Abstract: An elevator machine (10) includes a motor (12) that rotationally drives a machine shaft (14). An elevator machine brake (20) applies braking force to a disk (22) that is coupled to the machine shaft (14) to slow or stop the rotation of the machine shaft (14). In one example, the elevator machine brake (20) includes a bias member (38) that applies a bias force to a caliper arrangement (32) to provide a braking force on the disk (22). A brake actuator (48) having a shape-changing material moves against the bias force to control engagement between the caliper arrangement (32) and the disk (22). A controller (26) selectively varies the braking force applied to the disk (22) by controlling an electric input to the shape-changing material of the brake actuator (48).

Abstract: An operation device for an elevator system includes terminals connectable to a 3-phase AC power source providing a respective AC power supply voltage and a drive device connected to the terminals for driving a motor of the elevator system. A transformer is connected to at least two of the terminals and provides at least one supply voltage to the remainder of the elevator system. In an emergency operation of the elevator system, an auxiliary power supply having an output providing an auxiliary output voltage is connected to the transformer for generating an auxiliary supply voltage provided to the drive device via the transformer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an operation device for an elevator system comprising terminals connectable to a 3-phase AC power source providing a respective AC power supply voltage and a drive device connected to the terminals for driving a motor of the elevator system. A transformer is connected to at least two of the terminals and provides at least one supply voltage to the remainder of the elevator system. In an emergency operation of the elevator system, an auxiliary power supply having an output providing an auxiliary output voltage is connected to the transformer for generating an auxiliary supply voltage provided to the drive device via the transformer. The operation device according to the invention can be integrated into an existing operation device design and requires only slight modifications.

Abstract: An escalator safety system monitors a variety of sensors, contacts, and switches over an electronic safety bus. A plurality of bus nodes are distributed throughout the escalator system and are in constant communication with the bus master over the safety bus. The bus nodes interface with sensors, switches, contacts, detectors, components, and other safety equipment of the escalator system at each location and provide status information back to the bus master. The bus master preferably includes a microprocessor which upon sensing an unsafe condition, sends control signals to an escalator control and a drive and brake system to arrest the escalator in a safe manner.