Abstract: In a stacker crane, a cover to cover an elevation area of an elevation portion is integrally attachable to side surface portions of a mast, which includes a reinforcement portion and an adjuster. The reinforcement portion between a pair of the side surface portions in a Y direction extends toward an opposite direction to an elevation surface of an elevation surface defining portion and has a higher stiffness than that of each of the pair of side surface portions. The adjuster is spaced from the elevation surface defining portion in an X direction perpendicular to a Z direction and the Y direction, and both edges thereof extendible in the Y direction are contactable with the reinforcement portion and each of the pair of side surface portions.

Abstract: The inventive concept provides a cooling unit. In an embodiment, the cooling unit comprises: a cooling plate with a seating surface; a pin member arranged at the cooling plate and supporting a substrate; a decompression hole formed on the seating surface; a decompression path formed within the cooling plate and connected to the decompression hole; a decompression member for decompressing the decompression path; and a controller for controlling the decompression member, wherein the controller controls the decompression member to decompress a space between the substrate and the seating surface of the cooling plate and thereby adjusting a distance between the substrate and the seating surface of the cooling plate.

Abstract: A mounting device and a method for carrying out an installation process in a vertically extending elevator shaft of an elevator system include a carrier component, a mechatronic installation component and a displacement system. The displacement system displaces the carrier component vertically within the elevator shaft. The installation component is held on the carrier component and, at least semi-automatically, performs a mounting step as part of the installation process. The displacement system also displaces the carrier component horizontally in a shift direction within the elevator shaft between adjacent vertical car tracks.

Abstract: A health monitoring system for an electrically-conductive tension member of an elevator system belt includes a transmitter including a transmitter coil configured for placement at the tension member, a receiver configured to be positioned at the tension member, and a controller operably connected to the transmitter and the receiver. The controller is configured to direct an alternating current through the transmitter coil resulting in the generation of a magnetic field and eddy currents at the transmitter coil, evaluate fluctuations in the magnetic field detected at the receiver. The fluctuations are indicative of wear or damage to the tension member.

Abstract: A lifting and lowering transportation device is capable of transporting articles between different delivery positions using transportation units, each including a lifting and lowering platform, a linear motor, and a chain. The lifting and lowering platform can pass through the delivery positions by moving along the circumferential track that is common to the transportation units. The linear motor generates the driving force to move the lifting and lowering platform along the circumferential track. The chain is loop-shaped and can circulate along the circulation track corresponding to the circumference path, and the linear motor moves the lifting and lowering platform by circulating the chain by the driving force generated by the linear motor. The circulation of the chain in each transportation unit is controlled independently of the other transportation units.

Abstract: A lifting machine comprising a base and a carrying platform, wherein a lifting mechanism for lifting the carrying platform and a power mechanism for supplying power to the lifting mechanism are arranged between the carrying platform and the base. The lifting machine of the present disclosure has simple structure, small volume and good portability, which may satisfy various needs of mobile use such as mobile maintenance, on-the-spot service and road rescue.

Abstract: An elevator guide rail block assembly configured for use with an elevator car or counterweight guide rail is provided. The elevator guide rail block assembly includes a framework and a plurality of rotatable cams attached to the framework. An actuator element is configured to actuate rotation of the plurality of rotatable cams. A clamp structure is attached to the framework and spaced apart from the plurality of rotatable cams. In a rotated orientation, the combination of the plurality of rotatable cams and the clamp structure form a clamping action configured to secure the elevator guide rail block assembly to an elevator car or counterweight guide rail.

Abstract: An illustrative example assembly for making an elevator load bearing member includes a fabric having a plurality of fibers arranged with some of the fibers transverse to others of the fibers. A plurality of cords are configured to support a load associated with an elevator car. The cords are included in the fabric and have respective coatings. The coatings include a first coating material and a second coating material, or include different coating thicknesses such that some of the coatings have a different coating thickness than others of the coatings, or the coatings include the first coating material and the second coating material and some of the coatings have a different coating thickness than others of the coatings.

