Patents by Inventor Christoph Liebetrau
Christoph Liebetrau 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).
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Publication number: 20060169542Abstract: In an elevator installation with an elevator car and a counterweight suspended and driven by several flat-belt-type suspension devices arranged in parallel, the suspension devices are arranged in parallel vertical planes that run diagonal to main horizontal axes of the counterweight and/or of the elevator car. Mounted on the counterweight and on the elevator car are suspension-sheave systems of which at least one comprises several suspension-sheave units which each have one suspension sheave and are arranged adjacent to each other, the suspension-sheave units being fastened to the counterweight and/or to the elevator car in such manner that the axles of the suspension sheaves are essentially horizontal and each are swivelable about one associated vertical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2005Publication date: August 3, 2006Inventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Alban Meier
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Patent number: 7077241Abstract: In an elevator installation with an elevator car and a counterweight suspended and driven by several flat-belt-type suspension devices arranged in parallel, the suspension devices are arranged in parallel vertical planes that run diagonal to main horizontal axes of the counterweight and/or of the elevator car. Mounted on the counterweight and on the elevator car are suspension-sheave systems of which at least one comprises several suspension-sheave units which each have one suspension sheave and are arranged adjacent to each other, the suspension-sheave units being fastened to the counterweight and/or to the elevator car in such manner that the axles of the suspension sheaves are essentially horizontal and each are swivelable about one associated vertical axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Alban Meier
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Publication number: 20050220587Abstract: A modular drive for an elevator installation and a method of converting and fastening the drive in the elevator installation includes combining the main drive components such as a drive device, a brake device and a drive pulley into a drive module. Connecting parts for fastening the drive within an elevator shaft or in an engine space, or for adjusting a support means spacing, are mounted on the drive as required.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2005Publication date: October 6, 2005Inventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Ruedi Stocker
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Publication number: 20040112683Abstract: A safety device brakes an elevator car with a guide rail exhibiting an oblong guide flange. The safety device includes a base carrying a retaining element and an abutment with the guide flange positioned therebetween. A mechanism squeezes, when braking, a braking element blocking roller between the guide flange and the abutment. The mechanism, co-operating with an electromagnet, moves the braking element in a controlled way between different positions associated with different operating conditions of the safety device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Ruedi Stocker, Esben Rotboll
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Publication number: 20040094370Abstract: The invention relates to a lift cage, a lift with the lift cage and a method of assembling the lift. The lift cage comprises a three-dimensional body for receiving persons or articles to be conveyed and has a support body for accepting all forces acting on the three-dimensional body during the conveying of the persons or articles. The three-dimensional body is suspended in the support body. The support body comprises two side frames which are connected together by way of at least one top frame in moment-stiff manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Esben Rotboll, Christoph Liebetrau
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Patent number: 6516570Abstract: An elevator hoistway for a multi-storied building which, to create a vertical travel path for an elevator installation, extends through at least one story floor and has at least one hoistway frame which bounds a hoistway penetration aperture in the story floor is to be post-constructionally created in an existing multi-storied building with little building effort and inexpensive means in that the hoistway penetration aperture can be covered by means of a load-bearing floor structure. In this way, and especially in one-family houses, the volume of the elevator hoistway can be used for non-elevator-specific purposes, e.g. as residential space, until the point in time when an elevator is subsequently installed. The hoistway frame itself serves as an interface between the building and elevator fastenings which may be provided for the transmission of forces.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Utz Richter
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Publication number: 20010003887Abstract: An elevator hoistway for a multi-storied building which, to create a vertical travel path for an elevator installation, extends through at least one story floor and has at least one hoistway frame which bounds a hoistway penetration aperture in the story floor is to be post-constructionally created in an existing multi-storied building with little building effort and inexpensive means in that the hoistway penetration aperture can be covered by means of a load-bearing floor structure. In this way, and especially in one-family houses, the volume of the elevator hoistway can be used for non-elevator-specific purposes, e.g. as residential space, until the point in time when an elevator is subsequently installed. The hoistway frame itself serves as an interface between the building and elevator fastenings which may be provided for the transmission of forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2000Publication date: June 21, 2001Inventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Utz Richter
