Abstract: An example elevator brake includes a first braking member that is biased by a first spring member into engagement with a braking surface. The first braking member includes a first armature arranged to be actuated by an electromagnetic actuator to disengage the first braking member from the braking surface against the biasing force of the first spring member. A second braking member is biased by a second spring member into engagement with a braking surface. The second braking member includes a second armature arranged to be actuated by an electromagnetic actuator to disengage the second braking member against the biasing force of the second spring member. A first electromagnetic actuator actuates the first armature and a second electromagnetic actuator actuates the second armature.

Abstract: An example elevator brake includes a first braking member that is biased by a first spring member into engagement with a braking surface. The first braking member includes a first armature arranged to be actuated by an electromagnetic actuator to disengage the first braking member from the braking surface against the biasing force of the first spring member. A second braking member is biased by a second spring member into engagement with a braking surface. The second braking member includes a second armature arranged to be actuated by an electromagnetic actuator to disengage the second braking member against the biasing force of the second spring member. A first electromagnetic actuator actuates the first armature and a second electromagnetic actuator actuates the second armature.

Abstract: A control arrangement (100) for an elevator brake, comprises a control circuit (110) adapted to generate, according to a demand for releasing a first braking member of the elevator brake, a first actuating signal and to generate, according to a demand for releasing a second braking member of the elevator brake, a second actuating signal; a first terminal (112) for outputting the first actuating signal to a first electromagnetic actuating means (26) of the elevator brake, a second terminal for outputting the second actuating signal to a second electromagnetic actuating means (30) of the elevator brake; the control arrangement (100) being adapted to allow at least the following modes of operation: A) a normal operation mode in which the first and the second actuating signals are supplied synchronously to the first and second electromagnetic actuation means (26, 30), respectively, and B) a single braking member test operation mode, in which one of the first and second actuating signals is supplied to the respect

Abstract: An elevator machine (10) includes a machine shaft (14, 14?) and a sheave (26) that rotates with the machine shaft (14, 14?). A motor (12) selectively rotates the machine shaft (14, 14?). A brake (30) having at least one brake armature (36) selectively moves a brake rotor (28) coupled for rotation with the shaft (14, 14?) between a braking position and a released position. The brake rotor (28) selectively contacts a braking surface (44) formed directly on a housing (20, 22, 84, 90) to resist rotation of the machine shaft (14, 14?).

Abstract: An elevator brake (20) rotor for use in an elevator machine (10) includes a non-metallic elevator brake hub (36) and a metal flange (34), both of which have an opening with a splined portion for guiding axial movement of the rotor along a rotable shaft (14). This arrangement reduces metal-to-metal contact between the rotor and shaft and reduces noise.

Abstract: A control arrangement (100) for an elevator brake, comprises a control circuit (110) adapted to generate, according to a demand for releasing a first braking member of the elevator brake, a first actuating signal and to generate, according to a demand for releasing a second braking member of the elevator brake, a second actuating signal; a first terminal (112) for outputting the first actuating signal to a first electromagnetic actuating means (26) of the elevator brake, a second terminal for outputting the second actuating signal to a second electromagnetic actuating means (30) of the elevator brake; the control arrangement (100) being adapted to allow at least the following modes of operation: A) a normal operation mode in which the first and the second actuating signals are supplied synchronously to the first and second electromagnetic actuation means (26, 30), respectively, and B) a single braking member test operation mode, in which one of the first and second actuating signals is supplied to the respect

Abstract: An elevator brake (20) rotor for use in an elevator machine (10) includes a non-metallic elevator brake hub (36) and a metal flange (34), both of which have an opening with a splined portion for guiding axial movement of the rotor along a rotable shaft (14). This arrangement reduces metal-to-metal contact between the rotor and shaft and reduces noise.

Abstract: An elevator machine (10) includes a machine shaft (14, 14?) and a sheave (26) that rotates with the machine shaft (14, 14?). A motor (12) selectively rotates the machine shaft (14, 14?). A brake (30) having at least one brake armature (36) selectively moves a brake rotor (28) coupled for rotation with the shaft (14, 14?) between a braking position and a released position. The brake rotor (28) selectively contacts a braking surface (44) formed directly on a housing (20, 22, 84, 90) to resist rotation of the machine shaft (14, 14?).

