Signal correlation for missing step detection in conveyors

US8960407B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Burkhard Braasch · Berlin, DE
• Ingo Engelhard · Berlin, DE
• Dirk H. Tegtmeier · Berlin, DE
• Peter Herkel · Berlin, DE
• Ralph S. Stripling · Berlin, DE
• Frank Kirchhoff · Aachen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 20, 2009
• Grant date: Feb 24, 2015
• Expiry date: Jan 8, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B66B25/006
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A device and method for detecting a misaligned or missing step of a conveyor are disclosed. The missing step detector includes various sensors for detecting the drive speed of the conveyor and for detecting the presence of pallets or steps. The sensor output signals are correlated to determine fixed values characteristic of the specific conveyor in question. Using the fixed values as reference, the missing step detector is able to effectively monitor the conveyor for misaligned or missing steps independent of conveyor speed and time.