Abstract: An elevator balanced-load rescue device, an elevator, and an elevator balanced-load rescue method are provided by the present disclosure. The elevator balanced-load rescue device includes: a clamping wheel set including a driving wheel and a driven wheel that cooperate with each other; wherein the clamping wheel set has a clamping position and a releasing position; in the clamping position, the driving wheel and the driven wheel move toward each other to clamp a traction belt connected between an elevator car and an elevator counterweight; and in the releasing position, the driving wheel and the driven wheel move opposite to each other to release the traction belt; a transmission shaft which has a first end connected to the driving wheel of the clamping wheel set, and which transmits a torque to the driving wheel; and an energy storage device associated with the transmission shaft.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes an insertion member having a first surface facing a vacuum space, a second surface facing a non-vacuum space, and an insertion hole penetrating through the first and second surfaces. A pin is inserted into the insertion hole and moved vertically. A movable member is provided in a recess formed on a wall surface of the insertion hole facing the pin. The movable member has an opening into which the pin is inserted and is movable along a surface of the recess. A first sealing member is provided between the movable member and the pin. A second sealing member is provided between the movable body and the surface of the recess and allows, when a pressing force of the pin that locally compresses the first sealing member acts on the first sealing member, the movable member to move in a direction to release the pressing force.

Abstract: Embodiments of lift pin holders are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a lift pin holder includes a housing member having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion includes an annular wall defining a central space; a support member disposed at least partially within the central space and having a base and an upwardly protruding portion configured to support a lift pin; a first gripper disposed atop the support member and having a first plurality of prongs protruding upward from a body of the first gripper and configured to grip the lift pin; and a second gripper disposed atop the base of the support member and having a second plurality of prongs protruding upward from a body of the second gripper and are configured to grip the lift pin, wherein the first gripper is disposed within the third central opening.

Abstract: A hydraulic elevator system includes a power unit and elevator controller where the elevator car is controlled within the hoistway when a portion of the hoistway might be flooded. The power unit includes a water tight tank having a ventilation tube or snorkel. A moisture sensor is connected with the elevator controller, and positioned within the pit of the hoistway. The moisture sensor detects the existence of a flooded pit condition and communicates such a condition to the elevator controller. The elevator controller initiates a safety sequence when the presence of a flooded pit condition is detected to prevent the elevator car from entering a flooded area of the hoistway.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a compact, modular infusion pump and a delivery mechanism for accurate dispensing of very small amounts of medication. The infusion pump comprises a tubular, curved medication reservoir, and a flexible, one-piece drive train configured to push very small amounts of medication out of the medication reservoir. A method of measuring a level of medication inside the medication reservoir or cross-checking the accuracy of medication delivery is also described.

Abstract: A cage energy supply system comprises wind power generation devices, a tail rope beam suspension device and a control device that are connected to the bottom of a cage box. The tail rope beam suspension device and the control device are located on the central axis of the bottom of the cage box, and the two sides of the tail rope beam suspension device are each connected to one wind power generation device. By means of the characteristics that the descending speed of the cage is high and the relative wind speed of an auxiliary shaft is high, the two wind power generation devices charge one storage battery at the same time, and the two storage batteries carry out charging and power supply alternately, so that a powered unit of the cage is supported by a stable and reliable power source all the time, the power supply requirement of the cage for the powered unit thereof is met, and meanwhile the power supply requirement for the control device is met.

Abstract: A method for modernizing a hydraulic elevator including an elevator car guided by car guide rails for moving in an essentially vertical direction in the elevator hoistway, a hydraulic system including a lifting cylinder having a cylinder part essentially vertically supported on the base of the elevator hoistway and a piston rod moving in relation to the cylinder part and a hydraulic powerpack and a control center. The hydraulic system of the hydraulic elevator is modernized to include a function for preventing unintended starting at a floor, in such a way that the hydraulic powerpack is retained and an electrically-operating valve that is monitored with a control and that acts on the flow of hydraulic fluid of the lifting cylinder is added to the hydraulic system. The control controls a valve to prevent movement of the piston rod of the lifting cylinder downwards and/or upwards, if predetermined criteria are fulfilled.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device including a chamber in which a wafer is loaded; a gas supply mechanism for supplying process gas into the chamber; a gas discharge mechanism for discharging gas from the chamber; a heater having a slit and for heating the wafer to a predetermined temperature; a push-up base on which the wafer is mounted in an lifted state and housed in the slit in a lower state; a vertical rotation drive control mechanism for moving the push-up base up/down and rotating the push-up base in an lifted state; and a rotating member for rotating the wafer in a predetermined position and a rotation drive control mechanism connected to the rotating member.

