is an elevator system having an elevator entryway, the elevator entryway including: a first door, which is an elevator door, a first controller operationally connected to the first door for opening and closing the first door to provide access to an elevator, wherein when the first door is closing: the first controller monitors for first instructions over a frequency applicable to light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and/or a radio detection and ranging (RADAR), and upon receiving the first instructions, the first controller executes the first instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Joseph V. Mantese, Goran Djuknic, Paul R. Braunwart, Enrico Manes, Ziyou Xiong
  • Patent number: 11760605
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for monitoring an elevator door, an elevator system, and a method for monitoring an elevator door. The elevator door has an open state or a closed state implemented by moving along an elevator sill. The system for monitoring an elevator door includes: one or more imaging sensors configured to collect image data and depth data of at least one section in the elevator sill that is exposed when the elevator door is in the open state; and a data processing device in communication with the imaging sensor and configured to receive and process the image data and the depth data to determine whether an obstacle preventing the elevator door from entering the closed state exists in the section. By applying the present invention, the safety of the elevator door can be improved effectively, and equipment property losses and personal injuries can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11745983
    Abstract: Disclosed is an elevator system having an elevator entryway, the elevator entryway including: a first door, which is an elevator door, a first controller operationally connected to the first door for opening and closing the first door to provide access to an elevator, wherein when the first door is closing: the first controller monitors for first instructions over a frequency applicable to light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and/or a radio detection and ranging (RADAR), and upon receiving the first instructions, the first controller executes the first instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Joseph V. Mantese, Goran Djuknic, Paul R. Braunwart, Enrico Manes, Ziyou Xiong
  • Patent number: 11691853
    Abstract: Disclosed is an escalator system having: escalator steps; and a plurality of state sensors including a master sensor and slave sensors, wherein the slave sensors are secured to different ones of the escalator steps, wherein the master sensor is configured to: receive slave sensor data from the slave sensors; and transmit data to an escalator call center upon detecting an occurrence of a fault condition from the slave sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Paul R. Braunwart, Enrico Manes
  • Publication number: 20230202797
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes a plurality of components respectively configured for at least one function during operation of the elevator system. A plurality of sensors are each associated with at least one of the components. Each sensor senses at least one characteristic of an actual performance of an associated one of the components. A processor is configured to receive respective indications from the sensors regarding the actual performance of the associated components, determine a difference between the actual performance and a desired performance of any of the components based on the respective indications, and determine an adjustment to the operation of the elevator system based upon the determined difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Soumalya Sarkar, Paul R. Braunwart
  • Patent number: 11685635
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for an elevator door of an elevator car, wherein a controller controls the elevator door to travel in a proximate direction when closing and travel in a distal direction when opening, the system including: a panel that forms an exterior surface of an elevator door, the panel including a front surface extending in a widthwise direction between a proximate end and an opposing distal end to form a front surface of the elevator door, the panel including a proximate end surface extending in a depthwise direction to form a proximate end surface of the elevator door, the proximate end surface of the panel comprising a resilient portion that is capable of engaging a sensor in the panel when the elevator door is closing, and thereafter the controller instructs the elevator door to reopen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph C. Rampone, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11618651
    Abstract: An illustrative example elevator assembly includes a header beam and a first elevator cab supported by the header beam. A plurality of vertically oriented rods extend beneath the first elevator cab. A horizontally oriented mid-beam is coupled to a first one of the rods near a first end of the mid-beam and coupled to a second one of the rods near a second end of the mid-beam. A second elevator cab is situated beneath the first elevator cab and beneath the mid-beam. At least one linear actuator is supported at least partially on the mid-beam. The linear actuator selectively causes vertical movement of the second elevator cab relative to the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Zaffir A. Chaudhry, Enrico Manes, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11597629
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes a plurality of components respectively configured for at least one function during operation of the elevator system. A plurality of sensors are each associated with at least one of the components. Each sensor senses at least one characteristic of an actual performance of an associated one of the components. A processor is configured to receive respective indications from the sensors regarding the actual performance of the associated components, determine a difference between the actual performance and a desired performance of any of the components based on the respective indications, and determine an adjustment to the operation of the elevator system based upon the determined difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Soumalya Sarkar, Paul R. Braunwart
  • Patent number: 11572251
    Abstract: A system for elevator door sensor fusion, fault detection, and service notification is provided. The system includes a processor and a memory including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include monitoring outputs of a plurality of sensors. It is determined whether the outputs of the plurality of sensors follow an expected pattern. Based at least in part on determining that the outputs of the plurality of sensors do not follow the expected pattern: identifying a sensor in the plurality of sensors that is not following the expected pattern, and transmitting a notification indicating that the sensor is exhibiting unexpected behaviour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Abdelilah Sakti, Michael J. Tracey
