US2828476A - Supervisory systems for elevators - Google Patents

Description

March 25, 1958 l w. F. EAMES SUPERYISORY SYSTEMS FOR ELEVATORS Filed July 2l, 1953 System of Porem 2 |72 |87 United States Patent O ind SUPERvsoRY SYSTEMS FoR ELEvArons William F. Eames, Westfield, N. J., assigner to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application July 21, 1953, Serial No. 369,493

11 Claims. (Cl. Mil-19) This invention relates to supervisory systems for improving the eciency of apparatus and it has particular lrelation to systems for producing vocal messages for the purpose of expediting elevator service.

Apparatus which is subject to control by persons may provide inefficient service due to the improper exercise of controls by persons utilizing such apparatus. The problem can be adequately considered by reference to an elevator system. Although the invention can be described with reference to an elevator system wherein car attendants are located in the elevator cars, the invention is particularly suitable for elevator systems which are designed for operation without car attendants. For this reason the invention will be described with partic ular reference to the latter type of system.

lf an elevator car is assigned to leave a iloor the departure of the elevator car may be undesirably delayed by the act of a person in holding the doors of the elevator car open. It will be understood that in modern elevator systems an elevator car is not allowed to start until all doors associated therewith are closed.

A further problem arises in the case of an elevator car which is fully loaded before its doors close. Under such circumstances persons may endeavor to enter the fully loaded elevator car and thus delay its departure.

As a further illustration of problems encountered, an elevator car may be unable to start. Such inability may arise from the removal of the elevator car from service or from a system failure. Under such circumstances persons within the elevator car are at a loss as to the proper procedure to be followed.

ln -accordance with the invention, suitable information is conveyed to persons for the purpose of improving the efficiency of apparatus which is subject to the control by such persons. Although it is possible to convey some information by means of lights, the proper location of such lights in the available space may present a problem diicult of solution. It should be understood that such information should impress itself on persons for whom the information is intended.

Although signals such as buzzers may be operated when improper operation occurs, such buzzers often are confusing. Persons do not understand the purposes for which the buzzers are operated and the sound of such buzzers tends to become irritating.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, information is conveyed to persons for the purpose of assisting them in the proper use of apparatus in the form of prepared vocal messages or intelligible speech. Such sound messages extend completely over a desired area and convey the desired message in an efficient and courteous manner.

For example, if the doors of an elevator car are held open for an unreasonable time after they are intended to close, a prepared vocal message is released such as Please release the door; this car is required for service at other floors.

lf the elevator car becomes fully loaded at a floor, a

ice

vocal message may be released such as That is all for this trip. Please allow the doors to close.

As a still further example, if the elevator car is removed from service or if it is unable because of a system failure to leave a floor, a vocal message may be released stating that This car is not in service at present.

It is therefore, an object of the invention to provide apparatus utilized by persons with equipment for delivering prepared vocal messages supervising the operation of the apparatus.

It is a further object of the invention to provide apparatus employing a door with mechanism effective if the door is held open unduly long for delivering a vocal message suggesting that the door be released.

It is also an object of the invention to provide an elevator system having mechanism effective if an elevator car becomes loaded for delivering a vocal message to the effect that no more passengers can be accepted.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide an elevator system with mechanism effective if an elevator car is unable to start to deliver a vocal message informing persons in the vicinity of the elevator car of such inability.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure l is a schematic View with parts in elevation, with parts in perspective, with circuits shown in straight line form and with parts broken away of an elevator system embodying the invention;

Fig. 1A is a key representation showing all or portions of electromagnetic relays or switches employed in the system of Fig. l. If Figures 1 and 1A are placed in horizontal alignment, corresponding coils and contacts are substantially in horizontal alignment;

Fig. 2 is a view in elevation with parts broken away of a car gate structure suitable for the system of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a View in straight line form of a portion of a circuit employed in the system of Fig. l; and

Fig. 4 is a view in straight line form of a further circuit embodying the invention.

As previously explained, aspects of the invention may be incorporated in an elevator system wherein car attendants are provided in the elevator cars for supervising the loading, unloading and operation of the elevator cars. However, since the invention is particularly suitable for an elevator system wherein no car attendants are provided for the elevator cars, the invention will be described as applied to such a system. In order to simplify the presentation of the invention, it will be assumed that the invention is applied to the elevator system shown in the Carney et al. patent 2,172,187. By structure of the Carney et al. system herein is incorporated by reference.

