Abstract: There is provided an elevator safety device that can prevent a light beam from being looked into. The elevator safety device according to the present invention includes light emitting means for emitting a light beam crossing an entrance; light receiving means for detecting the light beam emitted from the light emitting means; foreign matter detection means for generating a foreign matter detection signal when detection of the light beam by the light receiving means is interrupted; and control means. The control means causes the light emitting means to stop an emission in a fully opened state of car doors, and causes the light emitting means to start the emission at a start of or during a closing operation of the car doors.

Abstract: In a safety device for an elevator, on one car door among a pair of car doors, a light-emitting/light-receiving unit is disposed facing downward at an upper end position of a vertical line separated by a predetermined distance from an end face in a closing direction, which is to abut the other car door, toward the side of the other car door, and a first reflecting member is disposed facing upward at a lower end position of the vertical line. A housing space that houses the light-emitting/light-receiving unit in a state where both car doors are closed is formed on the other car door, and a second reflecting member is disposed facing upward at a bottom portion of the housing space and extends from the same position as an end face in a closing direction of the other car door toward the back of the housing space.

Abstract: An edge device for an elevator door includes an elongate array of infrared transmitters and/or receivers and a proximate elongate array of illuminable elements, both arrays extending for a substantial part of the length of the door. The illuminable elements are adapted to be illuminated when the door is in motion. The two arrays are disposed in a common carrier structure, being either vertically interleaved or extending vertically in parallel with each other.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator system wherein one or more of the various components of the system is configured to operate selectively in at least either of two operational modes. Each operating mode is characterized by a corresponding energy usage profile. The operational status of the system is monitored and operating modes are selected that serve both to substantially ensure proper operation given current likely operational expectations and an overall desire to reduce energy consumption.

Abstract: The method of the invention can be used to improve the performance of an elevator system. In the method, the acceleration and/or velocity of at least one door in the elevator system is measured and a dynamic model of the door is created. Using the model, an estimation of acceleration and velocity can be calculated as a function of unknown parameters. From the estimated acceleration or velocity and the measured acceleration or velocity an error function is obtained, and a search is performed in an optimizer to find its minimum value. The unknown parameters corresponding to the minimum value indicate the value of the kinetic parameters of the door at the instant being considered. By utilizing the calculated values of the kinetic parameters, the functions of the doors in the elevator system are optimized separately for each door. Using a genetic algorithm, it is possible to determine, in addition to the unknown kinetic parameters, the operational state of the door closing device as well.

Abstract: A door device for an elevator is provided with an elevator door for opening/closing a doorway through which an interior of a car communicates with a landing, a distance sensor for continuously detecting a distance from the doorway to a passenger at the landing, a processing device for obtaining a door control command corresponding to information from the distance sensor, and a door control device for controlling a movement of the elevator door based on the door control command from the processing device. Thus, the elevator door can be moved in accordance with the movement of the passenger. Accordingly, the passenger is allowed to board the car more reliably, and a running efficiency of the elevator can be enhanced.

Abstract: A door controller and a method for inputting or adjusting one or more reference positions into the door controller have the controller connected to a door drive for moving a door and utilize a pulse encoder for monitoring a position of the door and a non-volatile memory for storing the reference position. In a learning mode a control force signal to the drive is reduced. Then the door is moved to the reference position and finally the reference position as recorded by the pulse encoder is registered in the memory of the controller.

Abstract: An optical multi-axis optoelectronic sensor, in which a phototransmitting sensor head having a plurality of phototransmitters arranged thereon and a photoreceiving sensor head having a plurality of photoreceivers arranged thereon are disposed opposite to each other, comprises: first device for inputting distance data equivalent to a distance between the sensor heads; second device for determining detection sensitivity based on the distance data input by the first device; and third device for setting the detection sensitivity determined by the second device.

Abstract: A control system for a motorized freight elevator landing door in which all of the doors in a single line of a hoistway are controlled with one set of proximity sensors carried on the elevator car. The sensors signal a controller that operates electric motors for opening and closing the landing door where the car has stopped. The door operating motors are two speed units and the sensors and controller are arranged to operate the motors at high speed during most of the travel in opening or closing movement and at reduced speed at the end of movement. The controller applies power to the motor for a short period after the door is fully closed or open to stall the motors and thereby dampen any rebound motion.

