Abstract: An elevator installation can comprise an elevator cage, a counterweight, a first support, a second support, a drive for driving of drive pulleys in common and for movement of the supports, and a monitoring device with two slack support switches. A first slack support switch is arranged in the region of a first fastening point for monitoring the first support. A second slack support switch is arranged diagonally opposite in the region of another fastening point for monitoring the second support. The monitoring device comprises a safety circuit, in which the two slack support switches are so integrated in a safety circuit of the elevator installation that actuation of just one of the two slack support switches interrupts the safety circuit.

Abstract: Power is managed in an elevator system including an elevator hoist motor (12), a primary power supply (20), and an electrical energy storage (EES) system (32). A power demand of the elevator hoist motor is determined, and a state-of-charge (SOC) of the EES system is determined. Power exchanged between the hoist motor, the primary power supply, and the EES system is controlled based on the power demand of the hoist motor and the SOC of the EES system.

Abstract: Power distribution is managed between a regenerative drive (10) connected to an elevator hoist motor (12), and a primary power supply (20) and electrical energy storage (EES) system (36) connected to the regenerative drive. A state-of-charge (SOC) of the EES system and a primary current flow between the primary power supply and the regenerative drive are measured. A direction and magnitude of secondary current flow between the EES system and the regenerative drive is then controlled as a function of the primary current flow and the SOC of the EES system. SOC of the EES system is maintained in a limited range except as necessary to maintain primary current flow below a threshold current.

Abstract: In a safety device for an elevator, on one car door among a pair of car doors, a light-emitting/light-receiving unit is disposed facing downward at an upper end position of a vertical line separated by a predetermined distance from an end face in a closing direction, which is to abut the other car door, toward the side of the other car door, and a first reflecting member is disposed facing upward at a lower end position of the vertical line. A housing space that houses the light-emitting/light-receiving unit in a state where both car doors are closed is formed on the other car door, and a second reflecting member is disposed facing upward at a bottom portion of the housing space and extends from the same position as an end face in a closing direction of the other car door toward the back of the housing space.

Abstract: A brake monitor for monitoring a brake system of an elevator system that includes a drive and a drive controller checks for a travel signal generated by the elevator system. If a brake-release signal is not received within a time-window after the occurrence of the travel signal, the brake monitor activates a relay circuit for interrupting a safety circuit of the elevator system or for interrupting a control voltage of the drive controller so that the elevator system can be stopped.

Abstract: A set of semi-active actuators is arranged in an elevator system to compensate a vibration of an elevator car. The actuators are controlled in accordance with the control policy based on a measured signal including values of the parameter measured during the operation of the elevator system. The control policy is determined, based on a model of the elevator system, wherein the control policy includes a state function representing an operation of the elevator system and a function of displacement representing an operation of the set of semi-active actuators. The state function is approximated, using the model of the elevator system, as a first function of a parameter representing the vibration. The function of displacement is approximated, using the model of the elevator system, as a second function of the parameter.

Abstract: A method determines a force which acts via a drive wheel, which is fastened on a motor shaft of an electric motor or on an output shaft of a geared motor, on a component, which is coupled to the drive wheel directly in form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner. The electric motor is coupled electrically to a power amplifier, which is coupled to a power-supply unit via a connecting circuit. The force is determined using a voltage and a current which are determined in the connecting circuit. An apparatus implements the method.

Abstract: An elevator installation has a guide rail of a predetermined length and a movable body configured to move along the guide rail up and down a hoistway. A proximity sensor is mounted on the movable body to be in a predetermined proximity of the guide rail. The proximity sensor is configured to detect whether or not the proximity sensor is at the predetermined distance to the guide rail. A controller coupled to the proximity sensor acts upon an indication that the proximity sensor is not at the predetermined distance to the guide rail to switch the elevator installation to a secure state.

