Abstract: A system includes an array of photodiode sensors positioned on an autonomous vehicle. Each photodiode sensor in the array of photodiode sensors is oriented in a different direction and configured to generate electrical current signals in response to detecting a flashing light in a surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle. The system also includes a processor coupled to the array of photodiode sensors. The processor is configured to determine a location of a source of the flashing light relative to the autonomous vehicle based on electrical current signals from at least one photodiode sensor in the array of photodiode sensors. The processor is also configured to generate a command to maneuver the autonomous vehicle based on the location of the source relative to the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods associated with powered vehicles are disclosed herein. In examples, a system for controlling a vehicle may include sensors and a processor coupled to the sensors. The processor may identify one or more values received from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more values are associated with one or more conditions of the vehicle and/or the vehicle's environment, and determine, based on the one or more values, a net resultant force vector of one or more forces acting on a center of mass of the vehicle. The processor may further determine a relationship between the net resultant force vector and a stability polygon that is superimposed at a base of the vehicle, and determine whether to limit one or more of a speed, rate of change, and/or travel amount for one or more of the operational systems controlled by the processor based on the relationship between the net resultant force vector and the stability polygon. Other examples may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A method for moving an elevator car of an elevator for evacuating passengers from the elevator car in the event of a power failure, wherein a brake blocks a vertical movement of the elevator car, includes the steps of: applying an electrical pulse or a plurality of electrical pulses to the brake of the elevator car to release the brake and unblock the vertical movement of the elevator car, the brake being released for as long as the particular electrical pulse is applied to the brake; determining a covered height which the elevator car has covered during the application of the particular electrical pulse; comparing the determined covered height with a predetermined distance; and terminating the application of the particular electrical pulse to the brake when the determined covered height is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A method for preventive maintenance of an elevator speed sensor system includes at least a first and a second sensor, which are independent of each other. The method includes: determining a reference distance for an elevator car travel between a first door zone and a second door zone, during the elevator car travel, defining continuously a first elevator car speed information from the first sensor and a second elevator car speed information from the second sensor, calculating a cumulative sensor system error by integrating the difference between the first elevator car speed information and the second elevator car speed information, and dividing the cumulative sensor system error with the reference distance to obtain a sensor system performance indicator.

Abstract: An vertical transportation elevator, escalator, dumbwaiter and lift systems monitoring, maintenance, repair, inspection, testing and modernization system and method is provided. The system and method may provide real-time information to a technician, buildings, property managers, facility managers, owners of building, building engineers, regarding the current state of the equipment, status of inspections, status of testing, repairs, modernization history of maintenance real time maintenance performed on equipment and characteristics of the equipment, and future requirements of the elevator.

Abstract: An overspeed brake system for use in an elevator powerhead is provided. A brake rotor is attachable to a cable drum to rotate with a cable drum. A brake member selectively engages the brake rotor upon transition of an actuation lever from a first position to a second position. A biasing member acts on the actuation lever to bias the actuation lever from the first position towards the second position. A latch arrangement has a first orientation maintaining the actuation lever in the first position and a second orientation releasing the actuation lever for transitioning from the first position to the second position. The latch arrangement transitions from the first orientation to the second orientation when a speed sensing arrangement senses that the rotational speed of the cable drum is at least a predetermined rotational speed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing sensor operation are provided. Aspects includes obtaining, by a primary sensor, primary sensor data associated with an electrical mechanical system, obtaining, by at least one secondary sensor, secondary sensor data associated with the electrical mechanical system, and analyzing the primary sensor data responsive to a determination of a predetermined state of the electrical mechanical system based on the secondary sensor data.

Abstract: A system for elevator door sensor fusion, fault detection, and service notification is provided. The system includes a processor and a memory including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include monitoring outputs of a plurality of sensors. It is determined whether the outputs of the plurality of sensors follow an expected pattern. Based at least in part on determining that the outputs of the plurality of sensors do not follow the expected pattern: identifying a sensor in the plurality of sensors that is not following the expected pattern, and transmitting a notification indicating that the sensor is exhibiting unexpected behaviour.

