Strand-engaging Patents (Class 188/188)
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Patent number: 11891276Abstract: A safety device for an elevator system, and an elevator system. The elevator system includes a guide rope arranged in a hoistway to be used as a guide rail and a running device running along the guide rope, and the safety device includes a body which is connected to the running device, and a first component and a second component which are provided on the body and define a passage for the guide rope to pass through freely when the running device is in normal operation, the first and second components are configured for clamping the guide rope in the passage when a running speed of the running device exceeds a threshold, to restrict the speed of the running device or stop the running device.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANYInventors: Wei Wang, Fujun Yang
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Patent number: 11577935Abstract: There is provided an ascension aid for a wind turbine comprising a cabin, a catch unit which co-operates with a securing cable as a securing means and a testing unit for testing the functionality of the catch unit. The testing unit has a base plate, a closure counterpart holder, a closing member and an actuating element coupled to the closing member. By actuation of the actuating element the closing member and the closure counterpart holder clamp the securing cable and the closing member and the closure counterpart holder move upwardly along the base plate. Upon release or de-activation of the actuating element the closing member releases the securing cable and the catch unit trips.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2018Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbHInventor: Thomas Klotz
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Patent number: 11260815Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method performed by an occupant protection system of a vehicle for supporting protection of a vehicle occupant in the event of an ongoing or imminent collision. The occupant protection system comprises an airbag panel arrangement arranged in connection with a dashboard of the vehicle, which airbag panel arrangement comprises an inflatable airbag adapted to upon deployment protect lower body parts of a vehicle occupant seated in a vehicle seat facing the dashboard. The occupant protection system determines a distance in a predeterminable direction between the airbag panel arrangement or the dashboard and the vehicle seat or an occupant seated in the vehicle seat; determines that the distance exceeds a predeterminable maximum threshold value; determines that one or more conditions for deployment of the airbag is fulfilled; and displaces the airbag panel arrangement outwardly from the dashboard by means of a panel displacing system.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2019Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Jianfeng Yao, Katarina Bohman, Bo Svanberg, Merete Östman
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Patent number: 8973717Abstract: The present invention relates to an elevator wire rope braking apparatus, and more particularly, to a rope braking apparatus which prevents partial abrasion of the wire rope while increasing braking efficiency by preventing a deviation in the pressure applied to the wire rope by a pressure plate moving in a straight line to apply pressure to the wire rope. Since the pressure application is based not on a hydraulic method but on a purely mechanical structure using only a spring elastic force, environmental pollution caused by hydraulic oil may be prevented and product cost may be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Inventor: Hoo-Geun Bae
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Patent number: 8863909Abstract: A braking device (2) for braking a lift car which moves relative to a lift shaft, having at least one braking module (6) which is provided in order to interact with a device, and having a catch (4) which can be adjusted between two operating positions (36, 360, 38), wherein the catch (4), in a first operating position (36, 360), is connected to the at least one braking module (6) such that the catch (4) transmits a release force (22) to the at least one braking module (6), and wherein the catch (4), in a second operating position (38), is separated from the at least one braking module (6), and the at least one braking module (6) is therefore in contact with the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Elevator AGInventors: Frank Dudde, Philllip Federle
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Patent number: 8733515Abstract: There is provided a caliper body for a two system-type disc brake for a vehicle, which is reduced in size and has an improved air bleeding property by employing a simple structure. In the caliper body for the two-system disc brake for the vehicle, a communication path, which connects cylinder holes for a first brake system, and a first bleeder hole are formed rectilinearly on an outside, in a disc radius direction, of an imaginary line IL1 which rectilinearly connects inner edges, in the disc radius direction, of cylinder holes for a first brake system and a cylinder hole for a second brake system is provided on an outside, in the disc radius direction, of the communication path.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoichi Hiramori, Toshihiro Kusano
