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: A monitoring device for an elevator includes a plurality of switching devices connected in a series safety chain. Each switching device has an active unit generating a pattern and a passive unit that responds to the pattern within a defined spacing between the units.

Abstract: Controlling means (213) for a car/hall apparatus (21) provided for an elevator transfers an elevator operating program stored in storage means (214) to an operating terminal (16) through operating terminal communication means (212) and an operating terminal communication path (23) when necessary. The operating terminal (16) which has received the elevator operating program executes this program to control an elevator car and a hoisting machine through the operating terminal communication path (23), the car/hall apparatus (21), a car/hall communication path (22), and a controlling apparatus (13), thereby operating the elevator.

Abstract: A method for inputting a voice message recording for a particular floor served by an elevator car includes the steps of sensing elevator car positions (21), sensing that a selected car operating panel button has been held down (22) and enabling a voice input process (23). A device for displaying Braille information to an elevator user includes an elongated panel (42) having a central Braille character panel (31) and two buttons (32, 33) disposed at opposite ends of the elongated panel for causing the displayed information to move backward and forward. A plurality of actuators (38), and probes (35) extruding through the Braille panel form Braille characters.

Abstract: An automatically illumination control device of an elevator display screen serves for displaying the position and maintenance of the elevator. A light sensor for detecting the intensity of light is installed to the display screen. The light sensor detects the illumination of the environment light and the illumination of the display screen is controlled automatically by using a control circuit so as to present a soft light which is warm to the visual sense. Moreover, the automatically illumination control device has the advantages of power saving and long lifetime.

Abstract: An automatically illumination control device of an elevator display screen serves for displaying the position and maintenance of the elevator. A light sensor for detecting the intensity of light is installed to the display screen. The light sensor detects the illumination of the environment light and the illumination of the display screen is controlled automatically by using a control circuit so as to present a soft light which is warm to the visual sense. Moreover, the automatically illumination control device has the advantages of power saving and long lifetime.

Abstract: An elevator system in which a car travels upward and downward among a plurality of floors. The elevator system includes terminals each having a wireless transmitting/receiving unit. One of the terminals is correspondingly provided for at least one of the plurality of floors and another of the terminals is correspondingly provided for the car and at least one of a counterweight. A mobile terminal is provided which enables wireless transmitting/receiving of signals between the terminals which are arranged within a predetermined distance of each other.

Abstract: An elevator system has a control processor which communicates with numerous I/O devices over a serial communications link. The processor is programmed to generate and receive data packets containing a 2-byte I/O identification field. The first byte is a general category representing the type of function performed by the I/O device, and the second byte represents the identity of the particular I/O device within its general category. The I/O devices similarly generate and receive data packets containing the 2-byte I/O identification field. By way of example, categories may represent such functions as car call inputs, car call outputs, code blue inputs, code blue outputs, fire service, and so on. For a category such as car call inputs, the car call button for each floor would be assigned a separate sub-category designation.

Abstract: An obstruction sensing system is provided for a lift vehicle (10) with a lift platform (20). The system includes a plurality of sensors (32) mounted to the lift platform (20) and a control system (18) coupled with a drive system of the lift vehicle. The sensors collectively detect a profile of an area on a sensor side of the platform, and the control system generates a signal according to the profile detected by the plurality of sensors. The profile detected by the sensors may be compared with a stored plurality of area profiles by the control system based on a position of the lift platform or profiles of substantially symmetrical areas may be compared. If an obstruction is sensed during platform descent, further descent is halted and an alarm is sounded. The system also includes structure for overriding the disabling function.

Abstract: Elevator cars move in two vertical hoistways each having at least one crossing-point to a third vertical parking hoistway arranged between the two hoistways to allow transfer of the elevator cars between adjacent ones of the hoistways. A control system and a drive move empty elevator cars through the crossing-points for parking and for responding to calls for service.

Abstract: An elevator signal transmission system includes a monitor camera and an interphone equipped with a camera each being arranged inside an elevator cage, a power source line for supplying driving power to the cage, and a transmitter/receiver provided to the cage and connecting the monitor camera and the interphone equipped with the camera to the power source line wherein the transmitter/receiver causes power source line to transmit transmission signals from the monitor camera and from the interphone equipped with the camera and supplies reception signals received from the power source line to the interphone equipped with the camera.

Abstract: A material delivery system is disclosed which is particularly useful for filtered environments, such as clean rooms, minienvironments, or the like. One aspect of this particular material delivery system is that movement of an elevator is automatically controlled (i.e., no operator input), and more preferably is accomplished by monitoring for the presence of containers at multiple vertical positions. Another aspect of this particular material delivery system is that its elevator may be installed on and removed from a main housing of the material delivery system without requiring any tools. Yet another aspect of this particular material delivery system is that containers need not be unloaded from the material delivery system prior to removing its elevator, such as for replacement/maintenance purposes.