Abstract: An elevator system includes an elevator car movable in an elevator shaft, a suspension means extending in the elevator shaft, a drive machine associated with the suspension means and a controllable coupling device arranged on the elevator car. The suspension means has a coupling element that the coupling device can be coupled to and uncoupled from, as a result of which a drive connection between the elevator car and the suspension means can be established and released. The elevator system has a guide system guiding the coupling element during a movement in the elevator shaft. The guide system has a guide that is stationary relative to the elevator shaft and a runner that is connected to the coupling element via a connection and is guided along the guide. The connection between the coupling element and the runner enables a relative movement between the runner and coupling element.

Abstract: An inventory handling system and a method for managing thereof, comprising multiple shelving units with shelves on which containers are placed. The system comprises a movable picking station configured to travel among the shelving units, and transfer items between containers. The movable picking station is configured to collect from the multiple shelving units into an order container at least a portion of a plurality of items listed in an order to be fulfilled. The movable picking station is configured to place the pickable items in the order container in an optimal arrangement while minimizing the distance the containers are moved and potential damage to the items.

Abstract: Pneumatically supported towers for low gravity applications are disclosed herein. In one aspect, an inflatable tower for use in vacuum environments can have a membrane configured to support a load when inflated with an inflation gas to a pressures less than 100,000 pascals and greater than 0.01 pascal. The inflation gas can be chosen to have a sufficiently low boiling temperature at the inflation pressure of the membrane that the gas will not condense to a liquid or solid within a defined range of temperatures in which the tower is designed to operate. The membrane can be configured to be packaged for transport in deflated condition and rolled onto cylinders from which the membrane can be later unfurled and inflated as part of the tower inflation process. The membrane can be further configured to progressively inflate beginning at a bottom or lowest level of the membrane during the tower inflation process.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an elevator system including: a beam climber system configured to move an elevator car through an elevator shaft by climbing a first guide beam that extends vertically through the elevator shaft, the first guide beam including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the beam climber system including: a first wheel; a second wheel; a first traction belt wrapped around the first wheel and the second wheel, the first traction belt being in contact with the first surface; and a first electric motor configured to rotate the first wheel, wherein the first traction belt is configured to rotate when the first wheel rotates.

Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator includes an elevator car and a drive mechanism connected with the elevator car. The drive mechanism moves with the elevator car in a vertical direction. The drive mechanism includes drive members that are configured to engage surfaces associated with walls near opposite sides of the elevator car, climb along the surfaces to selectively cause movement of the elevator car, and selectively prevent movement of the elevator car when the drive members remain in a selected position relative to the wall.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an elevator system including: a beam climber system configured to move an elevator car through an elevator shaft by climbing a first guide beam that extends vertically through the elevator shaft, the first guide beam including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the beam climber system including: a first wheel in contact with the first surface; and a first electric motor configured to rotate the first wheel; and a wheel decompression system configured to move the first wheel away from the first guide rail.

Abstract: A linear electric machine comprises a primary part (101) and a secondary part (102) linearly movable with respect to each other. The primary part comprises primary sections (103, 104) each having an airgap surface. The secondary part comprises secondary sections (105, 106) each having an airgap surface facing towards the air-gap surface of the respective primary section. Each primary section comprises force-generating windings (U1, V1, W1, U2, V2, W2) for generating a magnetic thrust force and a transversal magnetic force pulling the primary section towards the respective secondary section. The resultant of the transversal magnetic forces is controllable to levitate the primary part. The primary part further comprises one or more tilt-control windings (T1, T2) for controlling tilting of the primary part with respect to the secondary part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for recognizing the replacement state of a high-strength fiber rope for lifting gear such as cranes as well as to a lifting gear such as a crane in which such a high-strength fiber rope is installed. It is the underlying object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for determining the replacement state of a high-strength fiber rope and to provide improved lifting gear having such a fiber rope that avoid the disadvantages of the prior art and further develop the latter in an advantageous manner.