Abstract: An elevator safety system including a controller, and a hoistway safety node arranged at a pit portion of an elevator hoistway. The hoistway node is operatively connected to one of a pit safety device and a lower hoistway device arranged at the elevator pit. A first bus links the hoistway node and the controller. The first bus passes communication signals directly from the hoistway node to the controller. A car node is arranged in an elevator car. The car node is operatively connected to a car safety device arranged at the elevator car. A second bus links the car node and the controller. The second bus passes communication signals directly from the car node to the controller.

Abstract: A circuit (34) for resetting a component (21) within an elevator safety chain (23). The reset circuit (24) comprises a first reset switch (31), a second reset switch (32) and a door contact (33). This first reset switch is mountable within an elevator shaft (2) and the second reset switch (32) is mountable outside the elevator. Preferably, the second reset switch (32) is hidden from members of the general public but is accessible to an elevator technician. The door contact (33) is mountable alongside the landing door (13). The first reset switch (31), the second reset switch (32) and the door contact (33) are arranged in series so that all must be closed to reset the component (21) whereby, upon activation, the first reset switch (31) remains closed for a first predetermined time period (?t1) after which it returns to its open state.

Abstract: In order to examine abnormality in shape of an outer circumference of a wire rope, the rope tester device includes a comb-shaped detection plate having a curved test edge portion extending along at least one portion of an outer circumference of a substantially circular sectional configuration of the wire rope and a testing recessed portion for receiving the wire rope in the vicinity of or in contact with the test edge portion, and a support device for rotatably supporting the detection plate in the vicinity of or in contact with the wire rope for permitting the rotation of the detection plate when the detection plate receives a force from an abnormal portion of the wire rope to relieve the force. A test string is disposed in an opening of the testing recessed portion for testing a surface that is not in the vicinity of or in contact with the test edge portion.

Abstract: An elevator installation includes a cage, a counterweight, a drive and at least one support element. The cage and the counterweight are supported by the support element, which is driven by the drive to move the cage and the counterweight in opposite directions. The support element includes at least one test element, wherein the test element is contacted by at least one contacting device and connected with a measuring device so that an electrical resistance of the test element is determinable by the measuring device, wherein the electrical resistance of the test element changes due to stretching of the test element so that through measurement of the electrical resistance of the test element at least one of the following states of the elevator installation is ascertainable: loading of the cage, a slack support element, a tension difference between at least two support elements and damage of the support element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the movement and/or the position of an elevator car include a first monitoring unit for analyzing first signals of a first sensor device for obtaining information about the movement and/or the position of the elevator car, for detecting a possible faulty behavior of the elevator system, and for initiating corresponding safety measures. A second sensor device, which does not operate on the principle of the first sensor device, registers changes of the movement state of the elevator car and emits corresponding second signals to a second monitoring unit that analyzes the second signals and detects changes of the movement state of the elevator car. A fault signal is generated if the movement signals that are obtained from the first monitoring unit are incoherent with the changes of the movement state of the elevator car that are detected by the second monitoring unit.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for elevator apparatuses which can move a cab via a drive, wherein the drive can he monitored via a monitoring unit for monitoring the drive, comprising: a first safety circuit, which has a closed conduction state and an open conduction state, with an interruption apparatus for interrupting the drive depending on the conduction state of the first safety circuit, a safety device, which comprises at least two sensors, which can be switched between at least two switching states depending on a state to be detected by the sensors. To provide improved maintenance, a switching unit is provided, which can be switched between at least two switching states by connection to the safety device and is designed to effect the closed and/or open conduction state of the first safety circuit, wherein the switching unit comprises a transmission device for transmitting data and/or monitoring signals to the monitoring unit.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for elevator apparatuses which can move a cab via a drive, comprising: a monitoring unit for monitoring the drive and/or the motor regulation system of the drive, a safety device having at least two sensors, which can be switched between at least two switching states depending on a state, in particular a closing state. In order to be able to reduce operating costs, the safety device and/or the monitoring unit comprises a controller, which is designed to identify the respective switching states of the sensors, and to transmit data and/or monitoring signals to the monitoring unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that may he useful for testing braking systems for use in, for example, an aircraft. A system is disclosed that allows for built in testing. For example, a method if provided comprising sending, from a brake controller, a test command set to at least one of an electromechanical actuator (EMAC) and a brake servo valve (BSV) in response to a landing gear retraction, receiving, at the brake controller, feedback from the at least one of the EMAC and the BSV in response to the test command set, and comparing, at the brake controller, the feedback with a predetermined signature.

