Patents by Inventor Walter Thomas

Walter Thomas 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: 10532908
    Abstract: An elevator system includes a lane and at least one rail extending along the lane. An elevator car is arranged in the lane and is operatively coupled to the at least one rail. The elevator car has a predetermined alignment relative to the at least one rail. A propulsion system is operatively connected between the elevator car and the at least one rail. A thrust and moment control system is operatively connected to the propulsion system. The thrust and moment control system selectively controls the propulsion system to substantially maintain the predetermined alignment of the elevator car relative to the at least one rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Randall Roberts, David Ginsberg, Konda Reddy Chevva, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10501286
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes an elevator car, a counterweight, roping coupling the elevator car and the counterweight, the roping supporting a load of the elevator car and the counterweight, and a plurality of safeties. The plurality of safeties includes a plurality of elevator car safeties supported for movement with the elevator car that are selectively actuated to engage a stationary surface to prevent movement of the elevator car. The plurality of safeties also includes a plurality of counterweight safeties supported for movement with the counterweight that are selectively actuated to engage a stationary surface to prevent movement of the counterweight. The safeties are configured for wireless communication causing essentially simultaneous actuation of the elevator car safeties and the counterweight safeties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Enrico Manes
  • Publication number: 20190359449
    Abstract: Disclosed is a people flow management system including: an entryway through which people pass through, an image control apparatus that displays a first plurality of graphical indicia, the first plurality of graphical indicia being directed to controlling a flow of people passing through the entryway and comprising a first indicia indicative of the entryway being accessible for people passing through and a second indicia indicative of the entryway being inaccessible, wherein the image control apparatus displays an indicia from the first plurality of graphical indicia at one or more of a plurality of locations, the plurality of locations including: a first location above the entryway, and a second location on a floor below the entryway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Enrico Manes, Joseph V. Mantese, Paul R. Braunwart, Fanping Sun, Goran Djuknic, Ziyou Xiong, Norbert Antony Murray Hootsmans
  • Publication number: 20190359451
    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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20190359452
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive mat is provided. The pressure sensitive mat includes a nanocomposite film, a first conductive foil, an oxide layer interposed between a first side of the nanocomposite film and the first conductive foil, a second conductive foil and a nanotube film interposed between a second side of the nanocomposite film, which is opposite the first side, and the second conductive foil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Fanping Sun, Joseph V. Mantese, Walter Thomas Schmidt, Enrico Manes, Goran Djuknic, Paul R. Braunwart, Wayde R. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20190352955
    Abstract: A zone object detection system including a passenger compartment. Also included is a door moveable between an opened position and a closed position. Further included is a first sensor monitoring a first zone outside of a plane of the door. Yet further included is a second sensor monitoring a second zone comprising at least one of the plane of the door and outside of the plane of the door. Also included is a controller in operative communication with the first sensor and the second sensor, the controller commanding a first modification of a door closing movement of the door if an object is detected in the first zone, the controller commanding a second modification of the door closing movement of the door if an object is detected in the second zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Enrico Manes, Michael J. Tracey, Norbert Antony Murray Hootsmans
  • Publication number: 20190352136
    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: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20190352137
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning a door sill of an elevator includes at least one nozzle mounted within the door sill. An outlet of the at least one nozzle directed into a sill cavity formed in the door sill. An air supply arranged in fluid communication with the at least one nozzle. Air from the air supply is selectively provided to the at least one nozzle to remove debris from sill cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Fanping Sun, Walter Thomas Schmidt, Enrico Manes
  • Publication number: 20190345006
    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: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Fanping Sun, Joseph V. Mantese, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20190345751
    Abstract: An object sensing assembly for an elevator system. The object sensing assembly includes an elevator door moveable between an opened position and a closed position. Also included is a pressure sensor assembly located on a leading edge of the elevator door. The pressure sensor assembly includes a plurality of pressure sensors located at different height locations along the leading edge of the elevator door. The pressure sensor assembly also includes a controller in operative communication with the plurality of pressure sensors, the controller opening the elevator door if a pressure differential is detected between the plurality of pressure sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Fanping Sun, Walter Thomas Schmidt, Enrico Manes, Ziyou Xiong, Joseph V. Mantese, Paul R. Braunwart, Tadeusz Pawel Witczak, Goran Djuknic
  • Patent number: 10472206
    Abstract: A multi-car ropeless elevator system includes at least one lane. An elevator car is arranged in the at least one lane. A linear motor system includes a plurality of stationary motor primary sections extending along the at least one lane and at least one moveable motor secondary section mounted to the elevator car. A plurality of sensors is operatively connected to the linear motor system. Each of the plurality of sensors is operatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of stationary motor primary sections. A sensor failure detection and fusion system is operatively connected to each of the plurality of sensors. The sensor failure detection and fusion system operates to identify failures in one or more of the plurality of sensors and fuse data received from remaining ones of the plurality of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Randall Roberts, David Ginsberg, Walter Thomas Schmidt, Konda Reddy Chevva