Abstract: The invention features a system for displaying video information to passengers of an elevator in accordance with a play list defining a sequence of messages. The video information messages can include combinations of digital advertising, “real-time” general information, as well as, building-related information. The system includes an elevator display unit having a display monitor for displaying video information to the passengers, and a local server which, receives scheduling information associated with the video information over a data communication path and, in accordance with the scheduling information, generates a play list used to display at the elevator display unit.

Abstract: A method for allocating calls entered via the landing call devices of elevators belonging to an elevator group so that there are simultaneously at least one floor to be signaled according to the service routes of the elevators. The allocation decision is is made by a genetic allocation method. The allocation decision is input into a call fixation control unit, which takes care of the reservation and release of landing calls and the control of signaling. In the case of a reserved landing call, the range of values of the gene is limited.

Abstract: A position indicator display system for an elevator. The elevator position indicator has a segmented display capable of producing alpha-numeric characters. The segmented display operates in a predetermined power range that may or may not match the operational voltage used by the rest of the elevator's systems. Within the elevator position indicator, a display driver is coupled to the segmented display. The display driver receives a location signal from the systems controller of the elevator. The display driver arranges the location signal to drive the segmented display and produce an alpha-numeric character indicative of the location signal. Since the elevator's operational voltage may differ from that of the elevator position indicator, a power conditioning circuit is provided. The power conditioning circuit selectively alters the power of the location signal so that the location signal falls within the operational power range of the segmented display.

Abstract: A control console for controlling an elevator system has a computer board for controlling the elevator system in its entirety and a display monitor with a touch panel function, for displaying data stored in a memory on the computer board. Control data is entered using simulated buttons displayed on a monitor screen of the display monitor. The monitor screen displays a floor height menu for displaying the floor heights of respective floors of a building, an in-console call menu for allowing the operator to make operations similar to those on an elevator car control console, a function menu for setting various functions, a first failure display menu for displaying failures, and a data list menu for displaying various data. The operator enters necessary data in these menus.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting or measuring defects in a rope having ferromagnetic tension members includes a magnetic field exciter and an array of magnetic flux sensors corresponding to the tension members in a known relationship. Measurements of magnetic flux leakage are indicative of defects. Another aspect of the invention includes a method and system for detecting or measuring defects in an elevator rope having electrically conductive tension members, whereby measured electrical resistance in the tension members is indicative of defects.

Abstract: Fixture for an Elevator System A fixture using an electrophoretic display system is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which enable simplification of the wiring system for the elevator system.

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

Abstract: An elevator tape guide for a hoistway tape includes a mounting plate having recesses for receiving insertable plug members, the plug members each have two tape engaging slots with the slots being severally registrable with the tape for slot wear-replacement.

Abstract: A display apparatus within elevator cabs or elevator waiting areas that facilitates the simultaneous display of advertising and general news information is described. Broadcast from a remote control center, advertising and general news information updates are transmitted to, and stored in, a display memory and subsequently displayed on a screen according to a remotely modifiable program schedule. The display is updated such that it contains a copy of the latest broadcast schedule, as well as the advertisement and information programming, and automatically displays a days program according to the most current broadcast schedule. The display units are each individually addressable thus allowing groups of displays to be simultaneously updated from a remote centralized location with information such as news updates and the like.

Abstract: A procedure, a system and a computer program product presents multimedia contents in elevator installations. At least one user profile with multimedia contents is provided for an associated elevator user. When the user is identified in proximity to the elevator system, the multimedia contents carried in his user profile are presented to him. The multimedia contents are made available to the elevator installation through a protective wall.

Abstract: In conventional elevator systems, it is necessary for the passenger to remember the name of an assigned car which is to stop at his destination floor, with the result that the passenger experiences anxiety.

Abstract: Variable thresholds (662, 663) are generated in response to an average defect rate (669, 690) generated under certain conditions (683-687, 696-698), excesses of which can set an internal flag (670). If an information request (720) or service personnel visit to the elevator site (721) occur, the internal flag, or the upward adjustment of the average defect rate (691) can generate a maintenance flag (773) which ultimately results in a maintenance recommendation message related to the particular parameter having a notable defect.

Abstract: Elevator system hall fixtures such as lanterns, hall call button switches and lights, gongs, and floor position indicators are connected to a controller via wireless transceivers. The controller can be a system, group, and/or car controller. A low power wireless system connects all fixtures on one hallway, with a higher power wireless system connecting each hallway with the appropriate controller.

