Patents by Inventor Ari Kattainen

Ari Kattainen 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: 9434575
    Abstract: A method and a safety device for implementing the method are provided in connection with a quick stop situation of an elevator. In the method, an activation process of a machinery brake is started and also a disconnection process of the current supply of the elevator motor is started after the starting of the activation process of a machinery brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ari Kattainen, Antti Hovi
  • Patent number: 9434576
    Abstract: A backup circuit for supplying electricity to an electronic overspeed governor in connection with a malfunction of a main electricity supply is disclosed. The backup circuit includes an energy storage. The backup circuit is configured to disconnect the supply of electricity from the energy storage to the electronic overspeed governor with a delay when the malfunction of the main electricity supply is detected, and when the malfunction of the main electricity supply continues for a predetermined amount of time, restarting the supply of electricity from the energy storage to the electronic overspeed governor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Antti Saarelainen, Ari Kattainen, Ari Ketonen
  • Publication number: 20160214833
    Abstract: The invention concerns the automatically detection and analysis of jerks arising when an elevator car starts its ride carrying out a determination of an elevator run sequence by an elevator controller, measuring an elevator car movement with a sensor at a predetermined phase of the elevator run sequence, and determining an elevator car sway from the sensor data, further comparing the determination result with a pre-set criteria, and being followed by outputting the comparison result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Ari Kattainen, Kenneth Kronkvist, Giovanni Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20160185570
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interface unit, a conveying system and a method. The interface unit comprises an input circuit for the signal determining the safety of the conveying system. The interface unit further comprises means for testing the operating condition of the input circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Ari KATTAINEN, Antti HOVI
  • Publication number: 20160167921
    Abstract: A method for performing an emergency stop with an elevator and a safety arrangement of an elevator are disclosed. In the method, when an emergency stop criterion is fulfilled, the elevator car is driven with the electric motor of the hoisting machine to a stop with a given deceleration profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Ari Kattainen, Antti Hovi, Petteri Kangas, Lauri Stolt
  • Publication number: 20160145074
    Abstract: A method for controlling an elevator includes controlling the speed of a vertically moving elevator car during its run from a starting landing to a destination landing according to speed settings, the speed settings defining a constant target speed for the elevator car. The method includes obtaining measurement data of the ongoing run, which measurement data describes vertical speed and/or vertical acceleration of the vertically moving elevator car, determining whether the measurement data meets one or more predetermined criteria indicating unintended vertical speed and/or unintended vertical acceleration, and changing the speed settings of the current run by lowering the constant target speed from a first constant target speed to a second constant target speed if the measurement data meets said one or more predetermined criteria, continuing the run without intermediate stops to said destination landing. An elevator is provided to implement the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Ari KATTAINEN, Lauri STOLT
  • Publication number: 20160107862
    Abstract: According to few examples a safety system, a method and a computer program for an elevator safety system is provided. A first switch configured to detect a first position of a safety device of an elevator. A second switch configured to detect a second position of the safety device. A controller configured to monitor a change of a state of the first switch and a change of a state of the second switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventor: Ari KATTAINEN
  • Publication number: 20160039636
    Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to detect a failure situation wherein the machinery brake of an elevator does not open sufficiently. In the method for testing failure of a machinery brake of an elevator: the machinery brake is controlled to open; after this, the traction sheave is oscillated with a test torque; the movement of the elevator machine is measured in connection with the oscillation; if the machine does not move in connection with the oscillation, it is deduced that the machinery brake has not opened and has therefore failed. Most preferably a shorter time is selected as the oscillation time than the time according to the displacement function of the elevator mechanics for transmitting movement of the traction sheave into movement of the elevator car, in which case the oscillation is not noticed in the elevator car. This enables testing of a machinery brake when the elevator car is manned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Ari Kattainen, Tapio Tyni
  • Publication number: 20160009526
