Abstract: Elevator access systems having an access control module operably connected to an elevator system and an access device located within the access control module and removable therefrom, wherein when the access device is within the access control module a normal mode of operation of the elevator system is activated and when the access device is removed from the access control module, the elevator system enters a safety mode of operation.

Abstract: An elevator car comprises one or more side walls (4a) defining an interior space for accommodating passengers and/or cargo, and a support frame positioned above the interior space. A working platform (12) is suspendably connected to the support frame and moveable between a stowed position, above the interior space, and an operational position, suspended within the interior space. The working platform (12) comprises at least one stabilizing member (14) and the at least one stabilizing member (14) comprises a first engagement portion (22). At least one side wall (4a) comprises a second engagement portion (6) such as a handrail. When the working platform (12) is in the operational position, the first engagement portion (22) is configured to engage with the second engagement portion (6) so as to stabilize the working platform (12) in the operational position.

Abstract: An elevator position reference system and a method of monitoring building settlement using such a system. The elevator position reference system includes a hoistway extending in a vertical direction. The system also includes a first position measurement tape extending vertically along a portion of the hoistway and an upper tensioning device, connected to an upper end of the first position measurement tape so as to apply a tensioning force in the upwards vertical direction. A lower end of the first position measurement tape is fixed within the hoistway. The system also includes a second position measurement tape extend vertically along at least some of said portion of the hoistway and a lower tensioning device, connected to a lower end of the second position measurement tape so as to apply a tensioning force in the downwards vertical direction.

Abstract: An elevator position reference system (1) includes a hoistway (4) extending in a vertical direction and a position measurement tape (8) arranged in the hoistway (4) to extend in the vertical direction. An upper tensioning device (10) is connected to an upper end (20) of the position measurement tape (8) so as to apply a tensioning force (30) to the position measurement tape (8) in the upwards vertical direction. A lower tensioning device (12) is connected to a lower end (22) of the position measurement tape (8) so as to apply a tensioning force (32) to the position measurement tape (8) in the downwards vertical direction.

Abstract: An elevator car comprising a passenger cab and a robot cab, the robot cab is configured to accommodate at least one autonomous robot; wherein the robot cab includes: a robot cab controller configured to receive elevator call requests from the at least one autonomous robot and a coupling mechanism configured to couple the robot cab to the passenger cab.

Abstract: A machine assembly for use in an elevator system includes a support structure having a first end connected to an adjacent support member and a second end supported by at least one car guide rail. The support structure is arranged generally perpendicular to the support member and is configured to receive at least one component of the elevator system.

Abstract: Elevator systems having a first guide rail and a second guide rail, an overtravel feature on at least one of the first or second guide rails, the overtravel feature located a first distance from a top surface of the respective guide rail, an elevator car moveable along the first and second guide rails, the elevator car including a car guidance element, and a control unit configured to perform an overtravel distance test. The control unit is configured to measure a second distance being a distance of travel of the elevator car between a landing position and a location of the overtravel feature, combine the first distance and the second distance to calculate a measured overtravel distance, and compare the measured overtravel distance with a predetermined overtravel setpoint.

Abstract: A hoistway access system for an elevator includes an access switch positioned at a selected landing floor 34 of an elevator and operably connected to a controller 46. A remote controlled lock 48 is located at landing doors of a landing floor providing access to a hoistway pit 36, and is operably connected to the controller. A safety actuation system is operably connected to an elevator car and operably connected to the controller. The controller is configured to command a drive system to drive the elevator car to an upper location when the access switch is activated, to define a selected safety volume in the hoistway defined by the hoistway pit and the elevator car, command engagement of the safety actuation system to stop and hold the elevator car, and command the lock to unlock when the safety actuation system is engaged, thereby allowing access to the hoistway via the landing doors.

Abstract: An elevator car (1) comprises a working platform (4) moveable between a stowed position, at an upper part (3) of the elevator car (1), and an operational position, suspended from the upper part (3) of the elevator car (1) to be inside the elevator car (1). At least one stop (6a, 6b) is located at the upper part (3) of the elevator car (1). The at least one stop (6a, 6b) is moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the at least one stop (6a, 6b) extends away from the upper part (3) of the elevator car (1) to provide an upper safety space (53) above the elevator car (1).

Abstract: An elevator car comprises one or more side walls (4a) defining an interior space for accommodating passengers and/or cargo, and a support frame positioned above the interior space. A working platform (12) is suspendably connected to the support frame and moveable between a stowed position, above the interior space, and an operational position, suspended within the interior space. The working platform (12) comprises at least one stabilizing member (14) and the at least one stabilizing member (14) comprises a first engagement portion (22). At least one side wall (4a) comprises a second engagement portion (6) such as a handrail. When the working platform (12) is in the operational position, the first engagement portion (22) is configured to engage with the second engagement portion (6) so as to stabilize the working platform (12) in the operational position.

