Patents by Inventor Steven M. Millet

Steven M. Millet 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).

  • Electromagnetic brake system for an elevator with variable rate of engagement
    Patent number: 10745239
    Abstract: A braking system for an elevator includes an electromagnetic brake operably connected to an elevator car. A control circuit is operably connected to the electromagnetic brake and includes a switching mechanism to selectively modify a rate of engagement of the electromagnetic brake to selectively modify deceleration of the elevator car. A method of engaging an electromagnetic brake for an elevator system includes detecting one or more operational characteristics of the elevator system and selecting a first position or a second position of a switching mechanism disposed at a brake control circuit depending on the sensed operational characteristics. Electrical current is directed through one or more components of the brake control circuit, depending on the position of the switching mechanism, to determine a rate of engagement of the electromagnetic brake. A flow of electrical current through the brake control circuit is stopped, thereby causing engagement of the electromagnetic brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven M. Millet, Ismail Agirman, Amir Lotfi
  • ELECTROMAGNETIC BRAKE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20170362051
    Abstract: A braking system for an elevator includes an electromagnetic brake operably connected to an elevator car. A control circuit is operably connected to the electromagnetic brake and includes a switching mechanism to selectively modify a rate of engagement of the electromagnetic brake to selectively modify deceleration of the elevator car. A method of engaging an electromagnetic brake for an elevator system includes detecting one or more operational characteristics of the elevator system and selecting a first position or a second position of a switching mechanism disposed at a brake control circuit depending on the sensed operational characteristics. Electrical current is directed through one or more components of the brake control circuit, depending on the position of the switching mechanism, to determine a rate of engagement of the electromagnetic brake. A flow of electrical current through the brake control circuit is stopped, thereby causing engagement of the electromagnetic brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Steven M. Millet, Ismail Agirman, Amir Lotfi