Abstract: A safety device for a path that is traversed to enter a region in which danger to an individual is heightened due to operation of a machine includes at least one sensor installed along the path so as to detect the individual thereat, which compels the sensor to generate a signal. A lockout mechanism is deployed that compels the machine into a non-operational state in response to receiving the signal from the sensor. The lockout mechanism ensures the machine remains in the non-operational state when the signal from the sensor is removed therefrom. A reset circuit is deployed that, in response to activation thereof, compels the lockout mechanism to allow the machine into the operational state from the non-operational state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the movement of one or more elevators in a hoistway. The apparatus includes a power control sub-system containing moving machinery for imparting motion to the elevator car and to the elevator car doors, together with a plurality of control contacts operating to actuate the moving machinery to urge the elevator car and the doors in appropriate directions. A number of selectable control contacts or switches are provided in the elevator car and at elevator floor landings. A supervisory control sub-system containing control programs is coupled to the power control sub-system for the purpose of reading input data from the moving machinery, control contacts, and selectable switches, and to provide instructions to the power control sub-system in accordance with the supervisory control programs, and the status of the selectable switches and the control contacts.

Abstract: A generator, hoist motor, and hoist motor brake for controlling the drive of an elevator car in a hoistway in accordance with speed and direction inputs. A generator-motor-brake unit is powered by an AC power source and also receives the speed and direction inputs. The speed and direction inputs are converted to elevator car command signals. A master waveform generator receives the AC power signal and provides a precise waveform synchronous with the AC power signal. The precise waveform and command signals are connected to a number of comparator triggers which provide a generator field trigger signal, a motor field trigger signal, and as hoist motor brake trigger signal. The trigger signals are each connected to individual power metering elements connected between the AC power source and each of the generator and motor fields, and the hoist motor brake. Power is thereby metered to the generator field, the motor field, and the hoist motor brake in accordance with the speed and direction inputs.