A number of reference characters are employed in the drawing which also are employed in the aforesaid Carney et al. patent to designate similar apparatus. These components may be listed as follows:

Apparatus for elevator car A *M--Control conditioning relay tUl -Up direction preference relay *DP-Down direction preference relay E-Call buttons in car I-Inductor relay on car Z-Car gate motor DC-Door closing relay X"A-Elevator car l-Hatchway ll-Cable SS-Safety contact members 1T-Hatchway door motor 3 iG-Hatenway door taeter switch IUF-Flo'or call pushbutton 19-Car gate 16IHatchway door DO-Door opening relay W-Door control relay L64- L- *Q-Gate and door interlock relay CL-L`irnit 'switch The components in the above list designate identical components in the drawings and in the aforesaid Carney et al. patent with the following exceptions identied in the list by an asterisk:

The control conditioning -relay of the Carney et al. patent has added thereto a pair of make contacts M11 which are illustrated in Fig. l of the attached drawings. These contacts are open when the relay M is ydeenergfized and dropped 'out and are vclosed when the relay is energized Vand picked up.

To the up direction preference relay UP of the Carney et al. patent, a pair of break contacts UP6 are added. These contacts a're close-d when the relay is dropped out and are opened when the relay is picked up.

To the down Adirection preference -relay DP of the Carney et al. patent a set of break contacts DP6 are added. These contacts are closed when the relay is dropped out and are opened when 'the relay is picked up.

To the gate and door interlock relay Q of the Carney et al. patent a set of break contacts Q3 are added. The contacts Q3 are closed when the relay Q is droppedl out and are opened when the relay Q is picked up.

Certain additions are made to the elevator cars. Thus for the elevator car A, a door-hold pushbutton DH is added. As shown in Fig. 3, this switch has two sets of contacts DH1 and DHZ which are normally biased to closed conditions. When the switch is pressed, both sets of contacts are open as long as the switch continues to be pressed.

A transducer such as a loud speaker SP is provided in the vicinity of the elevator car for converting electrical energy into sound. Preferably the loud speaker SP is mounted in the elevator car for movement therewith.

Mechanism also is provided which is responsive to a person within the elevator car. For example, two switches LRl and LR2 are illustrated and are biased normally to their closed conditions. The switch LR1 .may -be manually operated to open condition when one or more persons are in the elevator car A. The switch LR2 Vmay be l Direct current buses manually operatedto open condition when the elevator car A Vis fully loaded.

Preferably the switches LR and LR2 are automatically operated. To this end, the elevator car may be provided with a load measuring platform LR which is mounted on suitable springs LRS on the. ocr of the elevator car. When one or more persons enters the elevator car, the platform is moved against the bias of the spring suiiciently to open the switch LR1. When a full load enters the elevator car A the platform LR is deilectedsuiciently to engage anoperating arm for the switch LR2 and open such switch.

Suitable mechanism is provided for the elevator car A to indicate the pesence of an object or obstruction in the closing path of the car gate 19. As shown in Fig. 2, two sets of contacts SE1 and SEZ are normally biased to their closed conditions. These contacts are intended to open when an object or obstruction is inthe closing path of the car gate 19. For example,.the car gate 19 may be provided with a conventional safety edge SE. For the purpose of illustration it will be assumed'that'the safety edge SE is mounted through springs SES on the edge of the car gate 19 which is the leading edge during a closing movement of the car gate. When the safety` edge encounters an obstruction or if the safety edge is pressed by a person adjacent the elevator car, the safety edge is deected towards the car gate 19 to open the sets of `contacts SE1 and SEZ as long as the safety `edge continues to remain deflected.

The only remaining change in the system of the aforesaid Carney et al. patent is illustrated in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 reproduces the operating circuits for the door closing relay DC which appear in Fig. 4 of the Carney et al. patent. The only changes in the circuits consists in the provision of the contacts SE1 and DH1 through which current for energizing the door closing relay DC must flow. As clearly shown in Fig. 3, if either of the sets of contacts SE1 or DH1 are open, the relay DC cannot be energized.

It will be understood that whenever apparatus specific to car A is set forth, similar apparatus is provided for each additional elevator car employed in the system. For example, in Fig. 1, a loud speaker BSP is provided for the elevator car B. A similar loud speaker CSB would be provided for a third elevator car if fa third elevator car Vwere included in the system. It 4will be noted that for each component employed for the elevator cars B and C, the reference vcharacter for the corresponding component associated with 'the elevator lcar A is employed but is preceded bya prefix B or C to denote that the component is associated with the elevator car B or C respectively.

