Abstract: A blocking device (2) for blocking access to an door unlocking device (118) of an elevator system (102) comprises: an outer element (4), which is introducible into an access opening (30) providing access to the door unlocking device (118); and an inner element (6), which is introducible into the outer element (4). The inner element (6) is configured for bringing the blocking device (2) into a fixing configuration, in which the outer element (4) is fixedly engaged with the access opening (30), by introducing the inner element (6) into the outer element (4).

Abstract: An elevator car (4) comprises at least two maintenance openings (14, 16): an overhead maintenance opening (14) provided in the ceiling of the elevator car (4) for providing access to at least one component arranged on top of and/or above the elevator car (4) and a lateral maintenance opening (16) provided in one sidewall (18) of the car for providing access to at least one component arranged besides the elevator car (4).

Abstract: A blocking device (2) for blocking access to an door unlocking device (118) of an elevator system (102) comprises: an outer element (4), which is introducable into an access opening (30) providing access to the door unlocking device (118); and an inner element (6), which is introducable into the outer element (4). The inner element (6) is configured for bringing the blocking device (2) into a fixing configuration, in which the outer element (4) is fixedly engaged with the access opening (30), by introducing the inner element (6) into the outer element (4).

Abstract: A testing arrangement (36) for testing the operability of at least one safety sensor (21, 22, 23, 26, 28) connected to the safety chain (30) of an elevator system (1), the testing arrangement (36) comprises: at least one test circuit (34) for testing the operability of the at least one safety sensor (21, 22, 23, 26, 28); and at least one testing relay (32, 33). The testing relay (32, 33) is switchable between an operational position and a test position and it is configured for electrically connecting the at least one safety sensor (21, 22, 23, 26, 28) to the safety chain (30) in the operational position and for electrically connecting the at least one safety sensor (21, 22, 23, 26, 28) to the test circuit (34) in the test position.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to recovering energy associated with the operation of an elevator, by: determining, by a processing device, a battery charging current, estimating a state of charge (SoC) of at least one battery based on charging current acceptance capability, and causing, by the processing device, a charging of the at least one battery to within a threshold amount of 100% of SoC to recover energy associated with elevator operation.

Abstract: An elevator system is provided that includes an elevator car (12), a counterweight (18), a load bearing flexible member, a motor have a drive, and an elevator control system (22). The car and counterweight are operable to be translated within a hoistway. The load bearing flexible member extends between the elevator car and the counterweight. The motor is operable to move the load bearing member and thereby drive the elevator car and counterweight within the hoistway. The elevator motor and drive are configured to selectively produce regenerative power. The elevator control system includes a power manager unit (24) and a power storage device (26). The power storage device includes a supercapacitor unit (32) and a battery unit (34). The power manager unit is operable to selectively manage the flow of power between the power storage device and the motor drive, and the flow of regenerative power from the motor drive to the power storage device (26).

Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes a propulsion power assembly (38) with a power rating below that required to move a fully loaded elevator car (22) using a contract or design motion profile. One example propulsion power assembly (38) uses more than one motion profile based upon existing load conditions. One example uses a first motion profile including a first power parameter limit for load conditions at or below a selected load threshold that is less than a maximum load capacity of the car (22). The propulsion power assembly (38) uses a second motion profile with a lower power parameter limit for other load conditions. In one example, electrical current is the power parameter selected as a decision parameter dictating which profile to select based on an existing load. Another example propulsion power assembly (38) selects at least one of a speed limit or an electrical current limit based on an existing load and maintains a speed to stay within the selected limit.

Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes a propulsion power assembly (38) with a power rating below that required to move a fully loaded elevator car (22) using a contract or design motion profile. One example propulsion power assembly (38) uses more than one motion profile based upon existing load conditions. One example uses a first motion profile including a first power parameter limit for load conditions at or below a selected load threshold that is less than a maximum load capacity of the car (22). The propulsion power assembly (38) uses a second motion profile with a lower power parameter limit for other load conditions. In one example, electrical current is the power parameter selected as a decision parameter dictating which profile to select based on an existing load. Another example propulsion power assembly (38) selects at least one of a speed limit or an electrical current limit based on an existing load and maintains a speed to stay within the selected limit.

Abstract: A vertically oriented hydraulic power unit for an elevator drive includes an outer tank for drive fluid and an inner tank for fluid used to submerge and cool a motor, the fluids being exchangeable to maintain temperature in the inner tank at or below a specified maximum temperature. Oil returning from an elevator piston is fed into the inner tank to keep the inner tank sufficiently cool.

Abstract: A vertically oriented hydraulic power unit for an elevator drive includes an outer tank for drive fluid and an inner tank for fluid used to submerge and cool a motor, the fluids being exchangeable to maintain temperature in the inner tank at or below a specified maximum temperature. Oil returning from an elevator piston is fed into said inner tank to keep the inner tank sufficiently cool.

Abstract: A vertically oriented hydraulic power unit for an elevator drive includes an outer tank for drive fluid and an inner tank for fluid used to submerge and cool a motor, the fluids being exchangeable to maintain temperature in the inner tank at or below a specified maximum temperature. Oil returning from an elevator piston is fed into said inner tank to keep the inner tank sufficiently cool.

Abstract: A transition valve for a hydraulic elevator includes a block, a spool, an actuator, and an end cap. The actuator may be either a solenoid type actuator or an electric motor type actuator. The end cap includes an opening permitting engagement between the actuator and the spool. In a particular embodiment, the actuator is an electric motor engaged with the spool via a crank and arm. This arrangement translates the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion of the spool with a sine curve profile.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the motion of a hydraulic elevator calculates a deceleration distance based upon the elevator velocity and begins the deceleration phase of the elevator motion upon the elevator reaching the calculated distance from the landing. In a particular embodiment, the control system includes a hydraulic valve, a space encoder, and a controller. The space encoder produces velocity and position measurements. The controller uses the velocity inputs to determine the deceleration distance and, upon the elevator car 14 reaching the calculated distance from the landing as measured by the position inputs from the space encoder, commands the hydraulic valve to actuate and begin the deceleration phase. In an alternate embodiment, an interface unit connected between the controller and the hydraulic valve calculates a delay between the deceleration command based upon a predetermined distance and the calculated deceleration distance based upon car velocity.