Abstract: In a destination registering apparatus for an elevator, a hall operating panel includes with a hall display device and a ten-key numerical input device. Information, i.e., the layout of a destination floor and a route to a destination point, stored in a storage device are selected by a selection circuit and displayed on a hall display device by inputting information, such as a room number or the like, to the ten-key numerical input device.

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 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: In an operating panel for an elevator, a button is located at a touch panel. A button frame is disposed over a display surface member of the button, a button cap is embedded within a button accommodating portion of the button frame. The button portion is operated by pushing the button cap. A metal dome member generated a click feeling at the time of operation is located between accommodating portion and the button cap.

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. 1-28), 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: The present invention provides a control system designed for use in either new or existing escalators or moving walkways. The control system is comprised of a main controller and a variable frequency drive. The main controller is attached to the variable frequency drive which controls the speed of the motor based upon various environmental changes, such as passenger load and safety conditions. The control system of the present invention utilizes motions sensors, time relay switches, proximity switches and other electromechanical detectors as intelligence to detect faults and to control and vary the speed of the motor through the variable frequency drive.

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: 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: In an elevator apparatus, a radiation fin device on which heat generating parts are mounted and a cooling fan for cooling the radiation fin device by forced air are accommodated in a tall and narrow case. The cooling fan has a rotation shaft extending in a direction perpendicular to a fin attaching surface of the case. A ventilating passage is provided between the radiation fin device and the cooling fan by a ventilating duct.

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: A system is provided for predicting a load degree of a customer's elevator from the information about the customer's building and elevator, creating and displaying the maintenance plan according to the load degree, and selecting a proper maintenance plan in consideration of the load degree of the customer's elevator and the customer's needs.

Abstract: A communication apparatus for elevators includes at least two elevator communication networks through which data is communicated with different protocols, and a network protocol converter connected between those networks. The network protocol converter includes a dual port memory for transferring ordinary data, a register memory for transferring priority data with read/write processing at shorter intervals, and a network controller provided in each of the communication networks for selectively choosing one of the dual port memory and the register memory to perform ordinary data transfer and priority data transfer. Since the least necessary data is transferred with priority via the register memory, protocol conversion and data transfer can be performed with minimum interference with the processing of the network controller and delay in data transfer can be minimized.

Abstract: The number of electrical wires in the car is reduced by radio communications between the operation panel and terminal. Furthermore, reliability and dependability of communications are improved because the operation panel and terminal communicate with each other at a comparatively short distance.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a workman mounted upon the roof of a traction elevator car. A vertically disposed sleeve is secured to the roof top area of the car and an elongated column is slidably mounted in the sleeve. A harness is attached near the top of the column by a lanyard.

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: 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: 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: The invention relates to a device for operating elevators in a special mode which comprises at least one control element for controlling at least one allocated functional unit of the elevator. At least one indicator is assigned to the functional unit, which indicates at least one condition of the functional unit that can be influenced by one or several control elements and which can be perceived by the operator of the one or several control elements.

Abstract: A wireless safety chain for an elevator system includes a base transceiver connected to a system controller. A plurality of safety chain components each includes a physical sensor such as a switch, and a wireless transceiver. The physical sensor monitors the component status. The wireless transceiver communicates among the other safety chain components and the system controller. The wireless safety chain preferably employs a token scheme, where a token is sent from the base transceiver to one component, which in turn sends the token to another component, and so on, until the token returns to the base transceiver. Failure of the token to return to the base transceiver in a predetermined amount of time signals that the elevator system is unsafe.

Abstract: An elevator safety circuit has a series chain of contacts connected between at least one safety relay and an electric power supply and a monitoring device monitoring the voltage and current in the series chain. A signal from the safety relay is transmitted to an elevator control. The voltage across the safety relay is tapped and transmitted to a network connected to a voltage converter of the power supply. If all the contacts of the series chain are closed, the voltage across the safety relay is held constant. Regulation of the voltage across the safety relay makes the safety circuit, with respect to voltage drop, independent of the length of the cabling connecting the contacts.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to transmit and receive information between terminals and to reduce the number of wires used for an elevator in a building in an elevator system by transmitting and receiving information through wireless transmission even if a very weak radio wave having a narrow communicable range is used, an elevator control unit, a car terminal and floor terminals are individually provided with short distance wireless transmitting/receiving units having a communicable range of nearly a 2-floor distance (5 to 6 m) using very weak radio waves. The radio waves are received and transmitted between the wireless transmitting/receiving units located within the communicable range to transmit information by a relaying method of sequentially transferring information from terminal to terminal until it reaches a final destination.