Abstract: A drive system provides a displacement mechanism for driving motion of a device using energy stored in an energy accumulator in a non-electric form. A charge/discharge arrangement selectively charges the energy accumulator with energy derived from an energy source while isolated from the displacement mechanism, and the connects the energy accumulator to the displacement mechanism to provide energy for driving motion of the device. The energy accumulator may be hydraulic, pneumatic or gravitational. Examples of devices driven by the system include elevators, escalators and vehicles.

Abstract: A device for lifting vehicles and other objects may include a first tubular body and a second tubular body. The second tubular body is mobile in relation to the first tubular body in a longitudinal direction of the first tubular body. A first receiving chamber for a first fluid medium is provided in the interior of the first tubular body. A second receiving chamber is provided for the first fluid medium and a line connection provides fluid communication between the first receiving chamber and the second receiving chamber. The line connection extends through at least a portion of the first receiving chamber. According to various aspects, the device includes a supply line configured to supply a second fluid medium, different from the first fluid medium, to the first receiving chamber.

Abstract: The hydraulic elevator system has several configurations, each incorporating the hydraulic motor and pump at the lower end of the hydraulic ram and cylinder assembly. A first embodiment utilizes a wet pump and motor assembly at the lower end of the cylinder, with the volume between the cylinder and casing providing a hydraulic reservoir. A second embodiment provides a dry pump and motor installed at the lower end of the cylinder below the surrounding casing and hydraulic reservoir. A third embodiment attaches the pump and motor to the lower end of the hydraulic ram, with the pump and motor traveling up and down with the ram during operation. Further systems facilitating the installation and removal of the hydraulic cylinder and attached components for maintenance are also provided.

Abstract: A modernization method for converting a hydraulically actuated elevator system into an elevator system driven by a drive machine having a drive sheave makes it possible to convert and retain some essential elements of the existing elevator system. Car support rollers are arranged beneath an underside of an elevator car in the area of points of the underside of the elevator car located opposite each other and are connected to the elevator car. Furthermore, a support is guided along the underside of the elevator car and about the car support rollers. The support is also guided about the drive sheave so that the support can be driven by the drive sheave of the drive machine in order to raise and lower the elevator car.

Abstract: A pit platform (10) within a pit (11) located in a floor, having a deck (12) that can be raised and lowered by a lifting means (14) between a raised position in which the deck is substantially level with the floor and a second position in which the deck is beneath the level of the floor. The deck is supported by a plurality of cables (18) controlled by the lifting means to effect substantially vertical movement of the deck within the pit. A method of moving the deck between the raised and second positions is also described. The pit platform has particular application to a workshop, enabling workers standing on the platform to position themselves at a comfortable height below a vehicle that is being worked upon. In the raised position the platform provides a safety cover for the pit.

Abstract: A wheel chair lift device includes a lift car selectively elevated above a base, along with protective skirting covering the region below the lift car. Exposed portions of the protective skirting subject to lateral inward deformation are provided with skirt deformation sensors for detecting abnormal inward deformation of such skirt portions. The skirt deformation sensors include a spring or other elongated deformable member that extends generally parallel and proximate to the portion of the skirt being sensed. A sensor detects that the elongated member has been laterally displaced from its usual longitudinal axis and generates an electrical signal. In response to such electrical signal, the lift device stops further movement of the lift car.

Abstract: A shaft element for a shaft of an elevator system comprising a longitudinal strand element and a connection to a shaft, wherein the shaft element is divided into a plurality of partitions to each of which a function is assigned is presented.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven elevator or lift is provided with counterbalance means to at least partly counterbalance the load imposed by the load carrier or lift car. Operation of the counterbalance means, which includes a source of hydraulic fluid communicating with an accumulator, does not involve any interference with the working fluid of the hydraulic drive system.

