Patents by Inventor David Michel
David Michel 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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Patent number: 12434942Abstract: A safety device for a building-related passenger transport system includes a microcontroller having a memory, a processor and a communication interface. A safety module is stored in the memory and, when it is executed on the processor, receives safety-relevant signals from components of the passenger conveyor system, evaluates the signals with regard to a safety problem and transmits a warning signal to a controller of the passenger conveyor system in the event of a safety problem. An update module is stored in the memory and, when it is executed on the processor, receives a software package via the communication interface and updates at least parts of the safety module with the software package. The microcontroller is configured such that the safety module is able to be amended only by the update module.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2020Date of Patent: October 7, 2025Assignee: INVENTIO AGInventor: David Michel
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Patent number: 11884512Abstract: A car safety supervising unit (SSU) for an elevator having an elevator car displaceable within an elevator shaft includes at least one sensor for sensing car-related parameters and outputting corresponding car-related signals, an I/O interface for inputting input signals into the car SSU and for outputting output signals to external devices and a signal processing unit for processing at least one of the car-related signals and the input signals and for generating the output signals. In an installation operation mode, the signal processing unit processes exclusively the car-related signals and generates the output signals based exclusively on the car-related signals whereby the car SSU accomplishes basic safety functions for safely operating the elevator with a limited number of available sensors. In a normal operation mode, the signal processing unit processes both the car-related signals and the input signals and generates the output signals based on both.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2017Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: INVENTIO AGInventors: David Michel, Ivo Lustenberger
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Publication number: 20230242374Abstract: A controller controls passenger transport system functionalities and a safety device monitors a safety-relevant function of the system by storing a configured parameter to transfer to a “configured” state. The method includes: the controller receiving a configuration parameter; transmitting the configuration parameter to the safety device; storing a configured parameter in the safety device, based upon the received configuration parameter; transmitting configured data from the safety device to the controller, the configured data encoding an item of graphic information that is shown on a display of the controller, the graphic information uniquely reproducing the configured parameter in a visual, machine-readable manner; reading out the graphic information by an optical read-out sensor of a mobile, processor-controlled data processing device; and comparing the configured parameter reproduced by the read-out graphic information to a target configuration parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2021Publication date: August 3, 2023Inventors: David Michel, Martin Pfister
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METHOD FOR OPERATING A PASSENGER CONVEYOR SYSTEM BY RELIABLY CONFIGURING AN ELECTRONIC SAFETY DEVICE
Publication number: 20230219785Abstract: A passenger conveyor system has a controller and a safety device monitoring a safety-relevant system function. The safety device is in a “configured” state monitoring the safety-relevant function according to specifications when a target configuration parameter is stored. A system operating method includes: the controller receiving a first configuration parameter and a second configuration parameter created independently of the first parameter; transmitting the first and second parameters to the safety device; wherein the parameters relate to the same target configuration parameter; comparing the first and second parameters in the safety device and, when the parameters match within a prespecified tolerance, storing the corresponding target configuration parameter in the safety device and transmitting the target configuration parameter and/or a “configured” signal from the safety device to the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2021Publication date: July 13, 2023Inventor: David Michel -
Patent number: 11548759Abstract: A system and method for determining an elevator car position uses position markers situated in the elevator shaft and each assigned a discrete car position, first and second detection devices on the elevator car detecting first and second position markers respectively, and an evaluation unit that determines first and second discrete car positions based on the detected first and second position markers respectively. A single interpolation device of the position determining system determines first and second interpolated car positions. The evaluation unit determines first and second car positions based on the first and second discrete car positions and the first and second interpolated car positions respectively. The interpolation device generates an interpolation parameter that characterizes a position of the first detection device relative to the first position marker and determines the first and second interpolated car positions on the basis of the interpolation parameter.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2018Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: INVENTIO AGInventors: David Michel, Eric Birrer, Martin Pfister
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Publication number: 20220177270Abstract: A security device for a building-related passenger transport system includes a microcontroller having a memory, a processor and a communication interface. A security module is stored in the memory and, when it is executed on the processor, receives security-relevant signals from components of the passenger conveyor system, evaluates the signals with regard to a security problem and transmits a warning signal to a controller of the passenger conveyor system in the event of a security problem. An update module is stored in the memory and, when it is executed on the processor, receives a software package via the communication interface and updates at least parts of the security module with the software package. The microcontroller is configured such that the security module is able to be amended only by the update module.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2020Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventor: David Michel
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Patent number: 11319185Abstract: An elevator system has a central control unit for generating control signals and/or processing sensor signals and controlling functions of the system, a plurality of field devices distributed inside a structure accommodating the system, preferably along an elevator shaft, and a field bus system for interchanging the signals between the control unit and the field devices. Each field device outputs sensor signals generated by a sensor and/or receives control signals to be implemented by an actuator. Data packets including the signals are interchanged in a serial manner between the control unit and all field devices in a summation frame method using a closed ring topology. Each field device has a driver to insert the sensor signals into the data packet or to remove the control signals from the data packet. Data and signal transmission is thereby carried out quickly and safely in a safety circuit of the elevator system.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2017Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: INVENTIO AGInventors: Astrid Sonnenmoser, David Michel, Frank Olivier Roussel, Ivo Lustenberger, Kurt Heinz, Thomas Hartmann, Martin Hess