Abstract: An actuator for a speed governor of an elevator system includes a governor wheel equipped with at least two flyweights. The governor wheel can be driven by a governor cable looped around it. An actuator wheel is stationary in a basic position. A coupler engages the actuator wheel when the governor wheel attains an actuation speed and thus couples with the governor wheel so that the actuator wheel is caused to rotate. An elastic material, preferably transmitting a high degree of friction, is provided between the coupler and the actuator wheel. The actuator wheel has a lining or tire of the elastic material and/or the coupler is equipped with the elastic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electricity supply apparatus, an elevator system and a method for limiting the electricity consumption of an elevator system. The electricity supply apparatus according to the invention is fitted to supply electricity to one or more devices in an elevator system. The minimum value of the permitted supply voltage with which the apparatus still operates is determined for one or more appliances of the elevator system, and the electricity supply apparatus is equipped to change the supply voltage of the one or more appliances of the elevator system towards the minimum value of the permitted supply voltage for limiting electricity consumption of the elevator system.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a car traveling up and down along a hoistway; a buffer for stopping the car at an end of the hoistway; brakes for braking travel of the car; a car traveling-information acquisition mechanism for acquiring information as to speed of the car; and a brake control unit for controlling the brake by comparing a speed of the car with a speed pattern curve created based upon a speed curve of the car when braking force is forcedly exerted by the brakes to enable the buffer to absorb a shock at the collision of the car with the buffer to a level below a predetermined specified value.

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: A motion of a first car and a second car in a multi-car elevator system, wherein the first car and the second car move independently in an elevator shaft, is controlled by generating a command to move the first car according to a first deceleration curve, if a relationship between a position and a velocity of the first car corresponds to a value on the first deceleration curve; and by generating a command to move the second car according to a second deceleration curve, if a relationship between position and a velocity of the second car corresponds to a value on the second deceleration curve, wherein a distance between the first and the second deceleration curve is equals or greater than a minimum distance.

Abstract: An elevator load bearing member (30) monitoring device includes a controller (42) that applies a selected electrical signal to tension members (32) of the load bearing member (30). In one example, connectors (40) are associated with ends of the load bearing member (30) to establish an electrical interface between the controller (42) and the tension members (32). The connectors (40) facilitate establishing electrical circuit loops along the tension members (32) such that only non-adjacent tension members are energized at a selected time. A variety of circuit configurations are disclosed. The applied electrical signal in one example has a potential that is negative compared to a ground potential of a hoistway in which the elevator belt is used. In another example, the electrical signal comprises a plurality of pulses and has a duty cycle that is on the order of about one percent.

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 electronic safety system for an elevator with a controller, which is coupled to a motor for driving an elevator car, a safety controller and a bus by means of which the controller can communicate with bus nodes which receive data from at least one sensor. The controller can communicate with a safety circuit which can be put into an open state by the safety controller, as a result of which the motor is shut off, and the safety circuit has a means which notifies the controller of shut-off of the motor, or shut-off of the motor can be detected by the controller on the basis of the data transmitted from the bus nodes to the controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring arrangement, an elevator system and also a monitoring arrangement for measuring the movement of an elevator car. The measuring arrangement includes identifiers disposed at set points in the elevator hoistway, each of which identifiers contains at least one property to be measured, which property to be measured is made to be variable in the direction of movement of the elevator car. The measuring arrangement includes at least one measuring apparatus, fitted in connection with the elevator car and arranged to move along with the elevator car in the elevator hoistway. The measuring apparatus is arranged to separately read the property to be measured of each aforementioned identifier after the measuring apparatus has moved in the elevator hoistway to the reading point individual for the identifier to be read.