Abstract: To render the elevator landing doors fitted with an elevator control unit (5) safe, this system comprises: elevator landing door surveillance units (10), installed on each elevator landing door, to receive the state of the electrical contacts (11, 12) fitted to each of the elevator landing doors (21); synthesis unit (4) connected to the surveillance units (10) to receive the state of the elevator landing door electrical contacts (11, 12), and to the elevator control unit (5) to receive other information on the working order of the elevator; and alarm signal devices (13, 14); synthesis unit (4) further including means of determining (41) the state elevator landing doors are in according to the received information, and to actuate the signal devices (13, 14) if the state of the elevator landing doors is considered to be critical to the elevator users.

Abstract: A method for monitoring shaft doors of a elevator installation uses at least one contactlessly acting shaft door monitoring sensor to emit a beam of electromagnetic waves, wherein at least during specific detection phases the beam extends over several floors and is detected by a receiver. The beam is influenced by a shaft door panel not being completely closed and/or a shaft door lock not being disposed in the locking setting such that a disturbance signal is generated to the elevator control.

Abstract: A control system for a motorized freight elevator landing door in which all of the doors in a single line of a hoistway are controlled with one set of proximity sensors carried on the elevator car. The sensors signal a controller that operates electric motors for opening and closing the landing door where the car has stopped. The door operating motors are two speed units and the sensors and controller are arranged to operate the motors at high speed during most of the travel in opening or closing movement and at reduced speed at the end of movement. The controller applies power to the motor for a short period after the door is fully closed or open to stall the motors and thereby dampen any rebound motion.

Abstract: An elevator door control device includes an obstruction sensor adapted to detect an obstruction in the vicinity of any one of the vertical frames of the doorway frame and to output an obstruction detection signal, and a door control unit for controlling door opening operation and door closing operation of a car door and a landing door in response to the obstruction detection signal. The obstruction sensor has light emitters provided on the vertical frames of the doorway frame and light receivers provided on the upper frame of the doorway frame. The light emitters are provided in the vicinity of the lower ends of the vertical frames and emit detection lights substantially along the vertical frames. The light receivers are provided on the lower surface of the upper frame and receive the detection lights.

Abstract: An elevator car is of a construction which facilitates inspection and maintenance function while enhancing passenger safety. The car includes a closeable inspection and maintenance opening in a sidewall. A transparent inspection window or an inspection grille forms a closure for the opening. The closure may be lockable, and can also include a sensor to monitor its state.

Abstract: A method for monitoring shaft doors of a elevator installation uses at least one contactlessly acting shaft door monitoring sensor to emit a beam of electromagnetic waves, wherein at least during specific detection phases the beam extends over several floors and is detected by a receiver. The beam is influenced by a shaft door panel not being completely closed and/or a shaft door lock not being disposed in the locking setting such that a disturbance signal is generated to the elevator control.

Abstract: A sliding door system 10 has a pair of horizontally opposed vertical surfaces 82 defining therebetween an opening 34, an upper horizontal surface 84 connecting uppermost ends of the vertical surfaces, a lower horizontal surface 94 connecting lowermost ends of the vertical surfaces, and a door 38 moving horizontally to open and close the opening. The sliding door system 10 also includes a first optical device 78 having a light emitter 88 for emitting light, a second optical device 80 having a light receiver 90 for receiving the light, and a light reflector 89 for reflecting the light emitted from the light emitter to the light receiver. The light reflector 89 is positioned in at least one of the horizontally opposed vertical surfaces. The first and second optical devices are positioned in the upper horizontal surface 84.

Abstract: In an opening and closing apparatus for an elevator door, a light-emitter and a light-detector are disposed in safety shoes disposed on doorstop edges of each of two abutting elevator doors. The light-emitter emits a reflection detection beam toward a landing side obliquely, relative to an opening and closing direction of the elevator doors. The reflection detection beam reflected by an obstruction on the landing enters the light-detector. When the reflection detection beam enters the light-detector, a reflection detection signal is output by a reflection detector portion and the direction of operation of the elevator doors is reversed to an opening direction.

