US2776732A - Elevator systems - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 8, 1957 w. F. EAMES 2,776,732

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BUP4 BH| 83g B37 u BUPS 2DR5 ZDRN I "Eoin/2h t38 ItUP4 W. F. EAMES ELEVATOR SYSTEMS Jan. 8, 1957 9 sheets-'sheet 9 Filed March 3, 1954 United States Patent O ELEVATOR SYSTEMS William F. Eames, Westfield, N. J., assignor to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application March 3, 1954, Serial No. 413,345 27 Claims. (c1. 1874-29) This invention relates to load-carrying movable bodies, and it has particular relation to the supervision of the operation of elevator systems.

Aspects of the invention are applicable to various movable bodies intended to carry loads between spaced points, but the invention is particularly suitable for elevator systems. An elevator .system embodying the invention may employ one or more elevator cars servi-ng any desired number of floors of `a struct-ure or building. However, the greatest benets from Ithe invention .are obtained from its application to .an elevator system employing a number of elevator cars. The invention may be applied to an Ielevator system operated with or without attendants in the elevato-r cars. The invention is particularly suitable for elevator systems which are arranged for operation without attendants in the cars.

In accordance with the invention, the elevator system is arranged `to provide service with or without supervision. When the system is not being supervised, substantial service is provided bythe elevator system.

Information is transmitted between each elevator car of the elevator system and a control station which may be remotely located with respect to the elevator cars. fPhe information transmitted to the control station may include information :concerning positions of the elevator cars, direction -of travel of the elevator cars, registered calls for elevator serv-ice and positions of the loads in the elevator cars. IIn order to transmit visual information to 'the control station, a television camera or transmitter is placed in each of the elevator .cars .and is coupled under suitable circumstances to a television or picture receiver located at the control station. Provision also is preferably mad-e `for the transmission of sound information lbetween each of 'the elevator cars and .the control station. .The sound transmitting equipment may 'be arranged for two-way .sound transmission between each of the elevator cars and the control station. In a desirable `embodiment of the invention, information is transmitted between the control station and any stopped Ielevator .car or any selected elevator car.

Controls are provided which are operable from the control station for the purpose of enpediting elevator service when the 4information available at t-he control station indicates that such expediting is permissible. For example, the controls may expedite the dispatching or s`tarting of an elevator car from a terminal iloor despite the fact that the dispatching interval for the elevator car has not expired. As a further example, the controls may be arranged to condition an elevator car to reverse betore lit reaches one of the terminal iloors `or to condition an elevator car to bypass one or more floors. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the controls lare designed, when operated, to expedite the closure of doors and gates associated with the elevator cars.

Elevator systems designed to carry passengers generally are heavily loaded only .during short intervals of each day. For example, in .an oce building a heavy loading in the down direction `normally is encountered at the start 2,776,732 Patented Jan. 8, 1957 ice of 'the lunch period and at the close of the business day. An elevator system embodying the invention may operate without supervision to provide .adequate elevator service during off peak conditions. During the brief peak in- .tervals, supervision may be provided for :the purpose of increasing the efficiency `of the elevator system. Since these intervals are relatively short, a supervising attendant may be employed during the peak intervals, 4and this attendant may be assigned to perform other duties duri-ng the `larger portion of the business day. lf the attendant is lfor any reason called away from his supervising duties, the system merely returns to non-supervisory operation and .continues to provide good elevator service.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved elevator system having provision for supervised opera-tion thereof.

`It is .another object of the invention to provide an improved elevator system having equipment for conveying information between each elevator .car employed in the system and Ia .control station.

4lt is a further :object of the invention to provide an elevator system having means for conveying informati-on between each elevator car employed in the system and :the contr-ol station, 4together with lcontrols operable at the control station, tor modifying the .operation of the system.

lt is also :an object of the invention to provide an improved elcvator system capable of .operation with .or -without supervision trom `a control station.

flt is .an additional object of the invention to provide an elevator system having a plurality of cars and a control .station, together with equipment yfor transmitting visual and sound Ainformation between the elevator cars and the control station, `and controls operable lat the control station for increasing the .closure speed of doors associated with the elevator oars.

Other objects :of the invention will be .apparent from the following discussion taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a View in side elevation with parts broken away of an elevator system which may embody lche invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing control circuits in straight line iorm suitable for the system of Fig. yl;

Fig. 2A is a .schematic lview or key showing relays 'and switches `employed in the circuits of Fig. 2. For groups of relays yor switches having similar functions only representative members `of .the group are illustrated in some cases in Fig. 2A. If Figs. 2 and 2A are placed in horizontal alignment, it will be found that corresponding coils `and contacts lof the relays and switches shown in the two gures are substantially in horizontal alignment;

Fig. 3 is a schematic view in straight line form showing further control circuits suitable for the elevator system of Fig. l;

Fig. 3A is a schematic View or key showing relays and switches employed in the switches of Fig. 3. For groups of relays or switches having similar functions only representative members of the group are illustrated in some cases in Fig. 3A. if Figs. 3 and 3A are placed in horizontal alignment, it will be found Ithat corresponding coils and contacts of the two figures are substantially in horizontal alignment.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view in straight line form showing additional circuits suitable for the elevator system of Fig. l;

Fig. 4A is a schematic view or key gure of relays and switches employed in the circuits of Fig. 4. For groups of relays or switches having similar functions only representative members of the group are illustrated in some cases in Fig. 4A. lf Figs. 4 and 4A are placed in horizontal alignment, corresponding coils and contacts of the two gures will be found to be substantially in horizontal alignment.