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: An elevator system includes a car (1) traveling up and down along a hoistway; a buffer (15) for stopping the car (1) at an end of the hoistway, brakes (7), (8), and (9) for braking travel of the car (1); a car traveling-information acquisition part for acquiring car traveling information; and a brake controller (10) for controlling the brakes (8) and (9), based upon the information acquired by the car traveling-information acquisition part, so as to reduce a collision speed at a collision of the car with the buffer to below a predetermined speed so that a shock at the collision of the car (1) with the buffer (15) can be absorbed to a level below a specified value.

Abstract: In an elevator device, a car is raised and lowered by a plurality of hoisting machines respectively including hoisting machine brakes. Each of the hoisting machine brakes has a braking force large enough to stop the car by itself. Each of a plurality of brake control sections respectively for controlling the corresponding hoisting machine brakes includes a plurality of calculation sections. The calculation sections can detect a failure of the calculation sections by comparing own results of calculations and cause a corresponding one of the hoisting machine brakes to perform a braking operation upon detection of the failure of the calculation sections.

Abstract: In a method for suppressing drifting of an elevator car away from a stopping floor, an operating condition of one or more machinery brakes of a hoisting machine of an elevator is monitored, and one or more machinery brakes are used to stop the elevator car from leaving a door zone of a stopping floor when at least one of the door of the elevator car and the landing door are open. Start of a next run of an elevator car that has left the door zone of the stopping floor is prevented when the at least one of the door of the elevator car and the landing door are open, and information about the preventing of the next run is recorded in a non-volatile memory of an elevator control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable speed drive comprising a direct-current power bus having a positive line (16) and a negative line (17), and an inverter module (14) supplied by the direct-current bus in order to supply a variable voltage to an electric load (M). The drive comprises an energy-recovery device (10) comprising a first direct-current/direct-current converter (20), the output stage of the first converter (20) being connected in series to the positive line of the direct-current bus, a second direct-current/direct-current converter (30), the input stage of the second converter (30) being connected between the positive line and the negative line of the direct-current bus, and an electric energy storage module (Cs) connected in parallel with the input stage of the first converter (20) and with the output stage of the second converter (30).

Abstract: An exemplary safety circuit includes a plurality of contacts that are configured to establish a conductive path across the contacts when the contacts are in electrically conductive contact with each other. The contacts selectively interrupt the conductive path across them when the contacts are separated. A controller selectively introduces a voltage pulse across the contacts at a voltage level that is effective to overcome an electrical resistance of any contamination on at least one of the contacts. The controller introduces the voltage pulse at least when the contacts are expected to be in contact to establish the conductive path.

Abstract: An exemplary method of controlling elevator car position includes determining that an elevator car required re-leveling. Elevator car dynamics information associated with a current position of the elevator car is determined. A gain for controlling operation of a motor responsible for moving the elevator car for the re-leveling is adjusted based on the determined elevator car dynamics information.

Abstract: An elevator safety system (10) includes a limit switch (32) coupled to a first elevator car (14) and an actuator plate (30) coupled to a governor rope (24) of a second elevator car (16). The actuator plate trips (30) the limit switch (32) when a distance between the first elevator car (14) and the second elevator car (16) goes below a safety threshold distance to stop the first and second elevator cars (14, 16).

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a rescue operation for a car is performed by a rescue operation controller. The rescue operation controller obtains a rescue operation voltage value and applies a voltage having the rescue operation voltage value to a brake coil in response to a signal from a speed detector at a time of the rescue operation for the car. The rescue operation voltage value is a value of the voltage necessary to reduce braking force of a brake device to move the car by using a state of imbalance between the car and a counterweight.

