Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a method for controlling an elevator system. The method comprises causing transmission of radio frequency signals with at least one radio frequency sensor attached to at least one element movable in an elevator shaft of an elevator system, receiving, from the at least one radio frequency sensor measurement data representing radio frequency signals reflected from at least one object and captured with the at least one radio frequency sensor, causing identification, based on the measurement data, of at least one object; and controlling operation of the elevator system in response to identifying the at least one object based on the measurement data.

Abstract: A safety inspection system of an occupant evacuation elevator capable of having a laser range finder installed on each of an elevator rope and an elevator guide rail of the occupant evacuation elevator of a skyscraper and checking a length and verticality of each of the elevator rope and the elevator guide rail measured from the laser range finder to monitor slight distortion or location variation in real time, and accordingly, capable of easily performing a safety inspection of the occupant evacuation elevator, capable of performing the safety inspection of the occupant evacuation elevator in real time to operate the occupant evacuation elevator again in an operation mode of the occupant evacuation elevator according to an occurrence of a disaster situation in the skyscraper, and accordingly, capable of safely and quickly evacuating occupants and a method thereof are provided.

Abstract: There is provided an auto detection system including a thermal detection device and a host. The host controls an indication device to indicate a prompt message or detection results according to a slope variation of voltage values or 2D distribution of temperature values detected by the thermal detection device, wherein the voltage values include the detected voltage of a single pixel or the sum of detected voltages of multiple pixels of a thermal sensor.

Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator sheave wear monitoring device includes at least one detector situated to detect a position of elevator roping that is indicative of a condition of a sheave that the roping at least partially wraps around, the at least one detector providing an output corresponding to the detected position of the elevator roping and indicating an amount of wear of the sheave that exceeds at least one threshold.

Abstract: A safety control device applicable to an elevator system including an elevator car driven in an elevator shaft by means of a drive device, said safety control device comprising at least one sensor configured to detect, in the elevator shaft, a presence of an object in at least one specified area of the elevator shaft, and a controller configured to receive and process a signal of the at least one sensor indicating a detection result, and to conduct, when the detection result indicates the presence of an object in the at least one specified area of the elevator shaft, a safety procedure in which a switch from a normal drive control of the drive unit to a safety drive control is executed in which a target value set for the speed of the elevator car is decreased.

Abstract: Elevator systems including an elevator car moveable within an elevator shaft, the elevator car having a first elevator car component, the first elevator car component having a first side facing an interior of the elevator car and a second side opposite from the first side and a structural sound-generation system. The structural sound-generation system having at least one audio actuator coupled to the second side of the first elevator car component and an audio system controller in communication with the at least one audio actuator. The structural sound-generation system is configured to generate vibrations within the first elevator car component such that sound waves are produced therefrom and projected into the interior of the elevator car.

Abstract: A method of verifying a trapped passenger alarm in an elevator system including an elevator car including a sensing apparatus mounted in the elevator car. The method includes obtaining at least one of acceleration of the elevator car and air pressure within the elevator car from the sensing apparatus; detecting the trapped passenger alarm; determining that the trapped passenger alarm is one of a valid trapped passenger alarm and a false trapped passenger alarm in response to the at least one of acceleration of the elevator car and air pressure within the elevator car.

Abstract: During a maintenance inspection, an optical rope diameter measuring device is provided at a predetermined position along a path of a wire rope, rope diameter is measured at multiple measuring points while the elevator is driven in test mode, and diameter reduction at each measuring point is determined and stored as a first diameter reduction (S2_S6). During a subsequent maintenance inspection, rope diameter is similarly measured at each measuring point to determine diameter reduction constituting a second diameter reduction (S7_S11). Based on these two diameter reductions, the time at which diameter reduction will reach a predetermined threshold value is predicted for each measuring point, and the earliest time is displayed as a rope replacement time (S12_S14).

