Abstract: A brake device for braking a traveling body movable along a guide rail in a movement direction includes a holder mounting a brake element that has a brake surface directed toward the guide rail, the brake element being movable relative to the holder between a free-running position and a braking position. A pretensioning element is activated to exert a force that moves the brake element toward the braking position. A release element holds the pretensioning element in a holding state and is activated into a released state to reconfigure the pretensioning element from a deactivated configuration into the activated configuration. A pressing element in an actuated state generates a force on the brake element in a direction toward the guide rail to enable a reset of the brake device.

Abstract: A car safety supervising unit (SSU) for an elevator having an elevator car displaceable within an elevator shaft includes at least one sensor for sensing car-related parameters and outputting corresponding car-related signals, an I/O interface for inputting input signals into the car SSU and for outputting output signals to external devices and a signal processing unit for processing at least one of the car-related signals and the input signals and for generating the output signals. In an installation operation mode, the signal processing unit processes exclusively the car-related signals and generates the output signals based exclusively on the car-related signals whereby the car SSU accomplishes basic safety functions for safely operating the elevator with a limited number of available sensors. In a normal operation mode, the signal processing unit processes both the car-related signals and the input signals and generates the output signals based on both.

Abstract: A method and device for safety braking an elevator having an upright guide rail wherein the device includes a housing having braking elements on both sides of and being movable along the guide rail, a safety restraint on both sides between the housing and the braking elements, and a clampable and lockable actuating device that unlocks and unclamps in response to a triggering event and brings the braking elements into braking engagement with the guide rail. The actuating device, when unclamped, develops a feed force and movement transverse to the guide rail longitudinal axis engaging the braking elements with the guide rail from a laterally distanced initial position, wherein the braking elements are entrained by frictional contact on the guide rail and enter the safety restraint, and wherein the actuating device is moved back into the initial position, clamped and locked by the braking elements located in the safety restraint.

Abstract: An elevator apparatus provided with a safety gear is disclosed which is adapted to prevent the turn-on of a brake state detection switch during power outage even while being operated by an electric actuator. This elevator apparatus includes: a safety gear 5 disposed at a car 1; and an electric actuator 3 for operating the safety gear. The elevator apparatus further includes a brake state detection switch 6 for detecting a brake state of the safety gear. The brake state detection switch is operated by a mechanism 8 which operates the safety gear with an operation of the electric actuator. The brake state detection switch is in an off state for a displacement of the mechanism during interruption of power supply. The brake state detection switch is turned on for the displacement of the mechanism during the brake of the safety gear.

Abstract: A governor assembly, an elevator safety device, and an elevator system. The governor assembly includes: a bracket; a rotatable rope sheave mounted on the bracket; and a centrifugal mechanism associated with the rope sheave, a plurality of centrifugal members being capable of unfolding under an inertial force associated with the speed of the rope sheave; the centrifugal mechanism includes: a plurality of centrifugal members pivotally connected to the rope sheave; and a retaining mechanism by which the plurality of centrifugal members are retained in a contraction position; the retaining mechanism is configured to retain the plurality of centrifugal members in the contraction position when the speed of the rope sheave increases to a first threshold with an acceleration smaller than a first acceleration.

Abstract: A method of resetting a braking device includes moving an elevator car upward, sliding a support member coupled to the braking device relative to the elevator car, and moving a brake wedge of the braking device along a sloped slide path.

Abstract: A traction assembly for terrestrial traction machines, which includes at least one gearmotor adapted to be associated with a track or wheel of the terrestrial traction machine, and a parking brake of an electromagnetic type which is associated with the gearmotor, and wherein the parking brake is of a multi-dry-disk type and is interposed between the driving component of the gearmotor and a speed limiter of the gearmotor.

Abstract: An electronic safety actuator assembly for an elevator system includes a safety case vertically moveable relative to an elevator car. Also included is a safety brake disposed within the safety case. Further included is an electromagnet operatively coupleable to the elevator car. Yet further included is a link member operatively coupleable to the elevator car and to the safety brake. Also included is a magnet disposed between the electromagnet and the safety case, the magnet vertically moveable relative to the elevator car, the electromagnet switchable between an energized condition and an un-energized condition, one of the energized condition and the un-energized condition magnetically attracting the magnet to the electromagnet, the other of the energized condition and the un-energized condition magnetically repulsing the magnet away from the electromagnet, repulsion of the magnet moving the safety brake from a non-braking position to a braking position.

