Abstract:
A synthetic rope for an elevator having improved resistance to compression and abrasion is provided and comprises a plurality of strands forming layers of the rope, each strand formed from a plurality of pre-twisted strands made from high modulus synthetic filaments. One or more of the strands or layers of strands may be impregnated with a lubricant, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, to reduce the abrasion among the strands and substrands, and increase the service life of the rope. The exterior of the rope may be covered by a jacket that provides for traction with the drive sheave. An elevator system comprising the claimed rope is also provided.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to an apparatus and methods for enhancing the energy efficiency of a variable speed drive (VSD) used to control an elevator by disconnecting the VSD from the AC power supply grid when the elevator is idle and reconnecting the VSD when the elevator becomes active. One embodiment of the invention comprises an alternating current power supply grid, one or more variable speed drives, contactors connected between the alternating current power supply grid and the variable speed drive(s) that are used to connect or disconnect the variable speed drive(s) from the alternating current power supply grid, and, a control system that controls the contactors. The contactors may comprise a coil which is powered by the control system to either connect or disconnect the VSDs and the AC power supply grid.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for use in elevator systems for assigning new hall calls to one of a plurality of available elevator cars. According to the invention, a call cost is calculated for each car for accepting the new hall call. The call cost is a function of the estimated time to the desired destination of the passenger requesting the new hall call and of the delay that other passengers who are using the elevator car will experience. In one embodiment, a destination is inferred for the passenger requesting the new hall call. In another embodiment, the passenger requesting the hall call may input a desired destination at the time the hall call request is made. The elevator system of the present invention allows for use of both standard up/down hall call entry devices and destination entry devices that allow a particular destination to be entered by a passenger at the time a hall call is requested.
Abstract:
Described is a method for assigning hall calls comprising the steps of receiving a hall call signal, receiving information regarding an elevator system, assigning a destination to the hall call signal, and calculating a call cost value for each elevator car using a handing capacity coefficient. The controller designates the elevator with the lowest call cost value to respond to a call signal. The handling capacity coefficient is a value that reflects the current traffic conditions of an elevator system.
Abstract:
A system and method for actively damping tension members modulates the natural frequency of shape memory alloys incorporated into tension members, such as suspension ropes or cables. The frequency of the tension member can be modulated by heating the shape memory alloy, such modulation preventing potentially destructive resonance with natural exciting forces.
Abstract:
A method for assigning an elevator car to respond to a call signal includes a controller that determines which elevator car will respond to the call signal based on certain wait time thresholds. The controller receives a hall call signal, and the controller is programmed with wait time thresholds that can include, e.g., an estimated wait time (EWT), and/or estimated travel time (ETT). In this example, these thresholds are time values above which a passenger is likely to become impatient, either waiting for an elevator car to arrive, or waiting for their elevator car to arrive at its destination. Based on system information an EWT and ETT are calculated and compared to the thresholds. An elevator car is assigned based on this comparison. In some versions, an estimated time to destination (ETD) is used in determining which elevator car to assign. In some versions, a handling capacity coefficient (HCx), which reflects current traffic conditions, is used in determining which elevator car to assign.
Abstract:
Described is a method for assigning hall calls comprising the steps of receiving a hall call signal, receiving information regarding an elevator system, assigning a destination to the hall call signal, and calculating a call cost value for each elevator car using a handing capacity coefficient. The controller designates the elevator with the lowest call cost value to respond to a call signal. The handling capacity coefficient is a value that reflects the current traffic conditions of an elevator system.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to an apparatus and methods for enhancing the energy efficiency of a variable speed drive (VSD) used to control an elevator by disconnecting the VSD from the AC power supply grid when the elevator is idle and reconnecting the VSD when the elevator becomes active. One embodiment of the invention includes an alternating current power supply grid, one or more variable speed drives, contactors connected between the alternating current power supply grid and the variable speed drive(s) that are used to connect or disconnect the variable speed drive(s) from the alternating current power supply grid, and, a control system that controls the contactors. The contactors may include a coil which is powered by the control system to either connect or disconnect the VSDs and the AC power supply grid.
Abstract:
An odour adsorbing or deodorizing filter which comprises a matrix or substrate impregnated with a mixture of particulate chemically modified activated carbon and particulate activated carbon, together with a binder. The filter may be incorporated into an ostomy collection bag, wound dressing, respirator, air conditioning unit or the like.
Abstract:
Energy saving methods and apparatus for elevator systems having a plurality of elevator cars operating in a plurality of elevator shafts. The present invention provides methods and apparatus for determining which one of the plurality of elevator cars is to be assigned to a new hall call in order to reduce the net energy consumption of the elevator system over time.