Abstract: An environmental detection system is particularly suited for elevator hoistways and other locations where access is difficult or restricted. The inventive system comprises a fire rated access cage which is disposed within the hoistway in a desired location, and is securely attached to an associated access panel, which is fire protection rated and positioned to extend through a wall defining the hoistway. An environmental sensing device, such as a smoke detector or heat sensor, is secured within the cage so that it is disposed within the hoistway, and can freely detect any smoke or excessive heat present in the hoistway because of a large number of apertures in the walls of the cage. The resultant system, thus, is constructed so that authorized personnel can access the environmental sensing unit conveniently through the access panel door from an adjacent hallway or room to test or maintain it, without shutting down the associated elevator or compromising the effectiveness of the unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring an elevator door include a sensor for detecting three-dimensional image information. Processing equipment evaluates the image information of detected images to recognize a deviation between two images and trigger a situation-adapted reaction. The sensor includes a light source mounted in the region of the elevator door so that the elevator door is disposed at least partly in the illuminated region of the light source. In addition, the sensor includes a sensor group mounted so that it receives light reflected from the door.

Abstract: A method of gap scanning wherein a first working member (such as a door) in conjunction with a second working member (such as a door) in conjunction with a second working member (such as another door, a door frame or a fixed surface) serves to define or include the gap to be scanned; the method comprising the steps of: locating on or near the other side of the gap an array of emitters of electromagnetic radiation; location on the other side of the gap an array of receivers of the electromagnetic radiation; each emitter in the array thereof being adapted to provide for the emission of a beam of radiation along an axis of transmission from the emitter across the gap to one or more of the receivers in the array thereof; each receiver in the array thereof being adapted to detect a beam of radiation from one or more of emitters in the array thereof along an axis of reception to the receiver across the gap from the emitters; providing an output channel for each receiver in the array thereof by way of which in the e

Abstract: Safety edge switch (1) for power-driven equipment or power-driven doors, sliding equipment and so forth of vehicles, with a hollow profile made of an elastomeric material and having a mounting profile (2) and a shell part (3), in which hollow profile there is an internal body (4), the internal body part (4) and the shell part (3) having electrically conductive zones that, upon mutual contact, initiate a switching pulse that can be led to an interpretation unit. The mounting profile (2) is made electrically conductive and is electrically conductively connected to the internal body part (4) or the shell part (3).

Abstract: An emergency lifting or lowering device of an elevator includes a transmission toothed wheel fitted to a top of a passage receiving a carriage of the elevator. The transmission wheel has teeth locking into an adjacent one of several toothed wheels arranged in a low. The toothed wheels are each associated with a reeling member having first end portions of steel ropes of the elevator wound therearound. The emergency lifting or lowering device further has an emergency switch disposed in the carriage member, and electrically connected to an emergency power to activate the transmission wheel in order to lift or lower the carriage member to a nearest floor when a main motor of the elevator stops due to power failure.

Abstract: An elevator system has a pair of horizontally opposed vertical surfaces defining therebetween a doorway or opening to an elevator cage and a door moving horizontally to open and close the opening. In particular, the system has a first optical device having a light emitter for emitting light and a second optical device having a light receiver for receiving the light emitted from the light emitter. The first and second optical devices are positioned in a vertical plane crossing the opening and adjacent to the opening. One of the first and second optical devices is positioned below the other of the first and second optical devices and mounted in the vertical surface.

Abstract: A safety device for an elevator door characterized by the following facts: a lever (2) with one end (3) pivoted at an elevator door safety shoe (1) has its other end (4) fixed and supported on each floor in a rotatable manner; a polarized reflection plate (11) is supported at one end of a link lever (8) which has its other end pivoted to the aforementioned lever (5) to swing around a pivot point (9); a detector (12) facing the polarized reflection plate (11) is connected to a controller (15); and the controller is connected to the door operator (16).

