Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object 20 in an area adjacent a doorway includes a plurality of transducers US1, US2 mounted proximate the doorway and a processor 40. At least one of the transducers US1 is positioned to repeatedly transmit signals T1 toward an area adjacent the doorway. At least two of the transducers US1, US2 are positioned to repeatedly receive R1, R2 return signals. The processor 40 is operably connected to the plurality of transducers for detecting, in the area adjacent the doorway, an object 20 by determining the object's: position based upon one or more determined distances d1, d2 derived from times between transmission of signals and reception of corresponding return signals; and/or movement based upon transmission of signals and Doppler shift in the reception of corresponding return signals.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coupling device includes a vane member and an electromagnet. The electromagnet includes a core having a plurality of poles comprising at least four poles. An electrically conductive winding has a first portion surrounding a first one of the poles and a second portion surrounding a second one of the poles. The winding is selectively energized for selectively magnetically coupling the electromagnet and the vane member such that the vane member and the electromagnet are movable together in a desired direction.

Abstract: An exemplary magnetic coupling device (30) useful for coupling elevator doors includes a core (40) having an exterior surface. An active portion (48) of the surface is configured to direct a magnetic flux associated with the core in a desired direction for facilitating elevator door coupling. An interruption (80) in the exterior surface near the active portion (48) is configured to establish a relatively high magnetic saturation in the core in a vicinity of the interruption (80).

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object 20 in an area adjacent a doorway includes a plurality of transducers US1, US2 mounted proximate the doorway and a processor 40. At least one of the transducers US1 is positioned to repeatedly transmit signals T1 toward an area adjacent the doorway. At least two of the transducers US1, US2 are positioned to repeatedly receive R1, R2 return signals. The processor 40 is operably connected to the plurality of transducers for detecting, in the area adjacent the doorway, an object 20 by determining the object's: position based upon one or more determined distances d1, d2 derived from times between transmission of signals and reception of corresponding return signals; and/or movement based upon transmission of signals and Doppler shift in the reception of corresponding return signals.

Abstract: A catalyst-carrier supporting material of a catalytic converter excellent in heat resistance and capable of maintaining a sufficient holding capability for supporting the catalyst-carrier for a long duration even in the environments exceeding 950° C.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coupling device includes a vane member and an electromagnet. The electromagnet includes a core having a plurality of poles comprising at least four poles. An electrically conductive winding has a first portion surrounding a first one of the poles and a second portion surrounding a second one of the poles. The winding is selectively energized for selectively magnetically coupling the electromagnet and the vane member such that the vane member and the electromagnet are movable together in a desired direction.

Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes a cab (22) supported for movement within a hoistway. A tension device (44) remains close to one end (26) of the hoistway. The tension device (44) maintains a desired tension on a load bearing member (30) that supports a weight of the cab (22) and moves to achieve a desired placement of the cab within the hoistway.

Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes a cab (22) supported for movement within a hoistway. A plurality of cab-supported sheaves (36, 42) moves with the cab through the hoistway. A first hoistway sheave (38) is located near a first end of the hoistway, and a second hoistway sheave (40) is located near a second end of the hoistway. A load bearing member (30) is provided, which (i) extends from near the first end of the hoistway toward the cab, where the load bearing member is redirected by one of the plurality of cab-supported sheaves toward the first end of the hoistway, (ii) at least partially wraps around each of the first hoistway sheave and the second hoistway sheave, and (iii) extends from near the second end of the hoistway toward the cab, where the load bearing member is redirected by another of the plurality of cab-supported sheaves toward the second end of the hoistway. A tension device (44) maintains tension in the load bearing member.

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: An elevator system (20) includes a cab (22) supported for movement within a hoistway. A tension device (44) remains close to one end (26) of the hoistway. The tension device (44) maintains a desired tension on a load bearing member (30) that supports a weight of the cab (22) and moves to achieve a desired placement of the cab within the hoistway.