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Patent number: 8511437Abstract: An elevator car braking apparatus includes a gear drive assembly for compressing one or more springs which are coupled by a cam follower to one or a pair of brake shoes. When the springs are released from a compressed state, the brake shoes engage and grip hoisting ropes, part of the hoisting apparatus or the car guide rails, within a predetermined time from the start of a brake application cycle. During a brake application cycle, the springs move the cam follower along cam surfaces shaped and disposed to cause the cam follower to move at least one of the brake shoes toward the other brake shoe. The gear assembly includes clutch means for disengaging from and engaging with a gear or axle of the gear assembly during decompression and compression of the springs, respectively. A resilient material in the braking apparatus initially accelerates movement of the cam follower when the springs begin to decompress, and may protect gears of the gear assembly from damage at the end of a brake release cycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Hollister-Whitney Elevator Corp.Inventor: Walter Glaser
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Patent number: 8365877Abstract: An abseiling device for braking a load (16) that is suspended on a rope (14) and may be fastened to the abseiling device (10), with which the rope (14) passes through the abseiling device (10) and is frictionally guided along a section (22), at least one portion of the section (22) being guided by a part (25) of the abseiling device (10) that is movable out of an unloaded starting position relative to a housing (12) of the abseiling device; when a load is suspended, the part (25) generates a frictional force that is a function of the weight of the load (16).Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Suco Robert Scheuffele GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Ulrich Kowatsch
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Patent number: 7543690Abstract: A cable brake has an electromagnet for selectively releasing a mass to fall down guide rods under the effect of gravity and impact a trigger lever to release a crossbar from a pawl, whereupon pressure springs move a brake plate against a cable strand to halt the cable strand. The pressure springs extend between a first pressure plate at the brake plate and a spaced second pressure plate that can be displaced along a path by a cooperating screw and nut to pre-stress the pressure springs. The pressure springs are relaxed in one end position of the path whereby the crossbar connected to the first pressure plate by a release bar is engaged by the pawl in a starting position.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Rudolf Eckenstein, Carlos Latorre Marcuz
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Patent number: 7510059Abstract: A rope brake for an elevator installation for braking a rope coupled to a car is provided, which has a stop that is immovable in the longitudinal direction of the rope and at least one brake shoe. The rope is led between the stop and the brake shoe, and the brake shoe is adapted to be moved back and forth between a braking position, pressing the rope against the stop, and a release position, releasing the rope. A drive coupled to the brake shoe is provided for releasing the rope. The drive is formed as a linear drive and the at least one brake shoe can be transferred by means of the linear drive into its release position against the action of a braking force acting on it in the braking position. Methods for testing a rope brake for an elevator car having a movable brake shoe are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2008Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Elevator AGInventors: Guenter Reuter, Walter Nuebling, Wolfgang Meissner, Helmut Schlecker
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Patent number: 7416491Abstract: An absorber for use within a shaft assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The absorber includes at least one cantilever device and at least one constrained layer device. Both devices are disposed within a tube. The absorber is capable of being tuned to specific frequencies and capable of controlling the amount of damping within the shaft assembly. Also disclosed is a shaft assembly having a generally tubular shaft. Disposed within the tubular shaft is the absorber having at least one cantilever device and at least one constrained layer device.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.Inventors: Craig Andrew Campbell, Robert Genway-Haden
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Patent number: 7377371Abstract: A rope brake for an elevator installation for braking a rope coupled to a car is provided, which has a stop that is immovable in the longitudinal direction of the rope and at least one brake shoe. The rope is led between the stop and the brake shoe, and the brake shoe is adapted to be moved back and forth between a braking position, pressing the rope against the stop, and a release position, releasing the rope. A drive coupled to the brake shoe is provided for releasing the rope. The drive is formed as a linear drive and the at least one brake shoe can be transferred by means of the linear drive into its release position against the action of a braking force acting on it in the braking position.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Elevator AGInventors: Guenter Reuter, Walter Nuebling, Wolfgang Meissner, Helmut Schlecker
