Abstract: An elevator system (2) comprising a hoistway (4), an elevator car (6) and a counterweight (8) arranged to move within the hoistway (4). The system (2) further includes a first counterweight guide rail and a second counterweight guide rail arranged to guide the counterweight within the hoistway (4) and a guide rail bracket (32) which connects the first and second counterweight guide rails together. An elevator machine (10) is arranged to drive a tension member (14), which couples the elevator car (6) and counterweight together (8), to move the elevator car (6) within the hoistway (4). The system (2) further includes a friction reducing element (36) arranged on the guide rail bracket (32) such that if the tension member (14) moves towards the guide rail bracket (32) during operation of the elevator system (2), the tension member (14) contacts the friction reducing element (36).

Abstract: An elevator car assembly (100). The elevator car assembly (100) includes: an elevator car operating panel (106) including a user interface (124) on a front surface (108) and a first connector portion (112) on a rear surface (110); and an elevator cab (102) including a plurality of elevator cab walls (104) including at least one elevator cab wall (104) for mounting the elevator car operating panel (106) thereon, the at least one elevator cab wall (104) including a second connector portion (114). The first connector portion (112) is configured to form a releasable electrical connection with the second connector portion (114).

Abstract: An elevator system (2) comprising a hoistway (4), an elevator car (6) and a counterweight (8) arranged to move within the hoistway (4). The system (2) further includes a first counterweight guide rail and a second counterweight guide rail arranged to guide the counterweight within the hoistway (4) and a guide rail bracket (32) which connects the first and second counterweight guide rails together. An elevator machine (10) is arranged to drive a tension member (14), which couples the elevator car (6) and counterweight together (8), to move the elevator car (6) within the hoistway (4). The system (2) further includes a friction reducing element (36) arranged on the guide rail bracket (32) such that if the tension member (14) moves towards the guide rail bracket (32) during operation of the elevator system (2), the tension member (14) contacts the friction reducing element (36).

Abstract: Elevator maintenance space projection systems and elevator systems including a projector located within an elevator shaft and arranged to project a display space within the elevator shaft such that the display space includes one or more projected images identifying at least one of a safety volume, a refuge space, and a maintenance location.

Abstract: Guide rail support assemblies for elevator systems are provided. The guide rail support assemblies include a junction element comprising a backing plate, a first extension, and a second extension, the junction element defining a rail cavity, wherein the rail cavity is configured to receive two rail sections, wherein the junction element is configured to join a first rail section to a second rail section and a mounting element configured to attach to a wall of an elevator shaft, wherein the mounting element is connected to the junction element.

Abstract: A machine assembly for use in an elevator system includes a support structure having a first end connected to an adjacent support member and a second end supported by at least one car guide rail. The support structure is arranged generally perpendicular to the support member and is configured to receive at least one component of the elevator system.

Abstract: An elevator car (2) includes a roof (4) and an emergency stop device (6) mounted on the roof (4). The emergency stop device (6) is mounted to move between a first position (8) on the roof (4) during a normal operation mode and a second, different position on the roof (4) during an inspection mode. For example, the emergency stop device (6) is movably mounted to a safety balustrade (12) installed on the roof (4). A safety volume (30) may therefore be positioned to align better with a maintenance area (22) on the roof.

Abstract: Guide rail support assemblies for elevator systems are provided. The guide rail support assemblies include a junction element comprising a backing plate, a first extension, and a second extension, the junction element defining a rail cavity, wherein the rail cavity is configured to receive two rail sections, wherein the junction element is configured to join a first rail section to a second rail section and a mounting element configured to attach to a wall of an elevator shaft, wherein the mounting element is connected to the junction element.

Abstract: A runby monitoring system for an elevator system includes a sensor fixed in a hoistway of the elevator system, and a sensed element located at a moving component of the elevator system. The sensor is configured to detect a presence of the sensed element when the sensed element is substantially aligned with the sensor in the hoistway. The detection of the presence of the sensed element at an expected elevator system operational point is indicative of a clearance between the moving component of the elevator system and a lowermost extent of the hoistway within a preselected range.

Abstract: Elevator maintenance space projection systems and elevator systems including a projector located within an elevator shaft and arranged to project a display space within the elevator shaft such that the display space includes one or more projected images identifying at least one of a safety volume, a refuge space, and a maintenance location.

Abstract: A machine assembly for use in an elevator system includes a support structure having a first end connected to an adjacent support member and a second end supported by at least one car guide rail. The support structure is arranged generally perpendicular to the support member and is configured to receive at least one component of the elevator system.

Abstract: Moveable elevator car maintenance assemblies having a fixed portion fixedly attached to the elevator car, the fixed portion forming a portion of a frame of the elevator car, a moveable portion arranged within the fixed portion, the moveable portion moveable relative to the fixed portion from a first position to a second position, and at least one component removably mounted to the moveable portion. The at least one component is removable from the moveable portion when the moveable portion is in the second position.

Abstract: An accessible buffer assembly for a buffer of an elevator shaft is provided. The assembly includes a mounting frame configured in a pit of an elevator shaft and a buffer movably attached to the mounting frame and configured to provide a safety feature to the elevator car. A handle is operably connected to the buffer and configured to move the buffer. The buffer is movable from a first position to a second position, the first position being a secured, operational position of the buffer to provide the safety feature, and the second position being an inspection position wherein the buffer is removed from the first position.