Patents by Inventor Frank Olivier

Frank Olivier 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: 20230109720
    Abstract: A safety monitoring device of an elevator system having a shaft extending over at least two floors has a safety circuit with door contact switches being closed or opened accordingly when a respective shaft door is closed or opened. The door switches form an electrical series circuit that is electrically broken to block the elevator car from moving when any of the door switches is opened. The monitoring apparatus has at least one bypass switch that actuates a first door switch for a first shaft door on a first floor such that, when the elevator car reaches the first floor, the bypass switch bypasses the first door switch to switch the safety circuit independently of the first door switch. A monitoring means of the monitoring apparatus monitors the switching state of the safety circuit and/or of a second door switch for a second shaft door on a second floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventor: Frank Olivier Roussel
  • Patent number: 11603285
    Abstract: An elevator car load measurement system for determining a load of an elevator car includes a plurality of at least two force sensors that are daisy-chained and connected to a controller for determining the load. Each force sensor measures a force exerted by the elevator car on the respective force sensor and generates a frequency signal with a square-wave form, wherein the frequency signal is proportional to the respective measured force. At least one of the force sensors adds a first frequency signal received from the previous force sensor along the daisy chain a second frequency signal generated by the at least one force sensor to generate a frequency sum signal, the last of the force sensors in the daisy chain forwards the frequency sum signal to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventors: Frank Olivier Roussel, Oliver Simmonds
  • Publication number: 20230002192
    Abstract: A control device controls an elevator system in inspection mode, the elevator system having a safety circuit with at least one safety contact that is open in inspection mode and an inspection path for bridging the safety contact. The control device includes first and second operating elements for controlling the inspection mode and first and second switching units connected in parallel and each having a contact associated with a delay means. The switching units close and open their contacts in response to actuation and release of the first and second operating elements respectively. The contacts are series connected in the inspection path. The first and second delay means delay opening of the associated contacts by defined delay times after the release of the first and operating element respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Frank Olivier Roussel, Markus Walker
  • Patent number: 11319185
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventors: Astrid Sonnenmoser, David Michel, Frank Olivier Roussel, Ivo Lustenberger, Kurt Heinz, Thomas Hartmann, Martin Hess
  • Publication number: 20210316961
    Abstract: A method for controlling a maintenance mode of an elevator system includes: recognizing a machine-detectable feature in an automated manner using a portable computer-controlled device of a technician and, subsequently, outputting a maintenance completion signal, the machine-detectable feature being within the elevator system such that it can only be detected by the computer-controlled device located outside an elevator shaft of the elevator system and wherein the machine-detectable feature is uniquely assigned to the elevator system; receiving the maintenance completion signal by an elevator controller controlling the maintenance mode and, subsequently, completing the maintenance mode. The method and an elevator control arrangement configured to carry out the method enables a maintenance mode to be completed by the technician in the elevator system in a simple, intuitive, and safe manner without the need for significant additional hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Frank Olivier Roussel, Markus Walker
  • Publication number: 20210163258
    Abstract: An elevator control cabinet used in an elevator system includes a voice communication apparatus having a microphone, an electronic control arrangement, an evaluation unit, and a cabinet housing having at least one cabinet door. The voice communication apparatus is used to execute a service or emergency call or establish a communication between the elevator and a public communication network. The microphone detects a surrounding noise in the control cabinet. The evaluation unit converts the detected noise into a noise pattern and then compares this noise pattern with a reference sound pattern that is predetermined for a surrounding noise in the cabinet housing with the open or closed cabinet door. This reference sound pattern is saved in a storage unit of the control arrangement. In dependence on a result of the comparison, the evaluation unit will recognize whether the cabinet door is open or closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Frank Olivier Roussel, Stefano Carriero
  • Publication number: 20210101781
    Abstract: An elevator system inspection control system and method for switching between normal and inspection operating modes includes a safety chain series circuit having at least one shaft or door contact switch and an operating device in an elevator shaft. The operating device includes a changeover switch for switching between modes. The safety chain is closed to drive an elevator car by establishing a current path between an electrical power source and a motor. When interrupted, the safety chain interrupts the current path thereby stopping the car. The control system includes a manual switch outside the shaft and a control element. The safety chain is closed or interrupted by activating or deactivating the control element while the current path to the motor remains permanently interrupted until the manual switch is actuated when the changeover switch switches the elevator system from the inspection operating mode to the normal operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventor: Frank Olivier Roussel