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Patent number: 7293632Abstract: In a brake-equipped retracting mechanism, rotational force of a motor is used to open a liquid crystal display device from a retracted position to an open position, a power spring is wound up in conjunction with this opening operation, and elastic restoring force thereof is used to return the liquid crystal display device from the open position to the retracted position. A rope for developing a greater or smaller tensile force in conjunction with opening and closing of the liquid crystal display device is wound around a slip clutch linked to a reducer input shaft, whereby braking force for preventing the liquid crystal display device from an abrupt return is applied to the reducer input shaft. The braking force gradually decreases as the liquid crystal display device returns to the retracted position, and the liquid crystal display device can therefore be returned at a substantially constant speed.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Harmonic AD, Inc.Inventors: Norio Shirokoshi, Naomi Shirasawa
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Patent number: 7287627Abstract: A cable brake has an electromagnet releasably retaining a mass that falls down guide rods under the effect of gravity and impacts a first arm of a trigger lever. Upon impact by the mass, the trigger lever rotates a second arm with a pawl to release a crossbar, whereupon pressure springs press a moveable brake plate against a cable strand to halt the cable strand. A return mechanism utilizes a screw and cooperating nut or a coupler to return the moveable brake plate and pre-stress the pressure springs.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Rudolf Eckenstein, Carlos Latorre Marcuz
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Patent number: 7128189Abstract: A tripping device for engaging an elevator lift cage safety brake has actuating levers arranged at a rotary axle for engaging safety brake wedges of the safety braking device. Each actuating lever has a longitudinal slot matched to the diameter of the rotary axle, wherein the actuating lever is freely movable in the direction of the rotary axle and in the direction of the length of the actuating lever. A torsion spring fixes the actuating lever about the rotary axle. One spring end presses the actuating lever downwardly, wherein the movement of the actuating lever is limited by a lower abutment. The other spring end is detachably connected to a support. An upper abutment limits the movement of the actuating lever upwardly. The lower abutment and the upper abutment are each held at a respective end of a T-shaped shackle, wherein the shackle is fixedly connected to the rotary axle.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2003Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Julien Maury, Stefan Hugel, Peter Aeschlimann
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Patent number: 7097003Abstract: A vertically sliding freight elevator landing door with a safety brake that deploys when a chain suspending the door breaks. The safety brake is adapted for use on both panels that slide up to open or that slide down to open. The brake, which is simple in construction and installation, comprises, principally, a caliber block fixed to the door and a roller cam assembled in the block. A spring biases the roller cam towards a wedge lock position while a cable normally holds the roller cam in an inactive position. The cable and, therefore, the roller cam are released when the associated door suspension chain breaks. The roller cam, operating between a tilted internal surface in the caliper block and a door guide rail quickly frictionally brakes the door on the guard rail.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: The Peelle Company Ltd.Inventors: Steven P. Reynolds, Richard W. Lajeunesse, Zygmunt Dziwak, David E. Kairis
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Patent number: 7073632Abstract: A safety system for an elevator car which will prevent movement of the elevator car should the car drift beyond a predetermined distance from the hoistway sill with the car door in an open position.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Invento AGInventor: Matthew Martin
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Patent number: 6988593Abstract: A centrifugally activated device for controlling the speed of movement of an elevator cab includes the capability of controlling upward and downward movement. A first stopping device is associated with at least one elevator sheave. A second stopping device preferably is supported on an opposite side of the same sheave. The second stopping device preferably includes centrifugally activated components such as a latch member that moves from a first position into a second, stopping position responsive to an undesirably high speed of upward movement of the elevator cab. The centrifugally activated components preferably include a latch member that is rotatably supported on the sheave and has an engaging member at one end that engages a cooperating stop surface near the sheave to prevent the sheave from further rotation upon the sheave reaching an undesirably high rate of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Luis Martà Sánchez, Fernando Del Rio Sanz, Fernando Santos Cosgaya
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Patent number: 6846015Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (28) of a vehicle (12) includes a knee bolster (20). An energy absorbing device (80) is interposed between the knee bolster (20) and the vehicle (12). The device (80) includes a field responsive fluid (84) having a viscosity that varies in response to an energy field acting on the fluid. The device (80) also includes at least one passage (134) through which the fluid (84) flows upon movement of the knee bolster (20) relative to the vehicle (12). The device (80) further includes means (150) for varying the viscosity of the fluid (84) to vary the flow rate through the at least one passage (134) and thereby vary the resistance to movement of the knee bolster (20) relative to the vehicle (12).Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Alex G. Meduvsky, Matthew C. Frank, Arnold J. Herberg, Joseph J. Zwolinski