    Abstract: An elevator has a safety controller to which several safety switch arrangements are connected. The safety controller is configured to cause the stop of the elevator motor and the activation of the motor brakes. A comparator is provided in the safety controller for the determination of the status of the safety chain. The comparator is connected with a memory for storing at least one resistor reference value, which comparator is configured to output a safety chain status signal in dependence of comparison of a measured resistance value with the resistor reference value. Each of said safety switch arrangements includes at least one first resistor and a safety switch which are connected in series. The value of the first resistor is different in at least some safety switch arrangements, preferably in all safety switch arrangements. Each safety switch arrangement includes at least a second resistor connected in parallel with the safety switch, which second resistor has a higher value than the first resistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Antti MERTALA, Ari KATTAINEN, Claudio DONGHI, Jouko KINNARI, Samu SALMELIN
  • Publication number: 20150360912
    Abstract: In an elevator, the status information of the receivers, and possibly also of the transmitters, of a light curtain of the elevator is transmitted from the control unit of the light curtain as a response to a query or as messages. The control system of the elevator car is configured to receive the responses or status information and to analyze i) the status information contained therein of at least one receiver the status information contained therein of at least one receiver and of at least one transmitter relating to it, for changing or adjusting the operating mode of the elevator or for giving a control command to the operating system of the elevator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ari KATTAINEN, Tapio TYNI, Jouko KINNARI
  • Patent number: 9213473
    Abstract: The invention concerns a portable user interface and a system utilizing the user interface for the collection and processing of information relating to elevator maintenance. Said user interface comprises means for transferring information between the user interface and an elevator control unit and between the user interface and an elevator maintenance database server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Antti Hovi, Ari Kattainen
  • Publication number: 20150329321
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement are provided for monitoring the safety of a counterweighted elevator. In the method, an elevator car is driven with a hoisting machine towards the top end of the elevator hoistway, contact between the counterweight and the end buffer of the elevator hoistway is determined, a reference point for the location of the elevator car is registered when detecting contact between the counterweight and the end buffer, the distance that the elevator car travels onwards from the aforementioned reference point for the location is measured, and if the distance traveled by the elevator car onwards from the aforementioned reference point exceeds a threshold value a signal indicating a risk of slackening of the traction rope is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Antti HOVI, Ari KATTAINEN
  • Publication number: 20150210506
    Abstract: A safety arrangement of an elevator and a method for monitoring electrical safety in an elevator system is disclosed. The safety arrangement of an elevator includes a motor drive of the elevator, which motor drive includes a main circuit, an accessible conducting part, which is earthed, an insulator, which is adapted to electrically insulate the aforementioned conducting part from the aforementioned main circuit and also a monitoring circuit, which is configured to determine an earth fault of the aforementioned main circuit occurring via the aforementioned conducting part. The monitoring circuit is configured to form a signal indicating the danger of electric shock in the motor drive of the elevator, if the aforementioned earth fault is diagnosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ari Kattainen, Juha-Matti Aitamurto, Lauri Stolt
  • Patent number: 9046142
    Abstract: A braking apparatus is provided for braking the rotating part of a hoisting machine. The braking apparatus includes one or more brakes, which contain altogether at least one movable brake shoe, spring elements for activating the brake by moving the brake shoe forward, at least two electromagnets, which, when magnetized by a magnetizing current, apply a force of attraction to bodies conducting magnetic flux. The electromagnets are fitted to release the brake by pulling the brake shoe backwards by resisting the spring elements. The brake is fitted to be activated by reducing the magnetizing current of the electromagnet. The braking apparatus includes a power supply circuit for the electromagnets, which contains controllable power supply interrupting devices. The electromagnets are connected to the power supply circuit in such a way that the supply of magnetizing current to each electromagnet can be interrupted by means of at least two different interrupting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ari Kattainen
  • Publication number: 20150114765
