Patents by Inventor Esko Aulanko

Esko Aulanko 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: 7712584
    Abstract: An elevator without counterweight may Include an elevator car suspended by a hoisting rope, a traction sheave operatively connected to the elevator car by the hoisting rope, and a brake structure configured to engage with the traction sheave in a braking operation in an upward motion and a downward motion of the elevator car. The brake structure may include first and second brake elements. The first brake element may include a surface engageable with the traction sheave, and first contact and sliding surfaces. The second brake element may include second contact and sliding surfaces. The first sliding surface may slide along the second sliding surface relative to the second brake element when the elevator car moves with the upward motion. The second contact surface may contact the first contact surface to stop a sliding motion of the first brake element when the elevator car moves with the downward motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Johannes De Jong, Pekka Rantanen
  • Patent number: 7681694
    Abstract: An elevator system and a method for reducing total power in an elevator system are provided. The elevator system includes at least one elevator without counterweight for moving people and/or goods. The elevator without counterweight comprises a power converter unit, an elevator motor, a traction sheave, a set of hoisting ropes and an elevator car. The elevator system also includes means for storing mechanical energy and discharging an energy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Timo Syrman, Sakari Korvenranta, Pekka Jahkonen
  • Patent number: 7650972
    Abstract: An elevator may include an elevator car, hoisting ropes, traction sheave, and compensating device. The hoisting ropes may support the elevator car. The traction sheave may move the elevator car using the hoisting ropes. The elevator may include rope portions of the hoisting ropes going upwards and downwards from the elevator car. A rope portion going from the traction sheave in a direction of the rope portions going upwards from the elevator car may be under a first rope tension. A rope portion going from the traction sheave in a direction of the rope portions going downwards from the elevator car may be under a second rope tension. The compensating device may do one or more of the following: equalize rope tension, compensate the rope tension, equalize rope elongation, compensate the rope elongation, and render a ratio of the first rope tension to the second rope tension substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti
  • Patent number: 7624845
    Abstract: A method and apparatus adjust the inter-car distance in a double-deck elevator provided with hoisting ropes, in which elevator the hoisting ropes move a car frame supporting the elevator cars along guide rails. The vertical inter-car distance between the elevator cars is adjusted by moving at least one of the elevator cars in relation to the car frame by pulling the elevator car to be moved upwards and lowering the elevator car to be moved downwards by an adjusting rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Jorma Mustalahti, Esko Aulanko
  • Publication number: 20090250298
    Abstract: A set of elevators, e.g. an elevator group, is connected to a common power supply. The elevators are controlled by a common control system so that an elevator car having stopped is prevented from being dispatched in the up direction if, of the elevator cars of the elevators connected to the common power supply, more cars are moving upwards than are moving downwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Marja-Liisa Siikonen, Janne Sorsa, Esko Aulanko
  • Publication number: 20090229923
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a traction sheave elevator without counterweight, which comprises at least a drive machine with traction sheave, hoisting ropes, an elevator car guided on its track or the like, car guide rails on one side of the elevator car, which is supported on the hoisting ropes such that the hoisting ropes are on one side of the elevator car. The elevator contains a plurality of rope pulley modules, which comprise a plurality of diverting pulleys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Antti Ikonen, Pekka Leppaaho, Matti Rasanen, Teemu Tolonen, Petri Pukkila
  • Publication number: 20090223748
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for stopping an elevator car in an emergency braking situation, the elevator according to said arrangement comprising at least a hoisting machine (5) which has a traction sheave (6) fitted on its axle (10) and a brake (19) for braking the rotary motion of the axle (10), and an elevator car (1) suspended on a set of hoisting ropes (3) and adapted to be moved in a substantially vertical direction along guide rails (4) by means of the traction sheave (6) and the hoisting ropes (3). The traction sheave (6) is adapted to be rotated via a one-way clutch (26) or a corresponding element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Jorma Mustalahti, Esko Aulanko
  • Patent number: 7581631
    Abstract: A travelator, moving ramp or escalator for transporting passengers, comprises a conveyor mounted on a frame that is supported on a fixed structure. The frame comprises a number of mutually identical profiled metallic bodies joined together end to end one after the other and containing coupling, supporting and/or guide elements integrated in the profiled metallic body of solid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Marc Ossendorf
  • Patent number: 7562744
    Abstract: An elevator is provided comprising a number of diverting pulleys in the upper part of an elevator shaft or equivalent, a number of diverting pulleys in the lower part of the elevator shaft and a number of diverting pulleys on the elevator car. In various embodiments, at least some of the diverting pulleys are pre-rigged and brought into the elevator shaft together with the car, and the hoisting ropes are stretched to their proper length when the diverting pulleys in the upper and lower parts of the shaft are mounted in place. In various embodiments, the elevator may be an elevator without counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Jorma Mustalahti, Esko Aulanko
  • Patent number: 7559407
    Abstract: A set of elevators, preferably an elevator group, may include a number of elevators without counterweight which have a common connection to a power supply. The elevators may have a common control system which contains an instruction to prevent an elevator having stopped at a floor from being dispatched upwards if, of the elevator cars of the other elevators connected to the same power supply, more cars are moving upwards than are moving downwards at the instant and/or within a set period of time. A method for controlling a set of elevators without counterweight connected to a common power supply may include monitoring to establish whether, at the instant and/or within a set period of time, the number of upwards moving elevator cars of the elevators in the set is larger than the number of downwards moving elevator cars of the elevators in the set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Marja-Liisa Siikonen, Janne Sorsa, Esko Aulanko
  • Patent number: 7543696
