Abstract: The invention relates to a safety arrangement of an elevator system and to a method for ensuring safety in an elevator system. The safety arrangement comprises at least one mechanical stopping appliance and the control of the safety arrangement comprises at least one limit value that sets the speed, deceleration or permitted vertical distance from the door zone of the elevator car. In the method for ensuring safety in an elevator system at least one mechanical stopping appliance is fitted to the safety arrangement of the elevator system and at least one limit value that sets the speed, deceleration or permitted vertical distance from the door zone of the elevator car is set for the control of the safety arrangement.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for controlling an elevator braking system are provided. A circuit for controlling an elevator braking system includes a contracting brake signal generating circuit, wherein a door lock relay DJ and a contracting brake contractor ZJ are series connected; a contracting brake signal processing circuit, for converting between high and low level to trigger a braking controller; and an isolation control switch CK jointly connected in the contracting brake signal generating circuit and the contracting brake signal processing circuit.

Abstract: An exemplary elevator brake control device includes a relay switch that is associated with a safety chain configured to monitor at least one condition of a selected elevator system component. The relay switch is selectively closed to allow power supply to an electrically activated elevator brake component responsive to the monitored condition having a first status. The relay switch is selectively opened to prevent power supply to the brake component responsive to the monitored condition having a second, different status. A solid state switch is in series with the relay switch between the relay switch and the brake component. A driver selectively controls the solid state switch to selectively allow power to be supplied to the brake component only if the relay switch is closed and the monitored condition has the first status.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elevator system and also to a method for monitoring the movement an elevator car. In the method a first emergency braking procedure is activated for braking the elevator car at a first deceleration if the speed of the elevator car exceeds the first limit value for permitted speed, and also a second emergency braking procedure is further activated for braking the elevator car at a second deceleration that is greater than the first, if the speed of the elevator car exceeds the second limit value for permitted speed that is greater than the first limit value for permitted speed.

Abstract: A control arrangement (100) for an elevator brake, comprises a control circuit (110) adapted to generate, according to a demand for releasing a first braking member of the elevator brake, a first actuating signal and to generate, according to a demand for releasing a second braking member of the elevator brake, a second actuating signal; a first terminal (112) for outputting the first actuating signal to a first electromagnetic actuating means (26) of the elevator brake, a second terminal for outputting the second actuating signal to a second electromagnetic actuating means (30) of the elevator brake; the control arrangement (100) being adapted to allow at least the following modes of operation: A) a normal operation mode in which the first and the second actuating signals are supplied synchronously to the first and second electromagnetic actuation means (26, 30), respectively, and B) a single braking member test operation mode, in which one of the first and second actuating signals is supplied to the respect

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for supervising the operation of a brake includes a controllable electromechanical brake, including a magnetic circuit with at least two ferromagnetic parts fitted to move in relation to each other. A thrusting force is exerted between the ferromagnetic parts via a spring. The brake includes a magnetizing coil fitted into the magnetic circuit, for forming magnetic attraction between the parts of the brake. The arrangement includes a control of the brake, which includes at least one controllable switch, for adjusting the electricity supply of the magnetizing coil. The control of the brake comprises a supervision of the movement of the magnetic circuit of the brake.