Abstract: The disclosure includes elevator emergency control systems and methods for use in an elevator. The elevator emergency control system may include a control station disposed external to multiple buildings. The control station may be configured to: determine that an emergency condition exists for the multiple buildings; in response to determining that the emergency condition exists for the multiple buildings, transmit a first emergency alert signal that directs a first group of elevators located in at least two buildings of the multiple building to enter an emergency mode, and the emergency mode results in the first group of elevators: traveling vertically downward with respect to a first group of structures; and answering down hall calls until the first group of elevators reaches an elevator weight capacity, an egress floor, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An elevator device including on-car presence detection units, each being configured to detect presence of a person on top of a corresponding one of cars, on-car operation panels, each to be operated for a manual operation of the corresponding one of cars, and an elevator control device including a car operation approval unit configured to approve or cancel the operation on the on-car operation panels. When the on-car presence detection units have detected the presence of persons on top of the plurality of cars, the operation on the on-car operation panels of all the cars is canceled by the car operation approval unit. When the on-car presence detection unit has detected the presence of a person on top of one of the plurality of cars, the car operation approval unit approves the operation on the on-car operation panel of any one of the plurality of cars.

Abstract: A sensor connecting unit includes a safety input for connecting with a sensor; a power supply that is controllable through a controllable power switch; and a first I/O processing unit and a second I/O processing unit being connected to each other through a reciprocal comparison communication channel. The first I/O processing unit and the second I/O processing unit are both connected through a measurement circuit to measure voltage, current or power between a reference input and the safety input, and connected to a safety bus. The first I/O processing unit informs the second I/O processing unit about switching off of the controllable power supply, the second I/O processing unit commands the first I/O processing unit to switch off the controllable power supply, and/or the second I/O processing unit measures an output of the controllable power switch to detect switching of the power switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and methods for notifying first responders of the general or specific location of a security crisis or threat in a building or public location, and the type of threat or crisis that has occurred, while notifying building occupants or others in the public location of the crisis and how to respond. The crisis notification system alarm system can provide critical information to the first responders, including location of crisis and whether the crisis location is changing, audio and video of the crisis arena, communications with designated occupants in the crisis arena, and other information. The crisis notification system can be scaled to allow the effective use in facilities of differing sizes and layouts. The system is also flexible, enabling the system to integrate with currently existing systems or to operate with new devices.

Abstract: Elevator systems and operating methods including an elevator operating panel having at least one button and an audio orientation system. The audio orientation system includes at least one speaker positioned proximate the elevator operating panel and a proximity sensor associated with an associated button and positioned proximate thereto, the proximity sensor arranged to generate a button detection zone around the associated button and detect a presence within the button detection zone. When a detection is made by the proximity sensor regarding a presence with the button detection zone, the audio system controls the at least one speaker to generate an audio orientation signal comprising button information that is related to the associated button within the button detection zone.

Abstract: A graphically based tool and method for generating programming for a fire monitoring system. The locations of existing devices, such as detectors, in a building being monitored, can be visually presented in the context of the building. New devices can be installed, or the location of existing devices changed since all devices report their locations in the building to the tool. Device location information can be combined with building information to create a multi-dimensional representation of parts of the building being monitored.

Abstract: A system for controlling and configuration of an occupant evacuation operation (OEO) in a multi-story building has an elevator control system, a fire alarm detection system with a plurality of fire sensor devices, wherein the fire alarm detection system generates fire alarm information signals, and a central control system coupled with the elevator control system and the fire alarm detection system. The central control system has a data processing system with a processor and memory which provide a configurable model of the multi-story building, receive signals from the fire alarm detection system and receive signals and transmit control signals from/to the elevator control system. The configurable model allows configuration of the system creating a model of the functionalities in the multi-story building required for the OEO, and the central control system controls the OEO based on the signals received from the fire alarm detection system and the elevator control system.

Abstract: A communication gateway device to facilitate communication between at least one elevator car, a call center system, and a third party device includes a cellular communication interface including a digital cellular interface and an analog cellular interface, a wired telephone communication interface including a digital wired telephone interface and an analog wired telephone interface, and an elevator communication interface to send and receive an elevator communication to and from at least one elevator communication device associated with the at least one elevator car, the elevator communication interface associated with the cellular communication interface and the wired telephone communication interface to send and receive the elevator communication to and from at least one of the call center system and the third party device via at least one of the digital cellular interface, the analog cellular interface, the digital wired telephone interface, and the analog wired telephone interface.