Abstract: A lift has a guide, a lift cage which is movable along the guide, lift means for moving the lift cage along the guide, and a fall protection attached to the lift cage provided with coupling pawl (27) which triggers the fall protection device in the event of a downward movement speed of the lift cage, exceeds maximum value. The fall protection has two catches (37a), each of which is provided with a comb (45). These combs are coupled to one another such that when one of the catches comes into action the comb of this catch is activated and thereby activates the comb of the other catch which is the coupling pin (27) of this other capture and will bring this other catch into effect.

Abstract: Disclosed is a brake assembly for an elevator system, having: a housing defining a housing cavity, a housing forward end with a forward end opening into the housing cavity, and a housing aft end; a first magnet disposed in the housing cavity, near the forward end opening; a second magnet disposed in the housing cavity, between the first magnet and the housing aft end, and wherein the second magnet is configured to: reduce attraction between itself and the first magnet, whereby the first magnet moves at least partially through the forward end opening to engage a guide rail that is metallic, thereby preventing vertical movement of the first magnet of the brake assembly, when magnetically connected to the rail, relative to the housing; and attract the first magnet to draw the first magnet into the housing cavity.

Abstract: An overspeed emergency brake system includes an overspeed detector magnet generating a brake actuation force and a kinematic constraint element guiding the movement of the magnet. The magnet and a kinematic constraint element in the brake system are arranged such that a linear brake actuation force is generated at a normal operating speed condition (i.e in a first position of the magnet with respect to the kinematic constraint element), due to the movement of the kinematic constraint element when guiding the magnet along a reaction surface and the kinematic constraint element converts the linear speed-force relationship into a nonlinear speed-force relationship in an overspeed condition (i.e a second position), while the magnet translates with respect to the kinematic constraint element generating a sharply increasing force for triggering the overspeed emergency brake.

Abstract: An elevator car is provided and includes a car frame which translates along a guide rail during ascents or descents, a safety disposed along the car frame to selectively engage with the guide rail to selectively permit vertical elevator car movement, an electronic safety actuator (ESA) and a control system. The ESA actuates the safety and includes an ESA body secured to the car frame with horizontal maneuverability and defining a groove through which the guide rail translates during the vertical elevator car movement, a magnetic guide operably disposed within the groove to exert magnetic force on the guide rail and a sensor disposed within the groove to sense horizontal distance between the guide rail and corresponding portions of the ESA body. The control system controls the magnetic guide to exert a magnetic force in accordance with reading of the sensor to maneuver the ESA body horizontally.

Abstract: An emergency stop device for an elevator car, including: a link configured to be rotated about a rotary shaft installed on a car by movement of a speed governor rope; a rail stopper provided to one end of the link; a roller guide mounted to the car; and an elastic member provided between another end of the link and the car. The elastic member causes a spring reaction force to be reduced to bring the rail stopper into abutment against the roller guide even when the rail stopper is displaced by the link, when the displacement exceeds a preset threshold value due to further displacement by the link along with the movement of the speed governor rope at a time of occurrence of rope breakage.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a selectively operable safety brake including a magnetic brake operably coupled to a rod and disposed adjacent to a metal component, the magnetic brake configured to move between an engaging position and a non-engaging position, said magnetic brake, when in the engaging position contemporaneously with motion of the machine, moving the rod in to thereby move the safety brake from the non-braking state into the braking state, and an electromagnetic component including a retention apparatus, the electromagnetic component configured to move the magnetic brake from the engaging position to the non-engaging position upon receipt of a resetting signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic safety brake actuator (ESBA) for actuating an electronic brake, the ESBA having: a first member having a proximate side and a distal side spaced in a widthwise direction, a first nominal front surface and a first rear surface spaced in a depth-wise direction, and a first top surface and a first bottom surface spaced in a height-wise direction, a plurality of side members including a proximate member and a distal member, the proximate member disposed adjacent the proximate side of the first member and the distal member disposed adjacent the distal side of the first member, the first member being magnetic and the plurality of side members being at least partially non-magnetic, and the plurality of side members including a respective plurality of nominal front surfaces including a proximate front surface and a distal front surface, the plurality of nominal front surfaces being co-planar.

