Miscellaneous Patents (Class 187/414)
  • Patent number: 8291568
    Abstract: A method in the installation of an elevator includes arranging a movable platform structure in the bottom end of the elevator hoistway with a temporary hoisting appliance in the elevator hoistway. The movable platform structure is lifted in the elevator hoistway with the temporary hoisting appliance. The final hoisting machine of the final elevator is installed from the platform structure and the final hoisting roping of the elevator is installed. The movable platform structure can be the final elevator car or at least a part of the final elevator car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventor: Hakan Barneman
  • Publication number: 20120255150
    Abstract: A method for replacing the elevator ropes in an elevator provided with at least a hoisting machine, a traction sheave and a counterweight, in which the elevator car is supported with elevator ropes and which elevator comprises compensating ropes. In connection with the first rope replacement the compensating ropes are converted into the hoisting ropes of the elevator and at least a part of the hoisting ropes are converted into the compensating ropes of the elevator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Pentti Alasentie
  • Publication number: 20120241260
    Abstract: A suspension device and a suspension arrangement for suspending a cable in an elevator hoistway are provided. The suspension device includes a mechanical fixing interface for fixing the suspension device to a supporting structure. The suspension device also includes a fixing part of the cable, which fixing part of the cable is made to be turnable in relation to the mechanical fixing interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Ari HÄRKÖNEN
  • Publication number: 20120217101
    Abstract: An elevator arrangement includes an elevator hoistway, an elevator car, and a movable supporting platform for supporting the elevator components in the elevator hoistway. The supporting platform includes a supporting frame. The supporting frame includes a plurality of beams that are rigidly fixed to each other. The plurality of beams are arranged such that towards each of all four lateral directions of the supporting platform points at least one beam end of the supporting frame, at which beam end is a movable support element belonging to a plurality of movable support elements movable between a position extended from the platform towards the side and a position retracted towards the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Peacock, Zhizhong Yan
  • Publication number: 20120152663
    Abstract: In this elevator system, a traveling body has arranged upon it a safety gear for braking and holding the traveling body tight on the guiderail, or on a braking rail. The safety gear is connected to a device for actuating the safety gear, which can also actuate the safety gear. The device for actuating the safety gear contains a coupler body, which can be pressed against the elevator hoistway, possibly against the guiderail or braking rail, wherein actuation of the safety gear is effected by a relative movement between the pressed-on coupler body and the safety gear. For this purpose, the coupler body can contain a curved coupler surface, which, in case of need, is brought into engagement with the elevator hoistway, or with the guiderail or braking rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Benoit Legeret, Eric Birrer, Marcus Junig, Philipp Zimmerli
  • Publication number: 20120138391
    Abstract: An elevator installation includes a cage, a counterweight which balances the cage and a supporting and/or drive means at which the cage and the counterweight are suspended. The elevator installation has a sound pick-up designed for detecting solid-borne sound generated at the counterweight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Karl Weinberger
  • Publication number: 20120125720
    Abstract: A rope sway mitigation device for an elevator system includes a rope tension adjuster connected to a plurality of ropes operably connected to an elevator car. The rope tension adjuster is configured to adjust a tension of at least one individual rope of the plurality of ropes thereby mitigating excitation of natural frequencies of the plurality of ropes during sway of at least one component of the elevator system and or a building in which the elevator system is located. Further disclosed is an elevator system including a rope sway mitigation device and a method of rope sway mitigation in an elevator system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Randall Keith Roberts, Mark R. Gurvich, Richard N. Fargo
  • Patent number: 8141683
    Abstract: An expandable platform for use within an elevator hoistway is provided. The expandable platform includes a plurality of corner members slidably connected to a plurality of side members. The corner members and the side members form an adjustable frame assembly. A plurality of extension members is connected to opposing side members. The extension members are configured to support a plurality of support surfaces. A depth and a width of the adjustable frame assembly can be adjusted to fit elevator hoistways having various depths and widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Wurtec Elevator Products & Services
    Inventors: Steven P. Wurth, Terry Rodebaugh, Jeffrey A. Wagenhauser
  • Publication number: 20120061190