Abstract: A linear flux switching permanent magnet (FSPM) motor includes a longitudinal, linear stator with stator teeth facing an air gap and a mover including at least one armature including armature teeth embedding at least one permanent magnet, which armature teeth are spaced apart by slots for receiving an armature winding, and which armature teeth have an extended width portion towards the air gap. The extended width portion of the armature teeth begins in the longitudinal direction of the armature teeth already at the level of the armature windings.

Abstract: A linear flux switching permanent magnet (FSPM) motor includes a longitudinal linear stator with stator teeth facing an air gap and a mover including at least one armature including armature teeth, which are spaced apart by slots for receiving an armature winding. At least some, preferably all of the armature teeth embed at least two permanent magnets, respectively, which are positioned successively in longitudinal direction of the tooth, whereby the two permanent magnets have different magnetic properties.

Abstract: A lifting system for lifting and/or lowering loads having a lifting apparatus which is suitable for conveying loads along a lifting direction from a first transfer position into a second transfer position and along a lowering direction from the second transfer position to the first transfer position, and a conveyor apparatus which is suitable for taking on, at the first and/or the second transfer position, the loads conveyed by the lifting apparatus.

Abstract: A hydraulic elevating platform having no guide rails and an elevating method. A hydraulic power pack drives three parallel hydraulic cylinders to work synchronously, thereby implementing the rising and falling of an elevating platform; when the elevating platform reaches a predetermined floor, an upper electric pushrod pushes a pedal assembly out, and then the pedal assembly drives a pedal to rise by means of a pedal elevating system until the pedal is flush with the surface of a loading table of the elevating platform; outward-swinging doors between the elevating platform and a floor open to form pedal guardrails; then sliding doors open and a man can step onto a stair via the pedal assembly. An eccentric loading adjusting means eliminates eccentric loading to achieve balance about the center of gravity, thereby eliminating the eccentric loading of the platform. The elevating platform is simple in structure, safe, reliable, and easy to maintain.

Abstract: The invention is a corner rack with one front face that has teeth. A corner rack is a linear gear interface that can be placed in corners, such that the teeth face out from the corner at an angle, rather than running parallel with the walls. The teeth of the corner rack have a profile that can engage with the profile of a silent chain. The combination of the corner rack and silent chain allows an attached motor to be distanced from the corner rack, so that a lifting device driven by the corner rack and silent chain can be placed in and utilized in corners. This leads to increased versatility and efficiency.

Abstract: An elevator system including a hoistway, an elevator component disposed in the hoistway, and a power assembly disposed in the hoistway, the power assembly including a first power component disposed in the hoistway, the first power component including a first power connection, and a second power component operably coupled to the elevator component; wherein the first power component is configured to provide wireless power to the second power component.

Abstract: The invention is an elevator. The elevator is driven by a rack and a chain. The elevator also comprises a transportable frame, a floor, and an elevator shaft. The purpose of the invention is, by using a rack and chain lifting device to drive the elevator, to allow the elevator to be driven from the bottom. Driving the elevator from the bottom makes the structural integrity of the elevator box unnecessary, so that the elevator box can be replaced with an elevator box façade and a fabric door, making the elevator lighter and more economical. In addition, the design of the elevator allows for adjacent doors, battery power, and voice control.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a first propulsion system for imparting linear motion to an elevator car. The elevator system includes a controller generating control signals for the first propulsion system. The elevator system includes a brake for holding the elevator car. The elevator system includes an energy storage unit. The elevator system includes a second propulsion system. The controller is configured to at least one of (i) access the energy storage unit to power at least one of the first propulsion system and second propulsion system upon a fault during upward travel of the elevator car (ii) power the second propulsion system upon a fault in the first propulsion system during upward travel of the elevator car and (iii) delay applying the brake until the elevator car speed is less than a threshold upon a fault during upward travel of the elevator car.