Abstract: A system and an associated method of detecting an object in a three-dimensional field adjacent to a doorway, such as an elevator doorway, uses an array of energy emitters that emit three-dimensional energy signals into the field and an array of energy receivers that receive the energy signals reflected from the object. The signals are sampled a predetermined number of times. In one embodiment, if the lowest value sampled signal reaches a predetermined threshold, an object detection signal is generated. In an alternative embodiment, if the sampled signals are within a predetermined variance range, the object detection signal is generated. In another alternative embodiment, if a predetermined modulation code is detected within a sampled signal, the object detection signal is generated.

Abstract: An image monitoring apparatus for detecting a confined passenger in an elevator just from an image, without using a dedicated sensor. The image monitoring apparatus includes an image acquirer for acquiring an image; a door area definer for defining a door defining area for the image; a door extracter for extracting a door image from the door defining area of the image; a door open/closed state sensor for determining whether the door is open or closed; a passenger area definer for defining a passenger defining area; a passenger extracter for extracting a passenger image from the passenger defining area of the image; a passenger presence determination for determining whether a passenger is present; a decision unit for determining whether a passenger is confined in the closed space by whether the door is open or closed and the passenger presence determination; and an alarm for issuing an alarm if a passenger has been confined in the closed space.

Abstract: The elevator door control device and method control operation of an elevator cab door by monitoring obstruction in an area adjacent the door and causing operation of the door as necessitated by the obstruction sensed. Secondarily, the elevator door control device and method enhance security by creating saved images of the area monitored for review if desired. Further, the elevator door control device and method include a learn feature whereby parameters of the particular installation are incorporated over time into programming to update same.

Abstract: A system and an associated method of detecting an object in a three-dimensional field adjacent to a doorway, such as an elevator doorway, uses an array of energy emitters that emit three-dimensional energy signals into the field and an array of energy receivers that receive the energy signals reflected from the object. The signals are sampled a predetermined number of times. In one embodiment, if the lowest value sampled signal reaches a predetermined threshold, an object detection signal is generated. In an alternative embodiment, if the sampled signals are within a predetermined variance range, the object detection signal is generated. In another alternative embodiment, if a predetermined modulation code is detected within a sampled signal, the object detection signal is generated.

Abstract: A system and an associated method of detecting an object in a three-dimensional field adjacent to a doorway, such as an elevator doorway, uses an array of energy emitters that emit three-dimensional energy signals into the field and an array of energy receivers that receive the energy signals reflected from the object. The signals are sampled a predetermined number of times. In one embodiment, if the lowest value sampled signal reaches a predetermined threshold, an object detection signal is generated. In an alternative embodiment, if the sampled signals are within a predetermined variance range, the object detection signal is generated. In another alternative embodiment, if a predetermined modulation code is detected within a sampled signal, the object detection signal is generated.

Abstract: A elevator door protection system, having an infrared curtain comprising pairs of infrared transmitters and receivers and circuitry responsive to an output of the receiver due to interception for opening the elevator doors, includes detection circuitry which responds (a) when the elevator doors are closed, so as to reduce the usual power supplied to the transmitters; and (b) when the elevator doors open, so as to restore the usual power to the transmitters. Preferably, a time delay is included so that power dissipation is reduced only after a predetermined period following door closure. The invention reduces power consumption of infrared transmitter diodes, hence extending their lifetime.

Abstract: A portable device worn by an elevator mechanic when in the pit of the hoistway or on top of a car will activate sensors disposed on the car so as to cause an emergency stop and warn the mechanic of the elevator's presence. The portable device may be disposed with some form of alarm beneath an emblem, or otherwise, on the uniform of a mechanic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the distance between opposing sides of an elevator door system is presented. The invention enhances the ability of an elevator door safety system to discriminate between false targets and true obstructions. The method detects distance between a first plurality of emitters and a first plurality of receivers mounted on the opposing sides of the elevator door system. The method comprises emitting an energy beam from an emitter. A halo component of the energy beam, having a predetermined wide angle, is sampled with the plurality of receivers to provide a set of energy signals indicative of intensity of the halo component energy sampled. From the set of energy signals, a vertical distance from the center of the pattern to an intersection of the halo component with the first plurality of receivers is determined. The distance between the first plurality of emitters and receivers is then calculated utilizing the predetermined wide angle and the vertical distance.