    Abstract: An elevator installation includes an elevator cage with a support construction carrying the elevator cage, wherein the support construction has two beams. Mounted on each beam is a positioning arrangement on which, for example, a sensor is positioned, which is part of a load measuring device, wherein the positioning arrangements have material structures or sensor carriers. The sensors detect a change in spacing of the material structures or of the sensor carriers from one another, wherein this change in spacing is caused by a change in loading of the elevator cage. Signals of the sensors are processed in an evaluating unit and a signal representing the loading is used in an elevator control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Beat Brügger, Christoph Schuler, Lukas Zeder, Thomas Wüest, Urs Schaffhauser, René Strebel
  • Patent number: 8113318
    Abstract: An elevator machine (10) includes a machine shaft (14, 14?) and a sheave (26) that rotates with the machine shaft (14, 14?). A motor (12) selectively rotates the machine shaft (14, 14?). A brake (30) having at least one brake armature (36) selectively moves a brake rotor (28) coupled for rotation with the shaft (14, 14?) between a braking position and a released position. The brake rotor (28) selectively contacts a braking surface (44) formed directly on a housing (20, 22, 84, 90) to resist rotation of the machine shaft (14, 14?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Andres Monzon, Jose Miguel Aguado, Juan Manuel Oronoz, Juan Martin, Antonio Sanchez, Jose Sevilleja
  • Patent number: 8112861
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a traction appliance arrangement for replacing the hoisting roping of an elevator, which elevator comprises at least guide rails (10) along which an elevator car (7) provided with safety gear (7a) travels in the elevator shaft in an essentially vertical direction, a hoisting machine (8), a traction sheave (9) and roping (1b). The ropes (1aa) of the new roping (1a) and the ropes (1bb) of the old roping (1b) are joined to each other by splicing the ropes (1aa and 1bb) together at one of their ends and by strengthening the joint by means of compressive sleeves (4, 4a), after which the new roping (1a) is pulled into position by means of the old roping (1b) and the hoisting machine (8) of the elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Niko Korkeakangas, Matti Hynni
  • Patent number: 8069955
    Abstract: An elevator may include an elevator car, a counterweight, a set of hoisting ropes, and one or more rope pulleys. The car and counterweight may be suspended on the hoisting ropes. At least one rope pulley may include a solid surface including a plurality of rope grooves configured to receive at least one hoisting rope. Each rope groove may generally conform to a semi-circular shape and may include a groove bottom and sides. The at least one rope pulley may include a coating adhesively bonded to it. The coating may directly contact the at least one hoisting rope. A coating thickness may be less than or equal to about 3 mm. At the groove bottom of each rope groove, the coating thickness may be substantially less than half a thickness of the at least one hoisting rope. The coating may cover the groove bottom and sides of each rope groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Pekka Rantanen, Simo Makimattila
  • Publication number: 20110266096
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a detachable elevator cabin adapted to be used in a wind energy system, the detachable elevator cabin being adapted to interact with an installed system of an elevator system of a wind energy system and being adapted to be lifted within the tower of the wind energy system, with the installed system being permanently installed in the wind energy system. Further, a wind energy system is provided that includes an installed part of an elevator system, the installed part being permanently installed at the wind energy system and being adapted to temporarily interact with a detachable elevator cabin in order to lifted the detachable elevator cabin. Further, a system of a detachable part and an installed part of a wind energy system and a method of reaching the nacelle during for maintenance is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Jacob Johannes Nies
  • Patent number: 8043069
    Abstract: A water removal system for removing water from an elevator pit that includes a sump, a pump, a pump input tube, a pump output tube and a switching mechanism. The sump at least partially extends below a lower surface of the elevator pit. The plump mounted outside of the elevator pit. The pump input line is operably connected to the sump and the pump. The pump output line is operably connected to the pump. The switching mechanism is mounted outside of the sump and is operably connected to the pump and the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: H2O Gone, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Bialick, Britt Aaseby, George Anderson, David Dubbe
  • Patent number: 7987948