Abstract: Disclosed inventory systems, methods, and devices can be used to retrieve and transport resources from one location to another. Specifically, a vertically mobile drive unit including a vertical element retention mechanism can be controlled by a management component to retrieve a resource, transport the resource from one floor to a different floor in an inventory system, and deposit the resource at a destination. The vertically mobile drive unit can transit vertically along a vertically disposed element in an inventory system, such as a structural pole or column; and can rotate around the structural pole or column in order to set down on an upper level after ascending, or to clear the upper level prior to descending.

Abstract: A method (160) for constructing a building (92) with an elevator system (20) is disclosed. The method (160) may include forming a first hoistway (22) for the elevator system (20) within two adjacent levels (82, 84) of the building (92), installing a first stationary part (54) of a first linear permanent magnet motor within the first hoistway (22), placing a first elevator car (24) within the first hoistway (22), mounting a first moving part (52) of the first linear permanent magnet motor on the first elevator car (24), and using the first stationary part (54) and the first moving part (52) of the first linear permanent magnet motor to generate a vertical thrust force to move the first elevator car (24) within the first hoistway (22), the first elevator car (24) carrying at least one of passengers, equipment and materials for construction of upper levels of the elevator system (20) and the building (92).

Abstract: A grasper can include a first pantograph cell and a second pantograph cell coupled with the first pantograph cell. The first and second pantograph cells can be coupled together at a first pivot and a second pivot. The grasper can also include a finger extendable in a direction extending between the first pivot and the second pivot. The grasper can include a support base, where one or more links of the first pantograph cell can be slidably coupled with the support base for extending the grasper. In some embodiments, the grasper can be configured to extend along a curved path. In some embodiments, the finger can be biased in a direction away from an object to be grasped by the grasper, and also biased in a direction toward an object to be grasped by the grasper when the grasper is extended.

Abstract: A method is provided for condition monitoring of a rope of an elevator including an elevator car and a rope wheel arrangement, which rope is connected to the elevator car and passes around at least one rope wheel included in the rope wheel arrangement.

Abstract: A compact overhead traveling hoist system for transferring product elements from a remote marshalling area to an assembly line work station includes an elevated rail system with a fixed longitudinally extending runway rail and a laterally extending bridge rail which is displaceable along the runway rail. A rail trolley is carried for controlled bi-directional displacement along the bridge rail. A hoisting device is carried by the rail trolley and includes a base member, an object grappler carried with the base member operative to selectively engage, transport and release product elements between the marshaling area and the work station, a linearly expandable structure coupling the rail trolley and the base portion, and a hoist drive operative for raising and lowering the base portion/object grappler. A controller includes assembly line work station operator input control devices located on the object grappler to control all aspects of the operation of the hoist system.

Abstract: A new pneumatic load transfer and shock absorbing system is disclosed. The pneumatic system includes a layer of air-bags to perform two basic functions during a floatover installation operation: 1) lifting the platform deck from the support to create additional air gaps at the mating surfaces, and the heave motions of the lifted platform deck may be reduced; 2) performing as a shock absorbing device with variable vertical stiffness easily controlled by the air-bag internal air pressure during the mating operation and the separation operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake and to a method for controlling the brake. The brake comprises a base part, a braking piece movably supported on the base part, which braking piece is configured to be moved between a braking position and a releasing position, a spring, with the spring force of which the braking piece can be dropped into a braking position, a support member for limiting the initial position of the drop-out movement of the braking piece and also a controllable actuator, which is mechanically connected to the aforementioned support member and configured to displace the initial position of the drop-out movement of the braking piece with respect to the braking position.

Abstract: A hoisting machine includes an axial flux motor including a rotor having rope grooves and arranged in rotor compartment between a body part and a protection plate, and a stator arranged against the rotor in such a manner that the rotor is separated by the stator by an air gap. The hoisting machine further includes a first cover plate and a second cover plate, arranged at opposite sides of the hoisting machine, and both being equipped with a damper. The tightness between the first cover plate and the second cover plate is adjustable. An elevator assembly and method of damping vibration of a hoisting machine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A damping arrangement for damping the opening noise between the frame part and armature part of a machinery brake of an elevator hoisting machine, the machinery brake being opened with an electromagnet, includes a number of channels machined around a magnetizing coil in the frame part of the machinery brake and channels corresponding to them machined in the armature part, into which channels at least one damping element is fixed by means of fixings. The machinery brake of an elevator hoisting machine includes a frame part, an armature part that is movable with respect to the frame part and is installed at the end of the air gap from the frame part, the armature part being moved by means of an electromagnet that is in the frame part towards the frame part for opening the machinery brake and by means of one or more work springs acting between the frame part and the armature part for closing the machinery brake, and a damping arrangement for damping the opening noise between the frame part and armature part.

