7159results about "Building lifts" patented technology

An automated storage and retrieval system wherein electrically driven, computer-controlled carriages (58) can navigate a system of rails (78) in three-dimensions. Multiple carriages (58) can independently operate at the same time to accomplish a task faster or to work on several different tasks at the same time. The rails (78) have a system of trap doors (95) that allow a carriage (58) to use a single reversible motor (67) to navigate the rails (78) in three-dimensions. With the carriage (58) in positioned in font of a bin position, the carriage mounted manipulating device (125) can move bins (115) to and from the racks (107) from either side with a single reversible motor (131). The rails (78) are electrified to provide power for the drive (67) and manipulator motors (131). A main computer (146) maintains the inventory, handles transactions and assigns tasks to the computer-controlled carriages (58). The system can be scaled to handle different types of items and can be configured to fit in the space available.

A material handling system for use in storing and moving goods within multi-level storage warehouses, ocean going vessels and the like wherein storage areas are provided on at least one of the levels and wherein goods are automatically transferred to and from the storage areas and between the various levels by self-propelled load transfer vehicles. The load transfer vehicles move across the surface of the various levels and deliver are also movable within open vertical trunks between the levels to thereby move goods to any desired area.

A material handling system for use in storing and moving goods within multi-level storage warehouses, ocean going vessels and the like wherein storage areas are provided on at least one of the levels and wherein goods are automatically transferred to and from the storage areas and between the various levels by self-propelled load transfer vehicles. The load transfer vehicles move across the surface of the various levels and are also movable under their own power within open vertical trunks between the levels to thereby move goods to any desired area within the system, warehouse or vessel.

A hoisting device rope has a width larger than a thickness thereof in a transverse direction of the rope. The rope includes a load-bearing part made of a composite material, said composite material comprising non-metallic reinforcing fibers, which include carbon fiber or glass fiber, in a polymer matrix. An elevator includes a drive sheave, an elevator car and a rope system for moving the elevator car by means of the drive sheave. The rope system includes at least one rope that has a width that is larger than a thickness thereof in a transverse direction of the rope. The rope includes a load-bearing part made of a composite material. The composite material includes reinforcing fibers in a polymer matrix.

In an elevator installation, an apparatus and a method use a support end connection for fastening a support device to an elevator car, a counterweight and/or a building. The support device has at least one cable or cable strand enclosed by a cable casing and is held in a wedge pocket by a wedge. The cable casing is formed of thermoplastic material or an elastomer and at least one of a region of the wedge or the wedge pocket is provided with a longitudinal wedge groove and a region of the wedge, of the wedge pocket or the cable casing has a reduced coefficient of friction. The support device is preferably a multiple cable.

The invention relates to a wind turbine including a foundation and a tower positioned on the foundation where the tower includes more than one modules, where the modules each include a separate strengthening structure defining the outer edges of the module and wind turbine equipment, and where the more than one module are positioned substantially vertically on top of each other in an upright position within the tower. The modules are connected directly and/or indirectly through the strengthening structure, to the foundation (18). The invention further relates to a method for assembling a wind turbine at a wind turbine site and a method for handling more than one wind turbine modules.

A system of managing health comprises a medical terminal, a cellular phone, a satellite, and a medical server. The medical terminal measures health condition of a patient, and generates a measure signal having information concerning the measure result. The cellular phone generates a health information signal having information concerning health condition of the patient by using the measure signal. The satellite is connected to the cellular phone, thereby detecting in real time location of the cellular phone, and generates location information concerning the detection result. The medical server analyzes the health information signal to determine whether or not the health of the patient is normal, and manages health of the patient by using the location information and the analysis result. The system detects location of the patient by the satellite, and thus may send first-aid to the patient when the health of the patient is not normal.

A device for monitoring an elevator area utilizes a three-dimensional semiconductor sensor for detecting three-dimensional image information. The sensor includes a light source that is mounted so that the elevator area to be monitored is disposed in the illuminated area of the light source, a sensor group that is mounted in such a manner that it receives reflected light, and a processing chip for converting the electrical signals into image information. In addition, the device includes a processing device that is connected with the semiconductor sensor in order to make available three-dimensional image information. The processing device processes the image information in order to obtain state information representing the state of the elevator area to be monitored.