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a distance adjustable passenger handle assembly for an elevator. The handle assembly comprises plural fixing members (120), and plural handle supports (140). Each fixing member (120) includes a horizontal wall (122) having an opening (124) formed at an intermediate portion thereof along the entire length thereof. The opening (124) has a width which prevents the head of the fastener (30) from passing therethrough. Each handle support (140) includes a vertical partition (144), and a horizontal wall (146). The vertical partition (144) defines a space (143) inside the handle support (140), and has a through hole (145). The horizontal wall (146) has an opening (147) corresponding to the opening (124). With the handle securely fixed the handle support, the handle support (140) is inserted to the fixing member (120), adjusted to a desired distance to the inner wall, and securely coupled to the fixing member (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Il Shik Yoon
  • Patent number: 7905332
    Abstract: A method of controlling noise noticeable within an elevator car (22) includes intentionally introducing noise into the elevator car (22) at a noise level that depends on the position of the car within a hoistway (24). A disclosed example includes using existing elevator system components for generating compensating noise at different levels corresponding to different positions of the car within the hoistway. One disclosed example includes increasing introduced noise as the car descends further away from a machine responsible for moving the car. The introduced noise reduces or eliminates changes in noticeable noise within the elevator car as the car moves relative to the machine. The disclosed examples have particular usefulness in machine roomless elevator systems although they are not necessarily limited to such systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Vijay Jayachandran
  • Patent number: 7886878
    Abstract: A tension member termination device optimized for terminating flexible flat tension members, the device including a socket with a compression portion and a bulbous portion and a compression plate on each side of the compression portion fastenable by fasteners extending through all of these feature. The device provides a pathway for the tension member through the device and upon torquing the fasteners reliably secures the tension member while avoiding deleterious pressure and stress therein. The invention also provides a safety clamp for optional use with the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Ericson, Hugh J. O'Donnell, Ary O. Mello, Dale R. Barrett, Dennis J. Rehmer
  • Patent number: 7886879
    Abstract: A method for creating a temporary safety space within an elevator hoistway by preventing upward or downward movement of a car or counterweight along guide rails. The method includes the steps of providing engagement members on the guide rails and extending support struts from the car or counterweight to either side of a guide blade of the guide rail, whereby upward or downward movement of the car or counterweight along the guide rail is prevented when the extended support struts bear against the engagement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kocher, Eamon Mc Govern
  • Publication number: 20110005869
    Abstract: A space elevator and method of construction of the same that allows a space elevator to be constructed with a single rocket launch by simultaneously sending cables down to earth and away from earth via a construction satellite. When the earthbound cable reaches the surface, additional cable of gradually increasing cross section is fed from the surface of the earth to finish the construction. The finished space elevator uses moving cables to transport simplified elevator cars into space, thereby greatly increasing the throughput of cargo into space compared to prior art and previous designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Gaylen R. Hinton
  • Publication number: 20100276231
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting apparatus of a type which can be used to allow movement of goods to and from and between first and second goods storage areas. The apparatus is located in a space between openings into both of said storage areas and includes a platform which can be raised in the vertical plane so as to allow differences in height between floors of the respective goods storage areas to be taken into account such that for example goods can be moved onto the platform of the lifting apparatus from a first floor height on a first goods storage area to a floor of a second goods storage area at a different height. The lifting apparatus can be used to move goods to and from a floor of a goods storage area which is at the similar height to a support surface on which the other of the goods storage areas is located, with the other of the goods storage areas typically being a vehicle trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: William Mark Adams
  • Patent number: 7798291
    Abstract: An emergency device for installing in an elevator car of an elevator installation, with an emergency control region, which is to be opened from the interior of the elevator car by an emergency key, wherein a key switch is arranged in the emergency control region so as to transfer the elevator installation to an emergency operation by the same emergency key. Mounted in the elevator car is a key mechanism which has a mechanical profile insert with a key slot and is designed so that through insertion of the emergency key into the key slot and turning the emergency control region is mechanically unlocked. The key switch includes an electromechanical key insert with a key slot and is so designed that through insertion of the emergency key into the key slot and turning the elevator installation can be switched over to the emergency operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Hugo Felder
