Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring and controlling remote lift devices, such as elevators or escalators, by using machine vision or similar technologies to correlate real-life events with code events data from lift device controllers. Once there is a mapping between code events data with real-life life device events, the this mapping can be used to remotely monitor and control remote lift devices that use the same code events data software. The remote monitoring and control of remote lift devices can be combined with sensors on the lift devices using computer vision or similar technologies. Continuous monitoring of code events data with real-life events can be used to further refine the mapping, or to update the mapping if the software used in the elevator controllers changes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring one or more conveyance devices, such as elevators and escalators. A server obtains maintenance data, inspection data and performance data about a given conveyance device via a web portal. At least a portion of this information is in a first format. The server reformats this portion of information into a second format using a mapping table, outputting reformatted data. The server populates a graphical user interface (GUI) with the reformatted code events. The GUI is accessible by another computing device over the Internet.

Abstract: Typically a technician is physically present to investigate a malfunction of an elevator system. Devices, systems and methods are provided for actively monitoring one or more lift devices, such as elevators and escalators. A computing system for electrically controlling an elevator controller, includes: a field board electrically connected to an elevator controller, and the field board communicates with a computing platform device, which in turn is connected to a server over the Internet. The field board includes relay switches that are electrically connected to the elevator controller. The server sends poking commands that triggers a relay switch to open or close, which causes the elevator controller to generate a call signal to move the elevator to an upper or a lower floor. If the elevator does not move according to a poking command, then a malfunction is reported.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring one or more conveyance devices, such as elevators and escalators. A server obtains maintenance data, inspection data and performance data about a given conveyance device a web portal. At least a portion of this information is in a first format. The server reformats this portion of information into a second format using a mapping table, outputting reformatted data. The server populates a graphical user interface (GUI) with the reformatted code events. The GUI is accessible by another computing device over the Internet.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring one or more lift devices, such as elevators and escalators. A server obtains code events about a lift device controller via a web services application. The code events are in a first format. The server reformats the code events into a second format using a mapping table, outputting reformatted code events. The server populates a graphical user interface (GUI) with the reformatted code events. The GUI is accessible by another computing device over the Internet.

Abstract: Elevators and escalators produce code event data, and also have associated maintenance data and callback data. This data is collected and stored in different formats for different types of elevators and escalators, as well as their respective controller devices. Systems and methods are provided that include elevator controllers that transmit code events to a business partner by means of a web services application. The code events data comprising elevator performance data that is collected and stored by the elevator controllers in different formats, and the different formats correspond to different types of the elevator controllers. The business partner obtains the code events data, uniformalizes the code events data, and presents the code events data by means of a web application. Other user devices, via a mobile web application, can access the uniformalized data and, initiate and control callbacks for a given elevator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring one or more lift devices, such as elevators and escalators. A server obtains code events about a lift device controller via a web services application. The code events are in a first format. The server reformats the code events into a second format using a mapping table, outputting reformatted code events. The server populates a graphical user interface (GUI) with the reformatted code events. The GUI is accessible by another computing device over the Internet.

Abstract: A method for data retrieval and uniformalization of code events data for an elevator, comprising the steps of transmitting code events from an elevator controller to a business partner by means of a web services application, the business partner retrieving the data, storing the data in a business partner's data storage, and uniformalizing the data, and the business partner presenting the data by means of web and mobile applications. Another method for data retrieval and uniformalization comprising the steps of a service provider storing elevator data, the service provider transmitting said data to a web services application, a business partner retrieving said data by means of the web services application, the business partner storing the data in a business partner's data storage, the business partner uniformalizing the data, and the business partner presenting the data by means of a web and mobile device application.

Abstract: A serial communication method and system is provided for use with a battery management system. The system includes a port capable of sending and receiving pulses over a single conductor, serial interface logic compatible with a serial protocol and capable of generating and detecting signals on the port and communicating the signals with an internal bus in the battery management system wherein each signal in the serial protocol is defined by a specific number of pulses. In the serial protocol, a zero signal corresponds to a sequence of two pulses, a one signal corresponds to a sequence of three pulses, an acknowledge signal corresponds to a sequence of four pulses, and a start signal corresponds to a sequence of five pulses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting a floating gate in a floating gate circuit using dual conduction of Fowler-Nordheim tunnel devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a floating gate circuit having a single floating gate. During a set mode, the charge level on the floating gate is modified until it is set to a predetermined charge level that is a function of an input set voltage. In another embodiment, the floating gate circuit comprises two floating gates. During a set mode the charge level on each of the floating gates is modified until the difference in charge level between the two floating gates is a predetermined function of an input set voltage that is capacitively coupled to one of the floating gates during the set mode.