Abstract: A safety system for detecting an obstruction approaching closing doors includes a transmitter stack and a detector stack. Each transmitter stack includes a plurality of transmitter three-dimensional lenses. Each detector stack includes a plurality of detector three-dimensional lenses. The three-dimensional lenses are offset from the corresponding optical devices to angle an outgoing or incoming signal. The present invention results in more compact packaging for the safety system and in reduced cost of the assembly therefor.

Abstract: A safety system for detecting small objects that approach closing doors comprising a transmitter stack, a detector stack, and a controller including instructions to detect small objects as the doors are closing. A transmitter or a group of transmitters from the transmitter stack are powered sequentially resulting in an output from the detector stack. The controller compares each output from the detector stack with an average of all the outputs plus a threshold value. The outputs that exceed the average plus threshold value trigger the safety system to reverse closing operation of the doors.

Abstract: Equipment for monitoring an approach area of a moving belt apparatus (1), such as an escalator or a travelling walkway, and for controlling a drive for the belt includes light sensors (12) arranged in handrail entry caps (11) of balustrades (3). Each light sensor (12) has an emitter (15) and a receiver (16) and operates with, for example, infrared beams. The light sensors (12) monitor the access to the moving belt apparatus (1) in a specific region (13) in front of an entry to the belt (2), for example, the region of the threshold plate (14). On stepping into the monitoring region (13) of the light sensor (12), the beams emitted by the emitter (15) are reflected by the person and sensed by the associated receiver (16) to switch on the drive.

Abstract: An optical obstructing sensing system is described. Control signals are optically transmitted across the obstruction sensing area thereby obviating the need for a physical connection between the array of emitters and receivers which define the obstruction sensing area. Optical commands control the scanning functions of the obstruction sensing array. The optical conditions in the obstruction sensing area are analysed by means of optical beams transmitted from one side of the obstruction sensing area to the other. In this manner, corrections for ambient light, obstruction sensing array geometry, and spurious signals may be accounted for and inappropriate compensation made. The invention further describes an obstruction sensing method where the decision as to whether an obstruction is present in the sensing area depends on the optical environment, geometry of the obstruction sensing area and intervening obstructions. These factors are taken into account in deciding whether a valid obstruction event is detected.

Abstract: Magnetizing current generated in a linear induction motor driving elevator car doors in elevator systems is optimized. Magnetizing current level is set low for door operation modes requiring lower levels of thrust, such as hold open and hold closed. Magnetizing current level is increased for modes of door operation requiring greater thrust levels, such as closing or opening. Optimization of magnetizing current in linear induction motors reduces overheating and increases energy efficiency.

Abstract: An assembly for a no-contact power reversing system for an elevator car gate comprises a lost-motion linkage comprising inner and outer telescoping members, the inner member having an upper extension which stabilizes and protects the electrical cable leading to the scanner unit of the device during retraction and extension of the scanner unit mounting as the gate approaches and leaves full closed position. The linkage and associated parts mounted in such a way that the scanner unit is protected against pilferage.

Abstract: In a lift installation in which a multi-beam curtain (primary beam) extends across a lift car door opening, auxiliary transmitters direct secondary beams towards a detection zone in front of landing doors. The multi-beam curtain is intercepted by a passenger entering the lift to prevent premature door closure. However, premature closure is also prevented when a passenger stands in front of the landing doors, thereby causing some of the secondary beam to be reflected onto auxiliary receivers. This provides a low cost solution to the problem of non-detection of an obstruction in the closing path of the landing doors, but not intercepting the primary beam system and also provides an increase in the passenger convenience of the lift, as the doors are held open for a passenger approaching the lift, but not yet interrupting the primary beams.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting weak beams in an beam detection system includes a plurality of emitters for radiating beams of energy, a plurality of detectors for providing detector signals in response to the beams of energy radiated by said plurality of emitters and means for detecting if the beams radiated by said plurality of emitters are weak. If weak beam is detected, the beam is determined inoperative by the obstruction detection system and is not considered in subsequent obstruction detection.