Abstract: In an elevator device, a lower portion safety device is installed in a lower portion of a car, and an upper portion safety device is installed in an upper portion of the car. A lower portion pull-up lever that activates the lower portion safety device when pulled up by a speed governor rope is provided in the lower portion safety device. An upper portion pull-up lever that activates the upper portion safety device when pulled up by the speed governor rope is provided in the upper portion safety device. A lower portion elastic body is provided between the lower portion pull-up lever and the speed governor rope. An upper portion elastic body is provided between the upper portion pull-up lever and the speed governor rope.

Abstract: In an elevator device, a lower portion safety device is installed in a lower portion of a car, and an upper portion safety device is installed in an upper portion of the car. A lower portion pull-up lever that activates the lower portion safety device when pulled up by a speed governor rope is provided in the lower portion safety device. An upper portion pull-up lever that activates the upper portion safety device when pulled up by the speed governor rope is provided in the upper portion safety device. A lower portion elastic body is provided between the lower portion pull-up lever and the speed governor rope. An upper portion elastic body is provided between the upper portion pull-up lever and the speed governor rope.

Abstract: A movable car mounted governor assembly for an elevator car is provided. The assembly includes a chassis releasably mounted to an upright of an elevator car and a governor operationally mounted to the chassis. The chassis is configured to move from a first position to a second position relative the upright, wherein in the first position the chassis is fixedly secured to the upright and in the second position the chassis is not fixedly secured to the upright.

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, an abnormal acceleration detecting mechanism detects abnormal acceleration of an ascending/descending body due to breakage of a suspending body, and activates a safety device. The abnormal acceleration detecting mechanism includes: an inertia sheave that is rotatable around a sheave shaft independently from an interlocking sheave; a pawl that is connected to the interlocking sheave and the inertia sheave, and that is displaceable between a normal position, and an activating position that displaces a movable shoe to a gripping position; and an elastic body that holds the pawl in the normal position by applying an initial pressure, and that also rotates the inertia sheave together with the interlocking sheave.

Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes an elevator car, a counterweight, roping coupling the elevator car and the counterweight, the roping supporting a load of the elevator car and the counterweight, and a plurality of safeties. The plurality of safeties includes a plurality of elevator car safeties supported for movement with the elevator car that are selectively actuated to engage a stationary surface to prevent movement of the elevator car. The plurality of safeties also includes a plurality of counterweight safeties supported for movement with the counterweight that are selectively actuated to engage a stationary surface to prevent movement of the counterweight. The safeties are configured for wireless communication causing essentially simultaneous actuation of the elevator car safeties and the counterweight safeties.

Abstract: An elevator car has a brake system with braking devices engaging braking webs integrated into guide rails to brake the car. The braking devices include a brake housing, a first brake body movable by contact with the braking web and relative movement between the braking web and the brake housing to clamp the brake web, and a pusher arranged on the brake housing with the braking web arranged between the first brake body and the pusher with a required passage clearance. The pusher can be advanced toward the first brake body and pressed against the braking web to forcibly bring the first brake body into contact with the braking web. A pressing lever pivotally mounted on the brake housing acts to press the pusher against the braking web.

Abstract: In an elevator installation an elevator cage is movable along at least two guide rails and the elevator cage is equipped with a braking system. An elevator braking device includes a brake element, a force store, which is constructed to press the brake element against the brake surface, and an actuator, which can act on the brake element. A method of operating the braking device includes the actuator pressing, in a first operational setting, the brake element against the force of the force store away from the brake surface or to hold it at a spacing therefrom, and the actuator freeing, in a second operational setting, the brake element and allowing the force store to press the brake element against the brake surface.