  • Patent number: 7798489
    Abstract: A media handling system for an image forming machine includes a stationary frame, a platform supporting a stack of media sheets thereon, a bin supporting the platform and in turn supported on the stationary frame for undergoing movement relative thereto between a first position in which the bin locates the platform below and aligned with a pick mechanism and movable relative to the bin toward and away from the pick mechanism and a second position in which the bin displaces the platform away from and out of alignment with the pick mechanism, and a motion transmitting assembly coupled between the stationary frame, platform and bin and operable to convert movement of the bin between first and second positions relative to the stationary frame into movement of the platform relative to the bin toward and away from the pick mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Andagan Baena, Jr., Moneleo De Castro Cedeno, Daniel Paul Cahill, William Paul Cook, Edward Lynn Triplett, Jason Lee Rowe
  • Patent number: 7793763
    Abstract: A vibration damped elevator system is provided that includes a damper or dampers attached to the elevator cable. The damping coefficients of the damper or dampers are chosen to provide optimum dissipation of the vibratory energy in the elevator cable. A method of determining the optimum placement of the damper or dampers and their respective damping coefficients is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: Weidong Zhu, Yan Chen
  • Patent number: 7775325
    Abstract: A modular drive for an elevator installation and a method of converting and fastening the drive in the elevator installation includes combining the main drive components such as a drive device, a brake device and a drive pulley into a drive module. Connecting parts for fastening the drive within an elevator shaft or in an engine space, or for adjusting a support means spacing, are mounted on the drive as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Ruedi Stocker
  • Patent number: 7762378
    Abstract: An elevator installation with an elevator car and a counterweight, a suspension cable suspending the elevator car and the counterweight, and a compensating cable compensating the effect of the weight of the suspension cable, is equipped with a compensating cable guide which for the purpose of guiding the compensating cable has at least one brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Peter Möri, Franz Weingartner, Karsten Gensicke
  • Patent number: 7762875
    Abstract: An elevator system includes a mode switch configured to select one of a plurality of operation modes based on a state of the elevator cage, and a blower controller configured to control a blower to adjust pressure inside an elevator cage according to the selected operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Toshiba Elevator Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichi Sekimoto
  • Publication number: 20100163349
    Abstract: A template for accurately positioning structural components of elevator(s) in a elevator hoistway(s), or of elevator hoistway walls or partitions in a building, includes a thin, flexible sheet of material adapted to be placed on a floor of elevator hoistway(s), has indicia on the flexible sheet of material to show locations, and points of attachment, of elevator structural components which are to be installed in the elevator hoistway(s). Tensioning elements attachable to the flexible sheet of material may be used to square up the flexible sheet of material. The template may be made by forming a thin, flexible sheet of material, providing indicia on the flexible sheet of material, and by providing tensioning elements to square up the flexible sheet of material. The flexible template may be placed on the floor of the elevator hoistway(s), squared, and the squared up template used as a guide to install the major elevator structural components. The template may, alternatively, be made of a substantially rigid, e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Hakan BARNEMAN, Scott Boucher, Angelika Osbon
  • Publication number: 20100133048
    Abstract: A method in the installation of an elevator includes arranging a movable platform structure in the bottom end of the elevator hoistway with a temporary hoisting appliance in the elevator hoistway. The movable platform structure is lifted in the elevator hoistway with the temporary hoisting appliance. The final hoisting machine of the final elevator is installed from the platform structure and the final hoisting roping of the elevator is installed. The movable platform structure can be the final elevator car or at least a part of the final elevator car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Hakan BARNEMAN
  • Publication number: 20100133046
    Abstract: An elevator system with a car or platform to transport passengers and/or goods as well as with a counterweight, which are arranged as traversable or movable along a travel path, and which are coupled and/or with a drive by a suspension element interrelating their motion. The suspension element is guided and/or driven by a traction sheave and/or a drive shaft and/or a deflecting pulley. The suspension element is sheathed and/or belt-type, with a first layer made of a first plasticizable and/or elastomeric material, containing a first exterior surface, and with at least one tension member—rope-type, tissue-type, or comprising a multitude of partial elements—that is embedded in the first layer of the suspension element. A manufacturing procedure for one of the suspension elements is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: INVENTIO AG
