Abstract: A quick-release multi-drive drill motor chuck for receiving a rotary tool is provided. The chuck body has a first end, a second end, and an axis and a defined cylindrical bore from the first end toward the second end. The chuck body defines a plurality of orifices extending from the bore at a finite distance from the first end, the chuck body defining a keyway or relief embodiment in the first end. A plurality of detent balls are disposed in the plurality of orifices such that one ball is placed inside of each orifice. A collar having an axis is disposed concentrically around the chuck body in axial slip fit relationship, such that slipping the collar axially along the chuck body will alternately expose the orifices to either the inner wall or a recess, thereby positioning said recess for receiving the detent balls.

Abstract: A brake apparatus engages and locks a piston of a hydraulic elevator drive carrying an elevator car or a cable pulley. The brake apparatus includes a pair of opposed pivotally mounted brake arms each having a curved support carrying a brake lining for engaging the exterior surface of the piston. Each brake lining is formed by bending a planar body at a plurality of the vertical grooves formed in a contact surface to define planar sections. The lining is attached to the support with the sections spaced from the curved support surface. As the brake linings are brought into engagement with the piston surface, the compression forces are evenly distributed by the planar sections functioning as springs.

Abstract: This invention includes a brake system for a hydraulic ram or another cylinder, that can be employed as an emergency brake for a lifting elevator. When actuated, the brake arms contact the ram circumferentially to slow and stop the falling ram. The brake arms are preferably lined with an able material that frictionally engages the ram to stop the downward motion of the ram. The brake system may be actuated by loss of hydraulic pressure, by an electronic signal from a hydraulic pressure detector, by down overspeed sensor or by an uncontrolled down motion detector. According to another aspect of the present invention, a controller, which is preferably a programmed control system, compares the actual motion of the elevator as sensed by a detector to a desired motion. Under certain conditions, if the actual motion differs from the desired motion, the controller actuates the brake.

Abstract: An elevator cab, and methods of constructing same, in which sections of a drop ceiling with integral lighting are factory assembled. The sections of the drop ceiling are brought to a job site and assembled in the elevator cab after the cab enclosure, which includes side walls and a canopy, has been assembled on a platform in a hatchway. First and second side sections or assemblies are suspended from the canopy via quickly coupled sections of hanger strap assemblies, and an intermediate or center section, which may include more than one assembly, is then positioned and supported by the first and second side assemblies. The assemblies which make up the center section of the drop ceiling are leveled via thumb screws accessible through an emergency opening in the canopy, and the assemblies of the center section are fixed to the side assemblies, also via thumb screws accessible through the canopy opening.

Abstract: An elevator cab having a platform, upstanding wall panels on the platform which define an enclosure having an opening, a door mounted to open and close the opening, and a strike post assembly for the door. The strike post assembly, which includes an inner stationary post and an outer post coupled together to define a vertically extending enclosure, includes hall lanterns mounted in the enclosure, and resilient door stops or bumpers mounted on the outer post. The outer post holds the lenses for the hall lanterns without apparent fastener hardware, and it further functions as a removable cover for the hall lanterns, while concealing a single vertical column of fastener hardware which fixes the outer post to the inner post behind the resilient door bumpers.

Abstract: An elevator cab having a drop ceiling which includes a frame and hanger straps for supporting drop ceiling panels. The hanger straps have first ends pivotally attached to the frame, and they pivot from a low profile shipping position to an extended operating position. The second ends of the hanger straps, when in their operative positions, extend through first openings in the cab ceiling or canopy, with the second ends having tab portions which are bent to secure the second ends of the hanger strap to the canopy. The tabs are bent by an installer from a position inside the elevator cab by use of a tool which is disposed through second openings in the canopy.

Abstract: An elevator cab in which emergency lighting is concealed until it is required to be utilized. When the normal electrical power supply to the cab fails, the emergency lighting is automatically pivoted from a concealed position behind an inconspicuous wall plate to an exposed position which projects the lens of the emergency lighting fixture into the cab through the opening previously closed by the inconspicuous wall plate. In the exposed position, the emergency lighting is energized by an emergency power supply, with the emergency power supply also automatically becoming available when the normal power supply fails. In a preferred embodiment, the emergency lighting is located in the return, directly above the car station, and below the transom.

Abstract: An elevator cab, and method of assembling same, including upstanding wall members on a platform, with the upstanding wall members having upper edges which support a canopy. The canopy is constructed of at least two metallic panel members having adjacent edges which are bent into complementary bend configurations which form an interlocking joint when one bend configuration is pivoted about the other bend configuration.

Abstract: A lightweight elevator cab constructed essentially of aluminum, including upstanding side, rear and front wall portions. Perimetrically flanged, rectangularly shaped aluminum wall panel members have their adjacent flanged edges joined together to form a side wall portion, and in most cases the rear wall portion as well. The rear wall may also be constructed essentially of glass panels, if desired. The lower flanges of the aluminum wall panels are attached to a support platform, and the upper flanges support a canopy formed of aluminum honeycomb sandwiched between two flat aluminum sheet members. The cab front includes a stationary aluminum portion which forms a wiring duct, and an aluminum swing return panel punched to receive car fixtures. The car door includes front and back perimetrically flanged aluminum pan members telescoped snugly together with a reinforcing rib of one pan in contact with the opposing pan member.