    Abstract: The invention allows inspection tests for an elevator without additional test weights. An empty elevator car and its counterweight are balanced by filling in weight pieces to the counterweight. 100% load of the elevator car in regard to unbalance is configured by moving unused counterweight pieces inside the elevator car. Inspection tests requiring the 100% load in regard to unbalance are performed. 125% load of the elevator car is simulated with 50% load and 125% speed of the elevator car. Inspection tests requiring the 125% load in regard to unbalance are performed. A final counterweight is configured by moving its weight pieces from the elevator car to the counterweight. Inspection tests requiring the final counterweight are performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ari KATTAINEN, Lauri STOLT
  • Publication number: 20150083528
    Abstract: A method and a safety arrangement are provided for monitoring the movement of an elevator component, more particularly of an elevator car or of the automatic door of an elevator. In the method, a setup drive of an elevator component is run, and the speed and/or acceleration of the elevator component is measured during the setup drive, a threshold value for the speed and/or acceleration of the elevator component is formed on the basis of the measuring data obtained in the setup drive, the speed and/or acceleration of the elevator component is measured, and if the measured speed and/or acceleration exceeds the aforementioned threshold value, a monitoring signal for bringing the elevator to a safe state is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ari KATTAINEN, Antti HOVI
  • Publication number: 20150075915
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus. In the method there is determined a speed limit or an acceleration limit for an elevator car based on elevator state information, the elevator state information comprising at least information on whether the elevator car is being driven or whether the elevator car is in a floor. Power supply to the motor is disabled and brakes are applying for braking movement of the elevator car. Speed or acceleration of the elevator car is measured, in response to the applying of the at least one brake and the disabling of the power supply to the motor. It is determined whether the at least one of speed and acceleration of the elevator car exceeds the respective at least one of the speed limit and the acceleration limit. Thereupon, power supply to the motor is enabled for stabilizing movement of the elevator car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: KONE CORPORTION
    Inventors: Lauri STOLT, Ari KATTAINEN
  • Publication number: 20150075917
    Abstract: A drive device of an elevator includes a DC bus, a motor bridge connected to the DC bus for the electricity supply of the elevator motor, which motor bridge includes high-side and low-side switches for supplying electric power from the DC bus to the elevator motor when driving with the elevator motor, and also from the elevator motor to the DC bus when braking with the elevator motor, a control circuit of the motor bridge, with which control circuit the operation of the motor bridge is controlled by producing control pulses in the control poles of the high-side and low-side switches of the motor bridge, a brake controller, which comprises a switch for supplying electric power to the control coil of an electromagnetic brake, a brake control circuit, with which the operation of the brake controller is controlled by producing control pulses in the control pole of the switch of the brake controller, an input circuit for the safety signal to be disconnected/connected from outside the drive device, drive prevention
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ari KATTAINEN, Pasi RAASSINA, Tapio SAARIKOSKI, Lauri STOLT, Arto NAKARI, Antti KALLIONIEMI
  • Publication number: 20150053508
    Abstract: A safety arrangement of an elevator, which includes sensors configured to indicate functions that are critical from the viewpoint of the safety of the elevator, and also a safety circuit, with which the data formed by the sensors indicating the safety of the elevator is read. The safety arrangement includes a drive device for driving the hoisting machine of the elevator. The drive device includes a DC bus, and also a motor bridge connected to the DC bus for the electricity supply of the elevator motor. The motor bridge includes high-side and low-side switches for supplying electric power from the DC bus to the elevator motor when driving with the elevator motor, and also from the elevator motor to the DC bus when braking with the elevator motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Ari Kattainen, Pasi Raassina, Tapio Saarikoski, Lauri Stolt, Arto Nakari, Antti Kallioniemi
  • Publication number: 20150053507
    Abstract: A brake controller, an elevator system and a method for performing an emergency stop are provided. The brake controller includes an input for connecting the brake controller to the DC intermediate circuit of the frequency converter driving the hoisting machine of the elevator, an output for connecting the brake controller to the electromagnet of the brake, a switch for supplying electric power from the DC intermediate circuit of the frequency converter driving the hoisting machine of the elevator via the output to the electromagnet of a brake, and also a processor with which the operation of the brake controller is controlled by producing control pulses in the control pole of the switch of the brake controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ari Kattainen, Pasi Raassina, Tapio Saarikoski, Lauri Stolt, Arto Nakari, Antti Kallioniemi