    Inventors: Anke Allwardt, Adrian Attinger, Daniel Fischer, Ernst Ach, Phillipe Henneau, Andre' Kreiser, David Risch, Urs Baumgartner, Hans Blochle, Joseph Muff, Nicolas Gremaud, Steffen Grundmann, Karl Weinberger, Hans Kocher, Guntram Begle, Heinrich Kuttel
  • Publication number: 20100084223
    Abstract: A load bearing assembly (30) of an elevator system (20) includes a plurality of load bearing members (34) that each have a selected strength. The number of load bearing members (34) and their associated strengths provide an initial factor of safety for the load bearing assembly (30). The initial factor of safety is selected based upon a relationship between a determined desired life of the load bearing assembly (30) and a desired retirement strength of the load bearing assembly (30) at the end of the desired life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Richard N. Fargo, Raymond J. Moncini
  • Publication number: 20100065381
    Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes an elongated member (30, 32, 34) that may sway under certain conditions. At least one mitigation member (80) is strategically positioned in a mitigation position corresponding to a location of an anti-node (48, 54, 56, 66, 68, 70) of the elongated member (30, 32, 34) for a given sway condition. In a disclosed example, a controller (38) deploys a mitigation member (80) at a mitigation position for a given sway condition determined by the controller (38). In one example, a plurality of sway mitigation members (80) are strategically positioned at various mitigation positions within a hoistway (26). In another example, a sway mitigation member (80) is selectively moveable within a hoistway (26) between a plurality of mitigation positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Randall Keith Roberts, Mark R. Gurvich, John M. Milton-Benoit
  • Publication number: 20100059319
    Abstract: A mechanism for use in an elevator governor assembly including a ground configured to rotate about a ground axis, three or more circumferentially overlapping cams each pivotally attached to the ground at one of three or more ground pivot points radially spaced from the ground axis, and a plurality of links pivotally attaching the three or more cams to one another at a plurality of link pivot points. The circumferentially overlapping cams form a substantially contiguous circular ring about the ground axis. The interconnection of the ground, the cams, and the links form a generally circular mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: OTIS ELEVATORY COMPANY
    Inventors: Jose Miguel Aguado, Luis Marti, Jose Luis Vergara
  • Patent number: 7665582
    Abstract: The invention concerns an elevator system comprising an elevator car with a working platform arranged for carrying people or materials and which by means of the interaction between a gear wheel and gear rack can be moved along an elongated generally vertical mast constructed from a number of mast sections mounted on top of each other. To facilitate the erection, tearing down and anchoring of the mast to a nearby building structure, the moving unit comprises a passenger-carrying service and assembly platform, which, via a swing arm, is flexibly supported by the elevator car to allow a swivel action in a horizontal plane (C, D) relative to the elevator car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Alimak AB
    Inventor: Mikael Lindh
  • Patent number: 7665583
    Abstract: An elevator installation with an elevator shaft and an elevator car which is connected with a counterweight such that on movement of the elevator car the counterweight executes an opposite movement and the elevator car moves past the counterweight in a proximity region in the elevator shaft. Provided in the proximity region is an enlargement of the cross-section of the elevator shaft so as to reduce a pressure shock which builds up in the proximity region when the elevator car moves past the counterweight. Noise and vibrations can thereby be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Erwin Kuipers
  • Publication number: 20100032248
    Abstract: A damper assembly (22) is useful for controlling elevator ride quality. The damper assembly (22) includes a resilient member that deflects responsive to a load. An effective stiffness of the resilient member is less than an associated rate of deflection of the resilient member. The resilient member includes a first portion (30, 40) that deflects prior to a second portion (32, 42) responsive to an initial loading on the damper assembly (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Yisug Kwon, Randall K. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7624848
    Abstract: A mounting tool arranged at an elevator car raisable and lowerable along guide rails by a hoist in an elevator shaft. The hoist is suspended at a load hook of a shaft ceiling, wherein a support cable is connected with a load eye of a car yoke. The mounting tool includes a pivot support pivotally arranged at an axle of a tool foot supported by the car yoke. A load carrier carrying an elevator drive is provided at a free end of the pivot support. An assembly operative standing on the car yoke operates the hoist and the mounting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Daniel Fischer