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Patent number: 6793046Abstract: A follower fall arrest device used with a fixed safety rope is equipped with a securing system comprising a support arm articulated on a first spindle between an active locking and an inactive unlocking position, a roller in the form of a cylindrical wheel mounted rotating free on a second spindle securedly attached to the support arm, and a centrifugal clutch mechanism arranged between a drive member of the roller and the support arm so as to occupy a disengaged position or an engaged position. The peripheral surface of the roller is equipped with a plurality of studs presenting a predetermined angle of incline so as to cause rotation of the roller in the descending direction, and sliding on the rope in the ascending direction. The body comprises a straight U-shaped channel for passage of the rope, said channel having holes for passage of the attachment means.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: ZedelInventors: Paul Petzl, Alain Maurice, Christian Broquerie
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Publication number: 20030042079Abstract: A centrifugally activated device for controlling the speed of movement of an elevator cab includes the capability of controlling upward and downward movement. A first stopping device is associated with at least one elevator sheave. A second stopping device preferably is supported on an opposite side of the same sheave. The second stopping device preferably includes centrifugally activated components such as a latch member that moves from a first position into a second, stopping position responsive to an undesirably high speed of upward movement of the elevator cab. The centrifugally activated components preferably include a latch member that is rotatably supported on the sheave and has an engaging member at one end that engages a cooperating stop surface near the sheave to prevent the sheave from further rotation upon the sheave reaching an undesirably high rate of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Luis Marti Sanchez, Fernando Del Rio Sanz, Fernando Santos Cosgaya
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Patent number: 6328323Abstract: Actuator having at least two coupling parts (4, 5) which are connected with a stabilizer (2, 13) and have coupling splines (10, 11) wherein one coupling part (5) is axially movable and prestressed by a spring (9) while the other coupling part (4) is firmly connected with a housing (1), and a pressure chamber (8) is between the coupling splines (10, 11), the inner pressure of which regulates the disengagement process.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Dieter Elser
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Patent number: 6318506Abstract: An elevator system that includes a cab unit is connected by a hoisting system to a counterweight unit so that both units move at the same speed over vertical rails. A single governor rope is trained in an endless loop between an upper drive sheave and a lower tensioning sheave so that a pair of vertically disposed parallel runs of rope pass between the units. A bidirectional governor brake is arranged to retard the ropes speed when an over speed condition is encountered. Safeties associated with both units are connected to the opposite runs of the governor rope and are tripped when the governor rope is braked.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Luis Marté, Andres Monzón, Emilio Fernández-Salinero
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Patent number: 6318507Abstract: An emergency stop apparatus for an elevator having a simple structure as well as effectiveness, which may facilitate to reduce manufacturing and maintaining cost.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: LG Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hyun Ho Jin
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Patent number: 6296080Abstract: In an elevator safety braking device, a variable traction mechanism in a rotary actuator allows the drive wheels of the rotary actuator to operate at a reduced preload during normal elevator operation. When engaging, a higher preload is necessary. In the event of safety braking, the variable traction mechanism increases the preload on the drive wheel to ensure timely and proper safety engagement. The variable traction mechanism therefore allows the drive wheels to be subjected to a reduced preload during normal operation, thus relaxing the design criteria for the drive wheels while maintaining reliability.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: James M. Draper, Richard E. Kulak
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Patent number: 6223868Abstract: A brake mechanism for a device for hauling up/down by rope, in particular one for the safe hauling up and down by rope of persons and loads. The device has a pulley which preferably has a back stop that prevents the pulley from turning during the roping down. The rope brake mechanism has a rope speed measuring device that cooperate with a rope brake, which acts upon the rope to exert a braking force onto the rope when the rope speed increases above a maximum predetermined speed.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Rollgliss AGInventor: Frank Wullimann