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Patent number: 11230455Abstract: A method for configuring security related configuration parameters is used in a passenger transport installation that includes at least one sensor exchanging sensor signals with a control. The sensor detects operating parameters within the passenger transport installation and emits corresponding sensor signals. The control controls security related functions of the passenger transport installation taking into account the sensor signals and the configuration parameters. The method includes: comparing the sensor signals with a predefined key signal pattern; operating the control temporarily in a configuration mode exclusively if the compared sensor signals correspond to the key signal pattern; and configuring the security related configuration parameters during the configuration mode. An installation-specific sensor (e.g. optical sensor or magnetic field sensor) functions as an interface to put the control into configuration mode in a targeted manner, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2018Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: INVENTIO AGInventors: David Michel, Martin Pfister, Michael Geisshüsler, Simon Zingg, Eric Birrer
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Publication number: 20210339981Abstract: A car safety supervising unit (SSU) for an elevator having an elevator car displaceable within an elevator shaft includes at least one sensor for sensing car-related parameters and outputting corresponding car-related signals, an I/O interface for inputting input signals into the car SSU and for outputting output signals to external devices and a signal processing unit for processing at least one of the car-related signals and the input signals and for generating the output signals. In an installation operation mode, the signal processing unit processes exclusively the car-related signals and generates the output signals based exclusively on the car-related signals whereby the car SSU accomplishes basic safety functions for safely operating the elevator with a limited number of available sensors. In a normal operation mode, the signal processing unit processes both the car-related signals and the input signals and generates the output signals based on both.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2017Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: David Michel, Ivo Lustenberger
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Patent number: 10781074Abstract: A monitoring device for an elevator system is used with an assembly device for assembling a shaft retrofit and a method for monitoring an assembly platform. The monitoring device monitors movements of an elevator car and includes a sensor system for detecting a movement variable and at least one analysis device that evaluates the detected movement variable and compares it to a threshold. If the threshold is exceeded, a signal output is triggered to actuate a brake/catching device. The monitoring device selects the threshold from specified thresholds based on a state of the monitoring device. The specified thresholds include at least one normal operation threshold, and the monitoring device indicates a normal state as soon as specified connection elements are connected to it. The monitoring device further contains a checking routine for determining a state of the monitoring device, and selects the threshold from specified thresholds based on the state.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: INVENTIO AGInventors: David Michel, Simon Zingg, Michael Geisshüsler
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Patent number: 10745243Abstract: An elevator includes a drive, a car operatively connected to the drive to traverse along a travel path, at least one guide rail positioned along the travel path to guide the car, a safety brake arranged on the car to exert a braking force on the guide rail, and a safety system. The safety system includes a first safety control unit and a second safety control unit that monitor a safety condition of the elevator. The first safety control unit outputs a stop signal to the drive, in particular to a drive brake and/or to a frequency converter of the drive, and the second safety control unit outputs a trigger signal to the safety brake to bring the elevator into a proper safety condition when an impermissible safety condition of the elevator is detected.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: INVENTIO AGInventors: Michael Geisshüsler, David Michel
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Publication number: 20200198929Abstract: A system and method for determining an elevator car position uses position markers situated in the elevator shaft and each assigned a discrete car position, first and second detection devices on the elevator car detecting first and second position markers respectively, and an evaluation unit that determines first and second discrete car positions based on the detected first and second position markers respectively. A single interpolation device of the position determining system determines first and second interpolated car positions. The evaluation unit determines first and second car positions based on the first and second discrete car positions and the first and second interpolated car positions respectively. The interpolation device generates an interpolation parameter that characterizes a position of the first detection device relative to the first position marker and determines the first and second interpolated car positions on the basis of the interpolation parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2018Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: David Michel, Eric Birrer, Martin Pfister
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Publication number: 20200130986Abstract: A method for configuring security related configuration parameters is used in a passenger transport installation that includes at least one sensor exchanging sensor signals with a control. The sensor detects operating parameters within the passenger transport installation and emits corresponding sensor signals. The control controls security related functions of the passenger transport installation taking into account the sensor signals and the configuration parameters. The method includes: comparing the sensor signals with a predefined key signal pattern; operating the control temporarily in a configuration mode exclusively if the compared sensor signals correspond to the key signal pattern; and configuring the security related configuration parameters during the configuration mode. An installation-specific sensor (e.g. optical sensor or magnetic field sensor) functions as an interface to put the control into configuration mode in a targeted manner, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2018Publication date: April 30, 2020Inventors: David Michel, Martin Pfister, Michael Geisshüsler, Simon Zingg, Eric Birrer