Abstract: A hydraulic elevator for an elevator shaft having guide rails for an elevator cab. The hydraulic elevator has no machine room and includes an assembly disposed between the guide rails and a tank, a pump mounted in the tank, a motor mounted in the tank for driving the pump, and a control valve unit mounted on the tank and in working relationship with the pump. One of the pump and the motor is disposed above the other of the pump and the motor. The hydraulic elevator further includes a hydraulic drive mounted on the tank, the hydraulic drive being configured to move the elevator cab by a cable; and an emergency operating and monitoring device disposed outside of the elevator shaft and connectable to the control valve unit by a measuring line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stand alone system for generating electrical power using hydraulic supports on which a weighted object is mounted. A pump injects fluid into the supports to raise the weighted object and thereby store energy in the elevated object. A valve can be opened to deliver fluid under pressure to a turbine or hydraulic motor driven generator to generate electricity.

Abstract: The hydraulic elevator system has several configurations, each incorporating the hydraulic motor and pump at the lower end of the hydraulic ram and cylinder assembly. A first embodiment utilizes a wet pump and motor assembly at the lower end of the cylinder, with the volume between the cylinder and casing providing a hydraulic reservoir. A second embodiment provides a dry pump and motor installed at the lower end of the cylinder below the surrounding casing and hydraulic reservoir. A third embodiment attaches the pump and motor to the lower end of the hydraulic ram, with the pump and motor traveling up and down with the ram during operation. Further systems facilitating the installation and removal of the hydraulic cylinder and attached components for maintenance are also provided.

Abstract: A pallet positioner includes a support frame that consists of a main upright structure with a pair of spaced, parallel outriggers extending horizontally at ground level. The distal ends of the outriggers are connected by a low-profile ramp. The upright structure includes a pair of vertical guide masts rigidly mounted on a horizontal base bracing the proximal ends of the outriggers. A pneumatically and hydraulically controlled, or electrically and hydraulically controlled, cantilevered carrier with a rotatable platform is mounted for vertical motion along the vertical guide masts. When the carrier travels downward, the carrier stops automatically at a level above the outriggers and must be manually restarted. A braking system under the platform prevents rotation thereof at ground level.

Abstract: A positioning system for attachment to a vehicle for operation of a power tool by a ground-based operator sitting in the vehicle provides a telescoping mast attached to the vehicle, a pivot bracket connecting an upper arm to the upper portion of the telescoping mast, mounting means for mounting the power tool on the upper arm; and power means for operating the power tool from the operator's position in the vehicle.

Abstract: A vertical conveyor that includes a frame, a carriage, and a drive mechanism. The frame includes a vertical support member, and the carriage is coupled to the frame to carry a load. The carriage is mounted for movement along the vertical support member. The drive mechanism includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator includes a cylinder and a rod that extends from the cylinder to raise the carriage. The second actuator includes a cylinder and a rod each having lengths greater than lengths of the cylinder and rod of the first actuator. The rod of the second actuator extends from the cylinder of the second actuator to raise the carriage and the cylinder of the first actuator.

Abstract: A dampening device for use with elevator cars or similar devices prevents damage to objects or persons within the elevator car upon failure of a drive chain. A hydraulic motor regulates the rate of descent. The dampening motor is monitored constantly using a pressure gauge.

Abstract: A lift between lower and upper levels of a house includes a cabin and an essentially horizontal platform which is essentially vertically movable by actuating elements arranged thereunder. The actuating elements include at least one pair of rotatably mounted arms pivotally arranged around an axis in the middle part thereof. The free ends of the first arm of one pair are pivotable around a fixed axis and respectively around an axis sliding along the platform. The free ends of the second arm are pivotable around a fixed axis connected to the platform and respectively around a sliding axis. An actuating unit interacts with at least one of the arms such that the pivot axis of the second arm for the platform, the middle pivot axis of the arms of the pair and the pivot axis of the first arm are never aligned.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for driving the raising and lowering of a lift for a tower type storehouse so as to supply a force for vertically operating the lift carrying goods to storerooms on every floor of the storehouse, and more particularly to an apparatus for driving the raising and lowering of a lift for a tower type storehouse, in which a plurality of hydraulic cylinder units are connected to each other along a vertical axial line so that the raising and lowering of the lift is achieved by the expansion and contraction of the connected hydraulic cylinder units due to the supply of hydraulic pressure, thereby uniformly supplying the hydraulic pressure to every hydraulic cylinder unit and assuring stability in the raising and lowering of the lift.

Abstract: A storage device for off-floor storage, including a base for emplacement on a floor of a storage area, a substantially vertical support member extending from the base and defining a deployment axis, a platform movably connected to the vertical support member, and a lift actuator operationally connected to the platform. The lift actuator may be energized to move the platform into any one of a plurality of substantially parallel vertical positions oriented generally transversely to the deployment axis. The base is decoupled from the floor.