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Patent number: 6102163Abstract: An elevator system control box is mounted on an elevator car above or below a car door. The mounting position of the control box makes it possible for a service technician to reach elevator drive system components, such as a travel regulation unit, safety circuits, an optional drive regulation unit, a frequency inverter, etc., mounted in the control box conveniently standing at hand or eye level at a floor with the shaft doors opened.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Utz Richter, Kaspar Schindler
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Patent number: 6035974Abstract: A modular, prefabricated elevator includes column-like guide modules (10) extending between a foundation module (13) and a head module (2) and attached to a building by fastening modules (11), and an elevator car (5) that is connected by support cables (3) with counterweights (9) running in the guide modules (10). A stationary drive for the car (5) is in the form of one or two drive modules (12) combined with the head module (2) or with the foundation module (13) and integrated into the modular system in this manner. Through appropriate selection of the number of drive modules (12), the mode of suspension and the motor power, a wide range of use is covered with respect to conveying load and speed.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Invento AGInventors: Utz Richter, Christoph Liebetrau
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Patent number: 6032763Abstract: A carriage for supporting an elevator car includes a drive unit, a spaced generally parallel support unit and a pair of lower yokes connecting the units. The carriage is movable along a pair of spaced apart generally vertical tracks. The drive unit includes a motor driving a drive axle with a respective drive wheel mounted at each end of the axle which wheels roll along the tracks. The support unit includes a support axle with a respective support wheel mounted at each end of the axle and a clamping device by which friction forces of the drive wheels and of the support wheels are produced on the tracks. The working range of the clamping device can be read off of an indicator. A respective immobilizing equipment is arranged at each side of the lower yoke by which the elevator car can be releasably connected with the track at a desired position along the travel path during assembly of the elevator system and/or during maintenance operations.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Utz Richter, Christoph Liebetrau, Albrecht Morlok
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Patent number: 6012553Abstract: A mount for the safety device in a lift cage comprises an assembly for maintaining a catch system in a readiness position and for the movement thereof in at least one plane during the braking process. A catch housing is supported horizontally fixed in the readiness position and is held in the readiness position by a resilient plate lightly braced against the catch housing. When the safety device is triggered into a braking process the catch housing is urged upwardly against the resilient plate, out of the readiness position wherein the horizontal fixing is cancelled and self-centering of the catch housing in relation to the guide rails can occur. The transmission of braking/catching forces to the cage is damped and progressively sprung through the compression of the resilient plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Ortwin Piper, Albrecht Morlok
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Patent number: 6006867Abstract: A guide apparatus for guiding and arresting an elevator running on column-like guides automatically prevents a transmission of guide alignment errors to the car and an unintended engagement of the arresting device. A roller carrier for engaging the guide running surfaces is rotationally movably mounted on the car with a center of rotation at the longitudinal axis of the guide so that the roller carrier can follow a twist of the guide about its axis. The roller carrier also mounts an arresting device which is vertically displaceable in a mounting bracket by contact with a buffer on an abutment attached to the elevator car. In the case of an arresting braking of the car, no force is transmitted to the guide apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1996Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Utz Richter, Christoph Liebetrau, Albrecht Morlok, Jurgen Mahncke
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Patent number: 5988930Abstract: A connecting apparatus for producing a firm, releasable and reproducible mechanical interconnection of two profile member ends includes a groove strip (6) with threaded holes, an apertured strap (1) with through holes and screws (7), wherein the profile members (4) to be connected have mounting grooves (5) for the reception of the groove strip (6). The apertured strap (1) has, formed on a support surface thereof, penetration elements (3) which project from the surface and which on tightening of the screws (7) penetrate in a cold-deforming manner into the material of the profile members (4) to be connected and thus yield a multiply mechanically positive connection. The penetration elements (3) are formed as grater gashes.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Kaspar Schindler
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Patent number: 5937973Abstract: A brake triggering device for an elevator car actuates a pair of brake devices (13) disposed at opposite sides at a car structure (1) from a limiter cable (11) and an entraining lever (10) utilizing a trigger element (2). A small upward movement of the entraining lever (10) releases, by way of a Bowden pull (9) and a trigger mechanism (4), the trigger element (2) which is moved by a spring force to actuate the two brake devices (13) simultaneously. The trigger element (2) is constructed as a torsion spring and has a very short reaction time.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Inventio AGInventor: Christoph Liebetrau
