Actuated By Load Support Speed Governor Or Sensor Patents (Class 187/373)
  • Publication number: 20090178889
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety arrangement of an elevator system and to a method for ensuring safety in an elevator system. The safety arrangement comprises at least one mechanical stopping appliance and the control of the safety arrangement comprises at least one limit value that sets the speed, deceleration or permitted vertical distance from the door zone of the elevator car. In the method for ensuring safety in an elevator system at least one mechanical stopping appliance is fitted to the safety arrangement of the elevator system and at least one limit value that sets the speed, deceleration or permitted vertical distance from the door zone of the elevator car is set for the control of the safety arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ari HARKONEN, Sakari KORVENRANTA, Ari KATTAINEN, Timo SYRMAN, Hannu AHRNBERG, Risto JOKINEN
  • Patent number: 7537090
    Abstract: A method for tripping safety gear of an elevator, at a speed lower than a gripping speed of the elevator may include: slowing a rope sheave of an overspeed governor of the elevator using a device adapted to slow the rope sheave; disconnecting an actuator connected to the overspeed governor from movement of the rope sheave when the device slows the rope sheave; and tripping the safety gear in an overspeed situation using a rope driving the overspeed governor via the rope sheave. An appliance for tripping safety gear of an elevator may include: an overspeed governor; a rope sheave of the overspeed governor; a device adapted to slow the rope sheave; and an actuator connected to the overspeed governor that is arranged to disconnect from movement of the rope sheave when the device adapted to slow the rope sheave acts to slow the movement of the rope sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventor: Teuvo Väntänen
  • Publication number: 20090014253
    Abstract: A braking mechanism (10) for the moving structure (22) of a moving assembly comprises an elongated member (28) provided with a scroll (34) for mating engagement with coupling means (46) formed on a ring (44) which is freely capable of rotating around the member (28) and therealong during normal operation of the relevant moving structure (22). The ring (44) is included within a guide structure (36) attached to the moving structure (22) and also comprising an engagement element (42) with which the ring (44) engages when the moving structure (22) exceeds a predetermined speed. A bearing (40) is associated with the guide structure (36) and provided on and around the engagement element (42) for the ring (44) in order to facilitate travel along the elongated member (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Louis Morrissette
  • Patent number: 7475756
    Abstract: In relation with this mechanism for stopping an elevator car is, for the monitoring of the speed of the elevator car, an overspeed governor provided which works based on the swing lever principle, whereby the movement of the elevator car will be transferred by means of a governor rope to the overspeed governor. The governor rope extends itself over the entire shaft height and will be returned at the lower shaft end by means of a deflection sheave and stretched by means of counterweight as well as guided at the upper shaft end over a pulley of the overspeed governor. The ends of the governor rope are fastened on a release mechanics arranged on the elevator car and such release mechanics operates in an emergency a safety gear arranged on the elevator car. With the overspeed of the elevator car a rope brake is released upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Julien Maury, Stefan Hugel
  • Publication number: 20080296097
    Abstract: Guide-rail brake (1) of an elevator and method for controlling the brake, which brake comprises a frame part fixed to the elevator car, and a prong part, which contains turning jaws (3,4) that correspond to the guide rail (2) via the braking surfaces when braking, a spring (10) loading the prong part to press the braking surfaces to the guide rail, a controllable mover, which is an electromagnet (15), which electromagnet (15) contains two pulling core pieces (17,18), the force effect of which electromagnet (15) on the prong part is opposed to the spring. In the guide-rail brake an air gap (ag) is structurally arranged between the center parts (19,20) of the pulling core pieces (17, 18) of the electromagnet of the guide-rail brake when the brake is fully energized, and a damping circuit is arranged in the coil (16) of the electromagnet (15) of the guide-rail brake to speed up operation of the guide-rail brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timo SYRMAN, Tomi TORTTILA
  • Publication number: 20080271961
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: HYDRO-MOBILE INC.