Abstract: Elevator systems having an elevator machine connected to an elevator car within an elevator shaft, the elevator shaft including a plurality of landings, at least one first sensor assembly attached to the elevator car, at least one second sensor assembly arranged within the elevator shaft and configured to interact with the at least one first sensor assembly, and a computing system in communication with at least one of the at least one first sensor assemblies and the at least one second sensor assemblies such that the computing system receives at least one of signals or data from the at least one of the at least one first sensor assemblies and the at least one second sensor assemblies. The at least one first sensor assemblies and the at least one second sensor assemblies form a contactless position sensing system for determining a position of the elevator car within the elevator shaft.

Abstract: A method of health profile based elevator calls is provided. The method is implemented by a system comprising an elevator. The system is in communication with a mobile device of a user. The system determines a distance between a lobby respective to the at least one elevator and the mobile device and acquires a health profile of the user from the mobile device. The system, then, determines a travel time based on the distance and the health profile. Next, the system executes an elevator call for the elevator with respect to the travel time.

Abstract: A storage system is disclosed where goods can be stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of rails (e.g., tracks) on which load handling devices can run. To take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked. The framework may be provided with one or more of the following exemplary services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensors, and data logging devices. The provision of these services within the framework rather than across the system as a whole, can allow for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.

Abstract: Elevator systems and methods including an elevator car within an elevator shaft, at least one component subject to inspection, the at least one component having an indicator element thereon, and an inspection system comprising a detector located on the elevator car and arranged to detect the presence of the indicator element in a detection region such that when the indicator element is detected within the detection region, a notification regarding a state of operation of the at least one component is generated.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided an elevator communication system. The system comprises an ethernet bus, a safety master node communicatively connected to the ethernet bus and configured to communicate via the ethernet bus, and safety slave nodes communicatively connected to the ethernet bus and configured to communicate via the ethernet bus. The safety master node and the safety slave nodes are configured to communicate by using a time-triggered communication protocol. In the time-triggered communication protocol the safety master node is configured to send a polling diagnostic request message to the safety slave nodes by using a predetermined polling cycle.

Abstract: The invention provides an elevator operation quality tester, comprising a rectangle aluminium-alloy housing provided with a casing and a covering, an upper opening of the casing is provided with a groove for embedding in a touching screen; circuit board, three-axis acceleration sensor and rechargeable battery supplying power to the circuit board are provided in the casing; the circuit board is provide with elevator vibration data acquisition circuit, back-end data processing system, interface circuit and radio communication circuit; the casing is provided with a handle on the side; the elevator vibration data acquisition circuit comprises a power isolation module, a power circuit conversion module, a three-axis acceleration sensor, an analog and digital signal isolation module and a analog-digital conversion module, the power isolation module isolates an external power supply, and the power isolation module is connected to the power circuit conversion module.

Abstract: A method can be used to position a car door and a landing-stop door in a synchronized manner at a landing stop in an elevator shaft of an elevator system. The car door may be configured as a guide door, and the landing-stop door may be configured as a follower door. The method may involve bringing an elevator car close to the landing stop, upon entry of the car door into an unlock zone sensing a presence signal of the follower door by way of a presence sensor of the guide door, actuating the guide-door drive by way of the guide controller and executing an opening movement of the guide door, providing movement information of the guide door, and actuating the follower-door drive of the follower door.

Abstract: A passenger conveyance system (2, 102, 202) is provided which includes a first component (12, 112, 212) arranged to rotate about a first rotation axis A1 and a second component (16, 116, 216) arranged to rotate about a second rotation axis A2; at least one magnet (20,120, 220); and at least one sensor (24, 124, 224). Either the at least one sensor (24, 124, 224) or the at least one magnet (20, 120, 220) is fixed to the first component (12, 112, 212). The sensor (24, 124, 224) is arranged to measure a displacement to the at least one magnet (12, 112, 212), and the system (2, 102, 202) is arranged to use the measured displacement to determine information indicative of the alignment of the first and second components (12, 112, 212; 16, 116, 216).

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for digital control of elevator and other access gateways are described herein. More specifically, embodiments comprise systems and methods for retrofitting or outfitting elevator systems with digital control systems that can be universally applied to virtually every manufacturer's elevator systems.