  • Publication number: 20210101783
    Abstract: Inspection control system switches elevator system between normal and inspection modes and includes: operating device and at least one emergency stop switch in elevator shaft for deactivating normal and/or inspection mode, for preventing and/or interrupting movement of car. In inspection mode, car is manually controlled by operating device via electric motor, wherein elevator system is switched to normal mode or inspection mode by switch of operating device. Inspection control system also includes: detection device for detecting open and/or closed shaft door, alarm generator, operating switch for activating and/or blocking electric motor, control unit that monitors switching state and actuation sequence of switch and emergency stop switch and compares both with reference switching state and reference sequence with regard to detected state of shaft door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Frank Olivier Roussel, Markus Walker
  • Publication number: 20210032077
    Abstract: A position-determining system and a method for ascertaining a car position of an elevator car use a code tape mounted next to the elevator car in parallel with a movement direction and that includes a code-mark pattern of individual code marks, a detection apparatus mounted on the elevator car that detects the code marks, and an evaluation unit that determines the car position on the basis of the detected code marks. Here, n successive code marks of the code-mark pattern form a position mark, the position marks are unambiguously arranged in an n-digit pseudorandom sequence of various position marks, the position marks form a single-track code-mark pattern, and a discrete car position is assigned to each position mark. A detection region of the detection apparatus has a detection length in the movement direction that is shorter than a position-mark length of a position mark in the movement direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Eric Birrer, Frank Olivier Roussel
  • Publication number: 20200130989
    Abstract: An elevator car load measurement system for determining a load of an elevator car includes a plurality of at least two force sensors that are daisy-chained and connected to a controller for determining the load. Each force sensor measures a force exerted by the elevator car on the respective force sensor and generates a frequency signal with a square-wave form, wherein the frequency signal is proportional to the respective measured force. At least one of the force sensors adds a first frequency signal received from the previous force sensor along the daisy chain a second frequency signal generated by the at least one force sensor to generate a frequency sum signal, the last of the force sensors in the daisy chain forwards the frequency sum signal to the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Frank Olivier Roussel, Oliver Simmonds
  • Publication number: 20190119067
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Astrid Sonnenmoser, David Michel, Frank Olivier Roussel, Ivo Lustenberger, Kurt Heinz, Thomas Hartmann, Martin Hess
  • Patent number: 9884746
    Abstract: A method and a device configures a floor allocation of at least two operating panels of an elevator system having an elevator car and an elevator control unit in a building having at least two floors, wherein a respective one of the operating panels and an elevator door are located on each floor of the building, wherein a door contact unit is arranged on the elevator door, wherein the door contact unit is opened with the elevator door open, and wherein the elevator car moves vertically between the at least two floors. According to the method and device, the door contact unit is connected with the operating panel on each floor. The elevator car is moved to each floor and the elevator door is opened. The operating panel detects the open door contact unit and allocates the approached floor to the operating panel depending on the position of the elevator car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventors: Catherine Drouet, Frank Olivier Roussel
  • Patent number: 9745170
    Abstract: A method for operating an elevator control system for controlling and monitoring the movements of at least one elevator car when the elevator car approaches individual floors in a building, and in the process stops at a respective floor in a prescribed stopping position, the method including, in conjunction with a floor stop, determining an overall error in the form of a deviation between an actual position of the elevator car and a position of the elevator car assumed as the current position. The elevator control system generates service signals based on a statistical acquisition of several values for the overall error, and/or wherein the overall error is used to ascertain a derivative value, which is taken into account along with the current or stopping position during a comparison between the current position and stopping position performed by the elevator control system for approaching the respective stopping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Frank Olivier Roussel
  • Publication number: 20170001841
