John K Salmon, Deceased

Title: The Innovative Contributions of John K. Salmon

Introduction

John K. Salmon was a notable inventor whose work significantly impacted the elevator industry. He was based in South Windsor, Connecticut, and held a total of nine patents throughout his career. His inventions focused on improving elevator safety and efficiency, showcasing his dedication to innovation in this field.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents was for a pretorque mechanism designed to unload elevator car/floor locks before retraction. This invention aimed to prevent elevator rope stretch effects when a horizontally transferable elevator cab was rolled onto and off of an elevator car frame. The elevator car/floor lock included a bolt that extended across the interface between the car frame and the building, engaging a strike. To facilitate the retraction of the lock bolts, strain gauges or load sensors were utilized to sense the weight supported by the bolts. A pretorque program provided armature current to the hoisting motor, allowing for the vertical movement of the car frame to reduce the load on the bolts to nil.

Another significant patent involved horizontal and vertical passenger transport. This invention allowed elevator cabs to be transferred between elevators at various levels of a building in response to car calls registered in the cabs and hall calls registered on the transport floors. The cabs could be transferred from carriages or bogeys onto elevator car frames in both lateral and longitudinal directions. This innovative control and transfer system enhanced the efficiency of elevator operations within buildings.

Career Highlights

John K. Salmon's career was marked by his tenure at Otis Elevator Company, where he contributed to the development of advanced elevator technologies. His work not only improved the functionality of elevators but also enhanced safety measures for passengers.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Salmon collaborated with notable colleagues, including Frederick H. Barker and Paul Bennett. Their combined efforts in the field of elevator technology led to significant advancements that benefited the industry.

Conclusion

John K. Salmon's contributions to elevator technology through his innovative patents have left a lasting legacy in the industry. His work continues to influence modern elevator systems, ensuring safety and efficiency for users.