Abstract: Magnet assemblies of electromechanical assemblies for elevator systems are described. The magnet assemblies include a magnet, at least one rail engagement block, and an encapsulating body encapsulating the magnet and the at least one rail engagement block, wherein the encapsulating body is formed from a non-magnetic material. A target extension is formed from the material of the encapsulating body and extends away from the magnet and the at least one rail engagement block. A proximity switch target is held within the target extension for detection by a proximity switch.

Abstract: Counterweights for elevator systems are described. The counterweights include a frame and a counterweight safety system attached to the frame. The safety system includes a safety brake mounted to an upright of the frame and configured to enable engagement with a guide rail to apply a braking force. A sheave is mounted to the frame and configured to operably connect to tension members. The sheave is configured to move between a first position when under tension and a second position when the tension is lost. A connecting link operably connects the sheave to the safety brake. The connecting link has first and second link members operably connected between the sheave and the safety brake.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety device, an elevator safety system and an elevator system. The elevator safety system comprises the safety device which comprises a shell having a vertical passage for elevator guide rails to pass through, the safety device further comprises a first brake block on a first side of the vertical passage, and a second brake block on a second opposite side of the vertical passage; and a safety device carrier for supporting the safety device and fixedly connected to an elevator car; wherein the shell of the safety device is obliquely and movably mounted on the safety device carrier.

Abstract: An elevator safety gear assembly for an elevator system comprises a first engagement member; a second engagement member; and a connector mechanically connecting the first and second engagement members with each other. The first and second engagement members are arranged opposite to each other defining a gap which is configured for accommodating a guide member extending in a longitudinal direction. At least one of the engagement members is movable in a direction which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction. The first engagement member is pivotably coupled to the connector by means of a first joint, and the second engagement member is pivotably coupled to the connector by means of a second joint. At least one of the joints is movable along the connector for changing the distance between the first and second joints.

Abstract: Implementations described herein include a hoisting device and method for handling, coupling and recovery of tubular members such as drill string components. The hoisting device has a self-energizing gripping means configured to releasably engage a drill string component. In one aspect, the self-energizing gripping means can be operable to increase at least one of a radial biasing force and a contact friction force applied to a drill string component, causing the gripping means to increase the overall gripping force applied to the component with minimal effort exerted by a hoisting device operator.

Abstract: An elevator system including an elevator car frame including an interior side, a service panel operably coupled to the interior side of the elevator car frame, the service panel including a panel interior side and a panel exterior side, and configured to operate between an open and closed position, an elevator car operably coupled to the elevator car frame, the elevator car including an interior cavity, wherein the panel exterior side is disposed within the interior cavity when the service panel is in an open position.

Abstract: A braking system for a hoisted structure guided along a guide rail is provided. The braking system includes a brake member for coupling to the hoisted structure and having a brake surface configured to frictionally engage the guide rail, the brake member moveable between a braking position and a non-braking position. Further included is a brake member actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the brake member and configured to actuate the brake member from the non-braking position to the braking position, the brake member actuation mechanism remaining coupled to the brake member in the braking position to control the braking force applied on the hoisted structure by the frictional engagement between the guide rail and the brake member.

Abstract: An elevator with a brake device may be configured to provide a variable brake force, from a minimum brake force up to a maximum brake force (Vmax). The brake device may include a first energy store that provides the maximum brake force and a second energy store that provides an adjustable counterforce. The adjustable counterforce may be directed in an opposed manner with respect to the maximum brake force provided from the first energy store. Further, the variable brake force may amount to a difference between the maximum brake force and the adjustable counterforce. In some cases, the first energy store may comprise a compression spring for providing the maximum brake force.

Abstract: A side picker apparatus comprises a wheeled lift truck with powered lift tower configured to lift an operator platform and controls along with a carrier/storage unit for transporting picked elongated product. The storage unit is L-shaped and includes a chute section that guides picked product to an under-platform storage section located below/under the platform in a well-balanced storage position. The apparatus can be installed as a retrofit onto a modified order picker truck. The method includes picking elongated product and lowering/guiding it to the under-platform storage section. The storage section can include pop-up wheels that, in a ground-engaging position, pop up to assist in moving the picked product off the carrier/storage unit.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an elevator provided with a safety device arrangement, which elevator comprises at least an elevator car traveling along guide rails and a safety brake device for stopping unintended movement of the elevator car. The safety device arrangement comprises a tuning apparatus disposed on the elevator car for detecting a presence on the roof of the elevator car.