  • Patent number: 11492151
    Abstract: An atmospheric suit includes a torso portion with one or more layers, and fibers of a first material arranged in each of the one or more layers. Optical fibers are interspersed with the fibers of the first material in each of the one or more layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph C. Rampone, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11377326
    Abstract: An elevator door control system, an elevator system, and an elevator door control method based on to-be-carried object grouping identification. The elevator door control system includes one or more three-dimensional sensors, arranged to capture three-dimensional data of to-be-carried objects in an elevator waiting region, wherein the three-dimensional data includes depth data; a data processing device, communicating with the three-dimensional sensor, and configured to receive and process the three-dimensional data, to provide grouping data of one or more groups obtained according to correlations between the to-be-carried objects and position data of each to-be-carried object in the elevator waiting region; and a control device, connected to an elevator door, communicating with the data processing device, and configured to control operation of the elevator door according to the grouping data and the position data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11332345
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a movable door associated with a passenger compartment, the door moveable between an opened position and a closed position configured to provide access to, or egress from, the passenger compartment. The method includes monitoring a landing area of the elevator door with at least one sensor, and determining a level of urgency of an approaching passenger based on the information from the at least one sensor. If the level of urgency exceeds a predetermined threshold, modifying a closing of the elevator door based on the level of urgency. The method may also include modifying a closing speed of the elevator door if the level of urgency exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Ziyou Xiong, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11242226
    Abstract: Embodiments include techniques for operating an elevator safety control system and method. The techniques include charging one or more portions of an elevator system, the elevator system includes an elevator door and elevator frame, and monitoring a charge on the one or more portions of the elevator system. In addition, the techniques include detecting a change in the charge on the one or more portions of the elevator system, and responsive to the detection, controlling an operation of the elevator door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Fanping Sun, Joseph V. Mantese, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20220002116
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for an elevator door of an elevator car, wherein a controller controls the elevator door to travel in a proximate direction when closing and travel in a distal direction when opening, the system including: a panel that forms an exterior surface of an elevator door, the panel including a front surface extending in a widthwise direction between a proximate end and an opposing distal end to form a front surface of the elevator door, the panel including a proximate end surface extending in a depthwise direction to form a proximate end surface of the elevator door, the proximate end surface of the panel comprising a resilient portion that is capable of engaging a sensor in the panel when the elevator door is closing, and thereafter the controller instructs the elevator door to reopen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Joseph C. Rampone, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20210371248
    Abstract: Disclosed is an escalator system having: escalator steps; and a plurality of state sensors including a master sensor and slave sensors, wherein the slave sensors are secured to different ones of the escalator steps, wherein the master sensor is configured to: receive slave sensor data from the slave sensors; and transmit data to an escalator call center upon detecting an occurrence of a fault condition from the slave sensor data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Paul R. Braunwart, Enrico Manes
  • Publication number: 20210371246
    Abstract: An illustrative example elevator assembly includes a header beam and a first elevator cab supported by the header beam. A plurality of vertically oriented rods extend beneath the first elevator cab. A horizontally oriented mid-beam is coupled to a first one of the rods near a first end of the mid-beam and coupled to a second one of the rods near a second end of the mid-beam. A second elevator cab is situated beneath the first elevator cab and beneath the mid-beam. At least one linear actuator is supported at least partially on the mid-beam. The linear actuator selectively causes vertical movement of the second elevator cab relative to the rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Zaffir A. CHAUDHRY, Enrico MANES, Walter Thomas SCHMIDT
  • Publication number: 20210354858
    Abstract: An atmospheric suit includes a torso portion with one or more layers, and fibers of a first material arranged in each of the one or more layers. Optical fibers are interspersed with the fibers of the first material in each of the one or more layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph C. Rampone, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11148908
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for an elevator door of an elevator car, wherein a controller controls the elevator door to travel in a proximate direction when closing and travel in a distal direction when opening, the system including: a panel that forms an exterior surface of an elevator door, the panel including a front surface extending in a widthwise direction between a proximate end and an opposing distal end to form a front surface of the elevator door, the panel including a proximate end surface extending in a depthwise direction to form a proximate end surface of the elevator door, the proximate end surface of the panel comprising a resilient portion that is capable of engaging a sensor in the panel when the elevator door is closing, and thereafter the controller instructs the elevator door to reopen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph C. Rampone, Walter Thomas Schmidt