Abstract: According to an embodiment, an elevator interface (70) for an elevator system (10) includes an external interface (74) to receive an elevator car (14) outside of the elevator system (10), and an elevator system interface (72) in operable communication with the external interface (74) to introduce the elevator car (14) into the elevator system (10).

Abstract: A system for detecting a person relative to a passenger conveyor includes a driving circuit for supplying an oscillating drive signal to a first electrode of a capacitive sensor configured to produce an electric field toward a second electrode in response to the oscillating drive signal. A detection circuit is connected to the capacitive sensor, and produces an output as a function of the capacitance of the capacitive sensor, such that the detection circuit senses a change in capacitance of the capacitive sensor, such as when a person enters the electric field between the first and second electrodes. A controller is responsive to the change in capacitance sensed by the detection circuit to selectively adjust an operation mode of the passenger conveyor.

Abstract: A system for detecting a person relative to a passenger conveyor includes a driving circuit for supplying an oscillating drive signal to a first electrode of a capacitive sensor configured to produce an electric field toward a second electrode in response to the oscillating drive signal. A detection circuit is connected to the capacitive sensor, and produces an output as a function of the capacitance of the capacitive sensor, such that the detection circuit senses a change in capacitance of the capacitive sensor, such as when a person enters the electric field between the first and second electrodes. A controller is responsive to the change in capacitance sensed by the detection circuit to selectively adjust an operation mode of the passenger conveyor.

Abstract: An elevator car assembly (14) includes a frame (28) having a horizontal plank beam (36) beneath a platform assembly (34). A plurality of braces (44) support the platform assembly (34) relative to the frame. The braces (44) include at least one slot associated with a fastener (58, 60) to facilitate adjusting a position of the platform assembly (34) relative to the frame. Adjusting the position of the platform assembly (34) allows for leveling the car frame assembly in an economical manner that does not require the introduction of weights or other expensive balancing measures.

Abstract: A building (20) has an atrium (24) and an elevator hoistway (40). To mitigate a stack effect in the atrium, a fan (62) may provide a downward airflow (60) through the hoistway.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor handrail (30) has a gripping surface (32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82) with a generally circular cross-section. Disclosed examples include a toothed driven surface (34, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84) that is adapted to be engaged by a toothed driving member (28) for propelling the handrail in a desired direction. Disclosed examples include having the generally circular cross-section extend along an entire length of the handrail (30) corresponding to the closed loop path followed by the handrail during operation of a corresponding passenger conveyor.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor handrail (30) includes a plurality of teeth (36) that interact with a toothed driving member (42). In a disclosed example, a low friction material (60) is placed near an end of the teeth (36) on the handrail (30). The low friction material (60) facilitates the teeth sliding along a guidance (70) but does not interfere with a desired engagement between the teeth(36) and corresponding teeth (46) on the driving member (42).

Abstract: A passenger conveyor handrail (30) is driven by a device (40) including a toothed drive belt (42). An example drive belt has a plurality of teeth (46) with an at least partially concave surface (50) for engaging teeth (36) on the handrail (30). A disclosed example also includes at least partially convex projections (52) near an end of each tooth on the drive belt (42). A driven surface (48) of the drive belt (42) includes a plurality of grooves (70) arranged to allow the drive belt to slip relative to a drive wheel (60) under certain loading conditions. The disclosed example arrangement facilitates proper engagement between a drive belt (42) and a toothed handrail (30) while avoiding vertical separation forces between them, which allows for eliminating pinching rollers that would otherwise engage a gripping surface (32) on the handrail (30).

Abstract: An elevator door assembly (20) includes a single vane member (32) associated with a hoistway door (26). A magnetic device (36) on a car door (24) establishes a magnetic coupling with the vane member (32) to cause the hoistway door (26) to move with the car door (24) in at least two opposite directions. In a disclosed embodiment, a control (38) selectively powers the magnetic device (36), which comprises an electromagnet.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor handrail (30) has a gripping surface (32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82) with a generally circular cross-section. Disclosed examples include a toothed driven surface (34, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84) that is adapted to be engaged by a toothed driving member (28) for propelling the handrail in a desired direction. Disclosed examples include having the generally circular cross-section extend along an entire length of the handrail (30) corresponding to the closed loop path followed by the handrail during operation of a corresponding passenger conveyor.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor handrail (30) includes a plurality of teeth (36) that interact with a toothed driving member (42). In a disclosed example, a low friction material (60) is placed near an end of the teeth (36) on the handrail (30). The low friction material (60) facilitates the teeth sliding along a guidance (70) but does not interfere with a desired engagement between the teeth (36) and corresponding teeth (46) on the driving member (42).