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: An indicating device for an elevator installation includes an electroluminescent indicator and a sound-reproducing apparatus, wherein the sound-reproducing apparatus is glued to a rear side of the electroluminescent indicator. The electroluminescent indicator and the sound-reproducing apparatus are mounted on a frame that snaps into a housing to form a module that can be attached to a wall mount.

Abstract: An elevator system in which a car travels upward and downward among a plurality of floors includes an elevator control unit and terminals each having a wireless transmitting/receiving unit. The terminals are provided for the elevator control unit and for each of the floors. Transmitting/receiving of signals between two of the terminals distant from each other is effected so as to at least enable wireless bi-directional communication between the two of the terminals distant from each other by relaying signals through another wireless transmitting/receiving unit of another of the terminals.

Abstract: Variable thresholds (662, 663) are generated in response to an average defect rate (669, 690) generated under certain conditions (683-687, 696-698), excesses of which can set an internal flag (670). If an information request (720) or service personnel visit to the elevator site (721) occur, the internal flag, or the upward adjustment of the average defect rate (691) can generate a maintenance flag (773) which ultimately results in a maintenance recommendation message related to the particular parameter having a notable defect.

Abstract: A bearing encoder is used with two or three Hall effect sensors. One sensor is used to provide a high resolution quadrature signal for speed control, and the other sensor or sensors provide a low resolution signal that may be used as a rescue encoder quadrature signal and/or an ANSI speedcheck encoder signal. The device is suitable for elevator control.

Abstract: A fixture using an electrophoretic display system is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which enable simplification of the wiring system for the elevator system.

Abstract: A monitoring device for an elevator includes a plurality of switching devices connected in a series safety chain. Each switching device has an active unit generating a pattern and a passive unit that responds to the pattern within a defined spacing between the units.

Abstract: A panel for an elevator installation has a predetermined number of floor buttons for generating hall calls or car call commands wherein a single floor button or a floor button combination is provided for each floor. The panel can be converted by a converter button or a sensor so that all floors are also selectable by a decade keyboard formed by a portion of all the floor buttons. All floors are thus selectable comfortably and without restriction even by handicapped persons.

Abstract: A load bearing assembly in an elevator system includes a plurality of discernable markings on an external surface of the assembly. A monitoring device includes at least one detector that detects locations of the markings along the length of the assembly. Changes in spacing between markings provides an indication of belt loading conditions and provides an ability to determine a condition of the belt relative to whether a replacement of the belt may be necessary. A variety of markings and a variety of detecting arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering advertising messages to occupants of an elevator cab includes a network mainframe server located remotely from the elevator cab. The apparatus further includes an individual processing unit (IPU) located at the elevator cab and in communication with the network mainframe server over a telephone line configured for transmitting a digital data signal. The IPU includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a monitor electrically connected to the CPU. In a particular embodiment, the IPU further includes an infrared camera for detecting the number of occupants in the elevator cab when an advertising message is displayed. The network mainframe server transmits the advertising messages to the CPU of the IPU over the telephone line. The advertising messages are stored on the CPU and displayed to the occupants of the elevator cab on the monitor of the IPU.

Abstract: A method of providing video information to a display monitor within an elevator located in a building, which includes receiving first data defining a category of video information, receiving second data, associated with the category of video information and defining at least one source of the video information; and retrieving from the source, over a data communications path and on the basis of the first data and the second data, the video information to be displayed on the monitor within the elevator.

Abstract: A system for security control and/or transportation of persons with an elevator installation and a method of operating this system. By means of the system, a person is identified from at least one identification code and from at least one authentication signal. For this purpose, an identification code is entered and/or transmitted by the person, and an authentication signal of the person is captured. Assigned to the identification code and the authentication signal is at least one user profile. An access authorization stored in the user profile, and/or a pre-defined travel destination in the user profile, is/are determined. The authentication signal is checked against at least one reference stored in a user profile. If an access authorization to a travel destination is present, and if the authentication signal and reference correspond, a command signal is transmitted to an elevator installation.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the position of an object moveable along a predetermined travel path. The apparatus includes an acoustic signal waveguide, a signal input coupler, at least one signal output coupler, and means for generating. The acoustic signal waveguide extends along the travel path and having a predetermined, uniform speed of propagation of sound. The signal input coupler is located on the moveable object, to couple a clocked acoustic signal into the acoustic signal waveguide. The at least one signal output coupler is arranged at one end of the acoustic signal waveguide and is connected to an evaluation unit for determining the propagation-time of the sound signal from a position at which it is coupled in to the at least one signal output coupler and for generating a signal representative of the instantaneous position of the moveable object on the travel path.