Abstract: An elevator car position detection device is provided capable of preventing erroneous detection of a metal object other than an object to be detected. The elevator car position detection device includes: an object to be detected provided in one of a hoistway and a car of an elevator, the object to be detected being formed of a magnetic body and having a slit-like opening; and a magnetic detection device provided in the other of the hoistway and the car of the elevator, the magnetic detection device being configured to detect a change in magnetic flux density according to the slit-like opening when facing the object to be detected.

Abstract: An elevator operation panel has a plurality of buttons for selecting target floors and a plurality of touch-sensitive areas, each area being associated with one of the buttons. The panel includes an output device, such as a display or a loudspeaker, for outputting information, a control unit connected to the buttons, to the areas and to the output device, and a data storage device storing at least one data folder for each target floor. Each folder contains information relating to the associated target floor. Upon triggering one of the touch-sensitive areas, the control unit reads the information in one of the folders relating to the target floor selectable by the button to which the area is associated and outputs the information at the output device. Subsequent triggering of the same area causes the control unit to read another folder related to the target floor and output the information therein.

Abstract: A method for determining an elevator landing table from within an elevator car includes obtaining landing index information from a position indicator of an elevator with a landing identification system mounted within the elevator; communicating the landing index information from the position indicator via the landing identification system; and associating the landing index information to a building landing reference to determine a position of the elevator car.

Abstract: A locking system that locks and unlocks a door of an elevator car travelling along a track having stopping points and associated stopping point zones includes a lock mechanism having a locking position wherein the door is immobilized in a closed position and an unlocking position wherein the door can be opened, an actuator for bringing the lock mechanism into the locking and unlocking positions, and a control device activating the actuator to bring the lock mechanism into the unlocking position when the car is located in the region of a stopping point zone. A position detecting unit continuously detects the position of the car relative to the track and communicates the position to the control device that continuously detects whether the car is located in the region of a stopping point zone by comparing the communicated car position to stored position limit values of the stopping point zones.

Abstract: Elevator overrun systems having a first body arranged to be fixedly mounted to a portion of an elevator system or elevator shaft, a second body positioned within the first body and moveable from a deployed state to a retracted state relative to the first body, and a limit switch located at a distal end of the second body, the limit switch configured to interact with a component of an elevator system to prevent movement of an elevator car.

Abstract: A method for data transfer in a conveyance system includes moving a conveyance system component along a travel path, the conveyance system component including a memory; and transferring data, by at least one of sending data from the memory or receiving data to the memory, in response to available network signal strength.

Abstract: An elevator system (10) includes a hoistway (14) having a plurality of landing floors (34) each landing floor (34) having a landing floor door (36). An elevator car (12) is positioned in and drivable along the hoistway (14). A controller (38) restricts operation of the landing floor doors (36) based on a position of the elevator car (12) along the hoistway (14). A method of operating an elevator system (10) includes driving an elevator car (12) along a hoistway (14) of the elevator system (10) and determining a position of the elevator car (12) in the hoistway (14). Operation of a plurality of hoistway landing floor doors (36) is controlled based on the position of the elevator car (12) in the hoistway (14).

Abstract: A method of operating an elevator system (10) includes identifying one or more components (46, 48, 50, 52) in an elevator hoistway (14) requiring periodic maintenance and/or inspection and programming hoistway component locations of the one or more components into an elevator car control system. The elevator car (12) is driven to a programmed hoistway component location of a selected component of the one or more components utilizing the hoistway component location programmed into the elevator car control system. The selected component is accessed from inside the elevator car (12) to perform maintenance and/or inspection of the selected component.

Abstract: A position sensing system for measuring a position of a moving object includes an electromagnet configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and a magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a first magnetic field that is based on the alternating magnetic field. A controller is configured to estimate a position of the moving object based on the measured intensity of the first magnetic field.