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Patent number: 10562738Abstract: An elevator system has a drive, a car, a plurality of safety function components for providing safety functions at various positions, and a safety monitoring system with a plurality of safety monitoring units for monitoring all of the safety function components. The monitoring units have an input interface for reading in data or signals and an output interface for outputting control signals to an assigned member of the safety function components, at least some of the monitoring units being connected via data exchange channels. The monitoring units are organized in a master-slave hierarchy, with one unit designed as a master unit, and at least one other unit designed as a slave unit. The decentralized and distributed monitoring units, each having data processing capability, and the master-slave organization result in the elevator system exhibiting a high security level with low cabling complexity and cost expenditure, in particular for high rise elevators.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: INVENTIO AGInventors: Astrid Sonnenmoser, David Michel, Reto Tschuppert
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Publication number: 20190119067Abstract: An elevator system has a central control unit for generating control signals and/or processing sensor signals and controlling functions of the system, a plurality of field devices distributed inside a structure accommodating the system, preferably along an elevator shaft, and a field bus system for interchanging the signals between the control unit and the field devices. Each field device outputs sensor signals generated by a sensor and/or receives control signals to be implemented by an actuator. Data packets including the signals are interchanged in a serial manner between the control unit and all field devices in a summation frame method using a closed ring topology. Each field device has a driver to insert the sensor signals into the data packet or to remove the control signals from the data packet. Data and signal transmission is thereby carried out quickly and safely in a safety circuit of the elevator system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2017Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Astrid Sonnenmoser, David Michel, Frank Olivier Roussel, Ivo Lustenberger, Kurt Heinz, Thomas Hartmann, Martin Hess
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Publication number: 20190055107Abstract: A monitoring device for an elevator system is used with an assembly device for assembling a shaft retrofit and a method for monitoring an assembly platform. The monitoring device monitors movements of an elevator car and includes a sensor system for detecting a movement variable and at least one analysis device that evaluates the detected movement variable and compares it to a threshold. If the threshold is exceeded, a signal output is triggered to actuate a brake/catching device. The monitoring device selects the threshold from specified thresholds based on a state of the monitoring device. The specified thresholds include at least one normal operation threshold, and the monitoring device indicates a normal state as soon as specified connection elements are connected to it. The monitoring device further contains a checking routine for determining a state of the monitoring device, and selects the threshold from specified thresholds based on the state.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2016Publication date: February 21, 2019Applicant: Inventio AGInventors: David Michel, Simon Zingg, Michael Geisshüsler
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Patent number: 9975732Abstract: A method and an equipment for monitoring the movement of an elevator car detect an acceleration of the elevator car and a travel speed or a travel distance of the elevator car and an integrated travel speed is calculated from the detected acceleration. In that case, the detected travel speed or the travel speed derived from the detected travel distance is used as a start variable of an integration cycle. In addition, the integrated travel speed is compared with at least one predetermined limit speed and a safety measure is triggered if exceeding of the predetermined limit speed is established.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: INVENTIO AGInventors: Mirco Annen, David Michel
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Patent number: 9926170Abstract: In an elevator installation, an elevator car is movably arranged alongside guide rails and the elevator car is equipped with a brake system with preferably two safety brakes. A movement monitoring system monitors the movement parameters of the elevator car and triggers corresponding warnings or safety measures, if permissible threshold values are exceeded or it provides determined adjusted movement parameters to an elevator control. The movement monitoring system determines a first movement parameter in a time interval and detects an acceleration of the elevator car. The movement monitoring system determines the time interval for determining the adjusted movement parameter as a function of the detected acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: INVENTIO AGInventors: David Michel, Eric Birrer, Rudolf J. Müller, Michael Geisshüsler
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Patent number: 9902592Abstract: A test method is applied to an elevator system having a control unit and at least one bus node. The bus node has a first microprocessor and a second microprocessor and the control unit and the bus node communicate by a bus. Furthermore, the first microprocessor and the second microprocessor are connected without interruption by a signal line. The test method includes the steps: a specification signal is transmitted by the control unit to the first microprocessor, the first microprocessor transmits the signal to the second microprocessor, and the second microprocessor provides the signal for the control unit. Finally, the control unit verifies whether the provided signal corresponds to a signal expected by the control unit. The elevator system includes a monitoring device for carrying out the test method.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2012Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: INVENTIO AGInventors: Astrid Sonnenmoser, David Michel, Martin Hess
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Publication number: 20170334678Abstract: An elevator system has a drive, a car, a plurality of safety function components for providing safety functions at various positions, and a safety monitoring system with a plurality of safety monitoring units for monitoring all of the safety function components. The monitoring units have an input interface for reading in data or signals and an output interface for outputting control signals to an assigned member of the safety function components, at least some of the monitoring units being connected via data exchange channels. The monitoring units are organized in a master-slave hierarchy, with one unit designed as a master unit, and at least one other unit designed as a slave unit. The decentralized and distributed monitoring units, each having data processing capability, and the master-slave organization result in the elevator system exhibiting a high security level with low cabling complexity and cost expenditure, in particular for high rise elevators.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2015Publication date: November 23, 2017Inventors: Astrid Sonnenmoser, David Michel, Reto Tschuppert