Abstract: A method for self-testing a monitoring device monitoring an integrity status of an elevator suspension member arrangement includes the monitoring device having a voltage generation arrangement for generating electric voltages and applying the electric voltages to cords in suspension members of the suspension member arrangement. The monitoring device has a voltage analyzer arrangement for detecting a deterioration in the integrity status based on modifications in the applied electric voltages upon transmission through the cords.

Abstract: A method for restoring video data of a pipe based on computer vision is provided. The method includes: performing gray stretching on pipe image/video collected by a pipe robot; processing noise interference by smoothing filtering; extracting an iron chain from the center of a video image as a template for location; performing target recognition on the center of video data by an SIFT corner detection algorithm; detecting ropes on left and right sides of a target by Hough transform; performing gray covering on the iron chain at the center of the video image and the ropes on two sides; and restoring data by an FMM image restoration algorithm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for defining a condition of an elevator car suspension means. The method includes detecting a rate of change of elongation of the elevator car suspension means in order to define the condition of the elevator car suspension means. The invention relates also to an elevator safety control unit and an elevator system performing at least partly the method.

Abstract: A lifting member for an elevator system includes a rope formed from plurality of load carrying fibers extending along a length of the lifting member. The plurality of load carrying fibers including a plurality of aromatic polyester based fibers. A coating layer at least partially encapsulates the rope. An elevator system includes a hoistway, an elevator car disposed in the hoistway and movable therein, and a lifting member operably connected to the elevator car to suspend and/or drive the elevator car along the hoistway. The lifting member includes a rope formed from plurality of load carrying fibers extending along a length of the lifting member. The plurality of load carrying fibers including a plurality of aromatic polyester based fibers. A coating layer at least partially encapsulates the rope.

Abstract: A method for condition monitoring of a hoisting rope of a hoisting apparatus and an arrangement for condition monitoring of a hoisting rope of a hoisting apparatus, preferably of an elevator for transporting passengers and/or goods are disclosed.

Abstract: Calibration based on twist and orientation for towed object can include determining an amount of twist as a function of length of a portion of a towed object based on output of tilt sensors in the portion of the towed object and a model that describes the twist along the portion of the towed object. An orientation of a seismic sensor can be determined based on the determined amount of twist and a position of the seismic sensor along a length of the portion of the towed object. The seismic sensor can be calibrated based on the orientation.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a condition of a belt-shaped rope of an elevator, which rope is connected with one or more elevator units of an elevator, includes monitoring lateral positions of successive rope locations, which rope locations pass during use of the elevator via a monitoring zone located in proximity of a crowned rope wheel around which the belt-shaped rope is arranged to turn; gathering lateral position data of the belt-shaped rope, which lateral position data indicates lateral positions of several successive rope locations of the rope at the monitoring zone; analyzing the lateral position data; detecting characteristics in the lateral position data indicating damaged rope; and triggering one or more predefined actions if characteristics indicating damaged rope are detected. An arrangement and an elevator, which implement the method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tension-measurement device configured to determine a tension in a line includes a body. The body includes a first portion, a second portion extending from the first portion of the body, and a third portion extending from the first portion of the body. The line is configured to extend at least partially through the second and third portions of the body. A first sensor is coupled to the body and is configured to measure a strain on the body when a first portion of the line is placed under tension. The tension in the first portion of the line is configured to be determined based at least partially upon the strain.