Abstract: A guiding device (30) for an elevator system (20) facilitates guiding a cab (22) along guide rails (24). The guiding device (30) includes a roller mount (34) that supports rollers (36) such that the rollers remain a fixed distance from each other. A biasing member (44) urges the mount (34) in a direction that maintains contact between the guide rail (24) and the rollers (36) and facilitates centering the guiding device (30) and the cab (22) relative to the guide rails (24).

Abstract: An elevator system includes a hoistway having a plurality of hoistway doors. An elevator car and counterweight are provided in the hoistway. A drive motor is drivingly coupled to the elevator car and counterweight, and is located adjacent to either the top or bottom portion of a hoistway door so as to eliminate the need to provide a machine room above the hoistway ceiling.

Abstract: An elevator brake includes a rotor (40). Preferably, a front brake lining (46) is disposed on one side of the rotor and includes two concentric annular zones. Movable first and second brake plates (42,43) are each independently acuatable into engagement with a different one of the two concentric zones of the front brake lining.

Abstract: The invention is applicable to automatically triggered switches that are turned on by means of angular displacement, in either direction, of a contact bridge and its support (1). It is characterized in that the outside of the support (1) includes pins (3) which, when the switch is off, are perpendicular to the direction of displacement of an actuator (4) joined to a remote handle (13). Since the pins (3) turn as a consequence of the switch being turned on, when the handle is operated, the actuator (4) is displaced and its arms (6) force the pins (3) to move in the opposite direction into their initial position, effecting the reset. It is preferably used to reset switches provided in elevator speed limiters.

Abstract: The invention is applicable to automatically triggered switches that are turned on by means of angular displacement, in either direction, of a contact bridge and its support (1). It is characterized in that the outside of the support (1) includes pins (3) which, when the switch is off, are perpendicular to the direction of displacement of an actuator (4) joined to a remote handle (13). Since the pins (3) turn as a consequence of the switch being turned on, when the handle is operated, the actuator (4) is displaced and its arms (6) force the pins (3) to move in the opposite direction into their initial position, effecting the reset. It is preferably used to reset switches provided in elevator speed limiters.

Abstract: A device for securing an end on a load bearing member in an elevator system includes a socket, a wedge and at least one insert member. The socket at least partially receives the insert member and wedge to maintain the end of the load bearing member in position. The preferred arrangement includes two insert members that engage the load bearing member on opposite sides of the wedge such that the load bearing member is gripped between the wedge and the insert members. The insert members and the socket preferably include contoured surfaces that facilitate arranging the engaging surfaces on the inserts in a parallel alignment to most evenly distribute pressure on the load bearing member.

Abstract: A device for securing an end on a load bearing member in an elevator system includes a socket, a wedge and at least one insert member. The socket at least partially receives the insert member and wedge to maintain the end of the load bearing member in position. The preferred arrangement includes two insert members that engage the load bearing member on opposite sides of the wedge such that the load bearing member is gripped between the wedge and the insert members. The insert members and the socket preferably include contoured surfaces that facilitate arranging the engaging surfaces on the inserts in a parallel alignment to most evenly distribute pressure on the load bearing member.

Abstract: An elevator brake includes a fluid enclosure that provides a force to counter a braking force. In a particular embodiment, the fluid enclosure functions as a fluid pressure amplifier between a controllable actuator and a braking surface. The fluid enclosure increases the force of the actuator such that smaller, more controllable actuators may be used to control the brake.

Abstract: A brake release mechanism for an elevator machine includes apparatus to reduce the braking force on the machine shaft. The apparatus may be actuated from a position located remotely from the machine.

Abstract: A traction drive elevator system includes a device to enhance the traction forces between the ropes as the traction sheave. As a result, the traction force is the sum of the traction force caused by the tension in the ropes and the traction force caused by the traction enhancement device.

Abstract: A elevator cab car operating panel has a convex cover cooperating with one of the cab walls to define an enclosed space in which a lighting source is disposed. A pair of translucent panels cooperate with the cover to allow the light to emanate from the car operating panel to provide the primary source of light for the cab. The cab wall may have a concave shape for cooperating with the convex cover to define the enclosed space.

Abstract: A brake release mechanism for an elevator machine includes apparatus to reduce the braking force on the machine shaft. The apparatus may be actuated from a position located remotely from the machine.