Abstract: A control valve unit for a hydraulic elevator includes two control valves wherein the flow of hydraulic oil from a tank to a lifting cylinder driving an elevator cabin and/or from the lifting cylinder to the tank can be controlled. In case of an upward movement of the elevator cabin, hydraulic oil is conveyed by a pump driven by an electromotor from the tank through the control valve unit to the lifting cylinder. In the case of a downward movement of the elevator cabin, the hydraulic oil flows through the control valve unit to the tank without the pump working. The control of the upward movement and the downward movement of the elevator cabin is achieved by one single pilotable control valve, respectively, that are provided to act as a check valve as well as a proportional valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic lift comprising a pressure accumulator (17). Hydraulic fluid can be transported between the pressure accumulator (17) and a hydraulic drive (2) by means of a pump (13), the rotational direction of the pump (13) being variable. According to the invention, there is no valve between the pressure accumulator (17) and the pump (13), and means are provided for preventing the pressure accumulator (17) from being discharged when the lift is at a standstill. In terms of said means, either a screw pump is used as a pump (13), or an electrically controllable leakage stop valve (31) is arranged in a leakage line (30) extending from a leakage port of the pump (13) to the tank (21), said stop valve being closed when the lift is at a standstill. The invention enables a hydraulic lift to be operated in an energy-saving and convenient manner, using a simple hydraulic circuit, and prevents the pressure accumulator (17) from being discharged when the lift is at a standstill.

Abstract: A hydraulic power unit for use in conjunction with an elevator construction having an elevator car operably connected to a pair of hydraulic rams comprises a chassis having a floor and a sidewall forming a hydraulic fluid sump region. The hydraulic rams are mounted to the floor in the sump region. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is supported by the chassis, which also supports a pump/motor unit for the rams. Leveling feet mounted to the chassis allow the power unit to accommodate a variety of conditions in the hoistway pit.

Abstract: An elevator includes a special propelling fluid dynamic device which uses as a plunger the duly balanced car counterweight. The car conveys people and things upwards and downwards within a vertical conduit or hoistway supported by a cable extending to an upper pulley. When changing the direction, a counterweight is extended to balance the car. The pulley is supported from the hoistway walls and is kept in a freely-rotating condition while the balanced counterweight is a hollow piston-counterweight, accommodated in the cylinder vertically disposed in the hoistway itself and adjacent to the car. Both are integral with the propelling fluid dynamic device that produces the upward and downward movements of the car, which is completed with a circuit having a fluid flow conduit and a driving pump coupled to the valve mechanism.

Abstract: A self-balancing synchronization assembly has a support beam pivotally mounted on a guide rail adjacent a hydraulic elevator jack. A synchronization bracket is pivotally mounted at one end of the beam and a pair of synchronization cables is connected between the bracket and a telescoping part of the jack. A return cable is connected between the other end of the beam and the hoistway pit to balance the load and includes a turnbuckle for retensioning the synchronization cables. A second synchronization bracket can be pivotally mounted at the one end of the support beam to synchronize a three-stage jack.

Abstract: A hydraulic power unit for use in conjunction with an elevator construction having an elevator car operably connected to a pair of hydraulic rams comprises a chassis having a floor and a sidewall forming a hydraulic fluid sump region. The hydraulic rams are mounted to the floor in the sump region. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is supported by the chassis, which also supports a pump/motor unit for the rams. Leveling feet mounted to the chassis allow the power unit to accommodate a variety of conditions in the hoistway pit.

Abstract: A free link system including a drive assembly mounted along an imaginary longitudinal center line of a rectangular base, the drive assembly including two identical units provided on opposing ends of the base; a main platform that is raised and lowered by operation of the drive assembly; and a guide frame mounted to the base extending perpendicularly to the same, the guide frame being provided on one long end of the base and acting to guide the movement of the main platform.

Abstract: A self-balancing synchronization assembly has a support beam pivotally mounted on a guide rail adjacent a hydraulic elevator jack. A synchronization bracket is pivotally mounted at one end of the beam and a pair of synchronization cables is connected between the bracket and a telescoping part of the jack. A return cable is connected between the other end of the beam and the hoistway pit to balance the load and includes a turnbuckle for retensioning the synchronization cables. A second synchronization bracket can be pivotally mounted at the one end of the support beam to synchronize a three-stage jack.