Abstract: A device for measuring the tension in a tensioning belt comprises a retaining device for retaining a spring element, an elastically deformable spring element that is retained by the retaining device and on which a section of the tensioning belt can apply a force and elastically deform the spring element, the ends of the spring element being moved closer to one another when the tensioning force increases, and an electronic sensor unit. The sensor unit comprises a sensor system that measures the deflection of the spring element and generates a data signal, and a transmitter for transmitting the data signal to a receiving unit. The sensor system is situated at the ends of the spring element.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a sleeve comprising a coupling end to a steel wire. The apparatus comprises a pulling end arranged to connect to a sleeve to be attached to a steel wire, a pulling arrangement connected to the pulling end and being configured to pull a sleeve connected to the pulling end, a swaging arrangement comprising two opposed swaging rolls adapted to crimp the sleeve to a close press fit around a loose end of a steel wire. The apparatus further comprises a testing arrangement for testing the strain capacity of the attachment of a sleeve to a steel wire, the testing arrangement including a holding unit configured to effectively hold a portion of the steel wire fixed and allowing the pulling arrangement to pull the sleeve attached to a wire held fixed in the holding unit in order to verify the attachment.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system are disclosed for testing various properties of a sample, such as a cable or duct. The apparatus includes a duct and a plurality of radius controlling units. The radius controlling units are used to generate bends having a desired bending radius at different sections of the duct. Sensors are provided to measuring different forces and conditions of the sample or the duct. A controller can be provided for receiving sensor measurements and controlling various aspects of the test.

Abstract: Device for measuring a haulage cable of a cableway, in particular a chairlift or a cable car, the haulage cable including marks, and the device including first and second sensors configured to transmit respectively first and second information signals relative to the presence of the marks, the second sensor being located at a reference distance from the first sensor, a first determination device configured to determine a phase shift between the first and second information signals and a second determination device for determining a speed information of the haulage cable from the determined phase shift and the reference distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in rope condition monitoring of an elevator, in which method at least the following steps are performed: electrical resistance between a first point and a second point of elevator suspension and/or transmission ropes is measured first time, a threshold value is determined based on the measurement, the elevator is used for transporting passengers and/or goods, electrical resistance between the first point and the second point of said suspension and/or transmission ropes is measured second time, and results of said second time measurement are compared with said threshold value, and if said second time measurement meets said threshold value, predetermined actions are carried out. The invention also relates to an arrangement in rope condition monitoring of an elevator.

Abstract: A method for testing a coating for blade roots, includes: providing a disk test piece including at least one bearing surface and a blade test piece including at least one bearing surface coated with the coating to be tested, the blade test piece including two test piece halves adapted to be engaged on either side of the disk test piece, and subjecting the blade test piece engaged with the disk test piece to tensile cycles during which the test pieces undergo tensile stress with respect to each other in a tensile direction, the tensile strain being transmitted via the bearing surfaces contacting the blade test piece and the disk test piece. The method allows for very faithful reproduction of the behavior and ageing of the coating and thus allows for accurate evaluation of the quality of the coatings.

Abstract: A tension member monitoring device is provided with at least one contact sensor (21) and a defect determining device (20). The contact sensor (21), which is arranged next to a corresponding tension member (3) without touching the tension member (3), is configured to output a contact signal when contacted. The defect determining device (20), which receives the contact signal, is configured to determine whether there is a defect in the tension member (3), based on the contact signal.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a lift cage, which is provided with a belt having markings disposed along the length thereof. A device for detecting at least the position, optionally, also the speed and the acceleration of the elevator cage, which is used to scan the markings, comprises a detector which is secured to the elevator cage and is displaced therewith. The detector is, preferably, arranged in such a manner that it detects the markings in one section of the belt which extend from the underloop of the carrier rollers on the elevator cage directly to a fixed point of the belt.

Abstract: A mooring failure detector, for attachment to a mooring chain or wire rope, includes a power source, which is activated by the rupture of a rupture element, caused by a change in depth and hence pressure of the device. Activation of the power QC source provides power to a transmitter to signal the failure, either by acoustic or radio frequency means. The device can operate on an inclined mooring such that failure above or below the point of attachment results in a failure signal being transmitted.

Abstract: An elevator installation includes a device for monitoring the state of support belts. An elevator car and a counterweight are connected by the support belts and are movable in a vertical shaft in opposite sense along guide tracks. The monitoring device is fastened to the guide track by a support and has a guide device, preferably a guide roller, which guides the support belt along a scanning surface the monitoring device. The scanning surface and the support belt are protected simply and effectively against damage.

