Abstract:
An elevator system includes a first elevator car (28) constructed and arranged to move in a first lane (30, 32, 34) and a first propulsion system (40) constructed and arranged to propel the first elevator. An electronic processor of the elevator system is configured to selectively control power delivered to the first propulsion system (40). The electronic processor includes a software-based power estimator configured to receive a first weight signal and a run trajectory signal for calculating a power estimate and comparing the power estimate to a maximum power allowance. The electronic processor is configured to output an automated command signal if the power estimate exceeds the maximum power allowance.
Abstract:
A ropeless elevator system (10) includes a plurality of elevator cars (14) configured to travel in a hoistway having at least one lane (13, 15, 17), a propulsion system (16, 18) to impart force to each elevator car of the plurality of elevator cars, and a controller (46). The controller is configured to operate in an in-group mode where the plurality of elevator cars perform service demands, and to selectively operate in an out-of-group mode where at least one selected elevator car of the plurality of elevator cars performs a predetermined task and is prevented from performing the in-group mode service demands.
Abstract:
A transfer station (40) for a ropeless elevator system hoistway (11) is provided. The transfer station (40) includes a first lane (13, 15, 17), a second lane (13, 15, 17), and a parking area (42) located proximate one of the first lane (13, 15, 17) and the second lane (13, 15, 17). The transfer station (40) also includes a plurality of carriages (46) moveable within the first lane (13, 15, 17), the second lane (13, 15, 17), and the parking area (42), the plurality of carriages (46) configured to support and move an elevator car (14). The transfer station (40) further includes a cassette (44) configured to support and move the plurality of carriages (46). The transfer station (40) yet further includes a guiding member (48) engaged with the cassette (44), wherein the position of each of the plurality of carriages (46) relative to the first lane (13, 15, 17), the second lane (13, 15, 17) and the parking area (42) is modified by horizontal or vertical movement of the cassette (44).
Abstract:
A method and system to direct a plurality of occupants during an evacuation of a building includes receiving at least one occupancy parameter of the plurality of occupants via at least one occupancy sensor, and controlling at least one occupancy actuator in response to the at least one occupancy parameter via an occupancy controller.
Abstract:
A method of assigning destination calls to cars (A-F) in an elevator system (20) having a plurality of hoistways (21-23) in which there is more than one car in each hoistway, the method comprising determining (33) the time for each car to respond to the call; and among the cars with acceptable response time, determining (34) the amount of additional delay in the hoistway that assignment of the call to one car will impose on the either car in the same hoistway, and assigning (35) the call to that car which creates the least additional delay for cars in any hoistway.
Abstract:
A device includes an elevator passenger interface (32) configured to allow a passenger to place a call for elevator service by indicating at least one of an intended destination and an intended direction. The elevator passenger interface (32) includes at least one sound detector (34). A processor (36) is configured to determine a number of passengers intending to travel to the intended destination or in the intended direction based on at least an indication from the sound detector (34) regarding voice detection and to associate the determined number of passengers with the call.
Abstract:
An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system (20) includes a destination entry device (22) configured to allow a passenger to indicate an intended destination prior to entering an elevator car (24, 26, 28) and at least one detector (32, 36, 38) configured to detect a proximity between the passenger and at least one other individual that has not indicated an intended destination. A controller (30) is configured to determine whether the detected proximity between the passenger and the at least one other individual satisfies at least one criterion indicating that the at least one other individual likely is associated with the passenger, will board an elevator car (24, 26, 28) with the passenger, and will travel to the intended destination with the passenger. The controller (30) is configured to assign an elevator car (24, 26, 28) to carry the passenger and the at least one other individual to the intended destination when the detected proximity satisfies the at least one criterion.
Abstract:
A shuttle elevator loading system (300) includes a plurality of shuttle elevators (302a, 302b, 302c) configured to service a building lobby (304). At least one sensor (306a, 306b, 306c, 306z) is configured to detect at least one passenger (308a, 308b, 308c, 308z) and at least one display unit (310a, 310b, 310c, 310z) is located at a display zone (312a, 312b, 312c, 312z) of the lobby. An elevator system controller (314) is in signal communication with the at least one sensor and the at least one display unit. The elevator system controller determines a number of allocated passengers corresponding to each shuttle elevator and generates assignment information that directs a non-allocated passenger to an available shuttle elevator.
Abstract:
A method includes receiving a passenger request to reserve an elevator car of an elevator system to travel to a targeted destination. At least two different travel options (404A, 404B) to the targeted destination are determined based on a plurality of elevator car travel plans comprising at least two elevator cars having different travel ranges. The at least two different travel options (404A, 404B) are output to an interactive display (204). At least one of the at least two elevator cars is reserved responsive to a user selection of one of the at least two different travel options (404A, 404B).