Abstract: A suspension and transmission device for use with an elevator system comprises one or more strips that provide load carrying, transmission or traction, and load carrying redundancy or safety functions for the elevator system. In one version a single strip comprised of polymer and composite materials provides these functions. In another version multiple strips comprised of polymer and composite materials provide these functions. In another version, a strip comprises a hollow interior portion. In another version one or more strips incorporate materials that can be detected when using the strip to monitor the condition of the one or more strips.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the movement of an elevator is provided. The elevator controller directs the operation of the elevator and receives information from the elevator system to calculate a brake profile. The elevator system transmits the brake profile to a master controller. The master controller selectively actuates the brakes to apply a braking force configured to generate the brake profile. The system and method may include local controllers, each configured to actuate a respective brake, wherein the master controller selectively directs the local controllers to generate a brake force commensurate with the braking profile.

Abstract: A suspension and transmission device for use with an elevator system comprises one or more strips that provide load carrying, transmission or traction, and load carrying redundancy or safety functions for the elevator system. In one version a single strip comprised of polymer and composite materials provides these functions. In another version multiple strips comprised of polymer and composite materials provide these functions. In another version, a strip comprises a hollow interior portion. In another version one or more strips incorporate materials that can be detected when using the strip to monitor the condition of the one or more strips.

Abstract: A suspension and transmission device for use with an elevator system comprises one or more strips that provide load carrying, transmission or traction, and load carrying redundancy or safety functions for the elevator system. In one version a single strip comprised of polymer and composite materials provides these functions. In another version multiple strips comprised of polymer and composite materials provide these functions. In another version, a strip comprises a hollow interior portion. In another version one or more strips incorporate materials that can be detected when using the strip to monitor the condition of the one or more strips.

Abstract: A hydraulic-boosted rail brake is provided for use with an elevator having a guide rail. The rail brake includes a braking plate having friction material, a spring package in communication with the braking plate, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston housed at least partially inside the hydraulic cylinder, and a brake controller. The braking plate is selectively movable relative to the guide rail, and the spring package biases the friction material to interact with the guide rail to cause braking. The piston is in communication with the braking plate and is selectively: (a) movable in a release direction to diminish or overcome force from the spring package; and (b) movable in an engage direction to supplement the force from the spring package. The brake controller selectively causes the piston to move in the release direction and in the engage direction.

Abstract: A jumper has a connector and a housing. The housing at least partially encloses a processor in data communication with a non-transitory memory, a global positioning system, a rechargeable battery, and a networking device. The memory comprises software instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform steps for wirelessly transmitting data to a mobile device over a network. The data indicates a jumper identification number, a location of the jumper, and a duration after which the jumper will automatically deactivate. The steps performed include the step of wirelessly outputting an alert to the mobile device when the mobile device is at a first distance from the jumper. The first distance is settable using the mobile device. The alert causes the mobile device to at least one of vibrate and ring.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the movement of an elevator is provided. The elevator controller directs the operation of the elevator and receives information from the elevator system to calculate a brake profile. The elevator system transmits the brake profile to a master controller. The master controller selectively actuates the brakes to apply a braking force configured to generate the brake profile. The system and method may include local controllers, each configured to actuate a respective brake, wherein the master controller selectively directs the local controllers to generate a brake force commensurate with the braking profile.

Abstract: A jumper has a connector and a housing. The housing at least partially encloses a processor in data communication with a non-transitory memory, a global positioning system, a rechargeable battery, and a networking device. The memory comprises software instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform steps for wirelessly transmitting data to a mobile device over a network. The data indicates a jumper identification number, a location of the jumper, and a duration after which the jumper will automatically deactivate. The steps performed include the step of wirelessly outputting an alert to the mobile device when the mobile device is at a first distance from the jumper. The first distance is settable using the mobile device. The alert causes the mobile device to at least one of vibrate and ring.

Abstract: A hydraulic-boosted rail brake is provided for use with an elevator having a guide rail. The rail brake includes a braking plate having friction material, a spring package in communication with the braking plate, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston housed at least partially inside the hydraulic cylinder, and a brake controller. The braking plate is selectively movable relative to the guide rail, and the spring package biases the friction material to interact with the guide rail to cause braking. The piston is in communication with the braking plate and is selectively: (a) movable in a release direction to diminish or overcome force from the spring package; and (b) movable in an engage direction to supplement the force from the spring package. The brake controller selectively causes the piston to move in the release direction and in the engage direction.

Abstract: One or more drum winches wind and unwind flat suspension members to raise and lower an elevator car within a hoistway. Support structures on opposite sides of the hoistway support the winch(es). The flat suspension member may be attached to a termination point on the elevator car. In other examples, a single flat suspension member is simultaneously taken up by a winch on either side of the hoistway, passing down the sides and around the bottom of the elevator car. In a third example, a single winch takes up and lets down the flat suspension member, which passes down the side of the elevator car, around the bottom corners using deflector sheaves, and up the opposite side to a termination point mounted on one of the support structures. The profile ratio of the flat suspension member is at least about 10:1, 50:1, or at least about 90:1.

Abstract: A suspension and transmission device for use with an elevator system comprises one or more strips that provide load carrying, transmission or traction, and load carrying redundancy or safety functions for the elevator system. In one version a single strip comprised of polymer and composite materials provides these functions. In another version multiple strips comprised of polymer and composite materials provide these functions. In another version, a strip comprises a hollow interior portion. In another version one or more strips incorporate materials that can be detected when using the strip to monitor the condition of the one or more strips.