Patents by Inventor Willi Maier

Willi Maier 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: 11079409
    Abstract: At least two redundant analog input units for a measurement current have analog inputs which are connected in parallel and upon which voltage measuring devices directly lie to convert respectively applied voltages into a digital measurement value, wherein in order to detect errors, in particular in order to detect wire breakage, each analog input unit compares its generated measurement value with a threshold and outputs an error message if a measurement value is detected that falls below the threshold, where if the analog input of the analog input unit is in the low-resistance state, then the at least one other analog input unit is additionally caused to assume a current-measuring function and switch the analog input of the analog input unit to a low-resistance state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Willi Maier, Norbert Rottmann
  • Publication number: 20200309821
    Abstract: At least two redundant analog input units for a measurement current have analog inputs which are connected in parallel and upon which voltage measuring devices directly lie to convert respectively applied voltages into a digital measurement value, wherein in order to detect errors, in particular in order to detect wire breakage, each analog input unit compares its generated measurement value with a threshold and outputs an error message if a measurement value is detected that falls below the threshold, where if the analog input of the analog input unit is in the low-resistance state, then the at least one other analog input unit is additionally caused to assume a current-measuring function and switch the analog input of the analog input unit to a low-resistance state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Willi MAIER, Norbert ROTTMANN
  • Patent number: 10386832
    Abstract: A method and redundant control system for an actuator in which two redundant control computers are connected via buses to a respective peripheral station containing an interface module and at least one periphery module, wherein the actuator is connected to mutually decoupled signal outputs of two periphery modules, each forming an output module, of the two peripheral stations, where output values generated by the two redundant control computers for the actuator are transmitted by the interface modules to the output modules, wherein upon detection of a bus fault, the respective interface module transmits a command to all downstream output modules to output substitute values, and where output modules to which the actuator is connected exchange information about receipt of the command via a communication link and implement it only if another output module concerned has also received the command so as to prevent failure modes in redundant operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Willi Maier, Norbert Rottmann
  • Patent number: 10324120
    Abstract: An arrangement includes a plurality of peripheral units and with a sensor, each of the plurality of peripheral units being provided with a connection for connecting the sensor to a supply voltage, includes a sensor input for connecting the sensor, and also includes a measuring resistor for acquiring a sensor current that represents a signal state, where a redundant acquisition and evaluation of the sensor current or a redundant operation of the sensor is permitted on the plurality of peripheral units via suitable measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Willi Maier, Norbert Rottmann
  • Publication number: 20170255191
    Abstract: A method and redundant control system for an actuator in which two redundant control computers are connected via buses to a respective peripheral station containing an interface module and at least one periphery module, wherein the actuator is connected to mutually decoupled signal outputs of two periphery modules, each forming an output module, of the two peripheral stations, where output values generated by the two redundant control computers for the actuator are transmitted by the interface modules to the output modules, wherein upon detection of a bus fault, the respective interface module transmits a command to all downstream output modules to output substitute values, and where output modules to which the actuator is connected exchange information about receipt of the command via a communication link and implement it only if another output module concerned has also received the command so as to prevent failure modes in redundant operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Willi MAIER, Norbert ROTTMANN
  • Publication number: 20170219642
    Abstract: An arrangement includes a plurality of peripheral units and with a sensor, each of the plurality of peripheral units being provided with a connection for connecting the sensor to a supply voltage, includes a sensor input for connecting the sensor, and also includes a measuring resistor for acquiring a sensor current that represents a signal state, where a redundant acquisition and evaluation of the sensor current or a redundant operation of the sensor is permitted on the plurality of peripheral units via suitable measures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Willi MAIER, Norbert ROTTMANN
  • Patent number: 9338917
    Abstract: An arrangement having a first peripheral device and a second peripheral device that each include basic modules that are provided with process connections and that accommodate electronic modules, where a redundancy adapter unit is provided for redundantly connecting a field device to one of the basic modules of each of the two peripheral devices such that the redundancy connection of assemblies, which are arranged in spatially separate peripheral devices, is suitable simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Willi Maier, Norbert Rottmann
  • Publication number: 20140328028
    Abstract: An arrangement having a first peripheral device and a second peripheral device that each include basic modules that are provided with process connections and that accommodate electronic modules, where a redundancy adapter unit is provided for redundantly connecting a field device to one of the basic modules of each of the two peripheral devices such that the redundancy connection of assemblies, which are arranged in spatially separate peripheral devices, is suitable simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Willi MAIER, Norbert ROTTMANN
  • Patent number: 8816747