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a pulley is provided in a hoistway. A rope that moves together with the movement of a car is wound around the pulley. Further, the pulley is provided with a pulley sensor for generating a signal according to the rotation of the pulley. The car is provided with a car speed sensor for directly detecting the speed of the car. A control panel is provided with: a first speed detecting portion for obtaining the speed of the car based on information from the pulley sensor; a second car speed detecting portion for obtaining the speed of the car based on information from the car speed sensor; and a determination portion for determining the presence/absence of slippage between the rope and the pulley by comparing the speeds of the car as respectively obtained by the first and second speed detecting portions.

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a pulley is provided in a hoistway. A rope that moves together with the movement of a car is wound around the pulley. Further, the pulley is provided with a pulley sensor for generating a signal according to the rotation of the pulley. A rope sensor for measuring the movement speed of the rope is provided in the hoistway. A control panel is provided with: a first speed detecting portion for obtaining the speed of the car based on information from the pulley sensor; a second speed detecting portion for obtaining the speed of the car based on information from the rope sensor; and a determination portion for determining the presence/absence of slippage between the rope and the pulley by comparing the speeds of the car as respectively obtained by the first and second speed detecting portions.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system for determining characteristics of two rolls configured in a nip press includes a strip configured to be placed in the nip press. A plurality of sensors embedded in the strip is configured to generate signals representative of the pressure and/or the nip width between the two rolls. Interface circuitry facilitates addressing of individual ones of the plurality of sensors via a data processing system.

Abstract: A load bearing assembly in an elevator system includes a plurality of discernable markings on an external surface of the assembly. A monitoring device includes at least one detector that detects locations of the markings along the length of the assembly. Changes in spacing between markings provides an indication of belt loading conditions and provides an ability to determine a condition of the belt relative to whether a replacement of the belt may be necessary. A variety of markings and a variety of detecting arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: A load bearing member, such as a polymer cord reinforced belt, includes at least one element of a different material having a characteristic that distinguishes it from the polymer fibers that make up the strands of the cord. The element of second material has a configuration that is repeated along the length of the load bearing member. The configuration of the second material element provides a readily detectible indication of localized strain on the load bearing member. As the load bearing member is strained over time, the configuration of the second material element is also altered. Analyzing the configuration of the second material element along the length of the load bearing member provides information regarding the condition of the belt.

Abstract: An elevator load bearing assembly, such as a polymer cord, reinforced belt, includes at least one element of a ferromagnetic material associated with each cord that comprises one or more non-ferromagnetic materials. The ferromagnetic element is associated with the cord such that a physical characteristic of the ferromagnetic element changes responsive to strain on the non-ferromagnetic fibers. In one example, the ferromagnetic element is a steel wire that breaks in areas that are strained, caused by bending fatigue, for example. Detecting a number of changes (i.e., breaks) in the ferromagnetic element along the length of the load bearing assembly provides an indication of the belt condition.

Abstract: A wear detector for a suspension rope having a plurality of load bearing strands covered by a sheath includes a sensor at a surface of the sheath. The sensor senses a characteristic of the rope representing a predetermined amount of wear of the sheath. The sensed characteristic can be electrical contact with the strands, distance from the surface of the sheath to the strands, or change of color of the sheath surface.

Abstract: A contact-connecting device connects more than two indicator fibers in an electrically conducting manner to create a conducting connection of the indicator fibers at the end of a safety-monitored synthetic fiber rope made from electrically insulating synthetic fibers and the electrically conducting indicator fibers. A fastener fixes the contact-connecting device and the indicator fibers relative to one another, which creates a low-cost and reliable contact-connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the fatigue of a sample of cord or filament (12) by bending it over a fixed surface (19). The apparatus comprises a tensioner (14), a fixed bending surface (19) and a driving mechanism (24), whereby the driving mechanism (24) causes a non-twisting bending of cord or filament (12) over bending surface (19) while tensioner (14) maintains a constant tension on cord or filament (12). In a method of the invention, a cord or filament (12) is attached to a tensioner (14), the cord or filament (12) is mounted on fixed bending surface (19) and attached to non-stationary roller (20), and driving mechanism (24) is activated to cause a back and forth movement of roller (20), thereby causing filament or cord (12) to bend back and forth over fixed bending surface (19) until it breaks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analysing a well completion system, wherein the method includes receiving data representative of physical characteristics of the completion system and calculating a first change in length of a tube string resulting from a helical buckling effect. The method further includes calculating a second change in length of the tube string resulting from a ballooning effect and calculating a third change in length of the tube string resulting from a slackoff force effect. Upon completion of the calculating steps, the method may output predetermined results therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the detection of damage to a rope sheath of a sheathed synthetic fiber rope includes at least one breaking element covered by the sheath and extending along the rope. If the breaking element is damaged, a predetermined detectable characteristic thereof changes indicating likely damage to the rope sheath. The number and spacing of the breaking elements can be selected to determine the extent of localized damage to be detected. A control device monitors the breaking element to detect rope damage should it occur, and initiates suitable measures should they be necessary.