Brake equipment for holding and braking an elevator car in an elevator installation, which is arranged to be movable along a brake track in two directions of travel, includes a mount with a brake lining which automatically adjusts under friction couple with the brake track on movement of the elevator car relative to the rail and in that case tightens a first tightening means, which can be released by an actuator. The first tightening means tightens the mount together with the brake lining against the brake track by a biasing force. The brake equipment produces, with unmoved brake equipment and an unreleased state of the actuator, a holding force acting in both directions of travel. The holding force is determined substantially by the biasing force acting on the mount.

The invention relates to a method for monitoring the condition of the door of an elevator and determining its need for maintenance, the door comprising a door mechanism, door panels and a door operator. The signals (10) of the control system of a door in good condition are measured and a set of characteristics descriptive of the operation of the door is generated from them. The signals (10) of the door control system are measured the operation during the opening and closing movements of the door is divided into stages according to which parts of the door are functioning at each stage. From the measured signals (10), a set of characteristics descriptive of the operation of the door is generated. The set of characteristics thus generated is compared to the set of characteristics for a normal operating condition stored in memory, at least in one stage of operation. Based on the comparison of the two sets of characteristics, a diagnosis is performed to determine where and how the operation of the door and its components deviates from normal operation, and the result of the diagnosis is utilized to establish the need for servicing and a servicing date.

In a rope of a lifting device, particularly of a passenger transport elevator and/or freight transport elevator, the width of which rope is greater than the thickness in the transverse direction of the rope, which rope includes a load-bearing part in the longitudinal direction of the rope, which load-bearing part includes carbon-fiber reinforced, aramid-fiber reinforced and/or glass-fiber reinforced composite material in a polymer matrix, and which rope includes one or more optical fibers and/or fiber bundles in connection with the load-bearing part and the optical fiber and/or fiber bundle is laminated inside the load-bearing part and/or the optical fiber and/or fiber bundle is glued onto the surface of the load-bearing part and/or and that the optical fiber and/or fiber bundle is embedded or glued into the polymer envelope surrounding the load-bearing part, as well as to a condition monitoring method for the rope of a lifting device.

A rope terminal assembly of an elevator fixing an elevator rope to a fixing base such as an elevator unit, the elevator being suitable for transporting passengers and/or goods, includes an elevator rope, whose width is larger than its thickness in a rope transverse direction, with at least one end having an end face, a rope end block attached to the rope end, one or more wedge elements, a wedge housing, where the terminal assembly includes a rope gap through which the elevator rope passes and the wedge element is arranged to wedge between the rope and the wedge housing thus locking the elevator rope in the gap, and the rope end block is attached on the end face side of the elevator rope with respect to the wedge element, and an elevator.

A system for sanitizing an enclosed structure comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a germicidal ultraviolet light source, a motor, and a controller. The first sensor detects the presence of humans or animals within the enclosed structure. The second sensor detects the position of at least one door of the enclosed structure. The third sensor detects tampering with the system. The ultraviolet light source provides electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range. The motor moves the ultraviolet light source from an inactive position to an active position and from the active position to the inactive position. The controller receives inputs from the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, and transmits outputs to the ultraviolet light source and the motor. When the controller receives signals that no humans or animals are present in the enclosed structure and that the door is in a closed position, the controller transmits a signal to the motor to move the ultraviolet light source from the inactive position to the active position and a signal to activate the ultraviolet light source. If humans or animals are detected to be present in the enclosed structure or if the door is detected to be open, then the controller deactivates the ultraviolet light source and repositions the ultraviolet light source.

An elevator installation for zonal operation in a building, a method for zonal operation of such an elevator installation and a method for modernization of an existing elevator installation, in which the building is divided into several zones. The elevator installation includes several elevators for the transport of persons/goods in cages. A zone is associated with each elevator. At least one changeover storey for the changing over of persons/goods between cages of different zones is arranged between the zones. At least one elevator comprises at least two cages which are arranged one above the other and which are movable independently of one another at a pair of guide rails.