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Patent number: 5844180Abstract: A device for monitoring the positioning an elevator cage within an elevator shaft. A light curtain with several light beams extends over a length of a cage threshold and along a height of a cage door. The light curtain may be produced by a first transmitter strip and a receiver strip and may be utilized as a security device to block operation of the elevator cage when persons or objects are in a region of the cage doors or story doors. Each light transmitter may lie opposite a respective light receiver so that each light beam from each light transmitter may be incident upon a respective light receiver. A pivotable masking plate may be mounted on a receiver strip side of a story threshold to project into the light curtain such that at least one light beam may be incident upon the masking plate instead of its respective light receiver. The interrupted light beam may be indicative of the actual position of the elevator cage.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Frederic T. Nlabu
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Patent number: 5833031Abstract: An appendable elevator for the transport of persons and goods can be attached to an outside surface (2) of a wall (16) of a building (1) and includes a self-driven car (5) which runs on a pair of vertically extending guide modules (10). The guide modules (10) are attached at lower ends to a foundation module (12) and at upper ends to a shaft head module (13) to form an inherently stiff and transportable frame. Counterweights (18) are mounted in the guide modules (10) and are attached to the car (5) by cables (19) which engage deflecting rollers (14) mounted on the shaft head module (13). Fastening modules (11) are attached to the guide modules (10) and telescopically mount shaft doors (22). Drive wheels (7), supporting wheels (8) and guide rollers (9) as well as wiring and control equipment are mounted in and on the car (5) to form a prefabricated elevator system which is attached by extending the fastening modules (11) into contact with the building (1).Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Utz Richter
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Patent number: 5769183Abstract: A drive unit (1,41,51) for a self-propelled elevator car (30) which travels along a pair of guide rails (27) is connected with a car-supporting structure (16) by rocker arms (15) and contact pressure springs (29). An electric motor (2,3,26,31) is coaxial with a wheel shaft (8) which extends therethrough and has a pair of drive wheels (10) mounted at the ends thereof. The motor housing (31) is connected to the axle tubes (11) by releasably attached motor flanges (12). The motor (2,3,26,31) drives the wheel axle (8) in rotation through a speed-reducing planetary gear (33) and a brake (32,34) which prevents rotation of the wheel axle (8) can be released selectively. An auxiliary drive (35,36,37) mounted on the motor (2,3,26,31) selectively rotates the wheel axle (8) in response to a power failure.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Utz Richter, Christoph Liebetrau, Albrecht Morlock, Helmut Heizmann, Ortwin Piper
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Patent number: 5725074Abstract: An appendable elevator system includes an elevator car guide structure having two column-like guide modules (10) on which a self-propelled car (5) runs. The guide modules (10) are constructed as a plurality of extruded lightweight metal tubular sections including planar running surfaces (16, 25, 29, 30) for contact with guide rollers (9) and wheels (7, 8) of the car (5), anchoring grooves (33, 34, 35, 36), guide grooves (31, 32) and a brake arm (37) formed on an exterior thereof. An interior of the guide module (10) receives a counterweight (18) guided by the guide grooves (31, 32) and a buffer (44, 45, 46) and is accessible for assembly and maintenance through a removable maintenance lid (43). The sections of guide modules (10) are connected with one another and with a foundation module (12) and with a shaft head module (13) by groove strips (40), connecting straps (41) and screws (42) which engage the anchoring grooves (33, 34, 35, 36).Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Utz Richter, Christoph Liebetrau
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Patent number: 5713432Abstract: A drive frame for a self-propelled elevator travelling on guide rail running surfaces (22) includes a car carrying frame (5,14,16,17,18) on which are mounted driving wheels (1) coupled to a drive unit (24) and supporting wheels (2). The driving wheels (1) are rotatably mounted on axle tubes (3) connected to the drive unit (24) and rocker arms (15) pivotally mounted on frame brackets (5). The supporting wheels (2) are rotatably mounted on an axle (12) mounted on axle carriers (4) extending from the frame brackets (5). The driving wheels (1) and the supporting wheels (2) are drawn into contact with the running surfaces (22) by spring cylinders (8) connected between the axle tubes (3) and the supporting wheel axle (12) and extending through lateral passages (13) formed in a frame crossbeam (14) connected between the frame brackets (5).Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Utz Richter, Christoph Liebetrau, Albrecht Morlock, Ortwin Piper, Helmut Heizmann
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Patent number: 5636712Abstract: A friction wheel drive apparatus for a self-propelled elevator car movable in an elevator shaft can be mounted on the top side or bottom side of the car. The drive apparatus is connected with a counterweight by a force transmission device for balancing the car weight and a portion of the conveyed load. The force transmission device is fastened to and guided at the drive apparatus such that a force generated by the counterweight, the weight of the car and the weight of the conveyed load is applied as a contact pressure to urge a friction wheel of the drive apparatus against a travel track surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1995Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Wolfgang Muller, Christoph Liebetrau, Utz Richter, Jurgen Kastle, Albrecht Morlok, Helmut Heizmann