Abstract: A method for identifying an elevator allocated by an elevator system for a user of the elevator system is provided, which elevator system includes a plurality of elevators, and an apparatus that communicates with the elevator system, more particularly with the control system of it, and that is available to a user, which apparatus includes a display. In the method a real-time view of the landscape behind the display is transmitted via the display to the front of the display to the user, and predetermined graphics are presented to the user on the display at a point that transmits to the user a real-time view of the allocated elevator, or in the immediate proximity of said point. An arrangement for identifying an elevator allocated by an elevator system for a user of the elevator system, and also to an elevator arrangement is provided, which implement the aforementioned method.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interface unit, a conveying system and a method. The interface unit comprises an input circuit for the signal determining the safety of the conveying system. The interface unit further comprises means for testing the operating condition of the input circuit.

Abstract: The electronic Building Information Card (eBIC) system provides a systematic and comprehensive approach for building information maintenance to assist first responders and building owners in an emergency response. The eBIC solution is built to the essential elements for each building along with a cross vertical view of the building. This provides the first responder a quick size-up assessment, an easy to read graphic view format and further support emergency operations for each building.

Abstract: Stall condition in an elevator is potentially dangerous situation if it causes slack to the ropes of the elevator. In such situation a counterweight or elevator car does not move even if the hoisting machine is still operating. This situation may be prevented by stopping the elevator as early as possible after detecting such stall condition. The detection of the stall condition is based on monitoring the torque generated by the hoisting machine of the elevator. When rapid change in the torque is detected a stall condition is suspected. The elevator may be stopped or an alarm may be launched when the stall condition is suspected.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring and supervising the lubricant content of elevator ropes in an elevator, which includes at least a hoisting machine provided with a drive motor, the hoisting machine including at least a traction sheave, around which one or more elevator ropes are fitted side-by-side, which ropes move under the effect of friction along with the rotational movement of the traction sheave and at the same time move the elevator car. The lubricant content is monitored and supervised by the aid of a magnetic measuring device disposed in the immediate proximity of the traction sheave and the elevator ropes by collecting in the measuring device the metal dust detaching in connection with wear of the traction sheave and of the elevator ropes during operation of the elevator and by letting the metal dust switch on an alarm about a lubricant content of the elevator ropes that is too low.

Abstract: A method of wear detection of a coated belt or rope includes connecting a wear detection unit to one or more monitoring strands and/or cords of a coated belt or rope. The coated belt or rope includes one or more baseline strands and/or cords exhibiting a first change in electrical resistance as a function of bending cycles of the belt or rope and one or more monitoring strands and/or cords exhibiting a second change in electrical resistance as a function of bending cycles of the belt or rope, greater than the first change in electrical resistance. An electrical resistance of the one or more monitoring strands and/or cords is measured via the wear detection unit. Using at least the measured electrical resistance of the one or more monitoring strands and/or cords, a wear condition of the belt or rope is determined.

Abstract: A pool lift control provides functional operation control of pool lift devices with access control, low power indicator that preserves battery by attempting determination of whether someone is nearby to hear the low battery alert, and emergency stop/panic indication functionality.

Abstract: An exemplary system for monitoring an elevator arrangement includes a detector arranged to detect conditions or events in, on or near an associated elevator car. A monitoring device monitors a status of the associated elevator car. The monitoring device communicates with the detector for receiving data indicative of any event or condition detected by the detector. The monitoring device provides an output that associates the status of the elevator car at a time of any detected event or condition with an indication of the detected event or condition including a reproduction of the detected event or condition.

