Abstract:
Power distribution is managed in an elevator system including an elevator hoist motor (12), a primary power supply (20), and- an energy storage system (32 ). A predicted usage pattern for the hoist motor is established based on past hoist motor power demand in the elevator system or in similar elevator systems in similar buildings. A target storage state for the energy storage system is then set based on the predicted usage pattern. Power exchanged between the hoist motor, the primary power supply, and the energy storage system is controlled to address power demand of the hoist motor and to maintain the storage state of the energy storage system at about the target storage state.
Abstract:
An elevator load bearing member (22) monitoring device (20) has a controller (30) that applies a first signal (40) and a second signal (50) to at least one tension member (24) in the belt. The first signal (40) in one example has a plurality of pulses (42) of a selected amplitude and duration. The second signal (50) includes a series of pulses (52) having a second, shorter duration and lower amplitude. The first signal is useful for providing information regarding a wear condition of the load bearing member. The controller utilizes a response to the second signal to determine a failure condition such as a broken load bearing member.
Abstract:
Upon request from a power utility to reduce the electrical demand of a building, an elevator system is automatically disconnected from power being delivered by the power utility (or remains connected but receives limited power from the power utility), and a secondary power storage device is connected to the power bus of the elevator system. The secondary power storage device provides power to the elevator system during a period in which the request to reduce electrical load of the building is in effect. When the request end, the elevator system is automatically reconnected to the power delivered by the power utility and can potentially work in a hybrid mode.
Abstract:
An electrical connector device (40) for use with an elevator load bearing member (30) assembly includes at least one electrical connector member (42) for making electrically conductive contact with at least one tension member (32). A clamping member (45) supports the electrical connector member and facilitates manipulating the connector member to pierce through a coating (34) over the tension members (32). The clamping member (45) in one example has first (46) and second (48) portions received on opposite sides of the load bearing member (30). An adjuster (50) facilitates adjusting the relative positions of the clamping member portions to urge the electrical connector member through the coating and into electrically conductive contact with the tension member.
Abstract:
An elevator load bearing assembly (30) includes a jacket (34) having different portions comprising different polymer compositions. In a disclosed example, a plurality of tension members (32) are at least partially surrounded by a first portion (36) comprising a first polymer composition. A second portion (38) establishes at least one exterior surface (40) of the jacket (34) and comprises a second polymer composition. In one example, a surface-modifying agent is added to alter the composition of at least a portion of the jacket (34). In another example, co-extrusion techniques using different polymer compositions establish different portions of the jacket (34).
Abstract:
A load bearing assembly (20) includes a plurality of tension members (22). A joint in the load bearing assembly (20) has a staggered pattern of discontinuities (30) in the tension members (22). A stress relieving feature is associated with at least outermost tension members (22A, 22L) in the vicinity of the discontinuities. One example includes supplemental tension members (32, 50) as the stress relieving feature. Another example includes selected spacings (32', 40, 42) between ends of at least some of the tension members. One example includes different sized tension members as the stress relieving feature. Another example includes different lateral spacings between selected tension members.
Abstract:
An electrical connector device (40) for use with an elevator load bearing member (30) assembly includes at least one electrical connector member (42) for making electrically conductive contact with at least one tension member (32). A clamping member (45) supports the electrical connector member and facilitates manipulating the connector member to pierce through a coating (34) over the tension members (32). The clamping member (45) in one example has first (46) and second (48) portions received on opposite sides of the load bearing member (30). An adjuster (50) facilitates adjusting the relative positions of the clamping member portions to urge the electrical connector member through the coating and into electrically conductive contact with the tension member.