VTX Announces Patent of Innovative Design

February 2006/Harrisburg, Pa.: The United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent for Vertical Transportation Excellence's (VTX) Oculus Network_® in February 2006. The Oculus Network is a patented design solution for generic, open-source code remote and video monitoring and maintenance management system for elevators and escalators. The Oculus Network patent applies only to the design of the system; VTX does not supply hardware or installation services.

For today's world of proprietary control systems and protocols, the Oculus Network is designed to connect all makes and models of elevators and escalators to a unique alarm system. It is configured specifically to monitor equipment, including digital video recording of faults; automatically to generate reports for the owner(s); and simultaneously to dispatch mechanics.

Enhancing the Oculus Network is the alarm and video connection to a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) that can write its own corrective action work orders. With this power, facility owners can better manage preventive maintenance activities, and link the equipment in the field to the operation and maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, spare parts catalogs, and other key information portals. Video captures of the equipment before and after the fault is embedded permanently into the CMMS for potential litigation and trouble shooting support. Combined, these tools create better records for the owners and those in charge of maintenance activities. This expedites the return of equipment in the field and provides better records for the owner and the maintainer.

The Oculus Network can be designed to connect other building equipment, such as blowers, compressors, HVAC equipment, or any other PLC-controlled device. Fiber, copper, licensed or non-licensed radio, or wireless connections are all possible and can be customized for any location.

VTX, an elevator and escalator consulting firm, offers a wide-range of vertical transportation services to commercial, institutional, and public transit markets.  A solid foundation of thorough planning, hands-on supervision, attention to detail, and an appreciation of the project schedule and budget set this talented team apart from the competition.  This first-hand knowledge, combined with Oculus Network, position VTX to provide comprehensive facility management services with cutting-edge technological solutions.

The Oculus Network has already been introduced to:

• Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)
• Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
• Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
• Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ)
• Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO)

Download the Oculus Network marketing piece in pdf format. (PDF: 233KB)