Abstract: The elevator safety rescue system is an electro-hydraulic system particularly suited for use in rack and pinion drive elevators installed with tall towers, mines, smoke stacks, and other structures having relatively large elevations or depths. The system includes a positive displacement hydraulic pump driven by the output shaft of an electric elevator drive motor. An electro-hydraulic valve is electrically powered to maintain an open condition to allow unrestricted hydraulic flow through the pump during normal operation. In the event of an elevator malfunction, electrical power is terminated to the valve, causing the valve to close and thus requiring all hydraulic fluid to pass through a restrictor. The restrictor limits the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic pump, thus limiting its rotational speed and rotational speed of the elevator drive motor to which it is attached, thereby allowing the elevator to descend or climb (with counterweight) at a safe speed.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a force distribution system includes a number of force application devices that are communicatively linked to a computing system. The computing system controls the force application devices to apply calculated forces to the structure, monitor the forces, and adjust the forces when deviations occur. According to one embodiment, the force application devices include jack assemblies and the system is operative to level a structure and maintain the level position when the structure shifts. According to another embodiment, the force application devices include clamp assemblies and the system is operative to apply and maintain a constant and uniform pressure on a structure to secure the structure during machining. Other embodiments include using force application devices to secure a structure during transport.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a brake which is operated by a spring force and a device for monitoring the force, comprising the steps of taking into account a force which is required to load or bias at least one spring by means of the device for monitoring the force.

Abstract: An elevator drive for driving and holding an elevator car includes a traction wheel providing a driving and a holding force to the elevator car, a motor driving the traction wheel, a braking arrangement for holding the traction wheel, and a drive shaft connecting the traction wheel, the motor and the braking arrangement together. The braking arrangement includes at least two braking devices arranged, on opposite sides of the traction wheel on the drive shaft. A monitoring logic system ascertains whether an activated one of the braking devices alone can maintain the elevator car at standstill during a brief time the other of the one of the braking devices is released for issuing fault information to an elevator control.

Abstract: An elevator system including a braking system, and a method of retrofitting an elevator for such braking system is disclosed. The braking system may comprise a first brake having a first magnetic brake coil, the first brake movable between a disengaged and an engaged position, a second brake having a second magnetic brake coil, the second brake movable between a disengaged and an engaged position, and a brake control device having a brake power source. The brake control device may be electrically connected to the first and second brakes and may be configured to selectively delay or sequence the movement of the first brake and the second brake to the engaged position with residual current from the brake coils.

Abstract: An elevator car with brake equipment, which is arranged in the region of the elevator car, for holding and braking the same, which brake equipment includes: a brake unit which can co-operate with a brake rail, an actuating device which can produce an actuator force FA, and a connecting linkage which connects the actuating device with the brake unit in force-active manner for transmission of the actuator force FA, wherein the brake unit in unloaded setting is in its open setting and the connecting linkage is a pull cable.

Abstract: A method and a safety device for implementing the method are provided in connection with a quick stop situation of an elevator. In the method, an activation process of a machinery brake is started and also a disconnection process of the current supply of the elevator motor is started after the starting of the activation process of a machinery brake.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that may he useful for testing braking systems for use in, for example, an aircraft. A system is disclosed that allows for built in testing. For example, a method if provided comprising sending, from a brake controller, a test command set to at least one of an electromechanical actuator (EMAC) and a brake servo valve (BSV) in response to a landing gear retraction, receiving, at the brake controller, feedback from the at least one of the EMAC and the BSV in response to the test command set, and comparing, at the brake controller, the feedback with a predetermined signature.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a car traveling up and down along a hoistway; a buffer for stopping the car at an end of the hoistway; brakes for braking travel of the car; a car traveling-information acquisition mechanism for acquiring information as to speed of the car; and a brake control unit for controlling the brake by comparing a speed of the car with a speed pattern curve created based upon a speed curve of the car when braking force is forcedly exerted by the brakes to enable the buffer to absorb a shock at the collision of the car with the buffer to a level below a predetermined specified value.

Abstract: A method for controlling movement of an elevator car (20) during an emergency stop (S1) comprising the steps of determining a load of the car (S4;S8;S9;S10), determining a travel direction of the car (S3) and monitoring a speed (V) of the car (S6). When the car is travelling downwards (S3) and is lightly loaded (S8) or when the car is travelling upwards (S3) and is heavily loaded (S10), brake torque is applied (S7) only when the speed (V) of the car reaches zero.