    Inventor: Gerard Noel
  • Publication number: 20080245617
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Madoz Michaus, Anartz Alonso Maritxalar, Felix Martinez Noguera
  • Publication number: 20080135342
    Abstract: The invention relates to an elevator unit comprising an elevator car which is movable in an elevator shaft and is equipped with a braking device and a catching device encompassing catching elements. The elevator unit further comprises a system for detecting signals used for determining an absolute position of the elevator car, a control circuit for detecting signals used for determining the speed or deceleration of the elevator car, and a circuit for evaluating the signals of the detection system and the control circuit. Based on the input signals, the evaluation circuit evaluates whether the speed of the elevator car lies within a predefined interval in the determined position and causes the braking device to be actuated via a first output of the evaluation circuit and/or the catching device to be triggered via a second output of the evaluation circuit according to the result of the evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Gerhard Thumm
  • Publication number: 20080128217
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device, a method and a system for improving the safety system of an elevator. The safety system of the invention comprises an electric safety device, which monitors the velocity and position of the elevator in the elevator shaft. The safety device is e.g. a computer that is able to stop the elevator, using the brake of the hoisting machine or an optional car brake. The basic idea of the safety system of the invention is to form a continuous limit curve for control of elevator speed. The limit curve defines the limits of allowed elevator motion, which are determined on the basis of the nominal speed of the elevator and the location of the car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Ari Kattainen, Timo Laasonen, Matti Rasanen
  • Patent number: 7299898
    Abstract: A progressive safety device for an elevator includes a brake unit and an actuating unit. The brake unit has a first brake shoe with first spring assemblies and a triangular rotatable support with second and third brake shoes. The actuating unit has an electromagnetic actuator with a locking bolt, a guide bolt with a coaxial compression spring and an actuating arm. On actuation, the compression spring moves the actuating arm against a guide rail whereby grooves on the actuating arm create a frictional engagement with the guide rail turning the actuating arm about a swivel bearing and through a follower turning the support. With the turning motion and the engagement of one of the second and third brake shoes with the guide rail, the first brake shoe is guided against the guide rail and generates the necessary braking force on the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Josef Husmann
  • Patent number: 7267201
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazumasa Ito
  • Patent number: 7137484
    Abstract: A safety system for restraining movement of an elevator car employing a bi-directional safety and an associated car mounted governor with a linkage, between the governor and the elevator car door, including a brake cable and clutch, wherein the governor would operate normally when the elevator car door is closed to set the safety in the event overspeed in either direction. When the door is open more than two (2) inches, for example, the governor would set the safety in the event the car moved more than a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Matthew Martin
  • Patent number: 7134529
    Abstract: A safety device includes a trigger mechanism for triggering a braking wedges attached to first and second double levers to stop an elevator car. A retaining spring detents with a pin on the first double lever and a tension spring engages either the first double lever or the second double lever. The retaining spring maintains the double levers unactuated during normal operation of the elevator and the spring element actuates the double levers after an actuation of the trigger mechanism by a speed limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Julien Maury
  • Patent number: 7131517
    Abstract: A bi-directional safety mechanism used in an elevator safety device and which produces a gradual catch on a guide rail. The bi-directional safety device has a roller and two hinged rectangular frames, each having a friction element. One hinged rectangular frame is disposed above the roller and the other hinged rectangular frame is disposed below the roller with both hinged rectangular frames on the same side of the guide rail. In addition, a set of fixed brakes are disposed on the other side of the guide rail and opposite to the hinged rectangular frames, preventing this system from marking the guide rail during the braking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Dynatech Dynamics & Technology, S.L.