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Patent number: 6161653Abstract: A ropeless governor system is provided for governing the speed of an elevator car (2) in the event of an overspeed condition. An actuator for a safety device (30) is positioned in close proximity to an elevator rail (14) and activated to come into contact and provide a dragging force against the rail in the event of an overspeed condition. The ropeless governor is coupled to an elevator safety braking system (26, 28) such that the dragging force activates the safety brakes. A safety controller (91) is used to determine if the speed of the elevator car has exceeded a predetermined threshold level and to produce a triggering signal (96) to operate the ropeless governor.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Clement Alexander Skalski, Richard Calcasola, Samuel C. Wan
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Patent number: 5797472Abstract: A governor for a moving device, such as an elevator, includes a primary assembly that generates a magnetic field and a secondary assembly extending through the generated magnetic field. The assemblies define a rotor and a stator that rotate at a relative speed that is proportional to the speed of the moving device. The stator is biased into a stationary position. If the relative rotational speed exceeds a predetermined limit, the bias on the stator is overcome by the interaction of the secondary assembly with the magnetic field. Movement of the stator away from the stationary position actuates an apparatus to prevent an overspeed condition of the moving device.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Sanjay Kamani, John K. Salmon, deceased
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Patent number: 5738339Abstract: A rope traction device has locking units that include a sheave on which a traction rope is wound. The rope traction device is adapted to be moved along with the traction rope and includes a traction rope inlet for feeding the traction rope to the sheave a traction rope outlet for feeding out the traction rope, a traction rope locking device for locking the traction rope when an increase in the speed of the traction rope is detected, and an auxiliary rope locking device provided in the vicinity of the traction rope inlet for detecting relative moving speed of an auxiliary rope suspended from the rope traction device. An interconnection is provided between the traction rope locking device and the auxiliary rope locking device in order to provide simultaneous engagement of the separate locking devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: Nihon Biso Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shizuka Kuryu
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Patent number: 5653312Abstract: An elevator governor has two balancing springs, i.e., a first balancing spring for continually urging flyweights in a direction against a centrifugal force and a second balancing spring for urging flyweights in a direction against the centrifugal force only when speed of a cage exceeds a previously set first overspeed. Thereby, two overspeeds may be set independently from each other whereby the setting operation may be facilitated and accuracy in setting the overspeeds may be improved.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kunio Kato
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Patent number: 5617933Abstract: An elevator governor rope brake assembly is disclosed for slowing governor rope movement upon the occurrence of unintended movement of an elevator cab. The assembly comprising a governor sheave over which a governor rope passes, with a pivotally mounted brake disposed about its outer circumference on a pivot arm for slowing the governor rope movement. The pivotally mounted brake being capable of pivoting along a clockwise and counter-clockwise arcuate path, each of the arcuate paths intersecting the outer circumference of the governor sheave at symmetrical locations at an angle sufficient for the pivotally mounted brake to engage the governor rope with sufficient force to slow the governor rope movement. Spring loaded releasing detents are used for initially positioning the pivotally mounted brake vertically. Flyweights on the governor sheave actuate the detents and release the pivotally mounted brake from the initial vertical position upon the occurrence of unintended movement of the elevator cab.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1995Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventor: Richard J. Ericson
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Patent number: 5540307Abstract: A centrifugal brake for use with a hoist having a rope wound around a rope drum mounted on a support plate, includes a housing adapted for attachment to the support plate, the housing having a rope wheel mounted on one end of a shaft for rotation with the shaft. The housing is formed with a thru slot for allowing a load end of the rope to pass therethrough in a first direction as the rope unwinds from the rope drum. The rope is adapted to engage a peripheral surface of the rope wheel to thereby cause the rope wheel to rotate as a function of rope speed. The shaft has another end fixed to a centrifugal brake wheel having at least one pawl pivotably mounted thereon for swinging movement between inoperative and operative positions as a function of speed of rotation of the rope wheel. A cam is provided which is movable into engagement with the rope to stop movement of the rope through the housing upon movement of the at least one pawl to the operative position.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1994Date of Patent: July 30, 1996Inventor: Gregory R. Pickering