Abstract: A method for triggering an elevator brake in an emergency situation of a vertically movable elevator car in an elevator installation, wherein a movable part of the brake is held in a starting position by an electromagnetic force generated by a coil connected with a voltage source, and for triggering the brake the voltage supplied to the coil is interrupted and the movable part is moved from the starting position to a braking position by a spring force of at least one spring. A voltage is set by a switching unit that is connected with a control unit in dependence on at least one travel parameter of the elevator car determined by the control unit and, in the case of failure of the voltage source, triggering of the elevator brake is delayed by a delay unit in dependence on the set voltage.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a car (1) traveling up and down along a hoistway; a buffer (15) for stopping the car (1) at an end of the hoistway, brakes (7), (8), and (9) for braking travel of the car (1); a car traveling-information acquisition part for acquiring car traveling information; and a brake controller (10) for controlling the brakes (8) and (9), based upon the information acquired by the car traveling-information acquisition part, so as to reduce a collision speed at a collision of the car with the buffer to below a predetermined speed so that a shock at the collision of the car (1) with the buffer (15) can be absorbed to a level below a specified value.

Abstract: In an elevator device, a car is raised and lowered by a plurality of hoisting machines respectively including hoisting machine brakes. Each of the hoisting machine brakes has a braking force large enough to stop the car by itself. Each of a plurality of brake control sections respectively for controlling the corresponding hoisting machine brakes includes a plurality of calculation sections. The calculation sections can detect a failure of the calculation sections by comparing own results of calculations and cause a corresponding one of the hoisting machine brakes to perform a braking operation upon detection of the failure of the calculation sections.

Abstract: An elevator safety system (10) includes a limit switch (32) coupled to a first elevator car (14) and an actuator plate (30) coupled to a governor rope (24) of a second elevator car (16). The actuator plate trips (30) the limit switch (32) when a distance between the first elevator car (14) and the second elevator car (16) goes below a safety threshold distance to stop the first and second elevator cars (14, 16).

Abstract: In a safety system for an elevator, slip detection means detects a slip between a drive sheave and a main rope. A safety gear is mounted to a car, the safety gear being electrically operated by an actuator to cause the car to make an emergency stop regardless of whether a running direction of the car is upward or downward. A safety gear controller cuts power supply to a hoisting machine motor and causes the safety gear to make a braking operation upon detection of the slip between the drive sheave and the main rope by the slip detection means.

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a rescue operation for a car is performed by a rescue operation controller. The rescue operation controller obtains a rescue operation voltage value and applies a voltage having the rescue operation voltage value to a brake coil in response to a signal from a speed detector at a time of the rescue operation for the car. The rescue operation voltage value is a value of the voltage necessary to reduce braking force of a brake device to move the car by using a state of imbalance between the car and a counterweight.

Abstract: A lift car with a brake device which is arranged in the region of the lift car for holding and braking the latter; the brake device includes a brake unit which can interact with a brake rail, an actuating device which can generate an actuator force, and a connector which connects the actuating device to the brake unit in a force-active manner in order to transmit the actuator force, wherein the brake unit is in its open position in the unloaded position.

Abstract: In an elevator device, movement of a car is braked by a brake device in a state in which driving of a hoist is stopped. While the drive of the hoist is stopped, braking force of the brake device is controlled by a brake control device based on a signal from a movement detector that generates a signal corresponding to movement of the car. The brake control device generates a target pattern for at least one of speed and acceleration of the car and controls braking force of the brake device such that the movement of the car follows the target pattern.

Abstract: In a safety system for an elevator, a safety gear is mounted to a car, the safety gear being electrically operated by an actuator to cause the car to make an emergency stop regardless of whether a running direction of the car is upward or downward. A safety gear controller cuts power supply to a hoisting machine motor and causes the safety gear to make a braking operation upon detection of the slip between the drive sheave and the main rope based on a drive sheave acceleration exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: An elevator apparatus performing proper braking control of a car according to a detected content of a failure, and including: a semiconductor switch connected in series to a brake coil, for varying current flowing through the brake coil; an interruption switch connected in series to the brake coil and the semiconductor switch and capable of interrupting current flowing through the brake coil; a braking force control processing mechanism controlling an amount of current flowing through the semiconductor switch according to deceleration of the car when the car stops; a failure detection section detecting failure in the braking force control processing mechanism; a critical event detection mechanism detecting a critical event requiring an urgent stop of the car based on a state detection signal; and a brake power supply interrupting mechanism turning the interruption switch OFF to apply braking when the failure and the critical event is detected.