Abstract: A mechanical device for reducing the energy absorbed by an electric motor of a handling plant. The device includes a first rotating member moved by the motor of the handling plant. The device also includes a second rotating member connected to the first member through a first transmission apparatus. A third rotating member is connected to the second rotating member through a second transmission apparatus, which develops a transmission ratio equal to unity. The device further includes a fourth rotating member operatively connected to the rotor of the electric motor. The fourth rotating member and the third rotating member are connected through a third transmission apparatus, which develops a transmission ratio equal to unity. The device includes a sixth rotating member connected to a fifth rotating member through a fifth transmission apparatus. The sixth rotating member and the first rotating member are connected through a sixth transmission apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling speed of an elevator car in an elevator system is disclosed. The elevator car may have a speed governor adapted to trip when an electrical tripping point of the speed governor is reached. The elevator system may also have a control system for controlling operation of the elevator car, the control system providing a speed reducing switch adapted to trip when a software tripping point of the speed reducing switch is reached, the software tripping point being reached before the electrical tripping point of the speed governor.

Abstract: An assembly which provides a rotating work surface extension. The assembly may be attached or fixed to an existing work space platform. An assembly comprising interchangeable rotating work surface extensions is disclosed, along with a system comprising such an assembly and a method of positioning a workpiece utilizing such an assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load lifting assembly to lift and transport the loads. The assembly comprises a fixed pole and a lifting unit capable of moving longitudinally along the pole. The assembly further comprises a load transporting unit coupled to the lifting unit and a driving unit to provide the motive force to the load transporting unit.

Abstract: A pneumatic vacuum valve is situated atop a cylinder or convenient working space utilized in conjunction with a pneumatic elevator. The vacuum valve has a coupling unit holding a diaphragm device for actuation of the diaphragm against a flow control opening. An Allen screw uses a simple regulation device to control the flow of air into a working chamber for expansion and contraction of the diaphragm device.

Abstract: A pressurized underground enclosure includes a battery venting system having a battery within a battery box in a sealed enclosure. A first pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and an ambient atmosphere and includes a vacuum generator for reducing a pressure in the battery box. A second pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and the ambient atmosphere and includes a one-way valve permitting airflow to the battery box and precluding airflow from the battery box to the ambient atmosphere. The enclosure includes a scissors lift including scissor linkage units having arms pivotally connected at terminal ends and at central positions. The scissor linkage units are moveable from a retracted to an extended position by pneumatic cylinders. The internal pressurization of the enclosure is selectively released and locking mechanisms are retracted before a rack of the scissors lift is extended through an opening of the enclosure.

Abstract: A drive system provides a displacement mechanism for driving motion of a device using energy stored in an energy accumulator in a non-electric form. A charge/discharge arrangement selectively charges the energy accumulator with energy derived from an energy source while isolated from the displacement mechanism, and the connects the energy accumulator to the displacement mechanism to provide energy for driving motion of the device. The energy accumulator may be hydraulic, pneumatic or gravitational. Examples of devices driven by the system include elevators, escalators and vehicles.

Abstract: Ground-accessing elevator systems and methods are provided for transporting personnel between the ground level and one or more decks of multi-level vehicle such as a fixed-wing aircraft. The vehicle elevator systems and methods may be implemented using a multi-track guide rail system configured to guide an elevator car between the ground and two or more levels within a vehicle. The multi-track guide rail system may include an intra-vehicle track fixed to the vehicle structure and configured to guide the elevator car between decks of the vehicle, and a separate deployment track may be configured to telescope downward from the intra-vehicle guide rail track to guide the elevator car during deployment to the ground from the vehicle.