  • Publication number: 20090223751
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for installing an elevator with-out machine room during the construction of a building, said elevator comprising at least a hoisting machine (4) provided with a traction sheave (30) and an elevator car (3) suspended by a set of hoisting ropes (28) and fitted to move along guide rails (2), and in which method at least a temporary machine room (6) movable in the elevator shaft (1) is utilized. At the final stage of installation, the machine room (6) of the elevator provided with a temporary machine room (6) is dismounted and the elevator is converted into an elevator without machine room by placing the hoisting machine (4) that was used in the temporary machine room (6), together with the hoisting ropes (28) on the traction sheave (30), into its final position in the elevator shaft (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Mark PEACOCK, Mikael KAIHOLA, Gert VAN DER MEIJDEN, Jos VAN DEN HEUVEL
  • Publication number: 20090218173
    Abstract: An aerial work platform, in one embodiment, includes a platform, including a hydraulic lift, and a base unit. The base unit includes a combustion engine and a hydraulic pump driven by the combustion engine. The hydraulic pump may be configured to drive the hydraulic lift. The base unit may also include a rotary screw type compressor, belt-driven by the combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Richard Beeson
  • Patent number: 7568557
    Abstract: A portion of an elevator car electrical system, such as car computer, terminals, communication apparatus, etc., is mounted in an apparatus space integrated into a car roof. The apparatus space is arranged along a car roof edge and utilizes a constructional height required for stiffening the car roof. The portion of the car electrical system is accessible by a moveable cover for service. When closed, the cover forms a standing surface which can be used for servicing in the elevator shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Eric Rossignol
  • Patent number: 7562744
    Abstract: An elevator is provided comprising a number of diverting pulleys in the upper part of an elevator shaft or equivalent, a number of diverting pulleys in the lower part of the elevator shaft and a number of diverting pulleys on the elevator car. In various embodiments, at least some of the diverting pulleys are pre-rigged and brought into the elevator shaft together with the car, and the hoisting ropes are stretched to their proper length when the diverting pulleys in the upper and lower parts of the shaft are mounted in place. In various embodiments, the elevator may be an elevator without counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Jorma Mustalahti, Esko Aulanko
  • Publication number: 20090180843
    Abstract: A storage apparatus and system, especially for kitchens. The apparatus includes a stationary counter portion, a moveable island riser, a lift assembly, and a guide assembly including vertically mounted guide shafts that support guide bearings situated in a housing mounted to the moveable island riser. Electronic sensors protect against operation of the lift assembly when interfering objects are sensed, and then lift assembly operation is interrupted. The moveable island riser provides cabinet space or shelving and may be provided with electrical outlets for use with common kitchen appliances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Kathleen Jackson, Ken Jackson
  • Patent number: 7559409
    Abstract: An apparatus for the installation of an elevator includes at least one suspension element fixed to the upper part of the elevator shaft, to which element is fitted a suspension device used to support shaft equipment during installation. The suspension device is mounted on the suspension element using a mounting tool from top floor landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Håkan Bärneman, Gert Van Der Meijden, Istvan Toth
  • Publication number: 20090166131
    Abstract: A pit platform (10) within a pit (11) located in a floor, having a deck (12) that can be raised and lowered by a lifting means (14) between a raised position in which the deck is substantially level with the floor and a second position in which the deck is beneath the level of the floor. The deck is supported by a plurality of cables (18) controlled by the lifting means to effect substantially vertical movement of the deck within the pit. A method of moving the deck between the raised and second positions is also described. The pit platform has particular application to a workshop, enabling workers standing on the platform to position themselves at a comfortable height below a vehicle that is being worked upon. In the raised position the platform provides a safety cover for the pit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Hew Cosmo McDonald
  • Publication number: 20090127033