Abstract: The elevator car is arranged movably along guideways and in the special operating mode is decelerated to a standstill and kept at a standstill by a braking device, by a braking force brought about by the braking device together with a brakeway. A required deceleration to bring the elevator car to a standstill within a next-possible exit zone in the special operating mode is calculated, furthermore a stopping of the elevator car is detected if a sudden change in the braking force or the acceleration is established and the braking force of the braking device is set to a holding force when the stopping is established. The special operating mode results in the elevator car coming to a stop directly in the region of an exit zone in a special operating mode and passengers in the car being able to leave the elevator car independently.

Abstract: In a safety system for an elevator, slip detection means detects a slip between a drive sheave and a main rope. A safety gear is mounted to a car, the safety gear being electrically operated by an actuator to cause the car to make an emergency stop regardless of whether a running direction of the car is upward or downward. A safety gear controller cuts power supply to a hoisting machine motor and causes the safety gear to make a braking operation upon detection of the slip between the drive sheave and the main rope by the slip detection means.

Abstract: An elevator system and a brake control circuit include a first switch that controls the electricity supply of the winding of the brake, which switch is connected in a controlled manner with the control of the electricity supply of the winding of the brake, and thus the braking function is controlled.

Abstract: An elevating platform assembly is provided. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment a platform is present and is moveable along a travel distance of a mast. A cylinder is provided and is capable of being actuated. The cylinder is used to move the platform along the travel distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch arrangement of an electric motor drive (1). The electric motor drive comprises safety switches (3) determined by the safety of the drive, a controlled mechanical brake (4), a power supply circuit (5) of the brake control, a power converter (6), which power converter comprises a network rectifier (7) and a power rectifier (8) of the motor. The power rectifier of the motor is at least partly implemented with controlled semiconductor switches (9, 10) arranged into a bridge. The power converter comprises an intermediate circuit (11, 12) between the network rectifier and the power rectifier of the motor. The switch arrangement comprises normally-open switches (13, 14) in the intermediate circuit of the power converter (6).

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling a brake of an elevator. In the method a plurality of optional objectives of operation are determined for the elevator; one or more of these objectives is selected at a time to be implemented as an objective of the operation of the elevator by using selection criterion; references for the energizing current of the brake of the elevator that differ from each other and/or references for the closing current of the brake of the elevator that differ from each other are determined; the brake current reference used at any given time is selected so that the selected brake current reference best corresponds to an objective of the operation of the elevator to be implemented; and also the brake of the elevator is controlled by adjusting the brake current towards the selected brake current reference.

Abstract: An elevator includes a first elevator cage, a second elevator cage, the two cages being movable along a common travel path, a braking state indicating unit, which is fastened to the first elevator cage, and a braking state detection unit, which is fastened to the second elevator cage. The braking state indicating unit indicates a braking state of the first elevator cage and the braking state detection unit detects the indicated braking state of the first elevator cage. When change in the braking state of the first elevator cage occurs, the braking state indicating unit initiates measures in order to maintain safe operation of the elevator.

Abstract: An electromechanical monitoring device for detecting undesired departure of an elevator cage from standstill is disclosed. The electromechanical monitoring device includes a co-running wheel which when required is pressed against a guide track of the elevator cage, possibly against a running diameter of the speed limiter. A sensor detects rotation of the co-running wheel and actuates a braking device if a rotational angle of the co-running wheel exceeds a predetermined value. This electromechanical monitoring device can be suitable for attachment to or installation in a speed limiter and can be suitable for retrofitting to elevator installations.