Abstract: An integrated, programmable, feed forward current controller supplies a control current to control or compensate a drive current used to drive a device having a response that depends upon a physical parameter such as temperature. Control current compensation data are stored in a programmable look-up table as a function of the physical parameter. A transducer converts a measurement of the physical parameter into an electrical signal that is digitized and used to address the contents of the look-up table. The compensated control current stored in the look-up table is converted into an analog current and used to control or compensate a drive current used to drive the device under control, thereby minimizing the dependence of the device's response on the physical parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for using feedback to set a floating gate to a desired voltage during a set mode is disclosed. The apparatus includes a floating gate, a first and second tunnel device formed respectively between the floating gate and a first and second electrode, a first circuit coupled to the floating gate for comparing the voltage on the floating gate to a third voltage and for generating an output voltage at an output terminal, and a feedback circuit coupled between the output terminal and the floating gate. The feedback circuit includes the first tunnel device and a third tunnel device for causing the floating gate voltage to be modified as a function the output voltage until the floating gate voltage, the third voltage and the output voltage are approximately equal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for converting analog signals to digital signals using a switched integrator. A method includes receiving the analog signal at a summing junction, receiving a clock signal transitioning between a first level and a second level, connecting an output of the summing junction to an integrator when the clock signal is at the first level, and disconnecting the output of the summing junction from the integrator when the clock signal is at the second level. An output signal is provided, and is determined by the polarity of an output of the integrator when the clock signal transitions from the first level to the second level. The output signal is delayed, and received with a digital-to-analog converter; which provides an output to the summing junction.

Abstract: A method for sensing the voltage on a floating gate in a floating gate circuit during a set mode is disclosed.

Abstract: A bias controller includes a bias detector, a reference comparator, a memory component, and a reference voltage. The bias detector is operable to detect a bias current associated with a device controlled by the bias controller and produce a proportional sensed bias voltage. The reference comparator is operable to compare the bias voltage to a reference voltage and produce a first control signal operable to adjust a bias output of the bias controller. The memory component stores a plurality of reference voltage settings, one for each mode of operation of the device, the memory component including a mode setting input and a reference voltage output signal. The reference voltage adjustment circuit adjusts the reference voltage applied to the reference comparator in accordance with the mode of the device as controlled by the reference voltage output signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adjusting DC bias of a radio frequency (RF) amplifier for changing operating conditions such as multiple modulation techniques when no RF is present. A digitally controlled voltage source is programmed to maintain the amplifier bias. The voltage source can be a digitally controlled potentiometer. The amplifier's DC output current can be converted to a voltage and compared to a programmable reference representative of the optimal amplifier bias. The comparator output determines a direction to drive the voltage source. A digital clock is enabled to drive the voltage source when no RF is present. Alternatively, the amplifier's output current can be read by a processor that determines the optimal bias. The bias can be written to a data register that sets the voltage on the voltage source. The system automatically compensates for changes in the amplifier's optimal bias due to aging, temperature, and modulation scheme.

Abstract: Disclosed are solid-state potentiometers having high resolution and high accuracy. An exemplary potentiometer comprises a first main terminal, a second main terminal, a wiper terminal, and a resistor stack comprising a plurality M of resistors coupled in series to one another at a plurality of M−1 internal nodes. Each of the resistors in the stack has substantially the same value of RS ohms. The potentiometer further comprises a first variable resistance network coupled between one end of the resistor stack and the potentiometer's first main terminal, and a second variable resistance network coupled between the other end of the resistor stack and the potentiometer's second main terminal. The first variable resistance network has a variable resistance value R1 which varies between zero ohms and RP ohms. The second variable resistance network has a variable resistance value R2 which is maintained substantially at value of (RP−R1).

Abstract: An integrated power and sense device provides a current used in measuring the charge of a rechargeable battery. The charge measurement apparatus for a rechargeable battery powered system includes an integrated power and sense device having a power device and a sense device, connected to the rechargeable battery and a load; the sense device operatively coupled to provide a mirror current that is a fixed ratio of the current in the power device, and a first circuit that uses the mirror current to measure the charge in the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A battery management system is provided having a battery management unit (BMU) and an integrated switch and sense device (SSD) for accurately measuring the charge state of a rechargeable battery and providing charge protection for the rechargeable battery. The system includes a load, a integrated power and sense device including a power device and a sense device, the integrated power and sense device connected between the rechargeable battery and the load wherein the sense device provides a mirror current proportional to the current in the power device, a first circuit that measures the rechargeable battery current using the mirror current, and a second circuit that measures the charge in the rechargeable battery using the mirror current.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing a tunneling oxide layer between two conducting layers utilizing a low pressure, low temperature chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) process is disclosed wherein tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) is preferably used. As applied to an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) device having polysilicon layers, the apparatus is constructed by forming a first layer of polysilicon, patterned as desired. A layer of silicon dioxide is then deposited by decomposition of TEOS to form the tunneling oxide to a predetermined thickness. If enhanced emission structures are desired, a layer of relatively thin tunneling oxide may be grown on the first layer of polysilicon. The oxide layer is then annealed and densified, preferably using steam and an inert gas at a specific temperature. A second layer of polysilicon is then formed on top of the tunneling oxide.