    Inventor: Francisco de Asis Mateo Mur
  • Patent number: 7128189
    Abstract: A tripping device for engaging an elevator lift cage safety brake has actuating levers arranged at a rotary axle for engaging safety brake wedges of the safety braking device. Each actuating lever has a longitudinal slot matched to the diameter of the rotary axle, wherein the actuating lever is freely movable in the direction of the rotary axle and in the direction of the length of the actuating lever. A torsion spring fixes the actuating lever about the rotary axle. One spring end presses the actuating lever downwardly, wherein the movement of the actuating lever is limited by a lower abutment. The other spring end is detachably connected to a support. An upper abutment limits the movement of the actuating lever upwardly. The lower abutment and the upper abutment are each held at a respective end of a T-shaped shackle, wherein the shackle is fixedly connected to the rotary axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Julien Maury, Stefan Hugel, Peter Aeschlimann
  • Patent number: 7073632
    Abstract: A safety system for an elevator car which will prevent movement of the elevator car should the car drift beyond a predetermined distance from the hoistway sill with the car door in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Invento AG
    Inventor: Matthew Martin
  • Patent number: 6988593
    Abstract: A centrifugally activated device for controlling the speed of movement of an elevator cab includes the capability of controlling upward and downward movement. A first stopping device is associated with at least one elevator sheave. A second stopping device preferably is supported on an opposite side of the same sheave. The second stopping device preferably includes centrifugally activated components such as a latch member that moves from a first position into a second, stopping position responsive to an undesirably high speed of upward movement of the elevator cab. The centrifugally activated components preferably include a latch member that is rotatably supported on the sheave and has an engaging member at one end that engages a cooperating stop surface near the sheave to prevent the sheave from further rotation upon the sheave reaching an undesirably high rate of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Luis Martí Sánchez, Fernando Del Rio Sanz, Fernando Santos Cosgaya
  • Patent number: 6860161
    Abstract: The displacement of a shackle, which is coupled with a main rope hanging an elevator car, caused by loading of the car, is converted, through a wire, into the rotary motion of a pulley which has a substantially vertical rotating surface, and an acceleration sensor for detecting the angle of rotation of the pulley is fixedly secured to the pulley, so that the load of the car is detected from the angle of rotation of the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeki Yamakawa, Kazuhiro Horizaki
  • Patent number: 6851520
    Abstract: A hoisting machine includes a stationary part having a shank and a stationary frame integrally formed with the shank, and a motor stator provided to the stationary frame. A rotary part includes a rotary frame rotatably supported to the shank through a bearing and facing the stationary frame, a sheave integrally formed with the rotary frame on the side opposite to the stationary frame, a motor rotator arranged at the outer periphery of the rotary frame and facing the motor stator, and a brake wheel integrally formed with the rotary frame and having a larger diameter than that of the sheave. A braking device is mounted to the stationary frame and coming in contact with the brake wheel for braking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Meidensha
    Inventors: Koji Nagata, Yukimasa Hisamitsu
  • Patent number: 6830132
    Abstract: A brake device for elevator, including a hollow box-shaped elevator car (1) for holding the passenger or luggage; block (5) having a pair of guide rails (6) for guiding upwards and downwards the elevator car (1); a plurality of racks (4) disposed at the block (5) along the lifting direction in vertical; at least one motor (2) tooth-engaged with at least one pinion (2a) at the racks (4), for lifting upwards and downwards the elevator car (1), clutch (12) for controlling power transmission to connect a driving shaft (19) to a driven shaft (20) when the pinions (11) engaged with the racks (4) are rotated at high speed due to elevator crash; hydraulic pump (15) for generating hydraulic pressure from power transmission through a plurality of transmission gears (13) when the clutch (12) delivers rotation; and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (17) for braking the elevator by brake pad (18) in tight coupled with the guide rails (6) by hydraulic power from the hydraulic pump (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignees: Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency, Leesung Construction
    Inventors: Shin-joon Kang, Chae-Min Hong, Jong-Myeon Kim, Jong-Soon Kim, Jong-Soo Kim
  • Publication number: 20040178023
    Abstract: A safety device includes a trigger mechanism for triggering a braking wedges attached to first and second double levers to stop an elevator car. A retaining spring detents with a pin on the first double lever and a tension spring engages either the first double lever or the second double lever. The retaining spring maintains the double levers unactuated during normal operation of the elevator and the spring element actuates the double levers after an actuation of the trigger mechanism by a speed limiter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Julien Maury