    Abstract: A method and a device configures a floor allocation of at least two operating panels of an elevator system having an elevator car and an elevator control unit in a building having at least two floors, wherein a respective one of the operating panels and an elevator door are located on each floor of the building, wherein a door contact unit is arranged on the elevator door, wherein the door contact unit is opened with the elevator door open, and wherein the elevator car moves vertically between the at least two floors. According to the method and device, the door contact unit is connected with the operating panel on each floor. The elevator car is moved to each floor and the elevator door is opened. The operating panel detects the open door contact unit and allocates the approached floor to the operating panel depending on the position of the elevator car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Catherine Drouet, Frank Olivier Roussel
  • Publication number: 20160280508
    Abstract: A method for operating an elevator control system for controlling and monitoring the movements of at least one elevator car when the elevator car approaches individual floors in a building, and in the process stops at a respective floor in a prescribed stopping position, the method including, in conjunction with a floor stop, determining an overall error in the form of a deviation between an actual position of the elevator car and a position of the elevator car assumed as the current position. The elevator control system generates service signals based on a statistical acquisition of several values for the overall error, and/or wherein the overall error is used to ascertain a derivative value, which is taken into account along with the current or stopping position during a comparison between the current position and stopping position performed by the elevator control system for approaching the respective stopping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventor: Frank Olivier Roussel
  • Patent number: 9199824
    Abstract: An emergency light unit (arranged in an elevator cage) of an elevator installation can be activated. A light sensor unit and a lighting unit are arranged in the elevator cage. The emergency light unit is activated by an elevator control unit in dependence on at least one light intensity value detected by the light sensor unit when the elevator cage door is closed and transmitted to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Frank Olivier Roussel, Lukas Barmet
  • Publication number: 20120256549
    Abstract: An emergency light unit (arranged in an elevator cage) of an elevator installation can be activated. A light sensor unit and a lighting unit are arranged in the elevator cage. The emergency light unit is activated by an elevator control unit in dependence on at least one light intensity value detected by the light sensor unit when the elevator cage door is closed and transmitted to the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Olivier Roussel, Lukas Barmet
  • Patent number: 8112552
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more aspects of the default peripheral device selection based on location, a current location of a computing device is obtained. A mapping record of default peripheral devices to locations is accessed to identify a default peripheral device corresponding to the current location of the computing device, and the identified default peripheral device is returned as a current default peripheral device for the computing device. Additionally, an identification of a peripheral device to be a default peripheral device can be received. A mapping of the current location of the computing device to the identified default peripheral device can also be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jian Lee, Frank Olivier, Tao Yuan
  • Patent number: 8032661
    Abstract: In accordance with the automatic peripheral device sharing, a peripheral device that has been newly installed on a device is detected and is shared with one or more additional devices coupled to the device. A notification of the peripheral device is automatically published to the one or more additional devices. This notification includes an indication of how the one or more additional devices can access the peripheral device. Each of the one or more additional devices can receive this notification and determine whether the peripheral device can be automatically installed on that device without user input. For each of the one or more additional devices, the peripheral device is installed on that device only if the peripheral device can be automatically installed on that device without user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J Anderson, Lindsey R Noll, Frank Olivier, J Adrian Lannin, Shawn E Maloney, Steve Seixeiro, Jerry Koh, Daniel J Oliver
  • Publication number: 20090222592
    Abstract: In accordance with the automatic peripheral device sharing, a peripheral device that has been newly installed on a device is detected and is shared with one or more additional devices coupled to the device. A notification of the peripheral device is automatically published to the one or more additional devices. This notification includes an indication of how the one or more additional devices can access the peripheral device. Each of the one or more additional devices can receive this notification and determine whether the peripheral device can be automatically installed on that device without user input. For each of the one or more additional devices, the peripheral device is installed on that device only if the peripheral device can be automatically installed on that device without user input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert J. Anderson, Lindsey R Noll, Frank Olivier, J. Adrian Lannin, Shawn E. Maloney, Steve Seixeiro, Jerry Koh, Daniel J. Oliver