Abstract: A brake assembly for an elevator system includes a guide rail configured to guide movement of an elevator car. Also included is a safety brake operatively coupled to the elevator car and having a brake surface configured to frictionally engage the guide rail. Further included is a safety brake actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the safety brake and configured to actuate the brake member to a braking position. The safety brake actuation mechanism includes a sensing device disposed at a distance from the guide rail to determine a speed of the elevator car relative to the guide rail. The safety brake actuation mechanism also includes a first rigid plate having an inner edge disposed at a distance from the guide rail that is less than the distance that the sensing device is spaced from the guide rail to prevent the sensing device from contacting debris disposed on the guide rail.

Abstract: A braking device is operable to aid in braking a hoisted object relative to a guide member. The braking device includes a mounting structure connected to the hoisted object, and first and second brake pads positioned on the mounting structure on opposing sides of a passageway through which the guide member extends. The first and second brake pads each include a contact surface that is operable to frictionally engage the guide member. The second brake pad engages the mounting structure in a manner that enables the second brake pad to move relative to the mounting structure between a non-braking position and a braking position. The braking device includes a brake initiator that is selectively operable to initiate movement of the second brake pad from the non-braking position toward the braking position by selectively actuating an actuatable portion of the brake initiator from a non-deployed position to a deployed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a horizontally movable vertical shaft rope guide and a regulating method thereof, which are suitable for guiding of hoisting containers in vertical shafts. The vertical shaft rope guide comprises a hoisting rope, and two hoisting containers suspended from the tail ends of the hoisting rope, wherein, cage guide ropes are led through guide cage lugs arranged on the two sides respectively, a tensioner arranged on the ground at the shaft top is connected to the upper end of each cage guide rope, and a connector arranged under a steel slot at the shaft bottom is connected to the lower end of each cage guide rope; a hydraulic cylinder is connected at the other side of each tensioner and the corresponding connector, and the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the tensioner or connector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fall prevention brake buffering system for high-speed mine lift, including brake ropes (2) fixed on two sides of a car (5). One end of the brake rope (2) is fixed on the top part of a vertical well (6), and the other end is fixed on the bottom part of the vertical well (6). A linkage mechanism (11) is arranged at the bottom of the car (5). A buffer (1) is arranged at the top of the brake rope (2), and a tension connector (4) is arranged at the bottom of the brake rope (2). A brake rope safety tong (3) fixed on the brake rope (2) and connected with the linkage mechanism (11) is arranged at the bottom of the car (5). The buffer (1) includes an inverted brake rope gradual safety tong (8) with a buffering rope (9) provided therein and connected with the brake rope (2). A buffering rope clip (10) is arranged on the buffering rope (9). The system is convenient to install, and the buffering force of the brake rope is constant and adjustable.

Abstract: An elevator system includes one or more rails fixed in a hoistway and an elevator car configured to move through the hoistway along the one or more rails. The system includes one or more braking systems having one more braking surfaces secured to the elevator car and frictionally engageable with one or more rails of the elevator system. One or more actuators are operably connected to the one or more braking surfaces configured to urge engagement and/or disengagement of the one or more braking surfaces with the rail to stop and/or hold the elevator car during operation of the elevator system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an emergency stop device with an attached hand brake system. The emergency stop device with the attached hand brake system comprises: brake units which are equipped on both sides of a car and control the movements of the car by selectively interfering with guide rails; an operation unit which is connected with the brake units and manually grants braking power to the braking units; and an interlocking unit which interlocks the brake units.

Abstract: An emergency brake apparatus for an elevator system is installed on an elevator cage or a balance weight of the elevator system and includes a grip member with slant surfaces and a pressing surface sandwiching a guide rail, a pressing member disposed movably between the slant surfaces of the grip member and the guide rail, and an electric solenoid connected to the pressing member and actuated by an electric signal. The electric solenoid positions the pressing member away from the guide rail in a non-braking operation while pushing the pressing member between the slant surfaces and the guide rail in a braking operation.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated wedge lock system provides a releasable mechanical lock between telescoping boom segments. Each wedge lock mechanism includes a stationary backing wedge block that defines an angled smooth surface. A stationary shaft and piston is supported generally parallel to the backing wedge block. A slidable wedge block biased by a spring to a locked position is supported for reciprocal movement on the shaft along the angled smooth surface. Hydraulic fluid urges the slidable wedge block against the bias of the spring to an unlocked position.