Abstract: A safe-zone sensing system for a lift having a base, a lift platform, and a driving system for raising and lowering the lift platform. The safe-zone sensing system comprises a sensor system having a plurality of sensors mounted to the base of the lift. The sensors collectively defining a safe-zone around the base of the lift and detecting motion or obstructions within the safe zone, a controller fires the sensors in a preselected sequence for continuously scanning the safe zone. Scanning is started when the platform raises above a preselected height. The sensor controller generates an alert which initiates a safety sequence when motion or obstructions are sensed by at least one of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A mining elevator traction cable connecting apparatus and a measuring method therefor, for use in a mining elevator serving a deep-mine. The apparatus includes an industrial personal computer (IPC), a signal collector connected to the IPC, multiple symmetrically arranged cable rings for use in connecting to one end of a traction cable, and a traction cable tension adjusting apparatus connected to the multiple of cable rings. Arranged within the traction cable tension adjusting apparatus are a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, and a plurality of draw wire displacement sensors for use in monitoring the relative displacement between each hydraulic cylinder plunger and a corresponding hydraulic cylinder body. The draw wire displacement sensors and an oil pressure sensor connected to a hydraulic pipeline are connected to the IPC via the signal collector, forming a traction cable tension and degree of adjustment measuring system.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for logically disconnecting fire alarm equipment from elevator control equipment to enable independent testing of each equipment set. The system and method may include an interface having a fire alarm equipment side and an elevator control side which are interconnected by a plurality of relays. A plurality of action relays may be associated with specific functions of the elevator controller. A plurality of bypass relays are interposed between the action relays and the elevator controller so that when a “bypass” operation is initiated, the bypass relays prevent signals from the action relays from reaching the elevator controller. As such, the action relays can be tested without impacting ongoing elevator operations. In addition, the logical disconnection arrangement ensures proper functioning of the system once testing is completed. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An exemplary system for monitoring an elevator arrangement includes a detector arranged to detect conditions or events in, on or near an associated elevator car. A monitoring device monitors a status of the associated elevator car. The monitoring device communicates with the detector for receiving data indicative of any event or condition detected by the detector. The monitoring device provides an output that associates the status of the elevator car at a time of any detected event or condition with an indication of the detected event or condition including a reproduction of the detected event or condition.

Abstract: An elevator evacuation support apparatus evacuates building occupants that have been left inside a building to a refuge floor in an emergency by managing operation of an elevator in which a plurality of floors function as service floors. The elevator evacuation support apparatus has an evacuating operation implementing portion, an evacuating operation time calculating portion, and an evacuating operation determining portion. The evacuating operation implementing portion designates at least one of the service floors as a rescue floor, and implements an evacuating operation for the elevator for transporting the building occupants from the rescue floor to the refuge floor. The evacuating operation time calculating portion receives urgency level information that indicates a degree of urgency, and calculates an estimated amount of time for continuing the evacuating operation as an evacuating operation time based on the urgency level information.

Abstract: A security system for an elevator has a car position sensor, which is adapted to determine if a car is at a landing. The security system further has an indicator, which is located at the landing. The indicator is adapted to emit a warning signal if the car is not at the landing.

Abstract: An elevator apparatus has a car suspended by a main rope through the intermediation of a shackle spring. The car is equipped with a displacement sensor for measuring the displacement amount of the main rope with respect to the car. The displacement sensor is electrically connected to an abnormality control device mounted on the car. The abnormality control device obtains the magnitude of the tension of the main rope based on information from the displacement sensor, and selectively outputs a braking command signal to one of the following devices: an operation control device, a brake device, and an emergency stop device, according to the magnitude of the tension of the main rope.

Abstract: A pallet positioner includes a support frame that consists of a main upright structure with a pair of spaced, parallel outriggers extending horizontally at ground level. The distal ends of the outriggers are connected by a low-profile ramp. The upright structure includes a pair of vertical guide masts rigidly mounted on a horizontal base bracing the proximal ends of the outriggers. A pneumatically and hydraulically controlled, or electrically and hydraulically controlled, cantilevered carrier with a rotatable platform is mounted for vertical motion along the vertical guide masts. When the carrier travels downward, the carrier stops automatically at a level above the outriggers and must be manually restarted. A braking system under the platform prevents rotation thereof at ground level.