  • Publication number: 20040149524
    Abstract: A lower rate of wear of brake blocks and a speed limiter cable for a lift speed limiter brake apparatus and thus a longer service life can be achieved with a cable brake having brake blocks of different materials. In a preferred embodiment, one of the brake blocks is of aluminium-bronze and the other brake block is of nodular cast iron or soft cast iron. In further embodiments, one or both of the brake blocks may be formed of a ceramic-containing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Mori, Walter Windlin
  • Patent number: 6752246
    Abstract: In a speed governor linkage mechanism that is displaced by centrifugal force acting on rotary weights, a balancing weight is provided in addition to speed adjustment spring for generating balancing force in opposition to the centrifugal force. When the speed of the cage is less than a prescribed speed, restraint of movement of the speed governor linkage mechanism is performed solely by the balancing force produced by balancing weight but when the speed of the cage exceeds said prescribed speed, restraint of movement of the speed governor linkage mechanism is performed by both the balancing force produced by the balancing weight and the balancing force produced by the speed adjustment spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Toshiba Elevator Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Takai, Hidehiko Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6691834
    Abstract: A centrifugally activated device for controlling the speed of movement of an elevator cab includes the capability of controlling upward and downward movement. A first stopping device is associated with at least one elevator sheave. A second stopping device preferably is supported on an opposite side of the same sheave. The second stopping device preferably includes centrifugally activated components such as a latch member that moves from a first position into a second, stopping position responsive to an undesirably high speed of upward movement of the elevator cab. The centrifugally activated components preferably include a latch member that is rotatably supported on the sheave and has an engaging member at one end that engages a cooperating stop surface near the sheave to prevent the sheave from further rotation upon the sheave reaching an undesirably high rate of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Luis Martí Sánchez, Fernando Del Rio Sanz, Fernando Santos Cosgaya
  • Publication number: 20030226718
    Abstract: A tripping device for engaging an elevator lift cage safety brake has actuating levers arranged at a rotary axle for engaging safety brake wedges of the safety braking device. Each actuating lever has a longitudinal slot matched to the diameter of the rotary axle, wherein the actuating lever is freely movable in the direction of the rotary axle and in the direction of the length of the actuating lever. A torsion spring fixes the actuating lever about the rotary axle. One spring end presses the actuating lever downwardly, wherein the movement of the actuating lever is limited by a lower abutment. The other spring end is detachably connected to a support. An upper abutment limits the movement of the actuating lever upwardly. The lower abutment and the upper abutment are each held at a respective end of a T-shaped shackle, wherein the shackle is fixedly connected to the rotary axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: Julien Maury, Stefan Hugel, Peter Aeschlimann
  • Patent number: 6659230
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an overspeed governor for a stairlift and is characterised in that it can operate in two opposite directions. This means that the same device can be fitted to stairlifts regardless of whether the stairlift installation is left or right handed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Stannah Stairlifts Limited
    Inventor: Martyn Harry Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6631789
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for braking a tractor sheave elevator. In an emergency situation, the elevator braking is complimented by using a second braking device not connected to the traction sheave. A secondary braking can be accomplished by applying a braking force to the elevator ropes or guide rail. If the secondary brake is applied first, the ropes will not slip on the traction sheave when the primary brake is applied. Alternatively, slippage may be allowed to occur in order to distribute the heat produced by braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Johannes de Jong, Esko Aulanko, Ilkka Lempiö
  • Publication number: 20030183457