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: Signal processing and diagnostic routines (19) of elevator controllers (9-12) count the total number of runs to landings (O-F) of elevators (4-7) along with the number of runs to landings at which a value of a parameter of an elevator door condition or event is notable, (e.g., too high or too low). If any particular parameter is notable at more than one landing, and the ratio of (a) number of runs to landing at which said particular parameter is notable to (b) the total number of runs to landings exceeds a predetermined threshold, the problem is registered as a car door problem; otherwise, the problem is registered as a landing door problem at each landing where the value of the particular parameter is notable.

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: An elevator system includes an inspection device that provides information regarding a condition of the elevator rope or belt. The inspection device preferably is positioned to inspect an entire portion of the rope or belt that is most likely to wear as the elevator cab travels between chosen locations. In some situations, the inspection device is at a fixed position within an elevator hoistway. In other situations, the inspection device is supported for movement relative to other elevator system components. In one example, the inspection device is supported on the cab and moves with the cab through the hoistway. A variety of factors are considered for determining the portion of the rope or belt that is most likely to wear and the ideal placement of the inspection device relative to the other elevator system components.

Abstract: The auxiliary device is needed when the elevator stands in the elevator shaft outside a station. The auxiliary device includes an auxiliary drive device for the payload receptacle. For sight-free observation of the auxiliary device there is arranged an image transmission device, which includes a sensor, a display device and a transfer path. The sensor serves for detection of images which illustrate a drive pulley coupled with the auxiliary drive device. The display device serves for visualization of the images detected by the sensor, and the transfer path serves for transmission of the images detected by the sensor to the display device.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for configuring elevator controls permit external signal emitters and signal receivers to be connected to freely selectable connection points of an input/output module. For each of the occupied connection points on the input/output module at least one programmable connection configuration module can be assigned which delivers to the control processor via a bus system the requisite information concerning the type and function of the signal emitter or signal receiver connected to the corresponding connection point.

Abstract: An elevator information communication system in which communication cables are reduced in number with a simple configuration to make efficient communication possible at a low cost. The elevator information communication system includes a notification device arranged in the elevator system, an information input device for forming notification data for the notification device to receive, 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 from the information input device to the notification device.

Abstract: An elevator user creates on a user terminal an individual user program, that is adapted to his needs, for operating the elevator. The user terminal can include a keypad for selecting commands and entering values, and a screen for displaying the command sequence. Depending upon authorization, the user can access the entire command set or only certain commands. The user program is transmitted to a terminal of an elevator control by wireless communication and proceeds to a program control which adds to the user program data required for execution and stores it in a memory. A task manager of the control program initiates the execution of the user program by an interpreter that interprets the program step by step. In the case of elevator-specific instructions such as, for example, travel commands or door opening commands, the interpreter calls up an interface that initiates the further execution by an elevator control.

Abstract: A multi-segment display for the representation of alphanumeric characters, formed by uniting several character-display elements having multiple segments. The united display segment elements have common vertical segments. Greater freedom for representing the characters while requiring the smallest possible number of segments is obtained by such a construction. In addition, gaps between character representation can be minimized or eliminated, allowing characters to be represented in a centered arrangement with a regular spacing.

Abstract: In a maintenance driving control apparatus of an elevator, switches and other components operated at the time of maintenance are separated from a control panel and combined in a driving operation panel. A maintenance operation panel having this driving operation panel and at least one of a brake release device for remote operation, a meter for indicating a voltage of a speed generator, and car position confirmation unit utilizing movement of a rope or some other member is provided in the vicinity of an elevator hall. The maintenance driving control apparatus enables maintenance operations without directly operating the control panel or a hoisting machine.