    Abstract: A handrail for a travelator, moving ramp or escalator, wherein the handrail frame (5) of the handrail comprises a first handrail frame part (9) fixedly mounted on the frame of the travelator and a second handrail frame part (10) with a turn-around guide (7) connected to it, the second handrail frame part (10) being guided to be movable in the direction of the handrail with respect to the first handrail frame part (9) between a mounting position (I) and a tensioning position (II), in which mounting position (I) the handrail belt can be removed from the handrail and/or mounted on the handrail, and in which tensioning position (II) the handrail belt is in a tensioned state; and that a tensioning device (8) has been fitted to move the second handrail frame part (10) and to lock it in position relative to the first handrail frame part (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Marc Ossendorf
  • Publication number: 20090139831
    Abstract: An arrangement in drive machinery of a travelator, moving walkway, escalator or similar apparatus, includes at least a drive motor, at least one handrail with a handrail belt, a support element supporting the handrail and a drive belt connecting rotational movement of the drive motor to the support element. The support element comprises a supporting wheel, having a rim and adapted for use by the drive belt which is fitted to the rim of the support element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Marc Ossendorf
  • Patent number: 7537101
    Abstract: A conveyor system called a travelator which includes a frame section installed on top of a base section, including an electrical power unit for driving a conveyor system, an entry ramp and/or a departure ramp which forms a walking surface. The entry ramp and departure ramp are arranged on top of a fixed base and oriented in the general direction for conveying passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Marc Ossendorf
  • Patent number: 7537100
    Abstract: A method for changing the direction of motion of a pallet moving on wheels at an end of a travelator. The method comprises moving the pallet in a traveling direction at a first level, positioning a supporting element in alignment to receive a wheel of the pallet using a positioning device, positively guiding a trailing end of the pallet from the first level to a second level different than the first level by supporting the wheel of the pallet with the supporting element, and moving the pallet in a return direction at the second level. The pallet maintains a substantially constant orientation during the change of direction of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Jorma Mustalahti, Esko Aulanko, Marc Ossendorf
  • Publication number: 20090120733
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement in an elevator without counterweight, which comprises at least a control unit (5), a hoisting machine (3) and a traction sheave (4) connected to it, and an elevator car (1) suspended on hoisting ropes (2) fixed to an essentially immovable place at their first ends and adjustably at their second ends, which elevator car (1) is fitted to travel backwards and forwards in an essentially vertical direction, and which elevator also comprises a tightening element (15) acting on the second end of the hoisting ropes (2). An actively operating actuator (17, 21, 24, 29) is in connection with the tightening element (15), which is fitted by means of feedback to keep the rope tension essentially at a predetermined level either by lightening or tightening the rope tension according to changes in the loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jorma Mustalahti, Esko Aulanko
  • Patent number: 7500549
    Abstract: A people mover, such as a travelator, moving ramp or escalator, comprises a conveyor. The conveyor comprises a frame having a first frame part secured to a fixed structure, and a second frame part mounted to be movable in relation to the first frame part in the longitudinal direction. The first and second frame parts are arranged one after the other. Transport platforms are secured to a first drive element and a second drive element. The drive elements are endless elements. A first tensioning device tensions the first drive element and a second tensioning device tensions the second drive element. Each tensioning device acts between the first frame part and the second frame part. The conveyor additionally comprises mechanical transmission elements between the first and second tensioning devices for keeping the stroke lengths of the first and the second tensioning movements equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Marc Ossendorf
  • Publication number: 20090050414
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for equalizing the rope force of a traction sheave elevator, said elevator comprising at least a hoisting machine (5) and a traction sheave (6) connected to it and an elevator car (1), which is suspended on a set of hoisting ropes (3) and fitted to move along guide rails (4), the rope suspension of said elevator comprising a rope force compensating device (20). The compensating device (20) comprises at least a first tensioning device (21) and a second tensioning device (22). The hoisting ropes in the set of hoisting ropes (3) are secured by one end to a point in conjunction with the first tensioning device (21) and by the other end to a point in conjunction with the second tensioning device (22). The rotary motions of the tensioning devices (21) and (22) are interconnected via a transmission ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Jorma Mustalahti, Esko Aulanko, Pekka Rantanen
  • Publication number: 20090050443
    Abstract: A travelator, moving ramp or escalator for transporting passengers, comprises a conveyor mounted on a frame that is supported on a fixed structure. The frame comprises a number of mutually identical profiled metallic bodies joined together end to end one after the other and containing coupling, supporting and/or guide elements integrated in the profiled metallic body of solid material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Marc Ossendorf
  • Patent number: 7493989
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension arrangement for an elevator, which elevator preferably is an elevator without machine room and in which elevator the hoisting machine (4) is connected via a traction sheave (5) to hoisting ropes (3), by means of which the elevator car (1) is moved, and which hoisting machine (4) comprises at least a stator frame (26) secured to a mounting place in the elevator shaft and a traction sheave (5) and a rotor frame (25) forming a fixed assembly, which assembly is mounted with bearings so as to be rotatable with respect to the stator frame, and which hoisting machine (4) is secured to a stiffener (22) bracing the stator frame (26). The stiffener (22) comprises a support for mounting a bearing (23), said support being preferably situated below the traction sheave (5) and extending in a direction towards the hoisting machine, on which support is mounted with a bearing a freely rotating auxiliary diverting pulley (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti
  • Patent number: 7484614
    Abstract: A pallet arrangement for a people mover includes a pallet adapted to move on wheels and form part of a moving track. The pallet includes a pallet body having at least two profile sections joined together. A wear surface is coupled to the pallet body and the two profile sections have a form-lock coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Marc Ossendorf, Jorma Mustalahti