  • Publication number: 20190330026
    Abstract: A door control system is provided. Aspects includes a sensor having a field of view in proximity to a door threshold of an entrance to an occupancy area, wherein the sensor is adapted to detect objects in the door threshold and a landing area proximate to the door threshold, wherein the sensor is operated based on a movement of a door in the door threshold. And based at least upon detecting an object within a portion of the door threshold or the landing area, the sensor operable to signal a door operation controller to perform an action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Goran Djuknic, Norbert Antony Murray Hootsmans
  • Patent number: 10450168
    Abstract: An illustrative example elevator assembly includes a frame having vertically oriented beams and horizontally oriented beams connected to the vertically oriented beams. A first elevator cab is supported within the frame between the vertically oriented beams. A pantograph linkage includes a plurality of links. The pantograph linkage is supported on one of the horizontally oriented beams. The pantograph linkage is connected with the first elevator cab such that different positions of the first elevator cab relative to the frame correspond to different relative positions of the links. A second elevator cab is suspended by the pantograph linkage beneath the frame. The different relative positions of the links place the second elevator cab in different positions relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Zaffir A. Chaudhry, Enrico Manes, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10384913
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a propulsion system for an elevator having a first motor portion mounted to one of an object to be moved and a stationary structure and a second motor portion mounted to the other of the object to be moved and the stationary structure, the first motor portion having at least one coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATRO COMPANY
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Enrico Manes, Beata I. Wawrzyniak, Thomas M. Yun, Shihemn Chen, Jagadeesh Tangudu, Zbigniew Piech
  • Publication number: 20190218067
    Abstract: An illustrative example elevator system includes a frame, a first elevator cab, a second elevator cab, and a plurality of sheaves associated with the first and second elevator cabs, respectively. A suspension assembly suspends the first and second elevator cabs within the frame. The suspension assembly has two ends in a fixed position relative to the frame. The suspension assembly includes a positive drive load bearing member along a first portion of a length of the suspension assembly and at least one other second load bearing member. A machine includes a drive sprocket that moves the positive drive load bearing member to cause movement of the first and second elevator cabs relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Walter Thomas SCHMIDT, Enrico MANES, Shihemn CHEN, Zaffir A. CHAUDHRY, Xiaodong LUO, Luke A. MISHLER, Bruce P. SWAYBILL, Richard J. ERICSON, Loi CHENG, Meghan MASTRIANO
  • Publication number: 20190218065
    Abstract: An illustrative example elevator assembly includes a frame having vertically oriented beams and horizontally oriented beams connected to the vertically oriented beams. A first elevator cab is supported within the frame between the vertically oriented beams. A pantograph linkage includes a plurality of links. The pantograph linkage is supported on one of the horizontally oriented beams. The pantograph linkage is connected with the first elevator cab such that different positions of the first elevator cab relative to the frame correspond to different relative positions of the links. A second elevator cab is suspended by the pantograph linkage beneath the frame. The different relative positions of the links place the second elevator cab in different positions relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Zaffir A. CHAUDHRY, Enrico MANES, Walter Thomas SCHMIDT
  • Publication number: 20190218064
    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: January 15, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Zaffir A. CHAUDHRY, Enrico MANES, Walter Thomas SCHMIDT
  • Publication number: 20190218066
    Abstract: An illustrative example elevator assembly includes a first elevator cab and a second elevator cab. An H frame supports the first elevator cab and the second elevator cab. The H frame has a plurality of vertically oriented beams and at least one horizontally oriented beam extending between the vertically oriented beams. The at least one horizontally oriented beam is spaced from ends of the vertically oriented beams and the H frame does not have any horizontally oriented beam at either end of the vertically oriented beams. At least one linear actuator is coupled with the first elevator cab and the second elevator cab. The linear actuator is configured to selectively cause movement of the elevator cabs relative to the H frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Walter Thomas SCHMIDT, Enrico MANES, Bruce P. SWAYBILL, Zaffir A. CHAUDHRY, Luke A. MISHLER, Xiaodong LUO, Richard J. ERICSON, Loi CHENG, Shihemn CHEN, Meghan MASTRIANO
  • Patent number: 10329122
    Abstract: An illustrative example elevator assembly includes a first elevator cab and a second elevator cab. An H frame supports the first elevator cab and the second elevator cab. The H frame has a plurality of vertically oriented beams and at least one horizontally oriented beam extending between the vertically oriented beams. The at least one horizontally oriented beam is spaced from ends of the vertically oriented beams and the H frame does not have any horizontally oriented beam at either end of the vertically oriented beams. At least one linear actuator is coupled with the first elevator cab and the second elevator cab. The linear actuator is configured to selectively cause movement of the elevator cabs relative to the H frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Enrico Manes, Bruce P. Swaybill, Zaffir A. Chaudhry, Luke A. Mishler, Xiaodong Luo, Richard J. Ericson, Loi Cheng, Shihemn Chen, Meghan Mastriano
  • Patent number: 10266269
    Abstract: An inertia reel mount for a seat includes a slide, a carriage arranged to support a seatbelt inertia reel, and a damper. The carriage is movable between first and second positions relative to the slide. The damper is fixed to the slide, is arranged between the carriage and the slide to oppose movement of the carriage, and is arranged to absorb kinetic energy from the carriage from sudden acceleration of a seat occupant secured in the seat by the seatbelt as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barton J. Hainsworth, Walter Thomas Mayo, IV