Abstract: To identify the need for replacement of stranded synthetic fiber ropes, preferably ropes of aramide fiber, a torsionally neutral rope construction of load-bearing fiber strands is obtained by having at least two layers of strands laid together in opposite directions so that the torsional forces in the layers of strands compensate each other. If the layers of the strands become weakened by unequal amounts due to wear or external influences, when the rope is under load and running operationally it begins to twist about its longitudinal axis. The twisting of the rope can be made visible by a colored mark or strip extending along the length of the rope to indicate twisting of the rope thereby providing visual identification of the need for replacement of the rope.

Abstract: A hoisting rope for an elevator includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced, discrete targets retained within the rope. The targets have a characteristic that may be monitored by a device that is responsive to that characteristic. In a particular embodiment, the targets are formed from a magnetically permeable material and the monitoring device responds to changes in the magnetic field as the target passes the monitoring device. In another embodiment, the targets are formed from material that reflects electromagnetic energy. In this embodiment, the monitoring device emits electromagnetic energy and is sensitive to the energy that is reflected back from the target. A method to inspect the hoisting ropes includes the steps of positioning the monitoring device proximate to the hoisting rope, moving the hoisting rope relative to the device, and monitoring the targets to determine the spacing between targets. Changes in spacing are indicative of stretching of the rope, and thereby degradation of the rope.

Abstract: A hoisting rope includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced, discrete targets retained within the rope. The targets have a characteristic that may be monitored by a device that is responsive to that characteristic. In a particular embodiment, the targets are formed from a magnetically permeable material and the monitoring device responds to changes in the magnetic field as the target passes the monitoring device. In another embodiment, the targets are formed from material that reflects electromagnetic energy. In this embodiment, the monitoring device emits electromagnetic energy and is sensitive to the energy that is reflected back from the target. A method to inspect the hoisting ropes includes the steps of positioning the monitoring device proximate to the hoisting rope, moving the hoisting rope relative to the device, and monitoring the targets to determine the spacing between targets. Changes in spacing are indicative of stretching of the rope, and thereby degradation of the rope.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining when a synthetic fiber cable for an elevator is ready for replacement is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one voltage detection unit for detecting a voltage in at least one carbon fiber of the synthetic fiber cable and at least one threshold device for determining when the detected voltage exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold. The detected voltage is dependent upon the integrity of the portion of the synthetic cable and exceeding the predetermined voltage threshold is indicative of a failure of the at least one portion of the synthetic cable. The apparatus also includes a device for disabling the elevator when a predetermined number of the at least one threshold device determine that the at least one carbon fiber of the synthetic fiber cable has failed. The synthetic fiber cable includes a plurality of strand layers and at least one carbon fiber, each strand layer including a plurality of strands of synthetic fibers, such as aramide.

Abstract: An in-process method and apparatus for monitoring and correcting or replacing a low pressure sensor that gives incorrect low pressure readings because of being contaminated or defective during the formation of integrated circuit structures in a low pressure chemical vapor deposition chamber, where deposition rates are a function of gas flow, temperature, and chamber pressure.