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a traction appliance arrangement for replacing the hoisting roping of an elevator, which elevator comprises at least guide rails (10) along which an elevator car (7) provided with safety gear (7a) travels in the elevator shaft in an essentially vertical direction, a hoisting machine (8), a traction sheave (9) and roping (1b). The ropes (1aa) of the new roping (1a) and the ropes (1bb) of the old roping (1b) are joined to each other by splicing the ropes (1aa and 1bb) together at one of their ends and by strengthening the joint by means of compressive sleeves (4, 4a), after which the new roping (1a) is pulled into position by means of the old roping (1b) and the hoisting machine (8) of the elevator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Niko Korkeakangas, Matti Hynni
  • Publication number: 20090114769
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improved transportation functionality. In one aspect, the invention comprises an improved and highly integrated transportation apparatus adapted to bring a plurality of different modalities in close physical proximity for enhanced efficiency. One exemplary embodiment comprises a multi-level structure disposed in a substantially contained low depth body of water (e.g., bay) and proximate one or more land masses to facilitate service via rail, land vehicle, ships, and ferries. Multiple long-length runways are also provided on the substantially planar top surface to accommodate air traffic. A monorail or similar system is also employed to allow ready movement between the various transportation interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Leon Edward Campbell
  • Patent number: 7523809
    Abstract: An elevator car (2) comprises a cover (14; 40) extending over at least a portion of the top surface of the car (24). The cover (14; 40) is mounted on a resilient support (28, 42). The car (2) further comprises means (32; 44) for detecting displacement of the cover corresponding to the weight of a person being applied to the cover. If such displacement is detected, normal operation of the car (2) is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Andrés Monzón-Simón, Julián Cabañas Falcón, Fernando Del Rio Sanz, Antonio De Miguel Urquijo, Francisco Luis Sanz Delgado, Herbert Horbrügger, Peter Leo Herkel, Dirk Heinrich Tegtmeier
  • Publication number: 20090038473
    Abstract: An air filter, an elevator having the same, and an air conditioning control method thereof purify the air inside the elevator to make the air safe and pleasant using a micro plasma ion generator (MPI). The elevator includes a cage which moves up and down in a vertical direction of a building and an air filter which purifies the air inside the cage. The air filter includes an ion generator which generates ions by a plasma discharge to discharge the ions into the cage, a dust sensor which detects a dust contamination level in the cage, and a controller which compares the dust contamination level detected by the dust sensor with a predetermined standard contamination level and operates the ion generator If the dust contamination level is equal to or greater than the predetermined standard contamination level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Hyoun Kwon, Ree Eun Park, Eun Ju Ha
  • Patent number: 7469773
    Abstract: An assistant ceiling device designed to shield an escape hatch installed to a ceiling of an elevator cab is provided. The assistant ceiling device includes two elongated rail guides and a rectangular assistant ceiling plate. Each guide is installed at either side of the emergency escape hatch and has a length longer than that of the emergency escape hatch and shorter than that of the ceiling of the elevator cab. The assistant ceiling plate is laid on the rail guides to shield the emergency escape hatch. Each guide has a latching jaw so as to allow the assistant ceiling plate to be installed to the rail guides by laying both sides of the ceiling plate on the latching jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Ii Shik Yoon
  • Patent number: 7469774
    Abstract: A belt end connection for fastening a support belt end in an elevator installation and a method for protecting and checking a belt end connection in an elevator installation includes a twisting prevention device that prevents twisting of the belt end connection about the longitudinal axis thereof. A wedge retains the support belt end in a wedge pocket and is secured by a loss prevention device against slipping out of the wedge pocket. The twisting prevention device and/or the loss prevention enable efficient protection of the support belt and/or of the belt end connection against damage and make possible efficient checking and control of the belt end connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Ernst Ach
  • Publication number: 20080308362
    Abstract: A cable management assembly (40) and method by which cables used to hoist and secure a temporary elevator car (18) are prevented from becoming tangled as the elevator car (18) is raised and lowered within an elevator hatchway (10) during construction of a multistory building (12). The assembly (40) is adapted for installation below the car (18) within the hatchway (10), and includes a first member (42) having second and third members (44) connected at opposite longitudinal ends thereof. A mechanism (54,56A,56B) associated with the second and third members (44) movably engages vertical elevator guide rails (22) within the hatchway (10) to enable the assembly (40) to vertically traverse the hatchway (10). Another mechanism (58,60,62) movably and reversibly routs a hoist cable (24) to and from the assembly (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Stefan Ernest Tucker