Abstract: A coupling shaft includes: a boss portion; and a rotation detector mounting shaft portion that protrudes outward from the boss portion away from the motor shaft. An inner circumferential surface of a penetrating aperture disposed on a mounting member is an inclined pressing surface that is inclined relative to a shaft axis of the motor shaft such that an inside diameter of the penetrating aperture increases continuously toward the motor shaft. An inclined bearing surface that is inclined relative to a shaft axis of the coupling shaft is disposed on the boss portion so as to be formed into an annular shape around the shaft axis of the coupling shaft, and such that an outside diameter of the boss portion increases continuously toward the motor shaft. The inclined pressing surface is able to contact the inclined bearing surface by the mounting member being displaced toward the motor shaft.

Abstract: An elevator safety control device realizing suppression in increase in cost and labor hour of installation and maintenance without deteriorating safety of normal safety control functions even when a plurality of safety control functions are provided. The elevator safety control device includes an independence assurance unit assuring independence of a safety control function. The independence assurance unit assures independence of each of the safety control functions by monitoring whether or not the safety control function accesses a memory other than a permitted region. When the independence assurance unit detects an access to the memory other than the permitted region by a predetermined safety control function, the elevator safety control device stops a car.

Abstract: The monitoring method for an elevator installation includes a control unit and at least one bus junction, which bus junction has a receiver, a transmitter and a safety element. The control unit and the bus junction communicate by way of a bus. The monitoring method has the following steps: a digital default signal is transmitted by the control unit to the receiver; the digital default signal is converted by the receiver into an analog signal; the safety element is acted on by the receiver with the analog signal; if the safety element is closed the analog signal is detected by the transmitter; for a detected analog signal, a digital signal of the control unit is provided by the transmitter; wherein on detection of an analog zero signal a digital signal is transmitted by the transmitter to the control unit.

Abstract: An improved activity detection system for use on a lift truck can be generally stated as including a detection apparatus and a processor apparatus. The detection apparatus can be generally stated as including at least one of a load detector and a movement detector. The processor apparatus can be generally stated as including a storage for storing an output from the detection apparatus.

Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes an elongated member (30, 32, 34) that may sway under certain conditions. An exemplary method of controlling the elevator system (20) includes selectively controlling an elevator car dispatching schedule when a condition exists that is conducive to sway of one of the elongated members (30, 32, 34). The control over the elevator car dispatching schedule controls the time that the elevator car is in a predetermined critical zone while the condition exists such that the time does not exceed a selected amount.

Abstract: In a safety system for an elevator, a safety gear is mounted to a car, the safety gear being electrically operated by an actuator to cause the car to make an emergency stop regardless of whether a running direction of the car is upward or downward. A safety gear controller cuts power supply to a hoisting machine motor and causes the safety gear to make a braking operation upon detection of the slip between the drive sheave and the main rope based on a drive sheave acceleration exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: An elevator apparatus performing proper braking control of a car according to a detected content of a failure, and including: a semiconductor switch connected in series to a brake coil, for varying current flowing through the brake coil; an interruption switch connected in series to the brake coil and the semiconductor switch and capable of interrupting current flowing through the brake coil; a braking force control processing mechanism controlling an amount of current flowing through the semiconductor switch according to deceleration of the car when the car stops; a failure detection section detecting failure in the braking force control processing mechanism; a critical event detection mechanism detecting a critical event requiring an urgent stop of the car based on a state detection signal; and a brake power supply interrupting mechanism turning the interruption switch OFF to apply braking when the failure and the critical event is detected.

Abstract: The elevator car is arranged movably along guideways and in the special operating mode is decelerated to a standstill and kept at a standstill by a braking device, by a braking force brought about by the braking device together with a brakeway. A required deceleration to bring the elevator car to a standstill within a next-possible exit zone in the special operating mode is calculated, furthermore a stopping of the elevator car is detected if a sudden change in the braking force or the acceleration is established and the braking force of the braking device is set to a holding force when the stopping is established. The special operating mode results in the elevator car coming to a stop directly in the region of an exit zone in a special operating mode and passengers in the car being able to leave the elevator car independently.