Abstract: An elevator and also to a drive unit for driving an elevator includes one or more hoisting members that are continuous in the vertical direction, a load-receiving part suspended on the hoisting member, and also a driving member engaging with the hoisting member for moving the load-receiving part. The driving member engaging with the hoisting member is configured to be driven with a detachable drive unit.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an elevator assembly for placing an elevator within a structure is provided. The elevator assembly may include elevator housing, such that the elevator housing may have a metal frame to secure a movable elevator cab. The metal frame may be formed using at least one of steel or aluminum or a combination thereof or the like. The metal frame may be reinforced material such that the metal frame is a self-supporting structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical device for reducing the energy absorbed by an electric motor of a handling plant. The device according to the invention comprises at least one first rotating member moved by the motor of the handling plant. The device also comprises a second rotating member connected to the first member through first transmission means. At least one third rotating member is connected to the second rotating member through second transmission means, which develop a transmission ratio equal to unity. The device further comprises a fourth rotating member operatively connected to the rotor of the electric motor. The fourth rotating member and the third rotating member are connected through third transmission means, which develop a transmission ratio equal to unity. The device comprises a sixth rotating member connected to a fifth rotating member through fifth transmission means which develop a transmission ratio equal to unity.

Abstract: A brake assembly for an elevator traction machine is disclosed. The brake assembly may include a rotating element, a fixed element mounted in operational association with the rotating element and a positioning device connected to the fixed element. The positioning device may additionally magnetically interface with the rotating element to facilitate centering of the fixed element relative to the rotating element.

Abstract: An electric motor, a hoisting machine and also an elevator system are disclosed. The electric motor includes a stator, which stator includes slots, into which slots a concentrated winding is fitted. The electric motor also includes a rotating rotor, which rotor includes permanent magnets placed consecutively in a ring in the direction of the rotational movement. The ratio (LM/LP) of the width of a permanent Lp magnet at the point (LM) of the center line of the magnet and the width (Lp)? of a magnetic pole of the rotor is at least ? and at most ?.

Abstract: An elevator installation can comprise an elevator cage, a counterweight, a first support, a second support, a drive for driving of drive pulleys in common and for movement of the supports, and a monitoring device with two slack support switches. A first slack support switch is arranged in the region of a first fastening point for monitoring the first support. A second slack support switch is arranged diagonally opposite in the region of another fastening point for monitoring the second support. The monitoring device comprises a safety circuit, in which the two slack support switches are so integrated in a safety circuit of the elevator installation that actuation of just one of the two slack support switches interrupts the safety circuit.

Abstract: An elevator installation is proposed having at least one car which is vertically movable upwardly and downwardly by means of a linear motor, the linear motor having stationary primary parts and a secondary part which is fixed to the car. In order to improve the elevator installation in such a way that it can be installed in a simpler manner, the elevator installation has a multiplicity of support segments on which in each case at least one primary part is mounted, in each case a support segment in combination with the at least one primary part mounted thereon forming a prefabricated drive module which is adapted to be handled independently, and the drive modules being stackable one on top of the other and forming a travel path along which the at least one car is movable.

Abstract: An elevator installation has a guide rail of a predetermined length and a movable body configured to move along the guide rail up and down a hoistway. A proximity sensor is mounted on the movable body to be in a predetermined proximity of the guide rail. The proximity sensor is configured to detect whether or not the proximity sensor is at the predetermined distance to the guide rail. A controller coupled to the proximity sensor acts upon an indication that the proximity sensor is not at the predetermined distance to the guide rail to switch the elevator installation to a secure state.

Abstract: An exemplary assembly includes at least one elongated tension member. A jacket covers at least some of the tension member. The jacket comprises a polymer material. The assembly includes a flame retardant selected from a group consisting of a halogen-free melamine based intumescent or a filled polymer having a nanoscale filler chemically bonded to a matrix phase.