Fig. is a schematic view in straight line form showing still further control circuits suitable for the elevator system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5A is a schematic view or key figure showing relays and switches employed in the circuits of Fig. 5. For groups of relays and switches having similar functions only representative members of the group are illustrated in some cases in Fig. 5A. If Figs. 5 and 5A are placed in horizontal alignment, it will be found that corresponding coils and contacts of the two figures are substantially in horizontal alignment.

Features of applicants invention may be employed in single car or-multicar systems which are designed to serve structures or buildings having various numbers of oors. in a multicar system, `the system may include any desired number of elevator cars arranged in a bank. However, lin order to simplify the presentation .as much as possible, the invention will be described with reference to the system shown in the Carney et al. Patent 2,172,187, which issued September 5, 1939. insofar as possible, the conventions employed in the Carney et al. patent will be adhered to in the present discussion. Components of the Carney et al. system which are herein illustrated will be identitied by the same reference characters employed in the Carney et al. patent.

Apparatus in Fig. l

Figure l includes all components of Fig. l of the Carney et al. patent and the similar components of the two figures operate in identical manner. For this reason, a detailed discussion of the components is believed to be unnecessary at the present time. However, for convenience, the lfollowing components appearing in Fig. 1 are listed as follows:

12-hoistiug drum 13-counterweight 14-shaft 15-electric motor l-hatchway door 17-brake 19-car gate 1E to SE--car buttons lT-rst floor hatchway door motor Z-car gate motor N-control -motor I-inductor -relay lG, etc.-hatchway door motor switches FS-oor selector Fig. 1 also illustrates equipment for transmitting i11- formation from each of the elevator cars to a remote control station. To this end,each of the elevator cars ris provided with a television or picture transmitter, such as the transmitter PT mounted in the elevator car A. T his transmitter includes .a television camera positioned to'scan a predetermined portion of the elevator car, preferably including the area closed by the car gate 19.

In addition, the elevator car A is provided with a transducer LS for the purpose of carrying sound information. The transducer may include a separate microphone and loud speaker assembly. It will be assumed, however, that the transducer LS is a dual purpose device which serves both as a microphone for transmitting sound information from the elevator car A and as a loud speaker for conveying sound information from the remote 'control station RCS to passengers within the elevator car.

The picture transmitter PT and the transducer LS are coupled through suitable cable to the remote control station RCS. inasmuch as it is assumed that four similar elevator cars are employed in the elevator system, it follows that similar picture transmitters and transducers are mounted in each of the four elevator cars. All of the picture transmitters and transducers are coupled to the remote control station RCS through suitable cable, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 1.

The remote control station is provided with equipment for conveying information to a supervising attendant. To this end, the remote control station includes a picture receiver PE1 which may be coupled to the picture transmitter in any of the elevator cars in order to display to the supervising attendant a picture of the selected area of any desired elevator car. A picture representing a possible condition of one of the elevator cars is shown on the picture receiver P121 and represents a passenger standing in the entrance to the elevator car A and preventing closure of the elevator car gate. Preferably, the picture transmitter of any of the elevator cars conditioned to stop at a oor is coupled automatically to the picture receiver PRI. Since picture transmitters and receivers are well known in the television art, a detailed description of such equipment is unnecessary. Suitable couplings for the equipment will be discussed below.

The remote control station RCS preferably includes a second picture receiver PR?. which is similar to the picture receiver PRL However, the coupling of the picture receiver -PRZ lto the picture transmitter is controlled by push buttons mounted on the panel of the remote control station. For example, operation of the push button lPU'B couples the picture receiver PRZ at any time to the picture transmitter PT of the elevator car A. in a similar manner, oper-ation of the push buttons BlPUB, CIPUB and DlPUB connects the picture receiver PRZ respectively to the picture transmitters of the elevator cars B, C and D.

A transducer LSM also is mounted on the panel of the remote control station. This transducer may include a separate microphone for conveying sound information from the remote control station to each of the elevator cars and a loud speaker for receiving sound information @from the'elevator cars. However, it will be assumed that the transducer LSM is a dual purpose type which serves both as a microphone and as a loud speaker. The transducer LSM may be arranged to be operatively connected to Ithe transducer of the elevator car having its picture transmitter coupled to the picture receiver PRI. However, if the supervising attendant couples the picture re ceiver PR2 to any of the elevator cars, the transducer LSM preferably is coupled to the transducer for the same elevator car.

When the transducer LSM is coupled to the transducer in any of the elevator cars, `the coupled transducers provide a two-way sound communication channel. Since such sound communication equipment is well known in the art, `a further discussion of the equipment is unnecessary.

If the transducer LSM is coupled with ythe picture receiver PRZ to relatedequipment in one of the cars, the coupling may be interrupted by operation of a cancelling push -button PCA which is mounted on the panel of the remote control station RCS.

The remote control station also carries signals which indicate when the elevator cars are at rest. For example, if the elevator' car A is stopped, a signal RL is operated. This signal may be in the form of a lamp which is illuminated when the associated elevator car is stopped. A separate lamp is provided to indicate stopping of eachoff the elevator cars.

A plurality of push buttons are provided on the Apancl of the'remote control station for the purpose cf modifying'the operation of the system. The moditications may be for the purpose of improving the eiciency of the system or increasing the vamount of service oered by the elevator cars. Modifications suitable for this purpose have been mentioned above. As an example, the push button -2PUB', when operated, initiates closure operation of the car gate 19 and the hatchway door 16' asso- .ciated with the elevator car A, even though the noninterference t-ime provided to permit unloading or loading of the elevator car has not expired. Similar push buttons BZPUB, CZPUB and DZPUB are provided 4for the elevator cars B, C and D.