Abstract: An in-process method and apparatus for monitoring and correcting or replacing a low pressure sensor that gives incorrect low pressure readings because of being contaminated or defective during the formation of integrated circuit structures in a low pressure chemical vapor deposition chamber, where deposition rates are a function of gas flow, temperature, and chamber pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting damped wave disturbances includes a hollow tubular housing of electrically nonconductive material with a pair of electrodes extending through apertures in each end of the housing such that the inner ends of the electrodes are spaced apart a predetermined distance within the housing. Ferro-magnetic electrically conductive particles are disposed loosely within the housing of sufficient quantity to form an electrical bridge between the electrodes when the particles are influenced by a magnetic field. A pair of annular collars of electrically conductive material are fastened to the housing and spaced coaxially apart, with one collar electrically connected to an antenna and the second collar electrically connected to ground. The particles within the housing have a very low electrical resistance when influenced by a magnetic field, so as to form an electrically conductive bridge. The particles also have a very high electrical resistance when not influenced by a magnetic field.

Abstract: A measurement device is furnished at a lifting means, in particular at a lifting rope, subjected to a load and used in hoisting machines. A support element (5) is disposed at the hoisting device and is attached with at least two force transducers (1) via in each case a support hinge (4). The free ends (3) of the force transducers (1) are joined to each other via a common hinge (9). The lifting means (10) engages at the hinge (9). The force transducers (1) are connected for transferring the force-proportional measurement signals to a signal processing means (12-15). This provides a measurement device and a measurement method which achieves reliable and relevant measurement values with high precision and accuracy.

Abstract: An improved tensiometer for measuring the amount of tension in a wire or cable comprises a hand-held sensor unit having a handle, two spaced support arms supporting cable-engaging support nibs, an extensible sensor nib protruding from the handle, and a trigger grip operable to extend the sensor nib upwardly between the support nibs to deflect a portion of cable clamped therebetween. The support nibs are eccentric and rotatably adjustable between a plurality of settings to permit the sensor unit to accommodate a number of different cable diameters, and the throw ratios of the nibs are arranged to minimize their eccentricity and the resulting variation in length of the deflected portion of cable at different settings. The sensor unit measures the force required to deflect the cable with a load cell, the output of which is converted into and displayed as a tension value by a microprocessor display meter connected to the sensor unit.

Abstract: In a method for checking and monitoring the friction between the traction sheave and the suspension ropes of an elevator, the slippage between the traction sheave and the suspension ropes of the elevator is measured, the elevator comprising an elevator machine, a hoistway and an elevator car and a counterweight moving in the hoistway. The rope slippage is measured either periodically by performing test drives or continuously by means of an impulse device placed in the elevator machine and measuring the motion of the tractin sheave, an impulse device monitoring the movement of the elevator car and an impulse device monitoring the load in the car. The data provided by these impulse devices is transmitted to a computer which calculates and monitors the relative slippage between the traction sheave and the suspension ropes of the elevator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for taking up elongate, flexible communication lines such as wires and optical fibers for simulating the payout of such communication lines from rockets, missiles, aircraft or the like during launch and flight comprising a rotatable flywheel mounted on a base, a rotatable take-up drum having a weight substantially less than the flywheel and having a peripheral winding surface mounted on the same base, a clutch mechanism engageable to render the take-up drum rotatable with the flywheel, a driver source for rotating the flywheel, attaching one end of a communication line to the peripheral winding surface of the take-up drum, rotating the flywheel using the driver source until the desired rotational velocity is attained, and engaging the clutch mechanism to transmit the rotational momentum of the flywheel to the take-up drum in order to impart tangential acceleration and final tangential velocity at the peripheral surface of the take-up drum in a manner simulating the acceleration and velo