Abstract: Elevator control system, comprising an elevator control device for operating an elevator car which is adapted to be operated within an elevator shaft, and an inspection control station configured to communicate with the elevator control device for operating at least one function of an elevator system in an inspection or maintenance operation mode, and configured for attachment at a storing location, wherein the storing location is at the elevator car or within the elevator shaft or in proximity of the elevator shaft. The inspection control station is adapted to be detachable from the storing location and configured to operate as remote inspection control station when detached from the storing location through wireless communication with the elevator control device, and is configured to be movable and operable in the inspection or maintenance operation mode from inside and outside of the elevator car and within the elevator shaft.

Abstract: An elevator system (100) includes an elevator car (102) that is configured to travel along a guide rail (104), and a braking assembly (116) coupled to the elevator car (102). The braking assembly (116) is configured to selectively operate in a disengagement mode that allows the elevator car (102) to travel along the guide rail (104), and an engagement mode that inhibits the elevator car (102) from traveling along the guide rail (104). The electronic braking assembly controller (128) is in signal communication with the braking assembly (116) and is configured to generate an electronic braking signal that activates the engagement mode of the braking assembly (116). When the engagement mode is activated, the elevator car (102) decelerates without exceeding a predetermined g-force (g) threshold regardless as to whether a load applied to the elevator car (102) changes such that the elevator car (102) is stopped at a floor landing (106).

Abstract: Elevator systems are described. The elevator systems include an elevator car movable along guide rails within an elevator shaft. The elevator car has a car frame with a platform, a ceiling, and car structural members. A distance between the platform and the ceiling is defined as a car height HC. An overspeed safety system is provided and includes first and second safety brakes and first and second electromechanical actuators positioned within the car structural members within the car height HC. The safety brakes are operable to engage with the guide rails to stop movement of the elevator car.

Abstract: Disclosed is a brake assembly for providing safety braking to an elevator, the elevator operably disposed against a guide rail, the brake assembly including: a housing including a cavity, the cavity slidingly containing at least one wedge including a first wedge, wherein the at least one wedge slides in the cavity between a first position and a second position, and in the first position the at least one wedge creates minimal frictional resistance to movement against the guide rail which extends through the cavity, and in the second position the at least one wedge frictionally engages the guide rail to resist movement.

Abstract: A building settling detection system having at least one sensor configured between a guide rail track of an elevator system and a pit of the elevator system and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor, the controller configured to monitor an output of the at least one sensor and transmit a notification to a remote location when the output of the at least one sensor meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold indicating that the predetermined threshold is met or exceeded.

Abstract: A locking system for an elevator car includes a moveable panel of the elevator car moveable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position provides access to a region external to the elevator car. Also included is a plate operatively coupled to an exterior surface of the moveable panel. Further included is a magnetic locking member operatively coupled to an exterior surface of a fixed panel of the elevator car in communication with an electrical member, wherein the plate exerts magnetic forces with the magnetic locking member, the magnetic locking member magnetically coupled to the plate in a first electrical condition of the electrical member to maintain the moveable panel in the closed position and decoupled from the plate in a second electrical condition of the electrical member to allow the moveable panel to be moved to the open position.

Abstract: Elevator access systems having an access control module operably connected to an elevator system and an access device located within the access control module and removable therefrom, wherein when the access device is within the access control module a normal mode of operation of the elevator system is activated and when the access device is removed from the access control module, the elevator system enters a safety mode of operation.

Abstract: A machine assembly for use in an elevator system includes a support structure having a first end connected to an adjacent support member and a second end supported by at least one car guide rail. The support structure is arranged generally perpendicular to the support member and is configured to receive at least one component of the elevator system.

Abstract: Elevator systems having a first guide rail and a second guide rail, an overtravel feature on at least one of the first or second guide rails, the overtravel feature located a first distance from a top surface of the respective guide rail, an elevator car moveable along the first and second guide rails, the elevator car including a car guidance element, and a control unit configured to perform an overtravel distance test. The control unit is configured to measure a second distance being a distance of travel of the elevator car between a landing position and a location of the overtravel feature, combine the first distance and the second distance to calculate a measured overtravel distance, and compare the measured overtravel distance with a predetermined overtravel setpoint.

Abstract: An elevator system (100) includes an elevator car (102) that is configured to travel along a guide rail (104), and a braking assembly (116) coupled to the elevator car (102). The braking assembly (116) is configured to selectively operate in a disengagement mode that allows the elevator car (102) to travel along the guide rail (104), and an engagement mode that inhibits the elevator car (102) from traveling along the guide rail (104). The electronic braking assembly controller (128) is in signal communication with the braking assembly (116) and is configured to generate an electronic braking signal that activates the engagement mode of the braking assembly (116). When the engagement mode is activated, the elevator car (102) decelerates without exceeding a predetermined g-force (g) threshold regardless as to whether a load applied to the elevator car (102) changes such that the elevator car (102) is stopped at a floor landing (106).