Abstract: An elevator alignment system providing alignment between respective sills of an elevator car and an entrance landing to/from which the cab is scheduled, via alignment members disposed with the sills.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for detecting operational information of an automatic door. The arrangement comprises a magnetometer arranged to at least one of the following: moving part of the door, structure that is separate from the moving part of the door. The arrangement further comprises at least one permanent magnet arranged to the other one of the following: moving part of the door, structure that is separate from the moving part of the door. The magnetometer is configured to detect data representing the magnetic field generated by the at least one permanent magnet during a predefined time. The arrangement further comprises a control unit configured to define the operational information of the door from the detected data. The invention also relates to a method for detecting operational information of an automatic door.

Abstract: A position sensing system for measuring a position of a linearly moving object includes a high magnetic permeability material positioned on the moving object, an electromagnet configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and at least one magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a first magnetic field that is based on the alternating magnetic field. A controller is configured to estimate a linear position of the moving object based on the measured intensity of the first magnetic field.

Abstract: A position-determination system for an elevator uses a camera arranged on an elevator car, which camera has a sensor with a defined number of light-sensitive pixels for generating image data of a surface structure of hoistway material arranged along a travel path of the elevator car. An analysis unit, based on the image data, determines a position and/or velocity of the elevator car. The position-determination system recognizes a reference pattern with a specified dimension which lies in a capturing range of the camera, wherein, based on the reference pattern, the analysis unit performs a scaling of the image data.

Abstract: An elevator system having an elevator car in an elevator shaft and having a measuring tape in the elevator shaft for determining the position of the elevator car in the elevator shaft. The measuring tape is arranged vertically in the elevator shaft and has optical coding for length measurement. At least one marking element which has optical marking is arranged on the measuring tape. The marking element is fixedly arranged on the measuring tape. A sensor device which comprises a lighting source and a sensor which form a detection field for detecting the measuring tape is attached to the elevator car. The elevator system comprises an evaluation device for decoding the codings in the detection field and a control device for controlling the elevator system as a function of the coding and/or of the position of the at least one marking element on the measuring tape.

Abstract: A reflective optical encoder (40) assembly includes a motor and brake assembly at least partially in a motor and brake housing (42). An encoder housing is at least partially received in a cavity (34) of the motor and brake housing. The reflective optical encoder includes an encoder disk (50) and an encoder shaft (44) that rotate with a shaft of the motor. The assembly includes holes (54, 56, 58) in the encoder disk. A seal (80) at an interface between the encoder housing and the encoder shaft to prevent contaminants from the cavity from entering the encoder housing and a packing inside the encoder housing. A packing (84) is situated to prevent any dust or debris associated with the encoder shaft rotating relative to the seal from getting on the encoder disk.

Abstract: An elevator including a hoistway, an elevator car vertically movable in the hoistway, a rope connected to the elevator car movably together with the elevator car, a guide for guiding the rope along a path and a device that determines a position of the elevator car. The device includes an elongated code mark pattern provided on the rope, one or more sensors mounted beside the rope for sensing code marks of the code mark pattern, and an analyzer connected with the a plurality of sensors. The one or more sensors sense code marks of the code mark pattern passing by them when the rope moves along its path, and the analyzer determines the current position of the elevator car based on code marks sensed by the one or more sensors during movement of the rope.

Abstract: An arrangement includes an installation platform arranged to be movable upwards and downwards in a first direction in the elevator shaft, and two laser transmitters arranged at a bottom of the elevator shaft. Each of the two laser transmitters produce a vertical upwards directed laser plane in the elevator shaft, the laser planes being perpendicular to each other. At least four primary light sensitive detectors are attached to the installation platform so that they are visible to the laser transmitters, each of the primary light sensitive detectors being positioned on a respective side of a rectangle. The position of the installation platform in relation to the elevator shaft can be measured from the hitting points of the laser planes on the primary light sensitive detectors.