Abstract: The elevator safety rescue system is an electro-hydraulic system particularly suited for use in rack and pinion drive elevators installed with tall towers, mines, smoke stacks, and other structures having relatively large elevations or depths. The system includes a positive displacement hydraulic pump driven by the output shaft of an electric elevator drive motor. An electro-hydraulic valve is electrically powered to maintain an open condition to allow unrestricted hydraulic flow through the pump during normal operation. In the event of an elevator malfunction, electrical power is terminated to the valve, causing the valve to close and thus requiring all hydraulic fluid to pass through a restrictor. The restrictor limits the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic pump, thus limiting its rotational speed and the rotational speed of the elevator drive motor to which it is attached, thereby allowing the elevator to descend at a safe speed.

Abstract: A mobile hoist system for preventing the application of an overloading input force or an overloading weight force from an elevated load. The mobile hoist system generally includes a frame removably connected to a support structure, a drive assembly connected to the frame and a driven assembly connected to the frame and mechanically connected to the drive assembly via a main elongated member. The drive assembly includes a winch and a brake unit connected to the winch. The brake unit is capable of preventing lowering of a load up to a first torque limit. The driven assembly includes a drum having a strap wound thereon and a slip clutch to brake the drum. The slip clutch prevents slippage up to a second torque limit. The second torque limit is less than the first torque limit to prevent damage to the brake unit by the load having an excessive weight.

Abstract: An elevator assembly (20) includes braking devices (30) for controlling movement of an elevator car (22). A braking device (30) includes an electrical actuator (62) for controlling relative movement between a carriage (42) and a base (40) that is mountable on the elevator car (22). Relative movement between the carriage (42) and the base (40) results in at least one braking member (46) following a surface (60) on the base (40) for movement between a released position and a braking position.

Abstract: An elevator safety circuit can be used to decelerate an elevator car during an emergency stop in a controlled manner. The safety circuit includes a series chain of safety contacts having an input connected to a power source and a first safety relay deriving electrical power from an output of the series chain of safety contacts. A delay circuit is arranged between the output of the series chain of safety contacts and the first safety relay. Hence, if any of the safety contacts open to initiate an emergency stop, a process controlled by the operation of the first safety relay is delayed.

Abstract: Provided is an elevator apparatus including a first electromagnetic switch and a second electromagnetic switch provided between a first electromagnetic coil and a second electromagnetic coil of a first brake device and a second brake device and a power source. The brake control section includes: a first electromagnetic coil control switch provided between the first electromagnetic coil and a ground section; a second electromagnetic coil control switch provided between the second electromagnetic coil and the ground section; a first processing section for opening and closing the first electromagnetic switch and the first electromagnetic coil control switch in response to a braking operation command issued from an operation control section; and a second processing section for opening and closing the second electromagnetic switch and the second electromagnetic coil control switch in response to the braking operation command.

Abstract: An elevator machine (10) includes a machine shaft (14, 14?) and a sheave (26) that rotates with the machine shaft (14, 14?). A motor (12) selectively rotates the machine shaft (14, 14?). A brake (30) having at least one brake armature (36) selectively moves a brake rotor (28) coupled for rotation with the shaft (14, 14?) between a braking position and a released position. The brake rotor (28) selectively contacts a braking surface (44) formed directly on a housing (20, 22, 84, 90) to resist rotation of the machine shaft (14, 14?).

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling a brake of an elevator. In the method a plurality of optional objectives of operation are determined for the elevator; one or more of these objectives is selected at a time to be implemented as an objective of the operation of the elevator by using selection criterion; references for the energizing current of the brake of the elevator that differ from each other and/or references for the closing current of the brake of the elevator that differ from each other are determined; the brake current reference used at any given time is selected so that the selected brake current reference best corresponds to an objective of the operation of the elevator to be implemented; and also the brake of the elevator is controlled by adjusting the brake current towards the selected brake current reference.