Abstract: A goods hoist having an elevator cage with controlled access arranged to move between a lower station and an upper station by a fluid pressure operated ram associated with a hoist mechanism located at the lower station and supported adjacent the upper station; the controlled access prevents access unless the cage is located at a predetermined location via safety interlocks.

Abstract: An in-ground lift assembly that is easy to maintain, because the cylinder unit is easily removed from the lift simply by removing a portion of the movable frame near the top of the lift and then lifting the cylinder unit out of the lift intact.

Abstract: A reversibly actuatable fluid hydraulic pump is described for use in a hydraulically driven elevator. The pump comprises a cylinder and a piston linearly actuatable within the cylinder by a ball screw race disposed over a spindle and connected to the piston. The shaft of the piston is hollow to receive the spindle as the piston is drawn along by virtue of the motion of the race along the spindle, and seals are provided at the free end of the piston which sealingly engage against the walls of the cylinder, and on the cylinder which sealingly engage with the shaft of the piston. A further feature of the invention is the provision of a compressible gas between the end of the cylinder and the end of the piston so that the expansion thereof reduces the work required to move the piston out of the cylinder, whereas when the system is relaxing, the compressible gas provides extra resistance and thus a smoother motion.

Abstract: A vertically oriented hydraulic power unit for an elevator drive includes an outer tank for drive fluid and an inner tank for fluid used to submerge and cool a motor, the fluids being exchangeable to maintain temperature in the inner tank at or below a specified maximum temperature. Oil returning from an elevator piston is fed into the inner tank to keep the inner tank sufficiently cool.

Abstract: A cooling device for a drive fluid of a lifting device which drives a car of a hydraulic elevator. A fan is present in order to cool the drive fluid. The fan is arranged on the car so that it can ventilate the interior of the car and at least part of the lifting device. The cooling device can be used as a main cooling system and as an auxiliary cooling system. It is suitable in particular for hydraulic elevator systems which do not have a hole in the earth to receive the lifting device.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a control valve unit (28) for an hydraulic elevator. It contains two control valves (5, 15) with which the flow of hydraulic oil from a tank to a lifting cylinder driving an elevator cabin and/or from said lifting cylinder to said tank can be controlled. In case of upward movement of said elevator cabin hydraulic oil is conveyed by means of a pump driven by an electromotor, from said tank through said control valve unit (28) to said lifting cylinder, whereas in case of downward movement of said elevator cabin said hydraulic oil flows through said control valve unit (28) to the tank without the pump working. In accordance with the present invention for control of the upward movement and the downward movement of said elevator cabin in said control valve unit (28) one single pilotable control valve (5, 15) respectively is provided for, each of which acts as check valve as well as as proportional valve.

Abstract: A cooling device for a drive fluid of a lifting device which drives a car of a hydraulic elevator. A fan is present in order to cool the drive fluid. The fan is arranged on the car so that it can ventilate the interior of the car and at least part of the lifting device. The cooling device can be used as a main cooling system and as an auxiliary cooling system. It is suitable in particular for hydraulic elevator systems which do not have a hole in the earth to receive the lifting device.

Abstract: A plunger guide for a telescopic jack in a hydraulic elevator includes a crenelated guide rail with a top surface, two opposing side surfaces which are perpendicular to the top surface, and first and second flanged projections respectively projecting from the first and second side surfaces. The plunger guide also includes a support having a bracket and a lateral segment which connects the bracket to the plunger to be guided. The bracket includes a first set of bearings arranged for gliding on the top surface of the guide rail, a second set of bearings for gliding on both side surfaces of the guide rail, and a third set of bearings for gliding on a bottom surface of each of the first and second flanged projections which faces away from the top surface.

Abstract: The hydraulic or pneumatic drive for lifting and lowering loads, in particular for lifts, has a working cylinder (11) forming a pressure chamber (14) connected to a pressure fluid source (39) and subjected to a pressure fluid. It also has a lifting piston (1) tightly guided in the working cylinder and a guide rod (15) arranged in the working cylinder. The guide rod (15) projects into the interior of the lifting piston (1) which tightly encloses the guide rod (15). The end (4) of the lifting piston (1) which projects into the pressure chamber (14) forms an annular face (5) which is subjected to pressure fluid. The interior of the lifting piston (1) forms an additional pressure chamber (7) subjected to pressure fluid and which is connected to its own pressure fluid source (40).