As a further eXample, operation of a push button 3PUB increases the closure speed of the car gate 19 and the hatchway door 16 of the elevator car A. lf the elevator car A s stopped at a oor andif a supervising attendant sees that no one is in the closing path of the doors, he may operate the push button 3PUB to increase the closing speed of the doors. Similar push buttons are provided for the remaining elevator cars. Other buttons such as 4PUB and SPUB for car A may actuate other efficiency increasing lcontrols for car A.

Apparatus in Fig. 2

The apparatus in Fig. 2 includes the following cornponents for Ithe elevator car A which also appear in Fig. 3 of the Carney et al. patent:

FS-oor selector -Inotor 12hoisting drum 18-brake coil 20-rotor 21, 22, 22S-stator windings U-up-direction switch or relay D-down-direction switch or relay L1, L2, L3-conductors of source of electrical energy lUS to SUS-up-stopping relays IDS to SDS--dowti-stopping relays UP--up-preference relay DP-downpreference relay TE-hesitating relay "M-controlconditioning relay The asterisk indicates that contacts have been added to the relay M. Except for this addition of contacts, Fig. 2 is identical with Fig. 3 of the aforesaid Carney et al. patent, and 4the components set forth in the foregoing list which are identical with the corresponding components of the Carney et al. patent operate in the same manner.

Apparatus in Fig. 3

Fig. 3 is identical with Fig. 4 of the aforesaid Carney et al. patent except for the changes shown in heavy lines. Thus, additional contacts are provided for the door opening relay DO, as indicated by the asterisk. Since the various relays of Fig. 3 operate in the same manner set forth in the Carney et al. patent, a detailed discussion thereof is considered unnecessary.

By inspection of Fig. 3, is will be noted further that a push button switch ZPUB, when operated, establishes through its normally-open contacts 2PUB1 a shunt around the break contacts D01 of the door opening relay DO for the elevator car A. Operation of the push 6 button ZPUB permits closure of the car gate and hatchway door for the elevator car A, even though the break contacts D01 have not reciosed. By reference to the aforesaid Carney et al, patent, it will be found that the contacts D01 close with time delay for the purpose of maintaining the car gate and the associated hatchway door open long enough to permit loading and unloading of the elevator car A. This time delay is known in the art as a non-interference time. The push button ZPUB also may have normally-closed contacts ZPUB?. in series with the doorwopening relay DO.

In the aforesaid Carney et al. patent, the car gate motor and the hatchway door motors for the elevator car A are arranged to be connected directly across the buses L6-{ and L6-. Whenever a door-closing or dooropening operation is required in the present Fig. 3, the same components are connected between an auxiliary bus 101 and the bus L6- for the same purpose. The auxiliary bus 191 is connected to the bus L6} through a resistor RE which may be shunted either by the make contacts DOS of the door opening relay DO or by the push button 3PUB which is located in the remote control station. If the make contacts D05 or the push button 3PUB is closed to shunt the resistor RE, the door motors are connected for energization in exactly the same manner discussed in the aforesaid Carney et al. patent. However, if the make contacts DOS and the push button 3PUB are both open, the energization of the motors is effected through the resistor RE, and the voltage drop across the resistor results in a lower speed of door operation. The motors and the resistor are so proportioned that the closing speed of the doors does not produce sufficient kinetic energy to unduly shock a person standing in the closing path of the doors.

If desired, the doors may be provided with a conventional safety edge which interrupts the energization of the door closing relay DC when it is operated as a result of striking a person standing in the closing path of the associated doors. Such operation would result in stopping and reopening of the doors. If desired, a door holding button also may be mounted in the elevator car A in a conventional manner and may be operated to interrupt the energization of the door closing motor. Thus, the normally-closed contacts DHB in series with the relay DC represents the contacts of such a safety edge or such a door holding button, and may be shunted by operation of the push button ZPUB. However, it may be assumed that a person in the closing path of the door merely stalls the doors to prevent their closure.

Apparatus in Fig. 4

Fig. 4 illustrates circuits associated with the remote control station RCS of Fig. l. The circuits are employed for controlling the operation for the elevator car A of a pulse generating relay FA, a pulse relay F, an automatic channel selector relay L and a manual channel selector relay SE. Fig. 4 also shows a selection can* celling relay SN which is common to all of the elevator cars.

When the elevator car A stops at a floor, the break contacts M11 of the control conditioning relay M close to connect the signal lamp RL, the pulse generating relay FA and the pulse relay F across the buses 9+ and 9- for energization. The energization of relay F is effected through break contacts FAI of the pulse generating relay FA.

It will be recalled that the signal lamp RL is mounted on the remote control station panel to indicate when the elevator car A is at rest. The pulse generating relay FA is constructed to pick up shortly after the pulse relay F picks up. When the pulse generating relay picks up, it opens its break contacts FAI to interrupt the energization of the pulse relay F. Consequently, the pulse relay F is momentarily picked up for each stopping operation rof the elevator car The pulse relay F has break contacts F2 in the energizing circuits of the automatic channel selector relays BL, CL and DL, which are associated with the elevator cars B, C and D. Consequently, the momentary pickup of the pulse relay F results in deenergization of any of the relays BL, CL and DL, which are energized. ln addition, make contacts F1 close to complete With the braak contacts DF2, CFZ and BF2 (associated respectively with the elevator cars D, C and B) an energizing circuit for the automatic channel selector relay L. This relay closes its make contacts L1 to establish a holding circuit around the contacts F1. Consequently, even though the pulse relay F drops out, the relay L remains energized through its holding contacts.

The automatic channel selector relays control the channel coupling the picture receiver PRI to the picture transmitters in the four elevator cars. Under the assumed conditions, the make contacts L2 close to couple the picture transmitter PT in the elevator car A to the picture receiver PRI. It will be understood that when so coupled,

the picture transmitter transmits a picture of the door area of the elevator car A to the picture receiver PRI. As previously pointed out, the equipment for transmitting pictures is well known in the television art, and may be energized from a suitable electric power source represented by buses LBl and LBZ.