A gearless, ropeless elevator according to the present invention includes a universal independent linear electromagnetic retarder as an essential component that will ensure safe and comfortable transit for passengers going up and down. By design sufficient number of independent retarders are securely fixed to the independent passenger cabin such that under free fall conditions due to power failure for example the gross weight of the gearless, ropeless elevator assembly will be counter balanced by the force generated in the retarders so permitting it to descend at a slow speed until resting on its buffers. The independent universal retarder unit which can also function as a motor includes not only a fail safe brake capable of slowing and stopping a gearless, ropeless elevator assembly but also a UPS unit capable of supplying the retarder with sufficient power for a few seconds to permit the independent cabin and passengers to slowdown comfortably from high speed. Both are fed from an onboard continuously charged battery unit which also provides supplies to the logic control circuits and switches.

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.

A flame retardant panel apparatus, and method, utilize a flame retardant panel, having an exterior and an interior face thereof, with the panel including a panel structure having a primary core encapsulated within a panel frame of reinforced phenolic material, and a layer of flame retardant material attached to the panel structure and extending outwardly therefrom to at least partially define an exterior face of the flame retardant panel. The flame retardant panel is suitable for use in mass transit conveyances, such as subway cars, high speed cars, rail cars, buses, rapid response vehicles, marine vessels, and elevators.

Provided herein are wind turbine tower assembly and maintenance systems and schemes. In particular, wind tower maintenance platforms are provided in order to allow service personnel to perform assembly and maintenance tasks on wind turbine towers. Some platforms disclosed herein adjust to the outer diameter of the tower, which varies tuned to the general conical shape of the tower. Other platforms provide a platform shape that allows the platform to encircle both the tower and wholly or partially encircle the turbine blade to allow personnel easy access to the blade. Other variations disclosed herein provide powerful climbing mechanisms to allow the turbine service platform to externally climb the tower carrying service personnel, parts, or even turbine blades. Gripping or braking mechanisms are provided to secure the service platform to the tower. A system is provided for lowering or raising turbine blades to and from the hub without requiring a crane.

There is provided a carriage direction switching apparatus for a test-tube carriage path, which comprises a first carriage path including a connecting outlet, a second carriage path including a connecting inlet, a relay member interposed between the connecting outlet and the connecting inlet, and configured to guide, to the connecting inlet, an opening/closing arm opposing the connecting outlet, and a direction switching mechanism provided adjacent to the relay member. In particular, the direction switching member includes a rotary member located at a level at which the rotary member can attract the metal ring of the test-tube holder, a plurality of magnets embedded in the outer periphery of the rotary member, and a driving motor for continuously rotating the rotary member with the magnets.

A method of controlling access to an elevator car, in particular to its ceiling and/or underside, including the steps of switching the elevator control into a maintenance mode which controls the car to travel to a predetermined stop position permitting access, and opening a landing door of the elevator shaft the car is running in. The elevator control is switched into the maintenance mode only if operating a landing call receiving device in a predetermined identification pattern which differs from a call pattern for calling the elevator.

A modular accessory system is supportable on a vertical surface such as a wall, an office divider, or the like and includes a framework that support panels and/or functional modules to provide a desired appearance and/or functions for use in an area. The panels and modules are repositionable, and some may be oriented in two or more different orientations on the framework. Engaging members are provided at spaced intervals along each panel and module, with additional engaging members provided at spaced intervals along the framework. The engaging members along the framework releasably engage the engaging members on the panels and modules to support them on the framework. In addition, brackets may be coupled to the framework in either a vertical or horizontal orientation, such as alongside any panel or module, to support accessories thereon. Electrical wiring may be routed through the framework to supply certain panels, modules, or accessories.

A method and system for supervising the safety of an elevator having a car driven by a drive within a hoistway wherein a travel parameter (X_ABS,X″_Acc,X′_IGB) of the car is sensed and continually compared with a similarly sensed travel parameter (X′_IG) of the drive. If the comparison shows a large deviation between the two parameters, an emergency stop is initiated. Otherwise one of the travel parameters (X_ABS,X″_Acc X′_IGB; X′_IG) is output as a verified signal (X;X′). The verified signal is then compared with predetermined permitted values. If it lies outside the permitted range then an emergency stop is initiated.

The cooking appliance (1) having a control panel (2) is equipped with one or more gas flow (Q) regulating valves, wherein the rotary regulator organ (6) is provided with various peripheral through holes (16-19). The control knob (9) being interchangeable for fitting to the actuating shaft (7), is chosen from the two units available, one and the other permitting different angular limit positions (A2, A3) for the supply of a constant minimum gas flow Qmin, through one of two successive holes (18, 19) calibrated each one for a different type of gas NG or LPG, one or the other hole being superimposed to a valve inlet duct (4) at a different angular position A2, A3. An integral lug (14) on the control knob (9) running into a slide groove (20) in the control panel (2), establishes a first rotation stop A2.