Abstract: A hydraulic elevator system having a configuration without a machineroom is disclosed. The hydraulic elevator system includes a valve assembly that is separated and remotely located from the pump and fluid tank. This arrangement permits the valve assembly and an electronic controller to be located in a cabinet outside of the hoistway, and the other hydraulic components, such as a tank and pump, to be located in the hoistway.

Abstract: An arrestor for any hydraulic ram or other cylinder but primarily for an emergency brake for lifting elevators. The present invention is a jack arrestor utilizing two lever acting brake arms lined with an accretable metal as the friction material. When actuated, the brake arms contact the ram circumferentially to slow and stop the falling ram. The lining material is machined inside the brake arms to a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the ram and when actuated, the accretable material on the brake arms contacts the ram with sufficient frictional force to stop the downward motion of the ram. The safety brake may be actuated by loss of hydraulic pressure, by an electronic signal from a hydraulic pressure detector, by down overspeed or by an uncontrolled down motion detector. In the case of the hydraulic pressure detector, reapplication of normal pressure in the hydraulic cylinder will automatically reset the brake.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing old, in-ground hydraulic elevator lift cylinders in which a portable tower is erected within the elevator hoistway and a shoring sleeve of larger diameter than the old cylinder is secured to a head plate slidably mounted for vertical movement on the tower and facing downwardly. After loosening the hoistway floor and subsoil surrounding the old cylinder, a drive mechanism such as a winch or hydraulic jack is actuated to lower the shoring sleeve into the ground to surround the old cylinder. The head plate is then attached to the old cylinder, and the drive mechanism is actuated to lift the head plate and cylinder upwardly until the cylinder is raised completely out of the ground. The old cylinder is discarded, and a new cylinder is attached to the head plate and lowered into the area surrounded by the shoring sleeve.

Abstract: A derrick comprises equipment (41) for movement of a pipe line/drill stem (13) or a pipe section (29) axially in the derrick (12), and equipment (65) for turning of same about its longitudinal axis, together with equipment (31) for installing pipe sections (29) in the derrick (12) and withdrawal of pipe sections (29) from the derrick (12). The equipment comprises an aggregate (41) of axially extendible/contractible hydraulic cylinders (42a-42c, 43a-43c, which are arranged in groups (42, 43, 44) in the aggregate (41) in two or more vertical rows, with an intermediate vertical guide for the pipe line/drill stem (13) or for the pipe section (29). The rows of cylinders are mutually rigidly connected via bridge portions (45′, 45″, 45′″), which separately form a fastening for at least one end of a group of cylinders. Each bridge portion is provided with a laterally opening recess (46) for sideways installation/withdrawal of a pipe section (29) in the guide between the rows of cylinders.

Abstract: In a hydraulic elevator, first and second hydraulic jack units are disposed within a hoistway so as to straddle the vertically projected area of a car from both sides. Each of the first and second hydraulic jack units are composed of a hydraulic jack. Suspension ropes are wound around two suspension sheaves, moved up and down by the hydraulic jacks, respectively. Each suspension rope has a hoistway side fastening end fastened to a bottom portion of the hoistway and a car side fastening end fastened to a lower end portion of the car.

Abstract: At a hoistway door on the side of an entrance area there is provided a movable sill that can be moved to uncover an opening that affords access to a machine room lying below the entrance area. The machine room is accessible not only from the access opening, but also from a hoistway pit of the elevator hoistway. When the elevator car is stuck at the lowest floor, emergency operation functions can be carried out through the uncovered access opening. The necessary operating elements of a drive device in the machine room are arranged in such a manner that they can be operated manually through the access opening.

Abstract: A brake apparatus engages and locks a piston of a hydraulic elevator drive carrying an elevator car or a cable pulley. Attached at the upper end of a hydraulic cylinder guiding the piston is a beam on which are pivotally mounted at least two brake arms at pivot points. The brake arms are pivoted by a slidable plunger toward and away from the piston. Each brake are carries a brake lining having a shoulder formed on an inwardly facing surface providing a transition from a piston contact portion to a recessed portion of the surface. The shoulder is positioned in the same generally horizontal plane as the brake arm pivot point for initially engaging the surface of the piston to reduce forces transmitted through the brake arms during engagement and disengagement.