Abstract: A safety brake for an elevator system having at least one traveling body movable in an elevator shaft along a guide rail and/or a brake rail. The safety brake is suitable for braking and retaining the traveling body on the guide and/or brake rail as required. The safety brake includes a control plate for receiving a brake body and for positioning the brake body relative to the guide and/or brake rail. The brake body is designed in at least two pieces and includes a first brake element and a second brake element. The first brake element is solely for braking and retaining purposes when the traveling body is moving along the guide and/or brake rail in an upward direction, and the second brake element is solely for braking and retaining purposes when the traveling body is moving along the guide and/or the brake rail in a downward direction.

Abstract: A brake device for an elevator system with a travel body movable in an elevator shaft along a guide and/or brake rail brakes and retains the travel body on the rail as required. The brake device includes a control plate receiving a brake body and for positioning the brake body relative to the rail. The brake body has first and second brake elements pivoted about a common axis. The first brake element is for braking and retaining purposes when the travel body is moving along the rail in an upward direction, and the second brake element is for braking and retaining purposes when the travel body is moving along the rail in a downward direction.

Abstract: A device for reducing an actuation force spike in an elevator car safety system. The device includes an elevator car mounted overspeed governor, a safety gear, a safety lever, and a force reducing mechanism. The force reducing mechanism is connected in a series relationship with the safety lever between the overspeed governor and the safety gear.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing a lift in the tower of a wind turbine comprising a pneumatic fixture that is placed in the tower and attached to the lift. The pneumatic fixture has a pneumatic cylinder which is attached to the floor. In one embodiment, the cylinder is attached to the strap which is attached to the lift. In another embodiment, the cylinder is attached directly to the lift. The claimed method is a method for testing the safety breaking system in the lift using the pneumatic fixture.

Abstract: An exemplary elevator system includes an elevator car. A first governor sheave is supported on the elevator car for movement with the elevator car. The first governor sheave is supported for rotational movement relative to the elevator car responsive to movement of the elevator car. A first governor tripping mechanism is supported on the first governor sheave. The first governor tripping mechanism provides an indication to perform a first governor function for controlling the speed of the elevator car responsive to the elevator car moving at a speed above a first threshold speed. A second governor sheave is supported on the elevator car for movement with the elevator car and for rotational movement relative to the elevator car responsive to movement of the elevator car. A second governor tripping mechanism is supported on the second governor sheave.

Abstract: A variable valve system for an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of engine valves provided per one cylinder; a swing arm configured to perform an opening-and-closing operation of at least one of the plurality of engine valves by swinging about a fulcrum given by a support member; a variable lift mechanism configured to cause the swing arm to swing, and to vary a lift amount of the at least one of the plurality of engine valves; a valve stop mechanism provided for the at least one of the plurality of engine valves and configured to stop the opening-and-closing operation of the at least one of the plurality of engine valves by producing a lost motion of the support member; and an engine-speed limiting section configured to variably limit a maximum rotational speed of the internal combustion engine in accordance with a displacement amount of the lost motion.

Abstract: A device can actuate and reset a safety gear in an elevator system. The device contains a pressure accumulator, possibly a compression spring, which, in case of need, can move at least two engagement elements of the safety gear essentially synchronously into an engaged position, and a remotely actuatable resetting device, which can retension the pressure accumulator into a ready position.

Abstract: A mechanism for use in an elevator governor assembly including a ground configured to rotate about a ground axis, three or more circumferentially overlapping cams each pivotally attached to the ground at one of three or more ground pivot points radially spaced from the ground axis, and a plurality of links pivotally attaching the three or more cams to one another at a plurality of link pivot points. The circumferentially overlapping cams form a substantially contiguous circular ring about the ground axis. The interconnection of the ground, the cams, and the links form a generally circular mechanism.

Abstract: A speed limiter for an elevator system includes: at least one speed limiter wheel having a first radial cam with lobes, and at least a second, phase-shifted radial cam with lobes; a first mass, which is rotatably arranged in a first pivot bearing and which together with a first roller rolls on the first radial cam such that the first mass follows a first oscillating motion when the speed limiter wheel rotates; and a second mass, which is rotatably arranged in a second pivot bearing and which together with a second roller rolls on the second radial cam such that the second mass follows a second oscillating motion when the speed limiter wheel rotates.