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Patent number: 5228540Abstract: An elevator car braking system in which a pair of brake shoes engage and grip the hoisting ropes, part of the hoisting apparatus or the car guide rails when compressed springs, which are normally held in a compressed state by an electrically operable locking assembly, are released. The springs are compressible by a fluid operable piston and cylinder assembly. The springs move a cam follower, linked to one of the shoes, along cam surfaces shaped and disposed to cause the cam follower to move one brake shoe toward the other brake shoe. The locking assembly is responsive to car speed and/or movement of the car from a floor with its doors open. Switches operable by the cam follower control the car electrical controls so that movement of the car is prevented when the springs are not compressed and when there is excessive shoe wear.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1992Date of Patent: July 20, 1993Assignee: Hollister-Whitney Elevator Corp.Inventor: Walter Glaser
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Patent number: 5201821Abstract: Movement of an elevator cab drive sheave is controlled by a multiple disc brake assembly which is operably connected to the output shaft and sheave of the elevator drive machine. The disc brake assembly can act as an upward or downward safety brake, and can also serve as the operating brake for normal operation of the elevator. The brake assembly can be fitted onto a substantially conventional existing elevator system, and its operation is not affected by any gear degradation in the machine drive gears.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1992Date of Patent: April 13, 1993Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Richard J. Ericson, Michael Lang
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Patent number: 4923037Abstract: A fall arrest device movable along a vertical lifeline comprises a toothed wheel rotatable in its own housing, which housing is pivoted and spring loaded inside an outer housing, so as to cause the toothed wheel to bear upon a lifeline running within a covered channel at the front of the outer housing. The toothed wheel thus pivots with respect to the outer housing and friction between the wheel and the rope causes the wheel to rotate as the device is moved up or down the rope. When the downward velocity of the outer housing reaches a predetermined rate, a centrifugal clutch mechanism stops the rotation of the toothed wheel so that the friction between the rope and the stationary toothed wheel causes the housing of the toothed wheel to pivot within the outer housing, wedging the rope against the outer housing and causing the rope to jam to prevent further movement of the fall arrest device therealong.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1989Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Inventors: John Stephenson, Ian McGuffie
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Patent number: 4729456Abstract: A rope locking device for stopping an abnormal descent of an ascending and descending apparatus such as a gondola used for a construction work. The device comprises two separate cases. One of the cases contains a rope clamping member formed on one side thereof with a groove in which one side of a rope can be engaged, a rope clamping member drive for displacing the rope clamping member between a first position in which the rope clamping member is spaced from the rope and a second position in which the rope clamping member is pressed against the rope, an energizing member for energizing the rope clamping member to move from the first position to the second position, a lock device for holding the rope clamping member in the first position against the energizing force and a lock release device for releasing locking of the rope clamping member by detecting a relative running speed of the rope and releasing the lock device when the running speed of the rope has exceeded a predetermined speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1987Date of Patent: March 8, 1988Assignee: Nihon Biso Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yutaka Sugiyama
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Patent number: 4498563Abstract: An oil well wireline cable catcher apparatus includes a housing having a bore which passes vertically therethrough so that a wireline can pass vertically therethrough and then into the oil well bore. Sensing means are also included to monitor tension of the wireline. Slips are disposed within the housing on opposite sides of the wireline between gripping and retracted positions. Each slip has a wireline engaging surface, the pair of respective surfaces facing one another so as to grip the wireline when the slips are actuated to the gripping position. A pair of springs mounted in the housing are respectively beneath each slip, the springs biasing the slips toward the retracted position so that the wireline is not engaged by the slip surfaces. A slip actuator means is carried by the housing and is cooperatively connected to the sensing means for moving the slips together to grip the wireline responsive to a break in the wireline and attentive relaxation in wireline tension.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1982Date of Patent: February 12, 1985Inventor: Wilson J. Trahan