Abstract: The invention concerns an energy management method in a building including a lifting installation with a mobile car in a shaft and a ventilation passage between the shaft and the atmosphere. The method includes the monitoring of at least one state parameter of the lifting installation; the evaluation, in a control unit, of the necessity to ventilate the shaft based on at least one state parameter; the switching of an obturator element associated with the ventilation passage from an open position, wherein the ventilation passages is essentially open, to a closed position, wherein the ventilation passages is at least partially obturated, only when the evaluation indicates that ventilation of the shaft is not required, the obturator element being prestressed in its open position. The invention also concerns an energy management system designed to implement the method according to. The present method and system are particularly suitable for installation of a lift in a low-energy or passive building.

Abstract: In a safety system for an elevator, slip detection means detects a slip between a drive sheave and a main rope. A safety gear is mounted to a car, the safety gear being electrically operated by an actuator to cause the car to make an emergency stop regardless of whether a running direction of the car is upward or downward. A safety gear controller cuts power supply to a hoisting machine motor and causes the safety gear to make a braking operation upon detection of the slip between the drive sheave and the main rope by the slip detection means.

Abstract: A method for operating an elevator having a car driven by a motor and at least one brake to stop the car, the method including closing a brake, increasing a torque of the motor until the car moves, and registering a value indicative of the motor torque at which the car moves.

Abstract: A platform includes main transverse beams (“MTBs”), each supported by at least one hoist. It is determined whether a load on any MTB is different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount. An MTB which has a load different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount is selected and then vertically moved with respect to the other MTBs within a predetermined safety limit to transfer load between the selected MTB and the other MTBs while monitoring the loads on each MTB and the position of the selected MTB as vertical movement of the selected MTB proceeds. The monitored loads and position are compared with the safety limit; and the movement of the selected MTB stopped when either the desired load transfer is completed or the safety limit has been met.

Abstract: A platform includes main transverse beams (“MTBs”), each supported by at least one hoist. It is determined whether a load on any MTB is different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount. An MTB which has a load different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount is selected and then vertically moved with respect to the other MTBs within a predetermined safety limit to transfer load between the selected MTB and the other MTBs while monitoring the loads on each MTB and the position of the selected MTB as vertical movement of the selected MTB proceeds. The monitored loads and position are compared with the safety limit; and the movement of the selected MTB stopped when either the desired load transfer is completed or the safety limit has been met.

Abstract: A speed governor includes: a centrifugal weight that revolves around a predetermined revolving shaft in response to movement of a car; an extensible body to which the centrifugal weight is connected, and that is rotated around the revolving shaft, the extensible body being displaced relative to the revolving shaft in response to a centrifugal force to which the centrifugal weight is subjected due to the revolution; a switching apparatus that extends and retracts the extensible body in response to an elevator operational state; and an operation detecting apparatus that detects whether a state of the extensible body is an extended state in which the extensible body is extended or a retracted state in which the extensible body is retracted. A controlling apparatus determines presence or absence of an abnormality in the speed governor by comparing the elevator operational state and detection results from the operation detecting apparatus.

Abstract: In a safety system for an elevator, slip detection means detects a slip between a drive sheave and a main rope. A safety gear is mounted to a car, the safety gear being electrically operated by an actuator to cause the car to make an emergency stop regardless of whether a running direction of the car is upward or downward. A safety gear controller cuts power supply to a hoisting machine motor and causes the safety gear to make a braking operation upon detection of the slip between the drive sheave and the main rope by the slip detection means.

Abstract: In a safety system for an elevator, slip detection means detects a slip between a drive sheave and a main rope. A safety gear is mounted to a car, the safety gear being electrically operated by an actuator to cause the car to make an emergency stop regardless of whether a running direction of the car is upward or downward. A safety gear controller cuts power supply to a hoisting machine motor and causes the safety gear to make a braking operation upon detection of the slip between the drive sheave and the main rope by the slip detection means.