    Abstract: In relation with this mechanism for stopping an elevator car is, for the monitoring of the speed of the elevator car, an overspeed governor provided which works based on the swing lever principle, whereby the movement of the elevator car will be transferred by means of a governor rope to the overspeed governor. The governor rope extends itself over the entire shaft height and will be returned at the lower shaft end by means of a deflection sheave and stretched by means of counterweight as well as guided at the upper shaft end over a pulley of the overspeed governor. The ends of the governor rope are fastened on a release mechanics arranged on the elevator car and such release mechanics operates in an emergency a safety gear arranged on the elevator car. With the overspeed of the elevator car a rope brake is released upwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Julien Maury, Stefan Hugel
  • Patent number: 6619435
    Abstract: A device for preventing uncontrolled acceleration of an elevator car installed in an elevator installation. The device has a limiting cable guided over rollers in a direction of movement of the elevator car. A braking device which is joined to the elevator car is connected to the limiting cable by a release and brakes the elevator car in both a downward and upward direction when the limiting cable transmits a predetermined release force to the release. A speed limiter is connected to one of the rollers and stops the roller when the traveling speed of the elevator car exceeds a predetermined limiting speed either in a downward or upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Franz Watzke, Hartmut Liebig
  • Publication number: 20030106747
    Abstract: An elevator including a movable unit, such as a passenger cage or a counterweight balancing the passenger cage, configured to ascend and descend in an elevator shaft by operation of a drive unit, and a governor configured to detect the speed of the movable unit to effect an emergency stop of the movable unit, the governor being fixed by means of a support member to a guide rail extending along the elevator shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Hirotada Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6564907
    Abstract: An elevator including a cage configured to ascend and descend along a guide rail in an elevator shaft, a drive unit configured to move the cage up and down, and an emergency stop device configured to urgently stop the cage when the cage descends at an extraordinary speed. The emergency stop device including an emergency stop mechanism provided at a lower end portion of the cage and configured to engage the guide rail, thereby urgently stopping the cage, a link mechanism provided at the lower end portion of the cage so as to be located close to the emergency stop mechanism and configured to actuate the emergency stop mechanism on receiving an external input, and a speed detector configured to detect the descent of the cage at the extraordinary speed and correspondingly to apply the external input to the link mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hirotada Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20030085078
    Abstract: A safety brake device has a setting device moving an abutment or a housing to limit movement of brake wedges engaging a guide rail which limits a braking force applied by the brake wedges. The setting device can continuously adjust the braking force limit in dependence on a magnitude of a mass to be braked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Oliver Simmonds, Stefan Hugel, Julien Maury, Peter Mori, Peter Aeschlimann
  • Publication number: 20030062224
    Abstract: An improvement for lift equipment having a lift cage and a counterweight movable in a lift shaft with travel buffers at at least one end permits override of safety brake operation when buffer travel occurs. The invention comprises a blocking device which blocks operation of the safety brake, and may include a blocking lever connected to a trip lever mechanism of the safety brake and a blocking element which controls the movement of the blocking lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Julien Maury, Stefan Hugel
  • Publication number: 20030042079
    Abstract: A centrifugally activated device for controlling the speed of movement of an elevator cab includes the capability of controlling upward and downward movement. A first stopping device is associated with at least one elevator sheave. A second stopping device preferably is supported on an opposite side of the same sheave. The second stopping device preferably includes centrifugally activated components such as a latch member that moves from a first position into a second, stopping position responsive to an undesirably high speed of upward movement of the elevator cab. The centrifugally activated components preferably include a latch member that is rotatably supported on the sheave and has an engaging member at one end that engages a cooperating stop surface near the sheave to prevent the sheave from further rotation upon the sheave reaching an undesirably high rate of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Luis Marti Sanchez, Fernando Del Rio Sanz, Fernando Santos Cosgaya
  • Publication number: 20030024771
    Abstract: In a speed governor linkage mechanism that is displaced by centrifugal force acting on rotary weights, a balancing weight is provided in addition to speed adjustment spring for generating balancing force in opposition to the centrifugal force. When the speed of the cage is less than a prescribed speed, restraint of movement of the speed governor linkage mechanism is performed solely by the balancing force produced by balancing weight but when the speed of the cage exceeds said prescribed speed, restraint of movement of the speed governor linkage mechanism is performed by both the balancing force produced by the balancing weight and the balancing force produced by the speed adjustment spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Toshiba Elevator Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Takai, Hidehiko Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6478117