The automatic channel selector relays also control in part the coupling of the transducers in the elevator cars to the transducer LSM at the remote control station. ln the present case, the automatic channel selector relay L closes its make contacts L3 to complete with the break r transmitter for the stopped elevator car is coupled to the picture receiver PRI, and the transducer for the stopped elevator car is coupled to the transducer LSM.

When energized, each of the manual channel selector relays couples the picture transmitter in the associated elevator car to the picture receiver PRZ and also couples the transducer in the associated elevator car to the transducer LSM. The encrgization of the relays is controlled by the push buttons ltPUB, BIPUB, ClPUB and DIPUB, which are located at the remote control station. When operated, each of these push buttons completes an energizing circuit for its associated manual channel selector relay and interrupts the energizing circuits for the remaining manual channel selector relays. For example, it 'the push button PUfl. is operated, it opens the break contacts llUBZ to interrupt the energizing circuits for the relays BSE, CSE and DSE. At the same time, it closes its make contacts IPUBI to complete the following energizing circuits:

9+, IPUB, SE, BIPUBI, ClPUBl,

D1PUB1, SM, PCA, 9-

When energized, the relay SE picks up to close its holding contacts SEZ which extend around the push button contacts IPUBI.

As a result of its energization, the manual channel selector relay SE closes its make contacts SE1 to couple the picture transmitter PT in the elevator car A to the picture receiver PRZ. Consequently, the supervising attendant by operation of the push button PUB etc. may inspect the interior of any of the elevator cars at any time.

The manual channel selector relay SE also closes its make contacts SES to couple the transducer LS of the elevator car A to the transducer LSM. At the same time, the selection cancelling relay SM opens its break contacts SM1, SM2, SMB and SM4 to prevent coupling therethrough of any of the transducers in the elevator cars to the transducer LSM. Consequently, the supervising attendant can establish communication between himself and any of the elevator cars at any time. When the special coupling no longer is required, the supervising attendant operates the push button PCA to deenergize the relays SE and SM. Thereafter, the information conveyed between the remote control station and the elevator cars is under `the control of the automatic channel selector relays L, BL, CL and DL.

Apparatus in F ig. 5

Fig. 5 is identical to Fig. 5 in the aforesaid Carney et al. patent with the exception that certain misapplications of reference characters are corrected. These reference characters BDP4, B37, BUP4 and BUPS were labeled respectively BUP-4, B32, BUPS and BUP4 in Fig. 5 ofthe Carney et al. patent.

The following apparatus is common to the present Fig. 5 and to Fig. 5 or the Carney et al. patent and operates in the same manner.

lUF to LiUF-up-call push buttons ZDF to SDF- down-call push buttons sUR to 4UR--up-call registering relays 2DR to SDR--down-call registering relays IURN to URN-up cancellation coils ZDRN to SDRN-down cancellation coils 25--car selecting switch H-car selecting relay V-auxiliary door relay X--car-preference relay Kdoor selecting relay O poration As long as the push button ZPUB is unoperated, the contacts DHS are closed and the resistor RE is shunted in Fig. 3, the operation of the elevator car A in the present case is identical with its operation in the aforesaid Carney et al.. patent. For this reason, the present discussion of the operation of the system will be directed primarily to the features which modify the operation presented in the Carney et al. patent. lt will be assumed that a supervising attendant is present at the remote control station for the purpose of expediting elevator service.

lt will be assumed first that the elevator car A is traveling up towards the third floor and is directed to stop at the third floor in response to a registered car call for the third floor. The sequence resulting in the stopping ot the elevator car will be understood from the discussion in the aforesaid Carney et al. patent. ri`he stopping of the elevator car is accomplished by the deenergization and drop out of the control conditioning relay M (Fig. 2). This relay thereupon closes its break contacts M11 (Fig. 4) to complete an energizing circuit for the lamp RL, the pulse generating relay FA and the pulse relay F. The illuminated lamp RL notities the supervising attendant that the elevator car A is stopped at the third floor. The relay FA opens its break contacts FAI shortly after the pulse relay F is energized and thus drops out the pulse relay.

The momentary pickup of the pulse relay F results in opening ot the break contacts FZ to deenergize any of the automatic channel selector relays BL, CL and DL which happens to be energized. At the same time, make contacts F1 close to complete with the break contacts DFZ.

" CFZ and BF2 an energizing circuit for the automatic channel selector relay L. This'relay closes its make contacts-L1 to establish a holding circuit around the make contacts F1.

The energized automatic channel selector relay L also closes its make contacts L2 to couple the picture transmitter PT of the elevator car A to the picture receiver PRI. At the same time, make contacts L3 close to complete with the closed break contacts SM1 a circuit coupling the transducer LS of the elevator car A to the trans` ducer LSM.

The supervising attendant inspects the picture presented by the picture receiver PRI, and if he nds that a passenger attempts to hold up the car doors, the supervising attendant may speak into the transducer LSM for the purpose of instructing the passenger to release the door. Since the sound communication system is a two-way system, the passenger may ask the supervising attendant for information, if he so desires.

Let it be assumed that the passenger leaves the elevator car A at the third floor well before the expiration of the time delay in dropout of the contacts DOl (Fig. 3) ot the door opening relay. It will be recalled that these contacts have a time delay in dropout for the purpose of providing adequate loading and unloading time of the elevator car.