Abstract: An elevator system and a brake control circuit include a first switch that controls the electricity supply of the winding of the brake, which switch is connected in a controlled manner with the control of the electricity supply of the winding of the brake, and thus the braking function is controlled.

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: A control circuit and a control method of elevator braking systems are provided. The control circuit comprises a contracting brake signal generating circuit, wherein a door lock relay DJ and a contracting brake contactor ZJ are series connected; a contracting brake signal processing circuit, for converting between high and low level to trigger a braking controller; and an isolation control switch CK jointly connected in the contracting brake signal generating circuit and the contracting brake signal processing circuit. The control circuit and control method of the present invention are used for elevator braking systems to eliminate the adhesion of contacts of contracting brake circuit of elevator braking systems that frequently occurs, thereby preventing the major safety accidents such as the elevator slipping, overrunning or collapsing to the bottom, and, consequently, improving the safety and stability of elevators during operation.

Abstract: In a speed governor for an elevator, a clutch mechanism is provided between a governor sheave and a rotary body. An actuator performs switching between transmission and interruption of rotation by the clutch mechanism according to whether or not energization from a DC generator, which generates a current by rotation of the governor sheave, is performed. A rectifier circuit allows the current to flow from the DC generator to the actuator only when a rotating direction of the governor sheave is a predetermined one of a first direction and a second direction.

Abstract: A brake monitor for monitoring a brake system of an elevator system that includes a drive and a drive controller in addition to the brake system. The brake monitor includes a first brake signal input for electrically connecting the brake monitor to a first brake contact of the brake system and a driving signal input for connecting the brake monitor to a first electrical driving signal line of the drive controller. Also provided are a power supply, a microprocessor and a relay circuit. The relay circuit is configured to be activated for interrupting a safety circuit of the elevator system or for interrupting a control voltage of the drive controller so that the elevator system can be stopped.

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a brake control device has a first brake control portion for operating a brake device upon detection of an abnormality to stop a car as an emergency measure, and a second brake control portion for reducing a braking force of the brake device when a degree of deceleration of the car becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value at a time of emergency braking operation of the first brake control portion. The second brake control portion detects emergency braking operation of the brake device independently of the first brake control portion.

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a brake device is controlled by a brake control device. The brake control device is capable of performing braking force reduction control for reducing the braking force of the brake device at a time of emergency braking of a car. The brake control device monitors a running state of the car at the time of emergency braking thereof, and makes a switchover between validity and invalidity of braking force reduction control such that the car is stopped within a preset allowable stopping distance.

Abstract: A lifting device includes a lifting unit, a drive unit connected with the lifting unit to control operation of the lifting unit, and a braking unit connected with the drive unit to control operation of the drive unit. The braking unit includes a microprocessor, a control circuit connected with the microprocessor, a changeover switch connected with the control circuit and the drive unit, and a control switch connected with the microprocessor and the changeover switch. Thus, the drive unit is rotated normally in the positive direction to lift the overhead projector and is rotated at a slower speed in the reverse direction to lower the overhead projector so that the overhead projector is kept at a constant speed during the lifting and lowering process and is moved upward and downward smoothly and stably.

Abstract: An emergency stop system for an elevator includes a state sensor for detecting an operation of a car, a brake device for braking the car, a brake controller for outputting a signal for operating the brake device based on a signal detected by the state sensor, and an uninterruptible power supply device for supplying electric power to the sensor, the brake device, and the controller. The controller has a signal processing/calculating unit for calculating the deceleration of the car based on the signal detected by the sensor, a command value calculating unit for calculating a command value for operating the brake device based on the deceleration of the car calculated by the processing/calculating unit, and a power monitoring device for monitoring state of the uninterruptible power supply device. At least one of the sensor, the processing/calculating unit, and the calculating unit includes independent systems.