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Patent number: 4488754Abstract: Apparatus for securing a seat belt to a longitudinally adjustable seat track mechanism of a motor vehicle. The seat belt is connected to one end of a lever, the lever being pivotal within the legs of a stepped U bracket, the step being secured to the movable track of the mechanism. The lever has a clamp end normally held out of engagement with a longitudinally extending tension member such as a wire cable secured to the vehicle body. The lever is held in its normal condition by either a shear pin or by the action of a helical spring. When a crash load is applied to the seat belt, the load causes the pin to shear (or when a spring is used--overcomes the spring bias) and the lever freed of restraint rotates to a position clamping the tension member against the base of the U bracket and preventing movement of the seat and seat belt relative to the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1982Date of Patent: December 18, 1984Assignee: International Telephone and Telegraph CorporationInventors: Max O. Heesch, Harold G. Scholin
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Patent number: 4448531Abstract: In a displacement measuring instrument comprising a case having a substantially enclosed construction, a fixed scale solidly secured to the case, a spindle abutted at the forward end thereof against an object under measurement and reciprocated due to a displacement of the object under measurement and a movable scale operationally associated with the spindle, and capable of measuring the displacement of the object under measurement from a variation in physical value between the movable scale and the fixed scale due to the displacement of the object under measurement, a vane wheel is provided which is rotatable by the utilization of the reciprocatory motion of the spindle or the movable scale, so that a moving resistance increasing with the increase in the rate of travel can be given against the movement of the spindle or the movable scale.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1981Date of Patent: May 15, 1984Assignee: Mitutoyo Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takahashi Seigo
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Patent number: 4447018Abstract: A toggle type web lock using articulated bars in a channel frame to close on webbing with a force dependent upon tension in the webbing. The web lock is variably located in safety belt harness systems and is of greatest utility in prevention of webbing elongation in long runs of safety belt webbing.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1982Date of Patent: May 8, 1984Assignee: The Firestone Tire & Rubber CompanyInventor: Wallace C. Higbee
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Patent number: 4407498Abstract: An inertial lock for a safety belt includes a frame supporting a fixed locking jaw and a movable locking jaw. The belt passes between the jaws. A spring yieldably urges the movable jaw into gripping orientation with respect to the fixed jaw to prevent movement of the belt between the jaws. The belt is trained about a wheel supported in the frame such that movement of the belt rotates the wheel. A shaft extends radially outwardly from the axis of the wheel, and a weight is reciprocably disposed on the shaft. A spring biases the weight away from the distal end of the shaft toward the rotational axis of the wheel. Centrifugal force on the weight caused by rotation of the wheel urges the weight against the spring. Wheel rotation rates in excess of a predetermined rate displace the weight radially outwardly along the shaft. The weight includes a mechanism for triggering the movable jaw to move in response to its spring into gripping orientation with the fixed jaw.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1977Date of Patent: October 4, 1983Assignee: Recreation Equipment Corp.Inventors: Wayne G. Clore, Charles T. Norton, William P. Thompson
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Patent number: 4311220Abstract: A safety catch device for elevators, lifting platforms and the like in which a load bearing rod passing through the safety catch is clamped in by means of a plurality of series connected conical clamping discs which are acted upon by disc springs via an axially displaceable pressure ring in a direction to effect clamping of the rod.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1979Date of Patent: January 19, 1982Assignee: Ringspann Albrecht Maurer K.G.Inventor: Ruprecht Maurer
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Patent number: 4254941Abstract: The device is adapted to be used in a manual or motorized lifting system comprises a self-tightening jaw-block which normally lets a lifting or an auxiliary cable pass through it, whereby a releasing device, by an excessive speed of the cable relatively to the jaw-block, lets jaws clamp the cable and an interrupter stop the motors.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1979Date of Patent: March 10, 1981Assignee: Groupements d'Interets Economiques Europe-Levage-Manutention (ELMA)Inventor: Rodolphe Tanson
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Patent number: 4240529Abstract: Apparatus for conveying goods in vertical direction, such as a stacker crane or elevator, with a lifting unit and an emergency braking system which influences the lifting unit as soon as a preselectable speed is exceeded. The braking system comprises two wedges connected to an endless rope drive moving synchronously with the lifting unit. The rope drive moves only up to a preselectable top speed, and as soon as a speed difference between rope drive and lifting unit occurs, the brake wedges are activated and decelerate the lifting unit progressively until it stops.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1978Date of Patent: December 23, 1980Assignee: Oehler-Whylen-Lagertechnik AGInventors: Peter Hagmann, Lovro Markun