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: An elevator control system which is installed in a pit of an elevator shaft in an elevator system is protected from flooding in the pit with the provision of an immersion proof structure for the control system. The elevator control system has a control device which can be installed in the pit of the elevator shaft so as to enhance the maintainability thereof since the necessity of a machine room can be eliminated from the elevator system. The immersion proof structure has a bag-like member which covers the control device and which has a top part opened for heat radiation from the elevator control device, the top part being located above the level of the floor of a lowermost one of stories of a building in which the elevator system is installed.

Abstract: An elevator rescue system provides rescue signals from a remote control station. The rescue signals typically operate a release mechanism such as the brake to allow the elevator to move to an appropriate door zone. The rescue signals are preferably sent from a remote control station such as may typically monitor a number of elevators. Essentially, the rescue signal is initiated when the remote control station receives a signal from the elevator monitoring system that a particular elevator is likely to have trapped passengers. As an initial step, the remote control station ensures there is no safety reason not to move the elevator, and then remotely commands operation of an elevator component that allows the elevator cab to move.

Abstract: An illumination system for an escalator handrail is disclosed. The illumination system comprises a rechargeable power source and a light source. The rechargeable power source is recharged by a charging circuit which receives power from one or more magnetically coupled charging stations. The light source emits light into an optic fiber or another light carrying and dispersing element. The optic fiber is selected to disperse light from its sides and thereby appears to be illuminated. In another embodiment, the power source powers an array of LEDs, which may display a pattern or design. In another embodiment, the illumination system includes a luminescent message formed with luminescent material. The luminescent material is energized using light sources contained within the escalator. The system may have a protective shell to protect its components from the pressures of pinch rollers and other mechanical elements of a typical escalator.

Abstract: The elevator communication system generally provides a computer device installed in an elevator cab. The computer device receives information content from several sources, including a networked server system. The server system communicates information to the computer device for presentation to passengers in the elevator. The computer device is also connected to an elevator controller so that the computer device can present information based on information received from the elevator controller.

Abstract: A device for providing access to an elevator cab includes a key access switch that is useful to generate at least one signal indicating a desire to move a specified elevator cab to a specified landing within a building. A controller communicates with the switch and responsively causes the specified elevator cab to be moved to the specified landing. The switch preferably operates in a first mode for calling the elevator cab to the specified landing. The switch preferably also operates in a second mode for selectively adjusting a position of the elevator cab within a hoistway during a maintenance procedure.

Abstract: Elevator cars (10) have floors (11) including a matrix of elements (12) including a weight sensing cell (18) to determine weight distribution in the car for controlling the position of a moveable hitch (33-36) on the car and for allocating calls to the cars depending upon the weight distribution. Transmitters (26) borne by passengers (25) transmit identification portions, and may also transmit personal preferences of the passenger with respect to the elevator ride. The system may store personal preferences in a data base indexed by personal identification numbers, limiting the required transmission to only the identification number. Correlation (FIG. 4) of identification numbers with the cell indicating by weight where a passenger is located may be achieved in each element of the floor or in a controller. A group controller (22) may allocate calls based upon weight distribution and/or preferences of passengers.

Abstract: An elevator installation having a system of making payments so that the installation can be operated as a means of transport for providing chargeable transportation services for persons and/or goods. Also provided is an identification device for recognition of types of cashless payment, a calculation device for cashless calculation of transportation services to, for example, trip destinations input within a time window, and a charging device for cashless debiting of the costs of transportation services. The identification device can recognize different types of cashless payment such as tokens, tokens with electronic chips, prepayment cards, cards or keys with data carriers, or transmitter/receiver systems or biometric systems with individual data of the user. The charging for transportation services can, for example, take place in relation to operations-specific and/or user-specific criteria.

Abstract: A drive machine for elevators comprises a rotatable drive sheave (16) over which a main cable (18) for hanging an elevator cage is wound, a stationary shaft (9) for supporting rotation of the drive sheave and bearing a load applied to the drive sheave from the main cable, a field magnet (14) attached to the drive sheave, constituting a part of an electric motor, and comprising at least one pair of magnetic poles, an armature (11, 12) attached to the stationary shaft in a facing relation to the field magnet and constituting another part of the motor, and a field magnetic pole detector (27) for detecting the predetermined magnetic pole of the field magnet rotated together with the drive sheave.