Since the passenger has left the elevator car A, further delay in the departure of the elevator car is unnecessary, and the supervising attendant consequently operates the push button ZPUB for the purpose of establishing a shunt circuit around the break contacts D01. This shunt circuit permits prompt energization of the door closing relay DC, and this relay operates in the manner set forth in the Carney et al. patent to initiate a closing operation of the elevator car gate and door. The closing circuit for the gate and door motors may be traced as follows:

L6, RE, Mil, a parallel circuit having in one arm NF a second arm ZF, and a third arm SGZ and 3TF, DCS, a parallel circuit having in one arm NA, a second `arm ZA and a third arm STA and SG1, DCZ, L6.

During the door opening operation when the elevator car A arrived at the third floor, the resistor RE was shunted by the make contacts DOS to permit the gate and door to open in exactly the same manner discussed in the Carney et al. patent. However, the presence of the resistor RE during closure of the car gate and door re` suits in a slow speed operation of the cargate and door. lf the supervising attendant finds by inspection of the picture receiver PR1 that no one is adjacent the closing path of the car gate and the door, he may operate the push button SPUB to shunt the resistOr RE, This results in an increase in the closing speed of the car gate and the door, and further expedites elevator service. Following closure of the car gate and hatchway door, the elevator car A proceeds in the manner discussed in the aforesaid Carney et al. patent.

Let it be assumed that immediately after the elevator car A arrived at the third floor, the elevator car B also arrived and stopped at the third floor. The prior arrival ot the elevator car A resulted in the coupling of the picture transmitter PT and the transducer LS of the elevator car A to the picture receiver PRI and the transducer LSM at the remote control station. However, on arrival of the elevator car B, the break contacts BM11 (Fig. 4) close to establish an energizing circuit for the lamp BRL, the pulse generating relay BFA and the pulse relay BF. The illuminated lamp BRL notities the supervising attendant that the elevator car B is stopped at the third floor. The relay BFA picks up shortly after the pickup ot` relay BF to open its break contacts BFAI. Such opening deenergizes and resets the pulse relay BF.

The momentary pickup of the pulse relay BF results in opening of the break contacts BF2 to deenergize the automatic channel selector relay L. This relay consequently opens its holding contacts L1. In addition, make contacts L2 open to interrupt the coupling of the picture transmitter PT to the picture receiver PRI. Make contacts L3 open to interrupt the connection of the trans ducer LS to the transducer LSM.

Opening of the break contacts BFS and BF4 do not attect the immediate operation of the system. However, closure of the make contacts BFI completes with the break contacts CFS, DF3 and F2 an energizing circuit for the automatic channel selector relay BL. This relay closes its make contacts BLl to establish a holding circuit around the contacts BFI. f

vator car B, through 4the elevator car A is still stopped at the third oor.

if the supervising attendant desires to renew his coupiing to the elevator car A, he may operate the push button lPUB. This push button opens its break contacts BUPZ to interrupt any prior energization of any of the relays BSE, CSE and DSE. ln the present case, it is assumed that none or" these relays is energized at the time the push button is operated.

The push button also closes its make contacts 1PUB1 to `complete the following energizing circuit:

9+, PUBl, SE, BIPUBI, C1PUB1, DIPUBI, SM,

PCA,9-

The manual channel selector relay SE closes its holding contacts SEZ to establish a holding circuit around the contacts lPUBl. In addition, make contacts SE1 close to couple the picture transmitter PT to the picture receiver PRZ. The supervising attendant now may renew his inspection of the interior of the elevator car A, but his picture now appears on the picture receiver PRZ.

The manual channel selector relay also closes its make contacts SE3 to establish a coupling circuit between the transducers LS and LSM. This restores the sound communication system between the supervising attendant and persons within the elevator car A.

The energization of the selection cancelling relay SM results in opening of the break contacts SM2 to interrupt the coupling of the transducer BLS to the transducer LSM. The transducer LSM now is connected solely to the transducer LS of the elevator car A. Opening of the break contacts SMT, SMS and SM4 has no effect 0n the immediate operation of the system.

After the supervising attendant has completed his supervision of the dispatch of the elevator car A from the third oor, he may operate the push button PCA to deenergize the relays SE and SM. As a result of its deenergization, the relay SE opens its make contacts SE1 to interrupt the coupling of the picture transmitter PT to the picture receiver PRZ. Opening of the holding contacts SEZ has no immediate eiect on the operation of the system. However, opening of the make contacts SES interrupts the coupling of the transducer LS to the transducer LSM.

The deenergization of the selection cancelling relay SM results in closure of the break contacts SM2. These contacts again complete with the contacts BLS a coupling circuit extending between the transducer BLS and the transducer LSM. Consequently, the supervising attendant is in complete communication with the elevator car B and may supervise its dispatch from the third iloor. Closure of the break contacts SM1, SM3 and Sivit has no etlect on the immediate operation of the system.

From the foregoing discussion, it is clear that a supervis` ing attendant may be placed in full communication with? any of the elevator cars, may inspect the interior of anyy of the elevator cars and may perform suitable operations for expediting the elevator service and increasing the; eiciency of the system. This may increase the load` carrying capacity of the system by as much as 25%.

At the same time, the supervising attendant may leave the remote control panel when the additional passenger carrying capacity is no longer required. Since the elevator system is fully automatic, it continues to render adequateA -elevator service. Thus, a supervising attendant may be a person who spends a major portion of his time performing other duties and attends the remote control panel only during the relatively brief peak periods during which maximum passenger carrying ability of the elevator system is desired. When he leaves the remote control panel the attendant may operate a suitable switch SW (Fig. 4) to disconnect the picture and sound apparatus from the source of power.

Although the invention has been described with reference to particular specific embodiments thereof, numerous modifications falling within the spirit and scope of the invention are possible.

l claim as my invention:

l. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate lioors, an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for movement relativo to the structure to serve said lloors, motive means for moving the elevator car relative to the structure and control means operable from within the elevator car in cooperation with the motive means for moving the elevator car and stopping the elevator ear at desired oors of said structure, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station spaced from the elevator car and means manually operable from said remote control station for modifying said control means to expedite the departure of said elevator car from said intermediate oors.

2. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate oors, an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure to serve said lioors, motive means for moving the elevator car relative to the structure and control means operable from within the elevator car in cooperation with the motive means for moving the elevator car and stopping the elevator car at desired floors of said structure, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remo-te control station spaced from the elevator car, communication means for communicating information between said elevator car and said remote control station, and means manually operable from said remote control station for modifying said control means to expedite the departure of said elevator car from said intermediate floors.

3. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate floors, an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, motive means for moving the elevator car relative to the structure and control means operable from within the elevator car in cooperation with the motive means for moving the elevator car and stopping the elevator car at desired oors of said structure, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station spaced from the elevator car, communication means for communicating information between said elevator car and said remote control station, and means manually operable from said remote control station for modifying said control means to modify the operation of said elevator car, said communication means including a picture transmitter located in the elevator car for transmitting a picture of a predetermined portion of the elevator car, a picture receiver located at the remote control station, and means coupling thc transmitter and receiver to display on the receiver a picture of said predetermined portion of the elevator car.

4. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate lioors, an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, motive means for moving the elevator car relative to the structure and control means operable from within the elevator car in cooperation with the motive means for moving the elevator car and stopping the elevator car at desired floors of said structure, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station spaced from the elevator car, communication means for communicab ing information between said elevator car and said remote control station, and means manually operable from said remote control station for modifying said control means to expedite the departure of said elevator car from said intermediate oors, said communication means including two-Way sound communication apparatus for transmitting voice messages between the elevator car and the remote control station, a picture transmitter located in the elevator car for transmitting a picture of a predetermined portion of the elevator car, a picture receiver located at the remote control station, and means coupling the transmitter and receiver to display on the receiver a picture of said predetermined portion of the elevator car.

5. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate floors, an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure to serve said oors, motive means for moving the elevator car relative to the structure and control means operable from within the elevator car in cooperation with the motive means for moving the elevator car and stopping the elevator car at desired oors of said structure, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station spaced from the elevator car, stop-indicating means for indicating at the remote control station that the elevator car is stopped, and means manually operable from said remote control station for modifying said control means to expedite the departure of said elevator car from said intermediate floors.

6. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate floors, an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure to serve said lioors, door means for con trolling the passage between the elevator car and each of the oors at which the elevator car stops, door operating means for closing said door means, motive means for moving the elevator car relative to the structure and control means operable from within the elevator car in cooperation with the motive means for moving the elevator car and stopping the elevator car at desired floors of said structure, said control means cooperating with the door operating means to provide a iirst closure of the door means after the elevator car has stopped at a floor and the door means have been opened to permit loading and unloading of the elevator car, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station spaced from the elevator car and means manually operable from said remote control station for modifying closure of said door means.

7. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate floors, an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, door means for controlling the passage between the elevator car and each of the floors at which the elevator car stops, door operating means for closing said door means, motive means for moving the elevator car relative to the structure and control means operable from within the elevator car in cooperation with the motive means for moving the elevator' car and stopping the elevator car at desired oors of said structure, said control means cooperating with the door operating means to provide a first closure of the door means after the elevator car has stopped at a floor and the door means have been opened to permit loading and unloading of the elevator car, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station spaced from the elevator car, communication means for communicating information between said elevator car and said remote control station, and means manually operable from said remote control station for modifying closure of said door means.

8. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate floors, an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure to serve said oors, door means for controlling the passage between the elevator car and eachof the oors at which the elevator car stops, door operating means for closing said door means, motive means for moving the elevator car relative to the structure, and control means operable from within the elevator car in cooperation with the motive means for moving the elevator car and stopping the elevator car at desired floors of said structure, said control means cooperating with the door operating means to provide a first closure of the door means after the elevator car has stopped at a oor and the door means have been opened to permit loading and unloading of the elevator car, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station spaced from the elevator car, communication means comprising a picture transmitter located in the elevator car for transmitting a picture of a predetermined portion of the elevator car, a picture receiver located at the remote control station, means coupling the transmitter and the receiver to display on the receiver a picture of the predetermined portion of the elevator car, and means manually operable from said remote control station for modifying closure of said door means.

9. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate oors, an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, door means for controlling the passage between the elevator car and each of the floors at which the elevator car stops, door operating means for closing said door means, motive means for moving the elevator car relative to the structure and control means operable from within the elevator car in cooperation with the motive means for moving the elevator car and stopping the elevator car at desired floors of said structure, said control means cooperating with the door operating means to provide a trst closure of the door means after the elevator car has stopped at a floor and the door means have been opened to permit loading and unloading of the elevator car, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station spaced from the elevator car, communication means comprising two-way sound communication apparatus for transmitting voice messages between the elevator car and the remote control station, a picture transmitter located in the elevator car for transmitting a picture of a predetermined portion of the elevator car, a picture receiver located at the remote control station, means coupling the transmitter and the receiver to display on the receiver a picture of the predetermined portion of the elevator car, and means manually operable from said remote control station for modifying closure of said door means.

l0. An elevator' system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate tloors, .an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, door means for controlling the passage between the elevator car and each of the iioors at which the elevator car stops, door operating means for closing said door means, motive means for moving the elevator car relative to the structure and control means operable from within the elevator car in cooperation with the motive means for moving the elevator car and stopping the elevator car at desired floors of said structure, said control means cooperating with the door operating means to provide a rst closure of the door means after the elevator car has stopped at a door and the door means have been opened to permit loading and unloading of the elevator car, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station spaced from the elevator car and means manually operable from said remote control station for increasing the speed of closure of the door means.