Abstract: In an elevator position detection apparatus, when a first diagnosis switch is closed, a diagnosis coil generates a first induced magnetic field, and when a second diagnosis switch is closed, the diagnosis coil generates a second induced magnetic field that is weaker than the first induced magnetic field. In a constant L output fault diagnosis mode in which the first induced magnetic field is generated, an output value of a measurement signal falls below a threshold regardless of whether or not a detection subject body is present in a detection region. In a constant H output fault diagnosis mode in which generation of both the first and the second induced magnetic fields is stopped, the output value of the measurement signal equals or exceeds the threshold regardless of whether or not the detection subject body is present in the detection region.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for an elevator car, an elevator and also a method for determining the position of an elevator car are disclosed. The positioning apparatus for an elevator car includes a plurality of position identifiers possessing a readable physical property, which position identifiers are disposed by the side of the trajectory of the elevator car and also a reader device installed on the elevator car for reading a physical property of the position identifiers. The aforementioned readable physical property of a position identifier is adapted to classify each position identifier according to the intended use of the position identifier into one of two or more optional classes, and in the position identifiers belonging to at least one aforementioned class the same physical property is additionally adapted to indicate the linear position of the elevator car.

Abstract: The invention refers to an elevator comprising an elevator car and a suspension arrangement for suspending and/or moving an elevator car, which suspension arrangement comprises at least one suspension member, whereby at least one suspension member component is provided which component is to be applied to the suspension member for affecting the physical properties of the suspension member during the operation of the elevator. According to the invention the suspension member component applied to the suspension member comprises an component identifier which is an addition to the suspension member component which component identifier is configured to be identified visibly or via additional tools. The invention allows the unambiguous identification of the suspension member component and also the distribution of the component on the suspension member surface.

Abstract: In order to be able to increase safety in elevator systems, a connecting device for connecting a transmission device for transmitting information is provided, wherein the transmission device is attached to a measurement tape for determining the position of a cab in an elevator shaft and wherein the connecting device is designed as a guide bracket for guiding and/or supporting the measurement tape, so that the guide bracket at least partially surrounds the measurement tape, and wherein the guide bracket has at least one opening for reading out the marking unit, and wherein the connecting device has two connection contacts for connecting to one of the communication lines and/or supply lines and an interruption device for interrupting one of the communication lines and/or supply lines, wherein the interruption device is situated in such a way that the interruption occurs between the two connection contacts.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a method and arrangement for monitoring the operating condition of a transport system. In one or more example embodiments, the method includes measuring a value associated with operation of a reader device, the reader device configured to transmit a reading signal to read an identifier, if the identifier is situated within range of the reading signal, and detecting a presence of a functional nonconformance in the operation of the reader device based on the value associated with operation of the reader device.

Abstract: With regard to the effect of a settling building, a connecting device for connecting a transmission device for transmitting information, wherein the transmission device is attached to a measurement tape for determining the position of a cab in an elevator shaft, wherein the connecting device is designed as a guide bracket for guiding and/or supporting the measurement tape, so that it at least partially surrounds the measurement tape, and wherein the guide bracket has at least one opening for reading out the marking unit, and wherein the connecting device has at least one connection contact for connecting to one of the communication lines and/or supply lines, wherein the at least one connection contact is movably supported in the connecting device.

Abstract: A feedback system for a motor of an elevator system is provided. The feedback system may include a first sensor and a processing circuit. The first sensor may be disposed in proximity to a drive component of the elevator system and configured to detect a change in position of the drive component. The processing circuit may be configured to receive a first data signal from the first sensor corresponding to the change in position of the drive component and generate a feedback signal for controlling the motor based on the first data signal.

Abstract: An elevator associated within a hoistway and having a speed and position detection system. The elevator may include an elevator component associated within the hoistway, an optical sensor associated within the hoistway, an object associated within the hoistway in such a manner to be aligned in a path of the optical sensor, and a processor operatively coupled to the optical sensor. The optical sensor may be capable of emitting a signal and receiving a reflected signal of the emitted signal. The object may have surface features that may reflect the signal. The processor may be capable of processing the reflected signal to provide an output indicative of a speed and position of the elevator component.

Abstract: In order to increase safety, a computer-implemented method is proposed for determining the position of a lift cabin in a lift shaft with the aid of a coding device, in which method a section of a code band and/or of the bearing device is/are recorded with an optical detection device as a pixel image consisting of pixels, a reference marking analysis is carried out, the pixel image is processed, in particular is assigned to a detection grid, pixels of the pixel image are preferably combined with the aid of their color and/or position in order to be able to read out the barcode and/or 2D code of the marking, the barcode and/or 2D code is converted to a binary code, the binary code is decoded by means of an algorithm and is converted into a position indication and/or into information as to whether a bearing device has been detected.