The drawings show a number of 'components which are added lto the Carney et al. system. These additional components may be listed as follows:

Additional apparatus for car A XTl-First timing relay XTZ-Second timing relay XT3+-Third timing relay n XAFirst sound start relay XSI-#First sound stop relay XAZ-Second sound start relay XSZ-Second sound stop relay XA-Third sound start relay XSS-Third sound stop relay Apparatus common t0 al'l Cars XXI-First auxiliarysound start relay XY 1First auxiliary sound stop relay XXZ-Second auxiliary sound start relay XYZ-Second auxiliary sound stop relay XX-Third auxiliary sound start relay XY 3-T hird auxiliary sound stop relay in accordance .with the invention vocal messages are produced under predetermined conditions. These vocal messages are derived from suitablesources SSI, SSZ and SS3. The sources may include any suitable -apparatus capable of producing an electrical output corresponding to a vocal message. For example the vocal message may be recorded or stored in a conventional plastic record having grooves in which a pickup needle rides. Such records are commonly employed in phonographs. y

' For purposes of illustration it will be assumed that the source SSI includes an endless belt or tape 100 which is mounted in a loop by means of drums 101 and 103. The drum 101 is coupled to an electric motor 105 for rotation in the direction of the arrow 107. The tape 100 has a vocal message suitably stored therein and a pickup A109V is located adjacent the tape for the purpose of picking up the message stored in the tape. The output of the pickup is an electrical output representing the message stored in Vtlie -tape and it i's amplified by means of a conventional electric amplifier 111. The output of the amplifier 111 is supplied to the primary windiiig of an output transformer OTI.`

The tape 100 may be a magnetic wire or tape in which a vocal message is stored in the form of ainagnetie ecord. Such magnetic sound record devices are well known. However, in the present embodiment it will be assumed that the tape 100 is a transparent lm on which an opaque sound record has been stored in a conventional manner. In such a case the pickup may be in the form of a photocell and a lamp 113 may be located to direct light through the lm or tape 100 into the photocell of the pickup 109.

In order to detect the beginning and end of a message stored in the tape 100, relays XXI and XYZ are provided. The relay XX1 is a first auxiliary sound start relay which is connected between a brush 115 and a bus L10-. The buses Lllland Ll-lrepresent a suitable source of direct current electric energy.

The brush 115 is biased against the tape 100 which is of insulating material. When a notch cut in the tape 1li@ reaches the brush 115, the brush projects through the notch into engagement with the drum 103 which is of electroconductive material. The drum 103 is connected through a suitable brush 119 to the bus L10-l. The notch 117 is so positioned that the relay XX1 is energized immediately before the beginning of the message stored in the tape lill).

ln a somewhat similar manner the relay XY1 cooperates with a brush 121 and a notch 123. The notch 123 is so positioned that the relay XY1 is energized immediately after the conclusion of the message stored in the tape 100 has reached the pickup.

The sources SSZ and SSS may be similar to the source SSI and may deliver outputs in a similar manner to the output transformers OTZ and OTS. Relays XX2 and SYZ are associated with the source SSZ and relays XXS and XY3 are associated with the source SSS in manners which will be clear from the discussion of the association of the relays XX1 and XY1 with the source SSL To illustrate the nature of the records stored in the sources, it will be assumed for the present that the source SSI has stored therein the message Please release the door; this car is required for service at other oors. The source SSZ will be assumed to have stored therein the message That is all for this trip. Please allow the doors to close. The source SS3 is assumed to have stored therein the message This car is not in service at present.

The output or secondary windings of the transformers OT1, OTZ and OTS may be selectively connected to any one of the loud speakers SP, BSP and CSP. For example, if the make contacts XA1Z and XA1-3 are closed, the secondary winding of the transformer OTI is connected to the loud speaker SP. lf the make contacts XAZ-Z and XAZ-3 are closed, the secondary Winding of the transformer 0T2 is connected to the loud speaker SP. Should the make contacts XAS-Z and XA3-3 be closed, the loud speaker SP is connected to the secondary winding of the transformer GT3.

The loud speaker BSP similarly may be connected to any one of the three transformers through the pairs ot' contacts BXAl-.Z and BXA13, BXAZ-Z and BXAZ-S, and BXAS-Z and BXA3-3. Similar connections for the loud speaker CSP can be traced in Fig. l.

Circuits for controlling the relays XA1, XAZ and XA3 now will be considered.