    Abstract: A digital input unit for an automation device includes at least one current drawing DC input channel for connecting a transducer operated at a nominal DC voltage, where the input channel is configured to set the current based on an input voltage (UEM) according to an input characteristic curve. Measures are proposed, as a result of which the digital input unit is suitable for connecting transducers of different supply voltages, where the digital input unit is operable with a reduced power loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Willi Maier
  • Publication number: 20130229219
    Abstract: A digital input unit for an automation device includes at least one current drawing DC input channel for connecting a transducer operated at a nominal DC voltage, where the input channel is configured to set the current based on an input voltage (UEM) according to an input characteristic curve. Measures are proposed, as a result of which the digital input unit is suitable for connecting transducers of different supply voltages, where the digital input unit is operable with a reduced power loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Willi MAIER
  • Patent number: 8132963
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to reduce the temperature gradient at the connection terminals of a connection unit to which lines can be joined. The inventive temperature compensation element is made of at least one first strip of thermally conducting material on which terminal lugs are arranged in a row at essentially right angles to the strip and are insulted in relation to each other and the strip. The terminal lugs are connected to the strip in a thermally conductive manner and can be respectively contacted to the lines with corresponding contact terminals of the connection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Klumpp, Willi Maier, Wigand Schneiderheinze
  • Publication number: 20100323553
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to reduce the temperature gradient at the connection terminals of a connection unit to which lines can be joined. The inventive temperature compensation element is made of at least one first strip of thermally conducting material on which terminal lugs are arranged in a row at essentially right angles to the strip and are insulted in relation to each other and the strip. The terminal lugs are connected to the strip in a thermally conductive manner and can be respectively contacted to the lines with corresponding contact terminals of the connection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Wolfgang Klumpp, Willi Maier, Wigand Schneiderheinze
  • Patent number: 6393053
    Abstract: To enable electrical isolation, conventional digital input units have a first and a second optocoupler for each input channel. One optocoupler is provided to transmit the input signal, i.e., to transmit the status information logical “0” and logical “1”, while the other optocoupler is provided to transmit wire breakage information to a wire breakage monitoring unit which monitors the lines connected to the input circuit. A digital input unit is proposed which has only one optocoupler for transmitting the status and wire breakage information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Willi Maier
  • Patent number: 5816383
    Abstract: An installation for sorting or commissioning objects includes at least one transfer or delivery unit with an inlet where the objects arriving from a conveyor can be loaded onto the transfer or delivery unit and an outlet where the objects are discharged, wherein the transfer or delivery unit can be filled between the inlet and the outlet with objects which have been loaded onto the transfer or delivery unit. The transfer unit includes a timed belt in front of the outlet and at least one additional belt arranged in front of the timed belt, wherein at least one object can be positioned on the at least one additional belt for the controlled transfer to the timed belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: GRAPHA-Holding AG
    Inventors: Willi Maier, Werner Roth
  • Patent number: 5746301
    Abstract: A sorting conveyor for packets is provided with a plurality of carriages circulating along an endless track. Each carriage supports at least one carrier arrangement for the packets which is tiltable at predetermined unloading points. Each carrier arrangement includes a plate which is tiltable in only one direction for unloading and is tensioned in the tilt direction. The plate is supported on the carriage against the tension force by a detachable support arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Grapha-Holding AG
    Inventor: Willi Maier
  • Patent number: 5680924
    Abstract: Each carriage (1) of a carriage chain has a running gear (5) at one end that has two running rollers (18) and two guide rollers (19). At the opposite end, it is coupled with the preceding carriage (1) by way of a spherical bearing (25) and a rod (26) which is guided so as to be longitudinally displaceable in this carriage. Toothed racks (8) disposed on the underside of the carriage body (3) and connected directly to each other by way of joint rods (10) serve in driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Grapha-Holding AG
    Inventors: Willi Maier, Thomas Rohner
  • Patent number: 5664661
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly for reorienting items includes a conveyor for advancing items in a conveying direction; and a turning device disposed upstream of the discharge end of the conveyor as viewed in the conveying direction for engaging an underface of the items and for turning the items into a predetermined orientation, while being conveyed by the conveyor, before the items reach the discharge end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Grapha-Holding AG
    Inventor: Willi Maier
  • Patent number: 5642802
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus has a plurality of pivotable load-bearing elements which are disposed one behind the other and travel along an endless track that has at least one unloading station where the load-bearing elements are unloaded by a pivoting action. Two switching elements disposed at the unloading station are switchable individually between an inactive state and an active state for pivoting the load-bearing element. One of the switching elements is divided into first and second switching parts so that a load-bearing element disposed in the region of the unloading station can be operated selectively with one or the other of the switching parts for the purpose of pivoting the load-bearing element for unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Grapha-Holding AG
    Inventors: Willi Maier, Hans Schuhmacher