Abstract: The invention concerns a method of optical, inspection of an electronic circuit (Card) including the acquisition of images of the electronic circuit by image sensors (C), the use of the images to determine the offset between the position of the electronic circuit (Card) and an inspection position, and the use of said images in at least another step of the method.

Abstract: Foldable ladders and related methods for use within a pit of an elevator system include a first upright, a second upright, and a plurality of rungs pivotally mounted to each of the first upright and the second upright. A locking mechanism has a first segment pivotally attached to the first upright and a second segment pivotally attached to the second upright, and the two segments are pivotally connected. A locking device is located on an upright and operably connected to a segment. The locking device includes a first catch and a second catch, a pin moveable to engage with the first catch in a first position and moveable to engage in a second position. A biasing mechanism applies a force to the pin to engage the pin with a catch. An operating device is operable to apply opposing force against the biasing mechanism to disengage the pin from the catch.

Abstract: A multi-use interface for use in an elevator includes an input device to receive input and a selection device associated with the input device, the selection device to select between an operation mode and a service mode, wherein the operation mode allows the input device to receive a standard elevator function input, the multi-use interface generating a standard elevator function output in response to the standard elevator function input, and the service mode allows the input device to receive a service function input, the multi-use interface generating a service function output in response to the service function input.

Abstract: An elevator system (100) includes an elevator car (102) that is configured to travel along a guide rail (104), and a braking assembly (116) coupled to the elevator car (102). The braking assembly (116) is configured to selectively operate in a disengagement mode that allows the elevator car (102) to travel along the guide rail (104), and an engagement mode that inhibits the elevator car (102) from traveling along the guide rail (104). The electronic braking assembly controller (128) is in signal communication with the braking assembly (116) and is configured to generate an electronic braking signal that activates the engagement mode of the braking assembly (116). When the engagement mode is activated, the elevator car (102) decelerates without exceeding a predetermined g-force (g) threshold regardless as to whether a load applied to the elevator car (102) changes such that the elevator car (102) is stopped at a floor landing (106).

Abstract: Elevator car systems including a primary car operating panel fixedly located on an elevator car panel and a secondary car operating panel display system. The Display system includes a detection and tracking device configured to detect the entry and location of passengers within the elevator car and a display device configured to display a secondary car operating panel at a location proximate to a detected and tracked passenger.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of optical, inspection of an electronic circuit (Card) including the acquisition of images of the electronic circuit by image sensors (C), the use of the images to determine the offset between the position of the electronic circuit (Card) and an inspection position, and the use of said images in at least another step of the method.

Abstract: A method for quantifying intrinsic dimensions of radiation sensors, particularly ionizing radiation sensors, and a device for implementing the method. The method for quantifying the intrinsic dimensions of a radiation sensor includes: defining and modeling the sensor using a schematic diagram of the sensor, determining via numerical computation and via experimental design theory elements that affect the sensor, measuring various specific spatial positions around the sensor, via a multi-frequency calibration source of the radiation, and designing, via experimental design theory, the elements that affect a response of the sensor.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a hoistway and an elevator car suspended in the hoistway via a suspension member and drivable along the hoistway. The elevator car includes an elevator car panel and a battery pocket positioned in the elevator car panel. A battery is removably positioned in the battery pocket. The battery and the battery pocket are configured such that inspection, maintenance and/or repair of the battery is performed without entry into the hoistway of the elevator system. A method of servicing an elevator system includes driving an elevator car along a hoistway and stopping the elevator car near a selected elevator landing floor. A battery is at least partially removed from a battery pocket at the elevator car via a technician located at the selected elevator landing floor for inspection, maintenance, replacement and/or repair.

Abstract: An elevator system (100) includes an elevator car (102) that is configured to travel along a guide rail (104), and a braking assembly (116) coupled to the elevator car (102). The braking assembly (116) is configured to selectively operate in a disengagement mode that allows the elevator car (102) to travel along the guide rail (104), and an engagement mode that inhibits the elevator car (102) from traveling along the guide rail (104). The electronic braking assembly controller (128) is in signal communication with the braking assembly (116) and is configured to generate an electronic braking signal that activates the engagement mode of the braking assembly (116). When the engagement mode is activated, the elevator car (102) decelerates without exceeding a predetermined g-force (g) threshold regardless as to whether a load applied to the elevator car (102) changes such that the elevator car (102) is stopped at a floor landing (106).