Abstract: An elevator is provided with a car, an inner door mounted to the car and outer doors mounted to floor openings which define floor zones. The inner door registers with the outer doors when the car is disposed within one of the floor zones. The elevator includes a door restrictor having an electric solenoid mounted to the car so that the inner door cannot be opened more than four inches when the elevator is between floor zones. The electric solenoid has a plunger which is normally in an extended position to block the inner door from opening. Power will only be applied to the electric solenoid to lift the plunger from the extended position to a retracted position to allow the inner door to be fully opened when both the car is disposed within a floor zone and the inner doors are being initiated to move slightly by the main elevator controls. A floor zone sensor is mounted to the car for detecting when the elevator is disposed within one of the floor zones.

Abstract: An elevator door safety system includes hoistway side doors (2), (3) which open on both sides installed in the side of the hoistway in such a way that they can freely open and close, car side doors (5), (6) which open on both sides installed in the side of the car in such a way that they can freely open and close, a light-emitting element (10) and a light-receiving element (11) respectively provided on either door in the car side, and a pair of reflection members (12), (13) provided on either door in the hoistway side. The reflection members are arranged and dimensioned such that the light from the light-emitting element (10) is emitted toward one of the reflection members (12), which light is reflected from one of the reflection members (12) to the other reflection member (13), and from the other reflection member (13) toward the light-receiving element (11).

Abstract: A door safety circuit for monitoring of story doors in lift installations. The door safety circuit includes a transmitter that produces a non-electrical signal which is guided by a series of conductor portions. The non-electrical signal may be transmitted through a first conductor partial portion to a latching device of a first story door, depending upon the latched state of the first story door, the signal may be either transmitted to a second conductor partial portion, which may be included within the latching device, or no longer transmitted. If the signal is similarly transmitted through a plurality of conductor partial portions and serially connected story door latching devices, the circuit may indicate that each story door is properly latched. The circuit may also include a plurality of sensors coupled to a failure recognition circuit for monitoring each conductor partial portion.

Abstract: In an apparatus for storing and automatically delivering cassette and/or pallets containing cassettes to a reader. The apparatus includes a plurality of cassette retaining sites. A door assembly is provided adjacent the portal for allowing access to the plurality of cassette retaining sites. The door assembly has at least one door slideably mounted to the apparatus for movement between a closed position and an open position. A door safety system is provided.

Abstract: Ultrasonic waves may be emitted from a transmitter/receiver sonic transducer, or separate transmitter working with a separate receiver, directly or reflected into the opening between doors of an elevator; responses reflected from objects or passengers between the doors which are received within a window of response are utilized to create a door reversal signal. The ultrasonic waves may be shaped into a curtain or sheet by means of a hyperbolic reflector opening downwardly toward the doors. To equalize time of travel for sound waves emanating from a single source on one side to all parts of the door opening, the reflector may also have a parabolic shape. The sound waves may be emitted in a cylindrical pattern to accommodate elevators having circular doors. Multiple reflectors may include a convex reflector to spread the sound waves vertically.

Abstract: A detection system includes an infrared emitter (2) and an infrared detector (8) having optical axes (6) and (12) extending parallel to one another but being offset from one another. As the detector (8) and the emitter (2) approach one another the distance between them decreases but their angular separation increases. Accordingly, the increase in signal engendered in the detector as it approaches the emitter is countered to some extent by the greater angular separation. Accordingly, the net result is that any change in output of the detector resulting from a change in its spacing from the emitter is substantially reduced. Instead of the detector and emitter moving relative to one another they may be fixed and the light path between them varied by a moving reflector to achieve a similar result.

Abstract: A safety edge assembly is provided for an electronic sensor system in an elevator doorway. A narrow elongated transmitter frame mounts appropriate electronic transmitting components of the system thereon and is fastened vertically on one side of the doorway. A narrow elongated receiver frame mounts appropriate electronic receiver components of the system thereon and is fastened vertically on the opposite side of the doorway. A power supply frame mounts appropriate electronic power components of the system thereon and is fastened in a piggyback fashion on the transmitter frame. Electrical cables are coupled between the electronic components on opposite sides of the doorway, the cables extending across the top of the doorway.