Abstract: Brake equipment for holding and braking an elevator car in an elevator installation, which is arranged to be movable along a brake track in two directions of travel, includes a mount with a brake lining which automatically adjusts under friction couple with the brake track on movement of the elevator car relative to the rail and in that case tightens a first tightening means, which can be released by an actuator. The first tightening means tightens the mount together with the brake lining against the brake track by a biasing force. The brake equipment produces, with unmoved brake equipment and an unreleased state of the actuator, a holding force acting in both directions of travel. The holding force is determined substantially by the biasing force acting on the mount.

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: A hydraulically operated wedge lock system is disclosed to provide a releasable mechanical lock between relatively movable telescoping boom segments. Each wedge lock mechanism includes a backing wedge block connected to a relatively stationary boom segment It defines an angled smooth surface. A stationary shaft is supported generally parallel to the angled surface of the backing wedge block with a stationary piston secured to the shaft at an end. A slidable wedge block is supported for reciprocal movement on the angled surface. It includes a bore having a closed end defining a receptacle between the end and the stationary piston; and, a compression spring is disposed in the receptacle biased to urge the closed end of the bore away from the stationary piston. The end of the bore is closed with a gland to define a chamber with the piston. A port is provided to supply hydraulic fluid to urge the slidable wedge block against the bias of the spring.

Abstract: A brake mechanism (10) for an elevator (2) is activated in response to an electronic control signal to prevent movement of an elevator car (16) under predetermined conditions. The brake mechanism is preferably a safety mechanism (10) and does not require a governor sheave, a governor rope, or a tension sheave. The safety mechanism in one disclosed example utilizes a solenoid actuator (22b) and an electric motor (40) and gear box assembly (42) to move safety wedges (18) into engagement with a guide rail (20) to stop the elevator car (16). The safety wedges (18) are held in a non-deployed position during normal elevator operation. If there is a power loss or if elevator car speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, an electronic control signal activates the safety mechanism (10) causing the solenoid to release, which causes the safety wedges (18) move in a direction opposite to that of a safety housing (12) mounted for movement with the elevator car (16).

Abstract: A safety device brakes an elevator car with a guide rail exhibiting an oblong guide flange. The safety device includes a base carrying a retaining element and an abutment with the guide flange positioned therebetween. A mechanism squeezes, when braking, a braking element blocking roller between the guide flange and the abutment. The mechanism, co-operating with an electromagnet, moves the braking element in a controlled way between different positions associated with different operating conditions of the safety device.

Abstract: An emergency brake apparatus for an elevator system is installed on an elevator cage or a balance weight of the elevator system and includes a grip member with slant surfaces and a pressing surface sandwiching a guide rail, a pressing member disposed movably between the slant surfaces of the grip member and the guide rail, and an electric solenoid connected to the pressing member and actuated by an electric signal. The electric solenoid positions the pressing member away from the guide rail in a non-braking operation while pushing the pressing member between the slant surfaces and the guide rail in a braking operation.

Abstract: A vertically sliding freight elevator landing door with a safety brake that deploys when a chain suspending the door breaks. The safety brake is adapted for use on both panels that slide up to open or that slide down to open. The brake, which is simple in construction and installation, comprises, principally, a caliber block fixed to the door and a roller cam assembled in the block. A spring biases the roller cam towards a wedge lock position while a cable normally holds the roller cam in an inactive position. The cable and, therefore, the roller cam are released when the associated door suspension chain breaks. The roller cam, operating between a tilted internal surface in the caliper block and a door guide rail quickly frictionally brakes the door on the guard rail.