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: An elevator information communication system in which communication cables are reduced in number with a simple configuration to make it possible to efficiently perform at a low cost can be obtained. The elevator information communication system includes a notification device arranged in the elevator system, an information input device for forming notification data to the notification device to input the notification data, and an elevator control device connected to the notification device to output a notification command and having a relay unit connected to the information input device to relay the notification data input from the information input device to the notification device.

Abstract: In an elevator system, a first transceiver located at a fixed portion in an elevator shaft and a second transceiver provided at an elevator cage communicate by millimeter waves. The elevator system includes a first portion positioned in an elevator shaft, a second portion positioned in the elevator shaft, vertically moving relative to the first portion, a first transceiver located at the first portion, and a second transceiver located at the second portion.

Abstract: A display/operation apparatus for an elevator system includes an intra-car operation panel or a hall-oriented operation panel or the like which includes an image display device and a touch screen display in which a touch switch array overlaps a displayed image of the image display device. In a normal operation state, functions of operation buttons displayed on the image display device or the like are validated. In the apparatus, a specific operation button array allows a predetermined input operation to be performed upon occurrence of a fault, at least in the touch screen display.

Abstract: Elevator, exhibiting an elevator shaft (34) and a car (32) which is movably provided inside the elevator shaft (34), and a safety installation (2), which is designed in such a way that it can take the elevator out of service in a dangerous situation, characterized by the fact that the safety installation (2) is equipped with a shaft monitoring device.

Abstract: The invention features a system for displaying video information to passengers of an elevator in accordance with a play list defining a sequence of messages. The video information messages can include combinations of digital advertising, “real-time” general information, as well as, building-related information. The system includes an elevator display unit having a display monitor for displaying video information to the passengers, and a local server which, receives scheduling information associated with the video information over a data communication path and, in accordance with the scheduling information, generates a play list used to display at the elevator display unit.

Abstract: Information including normal and abnormal operating conditions and events, resulting from operation of elevator car and landing doors, is monitored and recorded (FIGS. 1-28), compared and combined with other information and with thresholds to detect notable events and conditions and generate corresponding messages including a reason for the message, severity of the related event or condition, and optionally, a general maintenance recommendation. The maintenance messages include adjusting or cleaning: car door vane (A-D), landing door lock at a given floor (E-L), car door closed switch (M-R), car door track or sill (S-Y), landing door track or sill (Z-EE), door drive belt (FF, GG), elevator car door motor or door controller mechanism (HH-MM), and car guide rails (FFF); and include adjusting or replacing: door position encoder (NN, OO), between-door safety device (PP-SS), door open/close buttons (TT-XX), landing and car call buttons (YY-AAA) and lights (BBB, CCC), and car rail guides (DDD, EEE).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a building equipment managing method using a history database for recording the conditions of building equipment, a display device installed in public spaces of a building, and an input device installed in the public spaces of the building for inputting a request for the indication of necessary information, the method comprising the steps of: recording a change in a condition of the building equipment in the history database; and in response to receiving a request for indicating a content which is recorded in the history database from the input device, indicating on the display device the content which is recorded in the history database.

Abstract: An elevator group supervisory control system includes individual car control units which individually control elevator units, hall control units which control hall equipment including hall call buttons provided on each floor, a group supervisory control unit which processes assignment of elevators based on hall information transmitted from the plurality of hall control units, and a communication control unit having an independent power supply for each individual car control unit, the communication control unit being connected with a corresponding individual car control unit, a corresponding hall control unit, and the group a supervisory control unit for, data communications. The transmission paths of the communication control units and the group supervisory control unit are connected with each other through buses to constitute the elevator group supervisory control system.

Abstract: Information including normal and abnormal operating conditions and events, occurring during the operation of an elevator car door and landing doors, is monitored and recorded (FIGS. 1-25), compared and combined with other information and with thresholds to detect notable events and conditions and generate corresponding maintenance recommendation messages, in response to which maintenance operations are performed. The maintenance messages include adjusting or cleaning: the car door vane (C), the landing door lock at a given floor (D, E), the car door closed switch (F), the car door track or the car door sill (M), a landing door track or landing door sill (N), the car door drive belt (O), the elevator car door motor or the related door controller mechanism (R), and car guide rails (YY); adjusting or replacing the door position encoder (DD), the between-door safety device (GG), door open and close buttons, landing call and car call buttons (LL) and lights (SS), and the car rail guides (WW).

Abstract: Conventional elevators have a console for entering control information, via key depression. To make the known control arrangements simpler and more flexible to use by the user, the invention provides audio recording equipment and a speech analysis unit, while a control unit controls the elevator in accordance with entered speech commands. According to a further embodiment of the invention, speech commands also include indirect location descriptions which are assigned to floors via the database of the building. Also, a dialogue facility may be provided, for example, for commands that are not understood or are not unambiguous.