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Patent number: 4171795Abstract: A safety line for use in industrial and other construction is combined with a take-up reel and braking device. The mechanism is maintained in a housing attached to harness device worn by the worker, with the line being attached to a suitable structural component. When the line is paid out slowly, the take-up mechanism serves to keep the slack line from interfering with normal operations; if the line is paid out rapidly, as when the worker falls, the braking device serves to snub the line before the worker can fall far enough to incur injury. A locking device prevents line movement, if desired.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1977Date of Patent: October 23, 1979Inventor: Buddy Bianchi
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Patent number: 4106753Abstract: The device, adapted to be associated with a motorized hauling installation, comprises a self-clamping jaws block with a safety cable passing through it onto which the load can be transferred by clamping the jaws. The jaws block is connected by means of control rods to a mobile chassis of which one end is adapted to pivot, in case of a fall, about a fixed point of the casing, this pivoting action activating an electric detector which stops the machine motor. (FIG. 1).Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1976Date of Patent: August 15, 1978Assignee: Europe-Levage Manutention (Elma)Inventors: Michel Cavalieri, Francois Batreau
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Patent number: 4078634Abstract: In the preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein a lift apparatus includes a load carriage movable along a mast member by a hoist means including a cable supporting the load carriage and connected to a drive means. Also included is a safety brake including brake means operative to apply a braking force between the load carriage and the mast member and for supporting the load carriage on the mast member when the brake means is in its operative condition. In accordance with the invention, the brake means is controlled through an operating member which is actuated by either a first or second actuating means, each of which is independent of the other. The first actuating means is arranged to operate the brake means if the cable supporting the load carriage fails and the second actuating means is arranged to operate the brake means in response to an over-speed condition created by other failures in the hoist means.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1976Date of Patent: March 14, 1978Assignee: Standard Pressed Steel Co.Inventor: William J. Thomas
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Patent number: 4029177Abstract: A rotatable sheave is mounted on one end of a platform lift, enabling the sheave to be turned by friction of guide cables as the platform descends. Dogs attached to the sheave extend themselves due to centrifugal force as the platform moves faster. At a specified speed, the governor dogs impact an activating lever which in turn releases a spring loaded retainer rod assembly. The retainer rod assembly then releases spring loaded push rods that engage brake cam dogs on each end of the platform. The brake cam dogs squeeze the guide cables against clamp bodies halting descent of the platform.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1976Date of Patent: June 14, 1977Assignee: International Telephone and Telegraph CorporationInventor: Robert A. Fiss
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Patent number: 4006799Abstract: A speed limiting device for lifts or the like comprising a cable wheel drivable by means of a speed limiter cable secured to the lift cabin, a cam disk fixably connected with the cable wheel and seated upon a common shaft or axle, and a support movable by the cam disk and the speed limiting device upon exceeding a predetermined lift travel speed, decelerating the speed limiter cable. There is provided a separate cable brake acting upon the limiter cable and an actuation mechanism which can be actuated with a tilting behavior upon activating the separate cable brake. The actuation mechanism comprises at least one mass body accelerated by the support proportional to the lift travel speed during rotation of the cam disk, the mass body upon exceeding a predetermined travel speed is movable relative to the support under the action of the inertia forces for releasing or triggering the actuation mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1975Date of Patent: February 8, 1977Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Heinrich Binder, Rudolf Glawion, Ernst Gruessy, Peter Hitz, Kurt Oetterli, Hans Seidl, Hans Stoeckli
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Patent number: 3984083Abstract: The secondary overspeed assembly for a cable climber or hoist is provided that includes an overspeed sensor assembly. The sensor assembly consists of a bar with a pair of members or weights whose movement is restricted by a spring member, and wherein these weights can move outward only at an overspeed condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1974Date of Patent: October 5, 1976Assignee: Cable Climber Safety Devices, IncorporatedInventor: Robert C. McElroy