Abstract: A drive machine for elevators comprises a rotatable drive sheave (16) over which a main cable (18) for hanging an elevator cage is wound, a stationary shaft (9) for supporting rotation of the drive sheave and bearing a load applied to the drive sheave from the main cable, a field magnet (14) attached to the drive sheave, constituting a part of an electric motor, and comprising at least one pair of magnetic poles, an armature (11, 12) attached to the stationary shaft in a facing relation to the field magnet and constituting another part of the motor, and a field magnetic pole detector (27) for detecting the predetermined magnetic pole of the field magnet rotated together with the drive sheave.

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: Conventional elevators comprise a console for entering control information, more particularly, via key depression. To make the known control arrangements simpler and more flexible to use by the user, the invention provides means for audio recording 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.

Abstract: The elevator communication system generally provides a computer device installed in an elevator cab. The computer device is configured with peripheral devices to display visual and audio information to cab riders. The computer device receives information content from several sources, including a networked server system. The server system communicates information to the computer device for presentation to passengers in the elevator. The computer device may also be connected to an elevator controller so that the computer device can present information based on current and future destination floors of the elevator cab. The elevator communication system queues and orders the received informational content based on received selection data, thereby selecting which information is presented to elevator riders.

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 server located within a building and then forwarded to a display memory and subsequently displayed on a monitor 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 as well as the building server are each individually addressable thus allowing groups of displays to be simultaneously updated from a remote centralized location with information such as news updates, customized advertising information and the like.

Abstract: An elevator including a hoisting device configured to drive a cage installed in a shaft, a counter weight installed in the shaft, a cable configured to connect the counter weight and the cage via the hoisting device, a guide rail configured to guide the cage or the counter weight vertically, a controlling device installed in a door pocket, provided at a certain elevator hall and configured to control the operation of the cage, an auxiliary controlling device configured to operate the auxiliary function of the controlling device, provided in the vicinity of an elevator component provided in the vicinity of the door pocket of the elevator hall, where the controlling device is installed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elevator system for which maintenance is tailored for each of the individual hardware components of the elevator. A maintenance system groups together hardware components having approximately identical maintenance needs, and stores these groups along with the appropriate maintenance data for these groups in a storage area. The maintenance data stored in connection with each group includes maintenance time-points that indicate the times when the group of components should be maintained. The storage area of the maintenance system can be accessed and changed by remote devices. Components needing more maintenance are store in different groups from components needing less maintenance, thereby reducing unnecessary maintenance of elevator components.

Abstract: A drive machine for elevators includes a rotatable drive sheave over which a main cable for hanging an elevator cage is wound, a stationary shaft for supporting rotation of the drive sheave and bearing a load applied to the drive sheave from the main cable, a field magnet attached to the drive sheave, constituting a part of an electric motor, and including at least one pair of magnetic poles, an armature attached to the stationary shaft facing the field magnet and constituting another part of the motor, and a field magnetic pole detector for detecting a magnetic pole of the field magnet rotating together with the drive sheave.

Abstract: A control operation system for an elevator includes a flood detector for detecting a flood amount in a hoistway in an elevator, a flood speed computer for computing flood speed based on the detected flood amount, and a flood control operation command for flood control operation of the elevator based on the flood speed, making it possible to provide a flood control operation best suited to a flood speed.

Abstract: A control panel is divided into units in accordance with each control function, units to be controlled by or connected to the divided unit are divided into unit groups in accordance with a place where the unit is to be disposed, and unit groups having a relationship form a control section, the control section being disposed in the vicinity of the unit group so that it is unnecessary to provide a large integral control panel. There is no difficulty in finding an installation place for the control panel, it is unnecessary to prepare a special machine room, it is possible to provide the control panel in an empty space around the respective unit to be controlled, and to effectively use the building while enhancing the layout of the units and it is possible to quickly control a localized situation for the unit to be controlled.