    Abstract: A machineroomless elevator system (10) has a controller (32)and a governor (38) positioned in the hoistway (12) at the top floor level (28), such that the controller (32) and the governor (38) are both positioned between the front wall (14) of the hoistway (12) and an elevator car guide rail (34) positioned on a sidewall (18) of the hoistway (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Bruce P. Swaybill
  • Publication number: 20020125078
    Abstract: An elevator including a movable unit, such as a passenger cage or a counterweight balancing the passenger cage, configured to ascend and descend in an elevator shaft by operation of a drive unit, and a governor configured to detect the speed of the movable unit to effect an emergency stop of the movable unit, the governor being fixed by means of a support member to a guide rail extending along the elevator shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Hirotada Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20020117357
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Stefan Hugel
  • Patent number: 6360848
    Abstract: A vertical reciprocating conveyor having a safety mechanism for automatically locking the carriage of the conveyor at an elevated level upon uncontrolled vertical movement of the carriage. The conveyor includes a safety mechanism having a locking device mounted onto the movable carriage. The locking device includes a safety cam that is movable between an engaging position and a non-engaging position, such that when the safety cam is in the engaging position, the safety cam prevents the carriage from moving along the vertical support columns. The safety mechanism further includes a speed-sensing device that detects the speed of vertical movement of the carriage. When the speed of the conveyor exceeds an upper speed limit, the speed-sensing device releases the locking device. The speed-sensing device includes a cylindrical housing having a weighted shaft that slides into and out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Pflow Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gene M. Barth
  • Patent number: 6360847
    Abstract: An elevator system and a speed governor detecting first over-speeds of different values set for different moving directions of an elevator car. The speed governor includes a fly weight speed governing mechanism on a sheave on which a speed governing rope is wound and operates in both ascending and descending modes of the elevator car, and a fly ball speed governing mechanism coupled with a horizontal shaft of the sheave via a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism transmits the torque of the sheave to a second shaft of the fly ball speed governing mechanism when the sheave rotates in a forward direction, and disengages the transmission of the torque to the second shaft when the sheave rotates in a reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mineo Okada, Yoshikatsu Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6345696
    Abstract: An elevator speed governor includes a motion converter for converting a traveling speed of a traveling section of an elevator into a rotational speed; an overspeed sensor for sensing a rotational speed not less than a predetermined speed; and an overspeed detector for detecting an overspeed of the traveling section to stop the traveling section, wherein the motion converter includes permanent magnets supported by a rotating shaft of the motion converter so that the magnets rotate with the rotating shaft. An eddy current is generated according to the traveling speed in an electric induction conductor arranged in a traveling direction of the traveling section of the elevator. A rotational torque is generated in the rotating shaft by interaction between the eddy current and the magnetic flux produced by the permanent magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Yumura
  • Publication number: 20010045329
    Abstract: A machineroomless elevator system (10) has a controller (32)and a governor (38) positioned in the hoistway (12) at the top floor level (28), such that the controller (32) and the governor (38) are both positioned between the front wall (14) of the hoistway (12) and an elevator car guide rail (34) positioned on a sidewall (18) of the hoistway (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: BRUCE SWAYBILL
  • Patent number: 6318506
    Abstract: An elevator system that includes a cab unit is connected by a hoisting system to a counterweight unit so that both units move at the same speed over vertical rails. A single governor rope is trained in an endless loop between an upper drive sheave and a lower tensioning sheave so that a pair of vertically disposed parallel runs of rope pass between the units. A bidirectional governor brake is arranged to retard the ropes speed when an over speed condition is encountered. Safeties associated with both units are connected to the opposite runs of the governor rope and are tripped when the governor rope is braked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Luis Marté, Andres Monzón, Emilio Fernández-Salinero