Abstract: In an elevator emergency braking apparatus, a braking device main body has a main body braking surface facing a main rope and positioned at a first side of a main rope array, and a tapered surface facing the main body braking surface on an opposite side of the main rope array. An intermediate braking piece is disposed between mutually-adjacent main ropes inside the braking device main body. The intermediate braking piece is displaceable in a direction to be placed separably in contact with the main body braking surface. A wedge member is disposed between the tapered surface and the main rope array. The wedge member is separated from the main ropes during normal operation, and wedged between the tapered surface and the main ropes during braking.

Abstract: In an elevator emergency stop device wherein emergency stop of the elevator cage (20) is achieved by generating frictional force at a sliding part (11) and guide rail (1) by pressing a sliding part (11) against guide rail 1 using a wedge-shaped element (3), in wedge-shaped element (3), the dimension in the direction perpendicular with respect to the sliding faces on the guide rail (1) and sliding part (11) is changed in accordance with the braking force. An elevator emergency stop device can thereby be provided wherein the braking force is kept constant even though the coefficient of friction changes.

Abstract: A safety device to arrest movement of an elevator car guided by non-metallic guide rails employs a friction surface mounted on a wedge. The wedge is located in proximity to an angular horizontal locator when in the unengaged position. Upon activation of the wedge during an overspeed condition the horizontal locator urges the friction surface of the wedge into contact with the guide rail.

Abstract: An emergency brake apparatus for an elevator system is installed on an elevator cage or a balance weight of the elevator system and includes a grip member comprised of slant surfaces and a pressing surface disposed so as to sandwich a guide rail therebetween, a pressing member disposed movably between the slant surfaces of the grip member and the guide rail, and an electric solenoid connected to the pressing member and put into operation in response to an electric signal inputted, wherein the electric solenoid is so arranged as to position the pressing member away from the guide rail in an ordinary operation while pushing the pressing member into between the slant surfaces and the guide rail.

Abstract: A safety brake assembly is disclosed comprising a housing movable on a vertical support, the housing attached to a carpet support arm, a pulley rotatably mounted on a shaft of the housing, a link having an inner end pivotally connected to the shaft and an outer end connected to a first end of a pivot bracket on the housing, a second end of the pivot bracket connected to a wedge-shaped member adjacent the pulley, and tensioning means connected intermediate the ends of the pivot bracket. In the event of cable failure, the upward pressure previously exerted on the pulley is released, causing a downward movement of the pulley and link, the movement transferred by means of the pivot bracket to cause upward movement of the wedge-shaped member which is forced up between the pulley and the vertical support, the resultant friction arresting further downward movement of the housing and carpet support arm.

Abstract: A safety device brakes an elevator car with a guide rail exhibiting an oblong guide flange. The safety device includes a base carrying a retaining element and an abutment with the guide flange positioned therebetween. A mechanism squeezes, when braking, a braking element blocking roller between the guide flange and the abutment. The mechanism, co-operating with an electromagnet, moves the braking element in a controlled way between different positions associated with different operating conditions of the safety device.

Abstract: A safety brake for braking a load receiving portion of an elevator has at least one brake wedge that penetrates a gap between a resiliently supported pressure body and a guide rail for the load receiving portion of the elevator and thereby generates a braking force. A stroke limiting device limits the penetration stroke of the brake wedge and controls the braking force in dependence on the retardation value of the load receiving portion of the elevator.

Abstract: A brake for a plunger of a hydraulic elevator is provided which in a preferred embodiment includes a pressure plate, a first brake ring, a wedge plate, a biasing spring and a fluid release actuator. The pressure plate is movable along an axis generally parallel with the axis of the plunger. The first brake ring encircles the plunger and has an inner surface for engagement with the plunger. The first brake ring also has a second surface for force engagement with the pressure plate. The first brake ring additionally has an outer wedge surface. The first wedge plate has a first wedge surface for engagement with the wedge surface of the first brake ring. The spring biases the pressure plate and wedge plate toward one another. The fluid release actuator urges the pressure plate away from the wedge plate. Upon release of the actuator relative movement of the pressure plate towards the first wedge plate causes the brake ring to circumferentially grip the plunger and prevent movement axial of the plunger.

Abstract: In an elevator emergency stop device wherein emergency stop of the elevator cage (20) is achieved by generating frictional force at a sliding part (11) and guide rail (1) by pressing a sliding part (11) against guide rail 1 using a wedge-shaped element (3), in wedge-shaped element (3), the dimension in the direction perpendicular with respect to the sliding faces on the guide rail (1) and sliding part (11) is changed in accordance with the braking force.