An improved lead screw actuator for use in applications including power vehicle windows is provided that significantly reduces the amount of machining that must be performed on the lead screw to enable secure attachment of a gear or pulley. The lead screw has a plurality of threads on its outer annular surface and a first and second axially spaced circumferential groove. A gear or pulley disposed about the lead screw has a female thread formed into an inner annular surface that is configured to engage at least one of the plurality of threads of the lead screw between the first and second grooves. A pair of rings are disposed within the first and second grooves in order to restrict axial movement of the gear or pulley on the lead screw.

An elevator installation with a drivebelt sheave and a flat-beltlike suspension member that bears the elevator car and the counterweight, and that is driven by the drivebelt sheave. A running surface or a partial running surface of the drivebelt sheave, via which the flat-beltlike suspension member rests on the drivebelt sheave, is friction-reducingly coated or friction-reducingly surface treated.

The invention relates to a super capacitor energy-storage type elevator driver which mainly comprises a diode three-phase uncontrollable rectifier, a three-phase inverter, a three-phase alternating current variable-frequency motor, a voltage-stabilizing filter capacitor, a super capacitor group, a first current limiting circuit, a second current limiting circuit, a direct current side voltage detecting circuit, a super capacitor group end voltage detecting circuit, a super capacitor group current detecting circuit, a signal conditioning circuit and a set of driving and controlling circuits, wherein the diode three-phase uncontrollable rectifier is connected with a three-phase electric network, the three-phase inverter comprises IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) antiparallel diode moulds, and DSP (Digital Signal Processing) is used as the control core of the set of driving and controlling circuits. The invention changes the energy-saving scheme of feeding braking energy back to the electric network, energy is stored in the super capacitor group, and on-the-spot utilization is realized, thereby not only more conveniently and efficiently realizing energy saving, but also lowering the cost of the elevator driver, improving the operating safety of an elevator, and achieving popularization and application values.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a controller of an elevator, allowing the construction of a system which suppresses the wasteful consumption of power of a power storage device in power failure or standby condition.

A suspended work platform with an integrated rescue system and a method for rescuing a worker is used to quickly rescue workers from an elevated position. The system incorporates a work hoist and a rescue device cooperating with a platform rope. The work hoist is attached to the work platform. A worker changes the elevation of the work platform by operating a work input device of a work hoist control system. The rescue device cooperates with the platform rope and is attached above the work platform to a tie-off location. A rescuer operates the rescue device to perform a rescue of the worker when necessary. The rescue system may also include an independent fall arrest system having a descent control system with a fall arrest rope attached to the worker and to the tie-off location.

Information including normal and abnormal operating conditions and events, resulting from operation of elevator car and landing doors, is monitored and recorded (FIGS. 1-28), compared and combined with other information and with thresholds to detect notable events and conditions and generate corresponding messages including a reason for the message, severity of the related event or condition, and optionally, a general maintenance recommendation. The maintenance messages include adjusting or cleaning: car door vane (A-D), landing door lock at a given floor (E-L), car door closed switch (M-R), car door track or sill (S-Y), landing door track or sill (Z-EE), door drive belt (FF, GG), elevator car door motor or door controller mechanism (HH-MM), and car guide rails (FFF); and include adjusting or replacing: door position encoder (NN, OO), between-door safety device (PP-SS), door open/close buttons (TT-XX), landing and car call buttons (YY-AAA) and lights (BBB, CCC), and car rail guides (DDD, EEE).

A sliding door system has a pair of horizontally opposed vertical surfaces defining therebetween an opening, an upper horizontal surface connecting uppermost ends of the vertical surfaces, a lower horizontal surface connecting lowermost ends of the vertical surfaces, and a door moving horizontally to open and close the opening. The sliding door system also includes a first optical device having a light emitter for emitting light, a second optical device having a light detector for detecting the light, and a light reflector for reflecting the light emitted from the light emitter to the light receiver. The light reflector is positioned in at least one of the horizontally opposed vertical surfaces. The first and second optical devices are positioned in the upper horizontal surface.