Abstract: A test device for testing automatic door systems has a test circuit including a display, a micro-controller, a memory for storing data and a test program, and a control switch for controlling operation of the test program by the micro-controller. The test device is installed by interposing the test circuit between the controller and sensors of the automatic door system. A selector switch on the test device is moveable between first and second positions. When the selector switch is in the first position, it completes a data path between the test circuit and the controller and blocks the exchange of data between the sensors and the test circuit and the first connector. When the selector switch is in the second position, it completes a data path between the test circuit and the second connector and blocks the exchange of data between the controller and the test circuit and the second connector.

Abstract: A safety chain of an elevator system utilizes optical fiber to verify mechanical locking of elevator doors. The elevator doors have locks which incorporate the optical fiber to determine if each of the doors has been locked. The optical safety chain provides the necessary feedback to the elevator controller for safe operation of the elevator system.

Abstract: An elevator door reversal monitoring apparatus for monitoring an elevator door system comprises: a plurality of sensors for providing sensor signals; a door reversal state machine for providing door reversal data in response to the sensor signals; an output module for capturing the door reversal data; and an output processing module for determining a current state of the elevator door system in response to the captured door reversal data.

Abstract: A governor for a moving device, such as an elevator, includes a primary assembly that generates a magnetic field and a secondary assembly extending through the generated magnetic field. The assemblies define a rotor and a stator that rotate at a relative speed that is proportional to the speed of the moving device. The stator is biased into a stationary position. If the relative rotational speed exceeds a predetermined limit, the bias on the stator is overcome by the interaction of the secondary assembly with the magnetic field. Movement of the stator away from the stationary position actuates an apparatus to prevent an overspeed condition of the moving device.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a manual elevator door system comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of sensor signals; detecting the sensor signals; determining in response to detecting the sensor signals that an elevator car is stopped at a landing; determining in response to detecting the sensor signals that a car door of the elevator car is open; determining in response to detecting the sensor signals that a hoistway door is unlocked; determining in response to detecting the sensor signals that a hoistway door is closed; determining in response to detecting the sensor signals that a call has been assigned to the elevator car during a time that the hoistway door is closed; and providing a performance data signal in response to said determinations wherein said performance data signal is representative that the manual elevator door system is in a non-alarm condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an elevator door performance result of an elevator door in an elevator door system which normally operates sequentially from state-to-state in a closed loop sequential chain of normal operating states is disclosed. A plurality of parameter signals provided by the elevator door system is monitored by the apparatus. The apparatus comprises: a door state sequencer for providing a performance measure; a module for providing a reference measure and an acceptable range; and an abnormal detection module for analyzing the door performance measure.

Abstract: An elevator position apparatus for determining if an elevator car is positioned within a door zone includes an encoded medium disposed vertically in an elevator hoistway, at least two door zone sensors for providing first and second door zone sensor signals in response to the encoded medium, at least two leveling sensors for providing up and down sensor signals in response to the encoded medium and means for determining if the elevator car is positioned within the door zone.

Abstract: Ultrasonic waves may be emitted from a transmitter/receiver sonic transducer, or separate transmitter working with a separate receiver, directly or reflected into the opening between doors of an elevator; responses reflected from objects or passengers between the doors which are received within a window of response are utilized to create a door reversal signal. The ultrasonic waves may be shaped into a curtain or sheet by means of a hyperbolic reflector opening downwardly toward the doors. To equalize time of travel for sound waves emanating from a single source on one side to all parts of the door opening, the reflector may also have a parabolic shape. The sound waves may be emitted in a cylindrical pattern to accommodate elevators having circular doors. Multiple reflectors may include a convex reflector to spread the sound waves vertically.

Abstract: An elevator car has a car door having a arcuate cross-section and attaching to and rotating about a pivot. A hoistway door has an arcuate cross-section and is selectively coupled to a car door to open and close therewith.

Abstract: An elevator car, which is used with a curvilinear door that encloses an opening of the car, has a back wall, a first side wall attaching to the back wall, and a second side wall attaching to the first side wall at a point that is away from the back wall. The said second side wall extends from the first side wall towards the front opening. The second side wall is shaped and arranged to allow the curvilinear door to open without touching the car. The car has a floor attaching to a bottom portion of the back wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall, having a curvilinear section extending out the front of said car beyond the second side wall. The curvilinear section cooperates with the curvilinear door to prevent objects from falling therebetween. The elevator car enables an elevator to use center opening doors in a narrow hoistway.