Abstract: An elevator has a car, arranged to be moved along at least one guide rail in an elevator guide way, the car having a brake for braking the car movement by gripping the guide rail, the brake having a gripping device configured to grip the guide rail and exert a friction force thereon, and an adjusting device configured to adjust the gripping device with respect to its friction force exerted on the guide rails in case of braking. The adjusting device is configured to adjust the gripping device depending on the car position in the elevator guide way. With the above construction, emergency braking is allowed, particularly in higher and high rise elevators with a stopping distance which is mostly unaffected by the position of the elevator car in the guide way.

Abstract: An electromagnetic safety trigger 46 includes a link 72 kinematically connected to a safety 70A, 70B of an elevator system mass, such as an elevator car or counterweight. An electromagnet 76 mounted on a linear actuator 74 is magnetically coupled to the link 72, and a spring 78 is connected between the link 72 and the elevator mass. The electromagnet 76 can be triggered to release the link 72, which allows the spring 78 to move the link 72 to engage the safety 70A, 70B.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elevator provided with a safety gear arrangement, the elevator including at least an elevator car arranged to travel back and forth substantially vertically along guide rails, at least two safety gear mechanisms disposed in conjunction with the elevator car and at least one speed limiter, which includes at least a speed limiter pulley, a diverting pulley and a speed limiter rope fitted as a loop around at least the speed limiter pulley and the diverting pulley, the speed limiter rope being connected at least to a first safety gear mechanism. A second safety gear mechanism has been arranged to be triggered after the triggering of the first safety gear mechanism.

Abstract: A device for stopping an elevator car travelling up or down along guiderails installed in a hoistway includes a chassis mounted on a side of the car, and an overspeed governor, a guiding device and safety gear mounted on the chassis. The overspeed governor detects when a car overspeed is occurring. The guiding device guides the elevator car along a guiderail. The safety gear is vertically aligned with the guiding device on the chassis and stops the elevator car by frictionally engaging the elevator guiderail, which passes through a channel formed in each of the safety gear and the guiding device. The safety gear causes the elevator car to stop by frictionally engaging the guiderail when the overspeed governor detects a car overspeed is occurring.

Abstract: A tooling fixture positioning system for securing automotive body part components to create an automotive body. The tooling fixture positioning system comprises a plurality of pivot joint assemblies and link arms coupled together to facilitate supporting tooling fixtures in desired positions and orientations. Each pivot joint assembly includes a brake that selectively engages and disengages the pivot joint assembly for rotation about a respective axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an overspeed detection mechanism in lift apparatuses, safety device acting against overspeed and a lift apparatus, which detection mechanism can be assembled on a sheave or on the elevator car. It incorporates a wheel rotating according to the speed of the car and has pivoting arms swinging through the centrifugal force during the rotation of the wheel. It has magnetic means associated to the pivoting arms causing an attraction maintaining the position of the pivoting arms until the centrifugal force exceeds the attraction of the magnetic means. It incorporates a stop, belonging to a part external to the wheel against which the pivoting arm comes into contact when the centrifugal force generated on the pivoting arm due to the overspeed of the elevator car exceeds the attractive force of the magnetic means, starting the braking of the car.

Abstract: A tensioning sheave apparatus main body has a tensioning sheave around which the speed governor rope is wound. The tensioning sheave apparatus main body is suspended on the speed governor rope to apply tension. Vertical displacement of the tensioning sheave apparatus main body is guided by a tensioning sheave rail. A braking force generating apparatus suppresses upward displacement of the tensioning sheave apparatus main body by a braking force that is generated by gripping the tensioning sheave rail. The braking force generating apparatus allows the upward displacement of the tensioning sheave apparatus main body when the magnitude of an upward force that acts on the tensioning sheave apparatus main body is greater than or equal to a fixed value.

Abstract: A device can actuate and reset a safety gear in an elevator system. The device contains a pressure accumulator, possibly a compression spring, which, in case of need, can move at least two engagement elements of the safety gear essentially synchronously into an engaged position, and a remotely actuatable resetting device, which can retension the pressure accumulator into a ready position.

