Abstract: A method for assigning an elevator car to respond to a call signal includes a controller that determines which elevator car will respond to the call signal based on certain time metrics. The controller receives a hall call signal, and based on certain time metrics that can include, e.g., an estimated wait time (EWT), and/or estimated travel time (ETT), assigns the call signal to an elevator car. In this example, EWT represents the time a passenger is waiting for an elevator car to arrive, and ETT represents the it takes for a passenger to reach their destination once having boarded an elevator car. In some versions, an estimated time to destination (ETD) is used in determining which elevator car to assign, where ETD represents the sum of EWT and ETT. In some versions, a handling capacity coefficient (HCx), which reflects current traffic conditions, is used in determining which elevator car to assign.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically equalizing the uneven tension between ropes of an elevator in combination with a load cell to determine elevator load. The load of an elevator car having multiple tension members is automatically balanced while load is measured using a single load cell. The incorporation of a load cell with an autobalancing system allows for an accurate measure of an elevator load to be taken while providing the benefits of having uniform rope lengths in the elevator system. The apparatus may have various arrangements, including an in-line configuration and a grouped configuration. The apparatus may also dampen the vibration energy that is usually imparted to an elevator car.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing compensation rope sway by altering the natural frequency of compensation ropes using servo actuators. The rope sway may be minimized by moving the compensation sheave to adjust the tension of the compensation rope or adjusting the position of the termination of a compensation rope to account for changes in the position of a structure. Servo actuators may also be used to re-level the elevator car to account for rope stretch.

Abstract: A system and method for actively damping tension members modulates the natural frequency of shape memory alloys incorporated into tension members, such as suspension ropes or cables. The frequency of the tension member can be modulated by heating the shape memory alloy, such modulation preventing potentially destructive resonance with natural exciting forces.

Abstract: A method for assigning an elevator car to respond to a call signal includes a controller that determines which elevator car will respond to the call signal based on certain wait time thresholds. The controller receives a hall call signal, and the controller is programmed with wait time thresholds that can include, e.g., an estimated wait time (EWT), and/or estimated travel time (ETT). In this example, these thresholds are time values above which a passenger is likely to become impatient, either waiting for an elevator car to arrive, or waiting for their elevator car to arrive at its destination. Based on system information an EWT and ETT are calculated and compared to the thresholds. An elevator car is assigned based on this comparison. In some versions, an estimated time to destination (ETD) is used in determining which elevator car to assign. In some versions, a handling capacity coefficient (HCx), which reflects current traffic conditions, is used in determining which elevator car to assign.

Abstract: Disclosed is a termination device for an aramid-based elevator rope having a high breaking strength. The termination device comprises a socket having a cylindrical, tapered internal passageway adapted to receive a corresponding wedge. The wedge includes a semi-cylindrical passageway in a substantially helical configuration to increase the surface area between the associated rope and the wedge. The termination device clamps the length of rope between tapered portions of the socket and the semi-cylindrical passageway of the wedge with a substantially uniform application of force on the cross-section of the rope.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an elevator car is operable to selectively lock an elevator car door. The apparatus verifies that the elevator car door is closed, locks the elevator car door, and verifies that a lock is engaged. Once conditions are met, the apparatus signals an elevator controller that the elevator car can move through a hoistway. The apparatus further ensures that passengers can safely disembark from the elevator car by detecting the position of the elevator car relative to a designated landing zone within the hoistway, and confirming the elevator car is stopped at a landing zone prior to disengaging the lock. The apparatus thus ensures that the elevator car door remains closed while the elevator car is in motion or between landing zones.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for handling power outages in a multiple car elevator system in a building having a plurality of floors. The system includes an energy calculator connected to the elevators, and determines a total energy of the elevator system, a total energy required to handle a power outage, a plan to prepare for a power outage and a plan to handle a power outage. The system also includes a movement controller connected to the elevator(s) and the energy calculator. The movement controller receives the plan to prepare and the plan to handle from the energy calculator, and the movement controller executes the plan to prepare if there is no power outage and the movement controller executes the plan to handle if there is a power outage.

Abstract: Provided is an elevator apparatus that may be mounted horizontally in an upper portion of an elevator hoistway. Such an elevator apparatus may comprise a drive machine, a deflector sheave, a support frame, and a roping system. The roping system may be configured to eliminate reverse rope bend to improve the rope life of the system.

Abstract: An elevator system comprises at least two independently operable elevator cars in each of a plurality of elevator shafts within a building. The elevator system comprises at least one first elevator shaft having a lower first and a lower second region, where a first elevator car moves within the lower first region of the first elevator shaft and a second elevator car moves within the lower second region. The first and second elevators are moveably controlled independently of each other within the first shaft. The system also includes at least one second elevator shaft having an upper first and an upper second region, where a third elevator car moves within the upper first region of the second elevator shaft and a fourth elevator car moving within the upper second region. The third and fourth elevator cars also are moveably controlled independently of each other.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and methods for enhancing the energy efficiency of a variable speed drive (VSD) used to control an elevator by disconnecting the VSD from the AC power supply grid when the elevator is idle and reconnecting the VSD when the elevator becomes active. One embodiment of the invention includes an alternating current power supply grid, one or more variable speed drives, contactors connected between the alternating current power supply grid and the variable speed drive(s) that are used to connect or disconnect the variable speed drive(s) from the alternating current power supply grid, and, a control system that controls the contactors. The contactors may include a coil which is powered by the control system to either connect or disconnect the VSDs and the AC power supply grid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elevator position compensation system which minimizing the re-leveling of an elevator car in an elevator shaft. The elevator car is suspended in the shaft by an elevator cable system and elevator motor, wherein the elevator position compensation system includes an elevator load sensor device for determining the weight of the elevator car, and generating a load signal indicative of the determined weight. An elevator position sensor determines the position of the elevator car in the elevator shaft and generates a position signal indicative of the determined elevator car position. An elevator control system receives the load signal and the position signal, which is processed by the control system in order to calculate a change in the cable system length associated with a load change within the elevator car, and wherein the calculated change in the cable system length is compensated by the elevator motor.

Abstract: The systems and methods of present invention invoke an elevator communication system for providing communication between a plurality of hall fixture devices and at least one elevator system controller. The elevator communication system includes at least one elevator door interlock wiring circuit, which has a first and a second portion. A first transceiver device is coupled to the first portion of the door interlock wiring for transmitting and receiving signals between the at least one elevator system controller and the plurality of hall fixture devices over the interlock wiring. A second transceiver device is coupled to the second portion of the door interlock wiring for transmitting and receiving the signals between the at least one elevator system controller and the plurality of hall fixture devices over the interlock wiring.