  • Patent number: 6318507
    Abstract: An emergency stop apparatus for an elevator having a simple structure as well as effectiveness, which may facilitate to reduce manufacturing and maintaining cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: LG Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyun Ho Jin
  • Publication number: 20010040071
    Abstract: An elevator including a movable unit, such as a passenger cage or a counterweight balancing the passenger cage, configured to ascend and descend in an elevator shaft by operation of a drive unit, and a governor configured to detect the speed of the movable unit to effect an emergency stop of the movable unit, the governor being fixed by means of a support member to a guide rail extending along the elevator shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: HIROTADA SASAKI
  • Patent number: 6296080
    Abstract: In an elevator safety braking device, a variable traction mechanism in a rotary actuator allows the drive wheels of the rotary actuator to operate at a reduced preload during normal elevator operation. When engaging, a higher preload is necessary. In the event of safety braking, the variable traction mechanism increases the preload on the drive wheel to ensure timely and proper safety engagement. The variable traction mechanism therefore allows the drive wheels to be subjected to a reduced preload during normal operation, thus relaxing the design criteria for the drive wheels while maintaining reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: James M. Draper, Richard E. Kulak
  • Patent number: 6227334
    Abstract: In a method for checking and adjusting an elevator governor which includes an emergency stop switch 20a) for tuning off the power supply of an elevator hoist to brake it; first and second fixed conductive guide rails (18) extending vertically the entire length of an elevator hoistway; an emergency brake (31) attached to an elevator car assembly containing an elevator car and a balance weight balancing therewith, for grabbing the first fixed conductive guide rail (18) to brake the elevator car assembly by friction; a magnet assembly (16) mounted on the elevator car such that it is displaced by an eddy current induced based on the relative speed between the second fixed conductive guide rail and the magnet assembly disposed opposite thereto; and an emergency stop mechanism for actuating the emergency brake (31) upon detecting that the displacement of the magnet assembly (16) has reached displacement corresponding to a critical speed critical; a pseudo speed generator, which generates speed by straight-line moti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Yumura, Mineo Okada
  • Patent number: 6161653
    Abstract: A ropeless governor system is provided for governing the speed of an elevator car (2) in the event of an overspeed condition. An actuator for a safety device (30) is positioned in close proximity to an elevator rail (14) and activated to come into contact and provide a dragging force against the rail in the event of an overspeed condition. The ropeless governor is coupled to an elevator safety braking system (26, 28) such that the dragging force activates the safety brakes. A safety controller (91) is used to determine if the speed of the elevator car has exceeded a predetermined threshold level and to produce a triggering signal (96) to operate the ropeless governor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Clement Alexander Skalski, Richard Calcasola, Samuel C. Wan
  • Patent number: 6092630
    Abstract: An arresting brake device with triggering equipment for elevators provides different braking effect in upward and downward directions of travel. The device includes a tiltable rocker, as a barrier element, provided with an articulated two-point bearing in yielding joint pans. The rocker is operatively connected with a movable brake shoe and is, on actuation by triggering equipment, tilted by entraining members up to an abutment beyond or ahead of its dead center according to the direction of travel of an elevator car in upward or downward directions. By the tilting movement, one or the other yielding joint pan is pushed against a biased adjustable compression spring and the movable brake shoe and a fixed brake shoe are accordingly urged against a guide rail. The compression springs, which are arranged in a spring block, can each be biased separately in a variable manner by a respective setting screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Peter Wendel, Theodor Wuest, Herbert Bachmann, Josef Muff
  • Patent number: 6085873
    Abstract: A pneumatically operated elevator has a pair of elongated vertical tubular cylindrical shafts and horizontally extending cross-over shafts extending between the vertical shafts adjacent their upper and lower ends to provide a substantially closed system. A cab is disposed within one of the vertical shafts, and a fan in at least one of the cross-over shafts moves air between the ends of the shafts to produce a pressure differential above and below the cab to cause the cab to move upwardly and downwardly in the one shaft. At least one vent is provided to admit air into at least one of the shafts to compensate for leakage from the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Anselmo John Macchi