Abstract: In the method of the present invention an evacuation mode is presented in an elevator system, which receives destination calls i.e. operates in accordance with so-called destination control. In the method the destination floor calls given on the evacuation floors of the building are changed in the event of an exceptional incident such that the destination floor becomes an exit floor of the building. In the method the elevator car is filled as flail as possible on one floor and the travel time to the exit floor is minimized by directing the elevator car to the escape floor without intermediate stops. The passengers to be evacuated are shown information relating to the evacuation on a display located on the destination call panel and/or inside the car of the evacuation elevator.

Abstract: It is possible to build a remote alarming system with a relatively simple structure, and to handle an abnormality promptly in a case where abnormality occurs in an elevator. The remote alarming system for an elevator includes: an elevator control device (2); a wireless alarming device (3) provided independently of the elevator control device (22), for transmitting failure information of an elevator from the elevator control device through wireless communication; a management device (4) remotely provided from a building in which the elevator is installed, and which is capable of performing wireless communication; and a portable terminal (5) which is capable of performing the wireless communication with the wireless alarming device (3) and the management device (4) via a base station (6).

Abstract: In a fire control system for an elevator, the time for the fire and smoke to reach the elevator hall of each floor of a building during fire is pre-calculated as the evacuation time of the floor. When the evacuation time of a floor is longer than the time for making a car respond to a rescue call from the evacuation floor, the floor is judged as a rescue floor, and when shorter, the floor is judged as a non-rescue floor. Furthermore, the order in which the rescue is carried out among the rescue floors is determined. Accordingly, it is possible to rescue remainders on a rescue floor using an elevator as an evacuation means. Moreover, since rescue operation by the elevator is performed with the order of rescue determined, rescue operation suitable for the conditions of the fire can be realized.

Abstract: A signal for warning of danger in the car is sent to a monitoring chamber without a suspect noticing, and the interior of the car is monitored without alarming the suspect. A call for service is registered upon activating the car manipulating panel and an alarm is registered upon further activation of the car manipulating panel.

Abstract: In a fire control system for an elevator, the time for the fire and smoke to reach the elevator hall of each floor of a building during fire is pre-calculated as the evacuation time of the floor. When the evacuation time of a floor is longer than the time for making a car respond to a rescue call from the evacuation floor, the floor is judged as a rescue floor, and when shorter, the floor is judged as a non-rescue floor. Furthermore, the order in which the rescue is carried out among the rescue floors is determined. Accordingly, it is possible to rescue remainders on a rescue floor using an elevator as an evacuation means. Moreover, since rescue operation by the elevator is performed with the order of rescue determined, rescue operation suitable for the conditions of the fire can be realized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the emergency release of passengers who are trapped in an elevator car due to an operational disturbance includes a remote alarm device in the elevator car for summoning help from outside the building and equipment for the remote actuation from the elevator car of an electrical closing or locking system of a building outer door. Expert service personnel summoned from outside the building thus gain access to the elevator even when the building door is locked in order to release the trapped passengers. The actuation can be by a specific button installed in the car control panel or through input of a code or by a button combination of the control panel elements. According to a preferred embodiment, the remote unlocking is possible only temporarily, so as to prevent misuse of the emergency situation.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining the state of a rail stretch utilize a receiver that is moved along the rail stretch to receive radio signals transmitted by at least three transmitters mounted in the elevator shaft. Spacing data is determined from the radio signals and is compared by an evaluating unit with reference data of the spacing to generate a result with respect to the state of the rail stretch. The positions of rail fastenings, connecting straps and shaft doors can be detected by additional sensors also moved along the rail stretch and are represented in a correction protocol to permit an efficient adjusting of the rail stretch.

Abstract: An apparatus that automatically monitors speed and operating time of a semiconductor fabricating equipment lift that lifts a wafer cassette up/down. The apparatus automatically indicates operational state of the lift including lift speed time, use time after motor replacement and overhaul, and number of wafers processed, for confirmation by a worker.

Abstract: An improved top of car inspection station includes warning circuit for providing a warning signal whenever the elevator car is in the inspection mode and the emergency stop switch is deactivated and the mechanic is not commanding the car to move.