Abstract: A multi-use interface for use in an elevator includes an input device to receive input and a selection device associated with the input device, the selection device to select between an operation mode and a service mode, wherein the operation mode allows the input device to receive a standard elevator function input, the multi-use interface generating a standard elevator function output in response to the standard elevator function input, and the service mode allows the input device to receive a service function input, the multi-use interface generating a service function output in response to the service function input.

Abstract: Elevator car systems including a primary car operating panel fixedly located on an elevator car panel and a secondary car operating panel display system. The Display system includes a detection and tracking device configured to detect the entry and location of passengers within the elevator car and a display device configured to display a secondary car operating panel at a location proximate to a detected and tracked passenger.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly for an elevator system includes a counterweight and a guide shoe affixed to the counterweight, the guide shoe extending continuously and unbroken along a vertical length of the counterweight. A counterweight guide system for an elevator system includes a plurality of first counterweight guide brackets secured in a hoistway at a first side of a counterweight and interactive with a first guide shoe affixed to the counterweight. A plurality of second counterweight guide brackets are secured in the hoistway at a second side of the counterweight opposite the first side and interactive with a second guide shoe affixed to the counterweight. Two or more first counterweight guide brackets are engaged with the first guide shoe during travel of the counterweight along the hoistway.

Abstract: A method for quantifying intrinsic dimensions of radiation sensors, particularly ionizing radiation sensors, and a device for implementing the method. The method for quantifying the intrinsic dimensions of a radiation sensor includes: defining and modeling the sensor using a schematic diagram of the sensor, determining via numerical computation and via experimental design theory elements that affect the sensor, measuring various specific spatial positions around the sensor, via a multi-frequency calibration source of the radiation, and designing, via experimental design theory, the elements that affect a response of the sensor.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a hoistway and an elevator car suspended in the hoistway via a suspension member and drivable along the hoistway. The elevator car includes an elevator car panel and a battery pocket positioned in the elevator car panel. A battery is removably positioned in the battery pocket. The battery and the battery pocket are configured such that inspection, maintenance and/or repair of the battery is performed without entry into the hoistway of the elevator system. A method of servicing an elevator system includes driving an elevator car along a hoistway and stopping the elevator car near a selected elevator landing floor. A battery is at least partially removed from a battery pocket at the elevator car via a technician located at the selected elevator landing floor for inspection, maintenance, replacement and/or repair.

Abstract: A retractable stop and the method of use thereof to control travel range of an elevator system are disclosed. The retractable stop may include a vertical mounting bracket, an impact plate, and a support member. The support member may include an upper end pivotably connected to a distal portion of the impact plate and a lower end movable in relation to the mounting bracket. The proximal portion of the impact plate may be pivotably connected to the mounting bracket. When the retractable stop is in a retracted position, the impact plate does not significantly contribute to the lateral profile of the retractable stop.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly for an elevator system includes a counterweight and a guide shoe affixed to the counterweight, the guide shoe extending continuously and unbroken along a vertical length of the counterweight. A counterweight guide system for an elevator system includes a plurality of first counterweight guide brackets secured in a hoistway at a first side of a counterweight and interactive with a first guide shoe affixed to the counterweight. A plurality of second counterweight guide brackets are secured in the hoistway at a second side of the counterweight opposite the first side and interactive with a second guide shoe affixed to the counterweight. Two or more first counterweight guide brackets are engaged with the first guide shoe during travel of the counterweight along the hoistway.

Abstract: An elevator is provided including an elevator car and a machine rail. An elevator machine is mounted to the machine rail such that the elevator machine is movable relative to the machine rail. At least one belt operatively engages both the elevator car and the elevator machine. Movement of the elevator machine relative to the machine rail causes the elevator to move.

Abstract: An exemplary vibration isolation assembly for use with elevators includes a first rigid member having an outer wall at least partially surrounding a central opening. A second rigid member is at least partially received within the central opening of the first rigid member. A resilient layer between the first and second members substantially isolates the first member from vibrations of the second member.

Abstract: A retractable stop and the method of use thereof to control travel range of an elevator system are disclosed. The retractable stop may include a vertical mounting bracket, an impact plate, and a support member. The support member may include an upper end pivotably connected to a distal portion of the impact plate and a lower end movable in relation to the mounting bracket. The proximal portion of the impact plate may be pivotably connected to the mounting bracket. When the retractable stop is in a retracted position, the impact plate does not significantly contribute to the lateral profile of the retractable stop.

Abstract: An exemplary vibration isolation assembly for use with elevators includes a first rigid member having an outer wall at least partially surrounding a central opening. A second rigid member is at least partially received within the central opening of the first rigid member. A resilient layer between the first and second members substantially isolates the first member from vibrations of the second member.