Patents by Inventor Matthias Steffen

Matthias Steffen 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).

  • Publication number: 20090289638
    Abstract: A method for determining whether a quantum system comprising a superconducting qubit is occupying a first basis state or a second basis state once a measurement is performed is provided. The method, comprising: applying a signal having a frequency through a transmission line coupled to the superconducting qubit characterized by two distinct, separate, and stable states of differing resonance frequencies each corresponding to the occupation of the first or second basis state prior to measurement; and measuring at least one of an output power or phase at an output port of the transmission line, wherein the measured output power or phase is indicative of whether the superconducting qubit is occupying the first basis state or the second basis state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew J. Farinelli, George A. Keefe, Shwetank Kumar, Matthias Steffen
  • Patent number: 7614490
    Abstract: A passenger conveyor handrail (30) has a gripping surface (32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82) with a generally circular cross-section. Disclosed examples include a toothed driven surface (34, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84) that is adapted to be engaged by a toothed driving member (28) for propelling the handrail in a desired direction. Disclosed examples include having the generally circular cross-section extend along an entire length of the handrail (30) corresponding to the closed loop path followed by the handrail during operation of a corresponding passenger conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: John M. Milton-Benoit, Mary Ann T. Valk, Bryan R. Siewert, Andre Picker, Matthias Steffen, Andreas Stuffel, Klaus Seehausen, Knuth Wallbaum
  • Publication number: 20080202890
    Abstract: A passenger conveyor handrail (30) has a gripping surface (32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82) with a generally circular cross-section. Disclosed examples include a toothed driven surface (34, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84) that is adapted to be engaged by a toothed driving member (28) for propelling the handrail in a desired direction. Disclosed examples include having the generally circular cross-section extend along an entire length of the handrail (30) corresponding to the closed loop path followed by the handrail during operation of a corresponding passenger conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: John M. Milton-Benoit, Mary Ann T. Valk, Bryan R. Siewert, Andre Picker, Matthias Steffen, Andreas Stuffel, Klaus Seehausen, Knuth Wallbaum
  • Patent number: 5096040
    Abstract: A mechanical sensor is placed beside the return run of the steps on an escalator or moving walk, The sensor is biased toward the steps so as to bear against each step passing thereby. If a step in the series is missing from its normal position, the sensor will move in the direction of the step run and will open a switch in the escalator power circuit thereby shutting off power to the escalator. The switch can only be manually reset by a mechanic from a location which is closed off to the public.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Gerald Wente, Matthias Steffen
  • Patent number: 5072820
    Abstract: The handrail of an escalator is continuously monitored for movement by a sensor assembly. In the event that the handrail stops moving, the escalator steps are stopped so as to provide a safe environment for passengers on the escalator. The system can also be used with moving walkways equipped with moving handrails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Matthias Steffen, Gerald Wente