Abstract: An improved hoistway access detection system including three safety chains, one for monitoring door position on the even numbered floors, one for monitoring door position on the odd numbered floors, and one for monitoring the position of the pit door, wherein an elevator car is slowly moved to the alternate floor upon detection and subsequent closure of an open pit door and any landing door.

Abstract: A wear detector for a suspension rope having a plurality of load bearing strands covered by a sheath includes a sensor at a surface of the sheath. The sensor senses a characteristic of the rope representing a predetermined amount of wear of the sheath. The sensed characteristic can be electrical contact with the strands, distance from the surface of the sheath to the strands, or change of color of the sheath surface.

Abstract: An improved top of car inspection station includes warning circuit for providing a warning signal whenever the elevator car is in the inspection mode and the emergency stop switch is deactivated and the mechanic is not commanding the car to move.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for responding to a fire emergency at a facility by analyzing a plurality of fire threat conditions to determine possible responses to a fire emergency and selecting a response to the fire emergency for minimizing human casualties within the facility. The present invention may be characterized in one embodiment as a method for generating an automated response to an emergency that includes the steps of (a) receiving as input fire threat condition data for a facility; (b) analyzing the fire threat condition data to determine a matrix of possible responses to a fire emergency; and (c) selecting a response from the matrix of possible responses to minimize human casualties.

Abstract: A device for signaling the position of an elevator car in the case of passenger evacuation includes a measurement circuit connected to a landing door safety chain of the elevator installation. The measurement circuit has at least one LED that indicates to a rescuer person the presence of the elevator car at a floor.

Abstract: A vehicle lift assembly prevents accidental slippage of a vehicle therefrom. The vehicle lift assembly comprises a plurality of vertically disposed posts and a runway slidably coupled to the plurality of vertical posts. A hoist system supplies the force necessary for elevating the runway along the plurality of posts. A sensor arrangement detects whether the runway has tilted beyond a predetermined angular displacement. A lift control circuit controls the hoist system to elevate the runway selectively in a prescribed direction, and suspends operation of the hoist system, when necessary, to prevent the vehicle from accidentally sliding off the runway.

Abstract: The elevator safety device creates a false pit beneath the elevator frame using left and right laterally-spaced, fixed stop members fixedly attached to the car frame, and left and right laterally-spaced safety columns affixed to the pit floor and pivotable between an extended position in vertical alignment with the left and right stop members, respectively, and a retracted position clear of the car, the frame, and the left and right stop members. The safety columns are bumper-type devices designed to support full car weight should the need arise, and provides the ASME A17.1 minimum depth of pit for the refuge area. Actuators are operatively connected to the safety columns to pivot them between their extended and retracted positions. A pressure-sensitive detector located on the pit floor below the car detects the presence of a person on the pit floor. The actuators are electronically activated to pivot the safety columns from their retracted to their extended positions.

Abstract: Monitoring equipment for an elevator drive control includes two modules, a safety circuit sensor system and a motor-switching and/or brake-switching circuit, wherein the monitoring of a safety circuit and the consequential actions resulting therefrom takes place exclusively by means of electronic components while avoiding electrically conductive separating locations. By the use of electronic components, electromechanical switching elements, which have electrically conductive separating locations, can be dispensed with. In addition, an appreciable reduction in the noise level is achieved, since switching noises no longer arise. This has an advantageous effect particularly in the case of elevator installations without a machine room. Furthermore, the manufacturing costs can be significantly reduced and a high security and reliability of the monitoring equipment can be ensured by the use of usual electronic components.

Abstract: A building having a plurality of floors, a plurality of detectors, such as smoke detectors, located on the floors, and an elevator system usable for moving building occupants between floors during an emergency condition, such as a building fire. The elevator system includes a control unit that controls movement of an elevator car between selected floors within an emergency evacuation zone for evacuation of building occupants to a designated evacuation assistance floor. The vertical movement of the elevator car is controlled relative to the detection of smoke within the building to increase the efficiency of emergency evacuation. The elevator and smoke detection systems are equipped with an emergency power source for operation in the event of a power outage.