Abstract: A safety device to arrest movement of an elevator car guided by non-metallic guide rails employs a friction surface mounted on a wedge. The wedge is located in proximity to an angular horizontal locator when in the unengaged position. Upon activation of the wedge during an overspeed condition the horizontal locator urges the friction surface of the wedge into contact with the guide rail.

Abstract: A handicapped duck blind elevator system for elevating/lowering handicapped individuals to and from a conventional duck blind structure. The inventive device includes a support frame that is mounted adjacent a conventional duck blind, a lift cage frame slidably retained within the support frame, a winch attached to the support frame for elevating/lowering the lift cage frame, and a boat ramp positioned within a conventional duck boat. A first ramp is provided within the lift cage frame for loading/unloading an individual within a wheelchair from the boat ramp into the floor of the lift cage frame. A second ramp is provided within the lift cage frame for unloading/loading an individual within a wheelchair from the conventional duck blind.

Abstract: A breaking arrangement for elevating work platform includes a break body, a C-shaped receiving piece, a breaking unit, and a break released handle. The breaking arrangement allows only upward movement of the elevating work platform during normal operation, the construction workers can move downward after a break released handle is released. The breaking arrangement can further provided an emergency stop when failure occur in the main suspension cable or the winding machine, so that the elevating work platform would not slide down.

Abstract: A sliding safety gear designed to brake by gripping an elevator or counterweight guide rail includes a flexible frame surrounding the guide rail in the directions of the guiding surfaces of the guide rail. The frame is provided with a braking surface that meets a first guide surface of the guide rail when the sliding safety gear is braking. Attached to the frame is a force element that meets a second guide surface when the sliding safety gear is braking. The cross-section of the frame of the safety gear is substantially in the shape of the letter C. At least one of the ends of the jams of the C-shape is inside the C-shape.

Abstract: A boat lift locking apparatus is disclosed for releasably fastening a cable to a structural component of a boat lift. The apparatus includes a bracket secured to the structural component and having a channel, which has a relatively wide portion and a relatively narrow portion. A locking element is slidably mounted in the channel. The cable extends through the channel between the locking element and the bracket. The locking element is urged selectively toward the narrow portion of the channel to frictionally lock the cable between the locking element and the bracket and toward the wide portion of the channel to unlock the cable and permit the cable to slide longitudinally through the channel between the locking element and the bracket.

Abstract: Apparatus for braking relative vertical movement between two vertical members includes a ramp mounted on one of the members to oppose a vertical face on the other. If the ramp member accelerates downwardly a wedging roller is wedged between the ramp and the vertical face. This roller is on a slide rod which normally compresses a spring carried at the bottom of the ramp, but downward acceleration on the ramp results in expansion of the spring and movement of the wedging roller into wedging position to stop the acceleration.

Abstract: An overspeed brake mechanism for a storage and retrieval vehicle (SRV). The brake mechanism includes wedges acting between a brake block attached to the load carriage of the SRV and the mast of the SRV. The wedges are biased into engagement with the mast and are held out of engagement under normal operating conditions by electromagnets which apply an attractive force to the wedges, the electromagnets being de-energized by a control system responsive to an overspeed signal from a tachometer generator on the load carriage and having its input member in engagement with the mast. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, permanent magnets imbedded in the wedges bias the wedges into light contact with the mast to insure that there will be no lost motion between the wedges and the mast when the brake is activated.

Abstract: A safety gear e.g. for an elevator car or counterweight, comprises at least one wedge chamber (8) and at least one working wedge (9) acting on an elevator guide rail (30) and activated by a transmission element. For each working wedge (9), the safety gear has at least one counter wedge (10) moving along guide surfaces (14 and 39) provided in the wedge chamber (8). The counter wedge (10) of a working wedge (9) is on the same side of the guide rail as the working wedge (9) in question.

Abstract: A motion buffer for stopping a car traveling along a guide rail is provided, having a wedge and a biasing apparatus for biasing against the wedge. If the car travels far enough along the guide rail to encounter the wedge, the biasing apparatus becomes biased against the wedge, thereby stopping the car.