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 assembly (20) for controlling movement of an elevator car (12), which includes a sheave (18), a first mass (32a, 48a), a second mass (32b, 48b), and a coupler (54) that provides a releasable non-elastic connection between the masses. The sheave (18) is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation (30) at a velocity related to a velocity of the elevator car (12). The first (32a, 48a) and second (32b, 48b) masses are attached to the sheave (18) at first and second pivot points (42a, 42b) radially spaced from the sheave axis of rotation (30). The coupler (54) that provides the releasable non-elastic connection between the first (32a, 48a) and second (32b, 48b) masses is configured to prevent pivotal movement of the masses at sheave angular velocities less than a first velocity and to permit pivotal movement of the masses at velocities greater than the first velocity.

Abstract: An electromagnetic safety trigger 46 includes a link 72 kinematically connected to a safety 70A, 70B of an elevator system mass, such as an elevator car or counterweight. An electromagnet 76 mounted on a linear actuator 74 is magnetically coupled to the link 72, and a spring 78 is connected between the link 72 and the elevator mass. The electromagnet 76 can be triggered to release the link 72, which allows the spring 78 to move the link 72 to engage the safety 70A, 70B.

Abstract: An elevator governor capable of setting first overspeeds different between a rising time and a descending time by a simple configuration and at a low cost without the need for electric power supply from the outside. For this purpose, a weight that is moved in a predetermined direction by receiving a centrifugal force according to a travel speed at the rising time and the descending time of a car, an elastic body urged by movement of the weight having received the centrifugal force, and an actuating device actuates a stop switch when the weight having received the centrifugal force moves to a predetermined position against an urging force of the elastic body are provided, and also a switching device driven by the rising/descending operation of the car is provided. By the switching device, the length of the elastic body at the time when the actuating devices actuates the stop switch is switched to a length different according to the rising/descending direction of the car.

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 braking device for an elevated platform assembly comprising a platform moveable along a generally vertical mast supporting an upright rack comprises an input gear assembly in mating engagement with the rack, a centrifugal actuator communicating with the input assembly and a spring-loaded brake responsive to the centrifugal actuator. The spring-loaded brake engages the rack and arrests the platform when the platform descends the mast at a rate above an upper threshold limit.

Abstract: In an emergency brake device for an elevator, a pair of pivot levers are pivotably provided to a car. Each pivot member is provided with each of a plurality of wedges that can be brought into and out of contact with a car guide rail as the pivot member pivots. A connecting member is connected between the pivot levers. The car is mounted with an electromagnetic actuator for displacing the connecting member in a reciprocating manner so as to pivot the pivot levers in a direction for bringing each wedge into and out of contact with the car guide rail. The electrical actuator is actuated when inputted with an actuating signal from an output portion mounted in a control panel.

Abstract: An apparatus in an elevator for detecting and stopping an uncontrolled movement of the car when a machine brake intended to keep the elevator car immovable is on. The apparatus comprises a motion detector (1) for detecting movement of the car (2) and the length of the movement when the machine brake is on (10), a stopping device (3) for stopping an uncontrolled movement of the car, and limit and control means (4) for defining an allowed car movement and controlling the operation of the stopping device according to information obtained from the motion detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elevator provided with a safety gear arrangement, the elevator including at least an elevator car arranged to travel back and forth substantially vertically along guide rails, at least two safety gear mechanisms disposed in conjunction with the elevator car and at least one speed limiter, which includes at least a speed limiter pulley, a diverting pulley and a speed limiter rope fitted as a loop around at least the speed limiter pulley and the diverting pulley, the speed limiter rope being connected at least to a first safety gear mechanism. A second safety gear mechanism has been arranged to be triggered after the triggering of the first safety gear mechanism.

Abstract: In an emergency stop system for an elevator, a governor sheave that moves in synchronism with the raising and lowering of a car is wound around a governor sheave. The car is mounted with a safety device for braking the car through displacement of the car, which is connected to the governor rope, with respect to the governor rope. A control device outputs an activation signal upon detecting an abnormality in the speed of the car. A rope catching device is provided in the vicinity of the governor sheave. The rope catching device has an electromagnetic actuator that is activated upon input of the activation signal, and a restraining portion for restraining the governor rope upon the activation of the electromagnetic actuator.

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).