Abstract: For measuring and/or monitoring properties of yarns or ropes with the aid of an image sensor a two-dimensional image of a portion of the yarn or rope is acquired and converted to electrical image signals. The image signals are digitized in image point manner and stored in an image signal memory at memory locations assigned to the image points. By a calculating unit the values of the properties to be detected are determined from the stored digital image signals. The properties which can be measured and/or monitored in this manner are in particular the diameter of the yarn or rope, the statistical values of projecting fibres, filaments or wires and the twist of the yarn or rope.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring the stretch of a wire line used in well drilling operations by first measuring the amount of stretch in the deadline by measuring rotation of the dead sheave which supports the deadline, and multiplying the length of the wire line by the ratio of the amount of elastic stretch in the deadline to the length of the deadline. Equipment depth in the well is determined by measuring the movement of the wire line and applying a correction for the wire line stretch. If desired, a correction can also be applied for any errors in the split block separation. The ratio of the amount of stretch in the deadline to the length of the deadline may be employed to provide measurement of the hookload on the traveling block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repeatedly testing wire rope and sheaves under simulated operating conditions is disclosed. The testing apparatus is capable of simulating many conditions under which wire ropes and sheaves are used in actual practice with cranes or the like including adjustments for varying rope tension, rope speed, sheave speed, sheave off-lead angles relative to the rope and to allow reverse bending of the rope. Sheaves of different diameter and different rope size and materials may be tested.

Abstract: A cable elongation or relaxation measurement apparatus comprises an elongated beam having spaced apart clamp assemblies for forcibly clamping a section of cable under tension. One of the clamp assemblies is slidably mounted on a pair of parallel bearing rods secured to the beam and is centered between opposite ends of the rods by coil springs. The movable cable clamp assembly supports a dial indicator which is engageable with an adjustable fixed abutment member supported on the beam so that movement of the movable clamp assembly can be measured for a known change in load on the cable. The support beam includes a pair of spaced apart support roller assemblies each including an upstanding bracket supporting a first roller and a movable support plate supporting a second roller. The second roller may be moved relative to the first roller between a cable engaging and clamping position and a position which permits mounting and demounting the apparatus with respect to the cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for centering an object within a housing. The apparatus comprises first and second spaced apart adjustable jaw arrangements aligned in the housing, an adjustment for adjusting the opening and closing of the jaw arrangements and first and second connecting members for connecting the first and second jaw arrangements respectively to the adjustment in a manner such that a single adjustment provides substantially simultaneous and corresponding adjustment of each of the first and second jaw arrangements.

Abstract: Cable tester and methods of operating the same for subjecting cable such as mining cable to simulated conditions substantially corresponding to actual field conditions as normally encountered by the cable for determining cable longevity, comprisinga surface having first and second spaced apart reference points and defining a test drag surface area therebetween,a source adjacent the second point for feed and return of a test span of the cable,first and second moving mechanisms, the first mechanism being connectable to the cable for moving the forward end of the test span from the second to the first point and the second mechanism being connectable to the cable for moving the rearward end of the test span from the second point to the source, anda control system for controlling the first and second mechanisms,for operation in a first test mode for simultaneous reciprocal movement of both mechanisms to drag the test span back and forth along the drag surface area to simulate corresponding field condition dragging

Abstract: A cable testing system which eliminates the swivel on the crane hook. Means are provided for attaching a crane weight indicator system (dial scale) to a crane lifting block directly. Steel bars are inserted through the block on the lifting pin and four short slings are attached to these bars. The weight indicator is then hung by these slings, with the cable to be tested connected from the weight indicator to a dead man in the ground.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring equipment depth in a well, the movement of wire rope used to raise and lower the equipment is measured by proximity sensors located adjacent the wire rope and spaced along the direction of movement of the wire rope. The signals from the proximity sensors caused by the spiral windings of the wire rope are employed to determine the length and direction of movement of the wire rope. The invention may be employed to measure movement of wire rope in other applications, such as in elevators or with cages in mine shafts that are supported by wire rope.

Abstract: Overhead cable transport installation including a device for testing the clamping of the grips coupling a gondola carriage on to the cable. A test wheel is driven with a speed synchronous with that of the cable before the carriage is engaged on the test wheel and is braked during the slip detection phase.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an abnormal condition of a wire rope comprises a detecting element, a part of which is disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the wire rope for longitudinally moving and the other part of which is held on a supporter and which detects the abnormal condition of the wire rope.