Abstract: A measurement tape is proposed for determining the position of a cab in an elevator shaft, wherein the measurement tape is situated vertically in the elevator shaft, and extends over at least two floors, and wherein the measurement tape includes a marking unit for marking at least two positions in the elevator shaft, wherein the marking unit runs along the length of the measurement tape. In order to improve servicing, the measurement tape includes a carrier tape and has a transmission device for transmitting information, wherein the transmission device includes at least one communication line for transmitting an information signal and/or at least one supply line for supplying power, and the at least one communication line/supply lines runs along the length of the measurement tape, wherein the communication line is designed as an electrical line for transmitting an electrical signal or as a fiberglass line for transmitting an optical signal.

Abstract: A system for monitoring elevator car travel includes a plurality of bi-stable sensors (12) traveling with an elevator car (10); a plurality of sense elements (20) positioned along a path of the sensors (12); the sense elements (20) causing the sensors (12) to assume one of a first state and a second state; wherein states of the sensors (12) define a zone code (30) identifying a zone corresponding to the elevator car (10) position, the zone code (30) being a gray code.

Abstract: An elevator monitoring device enables positional relationship of elevator cars to be grasped. The elevator monitoring device includes a receiving section which receives position information of each car, and an indication control section which causes a plurality of car-present-floor symbols representing floors corresponding to positions of the cars to be indicated in line in the order corresponding to the positional relationship of the cars and causes car symbols representing the cars to be indicated by being correlated to the car-present-floor symbols. The indication control section compresses indication areas assigned to inter-floor floors corresponding to positions of the cars between the plurality of car-present-floor symbols, in the arrangement direction of the plurality of car-present-floor symbols compared to the case where a plurality of symbols representing each of the inter-floor floors corresponding to positions of the cars are indicated in line.

Abstract: An electromechanical monitoring device for detecting undesired departure of an elevator cage from standstill includes a co-running wheel which when required is pressed against a guide track of the elevator cage, possibly against a running diameter of the speed limiter. A sensor detects rotation of the co-running wheel and actuates a braking device if a rotational angle of the co-running wheel exceeds a predetermined value. This electromechanical monitoring device can be suitable for attachment to or installation in a speed limiter and can be suitable for retrofitting to elevator installations.

Abstract: Elevator car position information can be determined based at least in part on readings from a sensor attached to the elevator car. The sensor readings provide movement information for the car. Some elevator installations are also configured with additional sensors for calibrating the sensor attached to the elevator car. The sensors can be used with, for example, an elevator installation that is being modernized.

Abstract: An elevator positioning system includes an optical tape, optical tape clips, and a sensor. The optical tape clips are mountable to various structures within the hoistway. A crossbar of the optical tape clips is located between a sensor and optical tape such that the sensor detects an interruption in the optical tape and signals the detection to an elevator controller. The elevator car can then be controlled to align evenly with the landings associated with the hoistway. Another elevator positioning system includes a sensor and a reflector clip assembly. The reflector clip assemblies are mountable to various structures within the hoistway. A reflector target of the reflector clip assemblies faces the sensor such that the sensor detects the reflector target and signals the detection to an elevator controller. The elevator car can then be controlled to align evenly with the landings associated with the hoistway.

Abstract: An elevator installation with an elevator cab in an elevator shaft and a measurement tape for determining the position of the elevator cab within the elevator shaft, which measurement tape is arranged vertically in the elevator shaft and has a code along the measurement tape, and at least one marking element which is attached in the elevator shaft and has a reference marking, and a sensor apparatus which is attached to the elevator cab and includes an illumination source and a sensor, which form a detection field for detecting the measurement tape and with an evaluation apparatus. The reference marking is arranged such that it can be captured by the detection field and the sensor apparatus is also provided for detecting the reference marking and the evaluation apparatus aligns the position determined by the measurement tape with the reference marking.