l1. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate floors, an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, door means for conaverse trolling the passage between the elevator car and each of the oors at which the elevator car stops, door operating means for closing said door means, motive means for moving the elevator car relative to the structure and control means operable from within the elevator car in cooperation with the motive means for moving the elevator car and stopping the elevator car at desired oors of said structure, said control means cooperating with thel door operating means to provide a first closure of the door means after the elevator car has stopped at a floor and the door means have been opened to permit loading. and unloading of the elevator car, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station spaced from the elevator car, communication means com prising a picture transmitter located in the elevator car tor transmitting a picture of a predetermined portion of the elevator car, a picture receiver located at the remote control station, and means coupling the transmitter and the receiver to display on the receiver a picture of the predetermined portion of the elevator car, and means manually operable from said remote control station for increasing the speed of closure of the door means.

12. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate floors, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting the elevator cars for movement relative to lthe structure to serve said iloors, motive means for moving each of the eleva-tor cars relative to the structure and control means operable from within each of the elevator cars in cooperation with the motive means for moving the associated elevator car and stopping such associated elevator car at desired iioors ofA said structure, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station, and means manually operable from the remote control station for modifying said control means to expedite the departure of each of said elevator cars from said intermediate oors.

13. An elevator :system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate floors, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, motive means for moving each of the elevator cars relative to the structure and control means operable from within each of the elevator cars in cooperation with the motive means for moving the associated elevator car and stopping such associated elevator car at desired floors of said structure, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station, a separate picture transmitter located in each of the elevator cars for transmitting a picture of a predetermined portion of the associated elevator car, a picture receiver located at the remote control station, and means operable for coupling each of the picture transmitters to said picture receiver to display on the receiver a picture of any selected one of the elevator cars.

14. An elevator system having a structure provided with -terminal and intermediate floors, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, motive means for moving each of the elevator cars relative to the structure and control means operable from within each of the elevator cars in cooperation with the motive means for moving the associated elevator car and stopping such associated elevator car yat desired floors of said structure, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station, a separate picture transmitter located in each of the elevator cars for transmitting a picture of a predetermined portion of the associated elevator car, a picture receiver located at the remote control station, and means responsive to each stopping operation of each of the elevator cars at any of a plurality of said floors for operatively coupling the picture transmitter of the stopping elevator car to the picture receiver, whereby the receiver displays a picture of each such stopping elevator car.

15.' An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediatel doors, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure to serve said oors, motive means for movin7 each of the elevator cars relative to the structure and control means operable from within each of the elevator cars in cooperation with the motive means for moving the associated elevator car and stopping such associated elevator car at desired oors of said structure, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station, indicating means responsive to a stopping operation of each of said elevator cars for indicating at the remote control station each stopped elevator car, and means manually operable from the remote control station for modifying said control means to expedite the departure of each of said elevator cars from said intermediate floors.

16. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate oors, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure to serve said oors, motive means for moving each of the elevator cars relative to the structure and control means operable from within each of the elevator cars in cooperation with the motive means for moving the associated elevator car and stopping such associated elevator car at desired floors of said structure, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station, indicating means responsive to a stopping operation of each of said elevator cars for indicating at the remote control station each stopped elevator car, a separate picture transmitter located in each of the elevator cars for transmitting a picture of a predetermined portion of the associated elevator car, a picture receiver located at the remote control station, and means operable for coupling each of the picture transmitters to said picture receiver to display on the receiver a picture of any selected one of the elevator cars.

17. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate oors, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, motive means for moving each of the elevator cars relative to the structure and control means operable from within each of the elevator cars in cooperation with the motive means for moving the associated elevator car and stopping such associated elevator car at desired floors of said structure, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station, separate picture transmitter located in each of the elevator cars Vfor transmitting a picture of a predetermined portion of the l associated elevator car, a picture receiver located at the remote control station, and means operable for coupling each of the picture transmitters to said picture receiver to display on the receiver a picture of any selected one of the elevator cars, a second picture receiver located at the remote control station, and means responsive to each stopping operation of each of the elevator cars at any of said floors for operatively coupling the picture transmitter of the stopping elevator car to the second picture receiver, whereby the second picture receiver displays a picture of each such stopping elevator car,

I8. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate oors, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, motive means for moving each of the elevator cars relative to the structure and control means operable from within each of the elevator cars in cooperation with the motive means for moving the associated elevator car and stopping such associated elevator car at desired floors of said structure, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station, a separate picture transmitter located in each of the elevator cars for transmitting a picture of a predetermined portion of the associated elevator car, a picture receiver locatedv at the remote control station, means Operable for coupling each of the picture transmitters to said picture receiver to display on the receiver a picture of any selected one of the elevator cars, a second picture receiver located at the remote control station, means responsive to each stopping operation of eachy of the elevator cars at any of said iioors for operatively coupling the picture transmitter of the stopping elevator car to the second picture receiver, whereby the second picture receiver displays a picture of each such stopping elevator car, a two-way sound cornmunication system for establishing two-way sound communication between the remote control station and any of said elevator cars, said communication system comprising transmitting and receiving sound apparatus in each of the elevator cars, receiving and transmitting sound equipment at said remote control station, means coupling the sound equipment to the sound apparatus of any of the elevator ears appearing on the first-named picture receiver, and means responsive to the coupling of the second picture receiver to the picture transmitter in any of said elevator cars for coupling the sound equipment to the sound apparatus for the last-named elevator car.

19. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate tioors, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, motive means for moving each of the elevator cars relative to the structure and control means operable from within each of the `elevator cars in cooperation with the motive means for moving the associated elevator car and stopping such associated elevator car at desired tioors of said structure, in combination with supervisory means coniprising a remote control station, a communication system for establishing communication between the remote control station and any of said elevator cars, said communication system comprising apparatus in each of the elevator cars, equipment at said remote control station, said equipment when coupled to the apparatus in any of the elevator cars permitting communication of information therebetween in at least one direction, and coupling means responsive to the stopping of each of the elevator cars for coupling the apparatus of the stopping elevator car to the equipment at the remote control station to provide communication between the remote control station and the stopping elevator car.

2 0. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate floors, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure to serve said oors, motive means for moving each of the elevator cars relative to the structure and control means operable from within each of the elevator cars in cooperation with the motive means for moving the associated elevator car and stopping such associated elevator car at desired tloors of said structure, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station, a communication system for establishing communication between the remote control station and any of said elevator cars, said communication system comprising apparatus in each of the elevator cars, equipment at said remote control station, said equipment when coupled to the apparatus in any of the elevator cars D permitting communication therebetween in at least one 2l. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate floors, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, motive means for moving each of the elevator cars relative to the structure, door means for controlling the passage between each of the elevator cars and each of the floors at which the elevator car stops, door operating means for closing the door means associated with each of the elevator cars, and control means operable from within each of the elevator cars in cooperation With the motive means for moving the associated elevator car and stopping such associated elevator car at desired oors of said structure, said control means cooperating with the door operating means to provide a first closure of the door means for each of the elevator cars stopped at a floor after the door means for such stopped elevator car have been opened to permit loading and unloading of the elevator car, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station, and means manually operable from the remote control station for modifying operation of said door means of any of the elevator cars stopped at one of the intermediate oors.

22. An elevator system having a structure provided with terminal and intermediate floors, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure to serve said iloors, motive means for moving each ot the elevator cars relative to the structure, door means for controlling the passage between each of the elevator cars and each of the floors at which the elevator car stops, door operating means for closing the door means associated with each of the elevator cars, and control means operable from within each of the elevator cars in cooperation with the motive means for moving the associated elevator car and stopping such associated elevator car at desired floors of said structure, said control means cooperating with the door operating means to provide a first closure of the door means for each of the elevator cars stopped at a iioor after the door means for such stopped elevator car have been opened to permit loading and unloading of the elevator car, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station, communication means for communicating visual information between any of said elevator cars and the remote control station, and means manually operable from the remote control station for modifying operation of said door means of any of the elevator cars stopped at one of the intermediate oors- 23. A11 elevator system having a structure provided with oors, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure to serve said iioors, motive means for moving each of the elevator cars relative to the structure, door means for controlling the passage between each of the elevator ears and each of the oors at which the elevator car stops, door operating means for closing the door means associated with each of the elevator cars, and control means operable from within each of the elevator cars in cooperation with the motive means for moving the associated elevator car and stopping such associated elevator car at desired iioors of said structure, said control means cooperating with the door operating means to provide a first closure of the door means for each of the elevator cars stopped at a loor after the door means for such stopped elevator car have been opened to permit loading and unloading of the elevator car, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station, communication means for communicating visual information from any of said elevator cars and the remote control station, said communication means including means for transmitting voice information from the remote control station to any of the elevator cars, and means manu ally operable from the remote control station for in- 18 dependently increasing the speed of closure of the door means associated with any of the elevator cars.

24. An elevator system having a structure provided with floors, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure to serve said tloors, motive means for moving each of the elevator ears relative to the structure, doo-r means for controlling the passage between each of the elevator cars and each of the floors at which the elevator car stops, door operating means i'or closing the door means associated with each of the elevator cars, and control means operable from within each of the elevator cars in cooperation with the motive means for moving the associated elevator car and stopping such associated elevator car at desired oors of said structure, said control means including car call registering means in each of the elevator cars operable for registering calls for iioors desired by passengers Within the associated elevator car, means responsive to calls registered by the car call means for stopping each of the elevator cars at each of the floors for which a car call is registered by the associated car call registering means and for operating the door operating means to the door means for each stopping elevator car, means responsive to closure of the door means of a stopped elevator car for starting such elevator car, said control means cooperating with the door operating means to provide a iirst closure of the door means for each of the elevator cars stopped at a oor after the door means for such stopped elevator car have been opened to permit 10a-ding and unloading o-i the elevator car, in combination with supervisory means comprising a remote control station, communication means for communicating visual information from any of said elevator cars and the remote control station, said communication means including means for transmitting voice information from the remote control station to any of the elevator cars, and means manually operable from the remote control station for independently increasing the speed of closure of the door means associated with any of the elevator cars.

25. A control station for an elevator system comprising rst and second picture receivers, a plurality of input circuit means for supplying signals to `said picture receiver means, separate relay means controlling the connection of one of the receivers to each of the input circuit means, and manually operable means -for connecting the second receiver to any of sai-d input circuit means.

26. A supervisory system for an elevator system comprising a plurality of picture transmitters, iirst and second picture receivers, separate relay means controlling the connection of the first picture receiver to each of the picture transmitters, said relays being interlocked to permit connection of the first picture receiver to only one of the picture transmitters at a time, and manually operable :means for connecting the second receiver to any of the transmitters.

27. A control station for an elevator system comprising, rst and second picture receivers, a plurality of input circuit means for supplying signals to said picture receiver means, separate relay means controlling tbe connection of one of the receivers to each of the input circuit means, manually operable means for connecting the second receiver to any of said input circuit means, transducer means for converting an electrical signal into sound and for converting sound into an electric signal, a plurality of terminal means equal in number to said input circuit means, and switching means for coupling the transducer means to any of said terminal means,

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,602,524 Shirley July 8, 1952

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