By reference to Fig. l it will be noted that the first timing relay XT1 is connected across a suitable source oi direct current electric energy represented by buses L9| and L9- through a circuit having two parallel arms. One of these arms includes in series the contacts DHZ of the door hold switch and the contacts SEZ. The remaining arm is intended to be opened whenever the elevator car A is assigned to move from a floor. Although this arm may be manually opened under such conditions, preferably the control of the arm is automatic. T o this end, the break contacts D136 and UF6 are connected in series in the arm.

By reference to the above mentioned Carney et al. patent it will be found that one of the relays DP or UP is always picked up whenever the elevator car A is assigned to leave a floor. Under these circumstances V`6 the timing relay XT1 can be energized only through the arm containing the contacts DHZ and SEZ.

The timing relay XT1 is designed to drop out when the car gate for the elevator car A is prevented from closing for an unreasonably long time. As a speciiic example, the relay XT1 may be designed to have a relay in drop out of the order of 7 seconds after it is deenergized. Although the relay may be of any desired construction it will be assumed that the delay in drop out is obtained by connecting a suitable resistor 130 across the coil of the relay.

When the timing relay XT1 drops out, it prepares the relays XA1 and XSI for subsequent energization. For present purposes it will be assumed that the manually operated switch SW1 is closed to shunt the break con tacts X51-1. Following the closure of the break contacts XT1-1, the tape 101i continues to move until the brush enters a notch 117 to energize the first auxiliary sound start relay XXl. This relay closes its make contacts XXI-1 (and similar contacts [not shown] associated with the relays BXAl and CXA1 for the elevator cars B and C). The closure thus completes an energizing circuit for the rst sound start relay XA1 this relay closes its make contacts XA1-1 to establish a hold ing circuit around the contacts XXI-1.

The relay XA1 also closes its make contacts XA1-2 and XA1-3 to connect the loud speaker SP to the secondary winding of the transformer OT1. The loud speaker now reproduces the message stored in the tape 100.

If the switch SW1 is closed, the message reproduced by the loud speaker SP is repeated until the rst timing relay XT1 is reenergized to open its make contacts XT1-1. However, if only one reproduction of the recorded speech is required the switch SW1 may be opened. Under such circumstances when the speech reaches its end the brush 121 enters the notch 123 to energize the rst auxiliary sound stop relay XY1. This closes its make contacts XY1-1 and similar contacts [not shown] associated with the elevator cars B and C. As a result of closure of the contacts XY1-1 the relay X81 is energized and closes its make contacts XSl-Z to establish a holding circuit around the contacts XY1-1. The relay XSI also opens its break contacts XS1-1 to interrupt the energization of the first sound start relay XA1. "Ehe relay XA1 opens its holding contacts XA1-1 and opens its contacts XA1-Z and XA1-3 to interrupt the production of sound by the loud speaker SP.

Circuits for indicating that the elevator car is fully loaded now will be considered. The second timing relay XTZ is connected for energization across the buses L94- and L9- through the normally closed contacts LRZ. The timing relay XTZ may be of any desired construction capable of having a short time delay in drop out which may be of the order of one second. For purposes of illustration it will be assumed that a resistor 132 is connected across the coil of the relay XTZ to provide the desired delay.

When the elevator car A is fully loaded the platform LR is delected suticiently to open contacts LRZ and the relay XT 2 consequently starts to time out. lhen it drops out, the relay closes its break contacts XT Z-1 to prepare the second sound start relay XA?. for energization. The relays XAZ and XSZ thereafter operate to connect and disconnect the loud speaker' SP relative to the second source of sound SSZ in the same manner by which the relays XA1 and X81 controlled the connection of the loud speaker to the iirst source of sound S31.

Let it be assumed next that the elevator car A is removed from service. Such removal is accompanied by opening of the switch SR. Since the switch SR new is open the timing relay XT3 is connected across the buses L9+ and L9- only through the contacts LRl. lf a person enters the elevator car A the platform LR is deflected suiciently to open the contacts LPA. Conse- .1 toe 7 quently the relay XT3 which has a time Ydelay in drop out of the order of one second starts to time out. The time 'delay is assumed to be incorporated by connection of a resistor i325 across the coil of the relay XT3.

When the relay XTS drops out it closes its break contacts XTS-l to prepare the third sound stop relay XA-3 for subsequent energization. Thereafter the relays XAE and XS3 cooperate to control the connection of the loud speaker SP to the third source of sound S83 by a sequence which is similar to the sequence by which the relays XAl` and XS control the connection of the loud speaker SP to the source of sound SSl.

Let it be assumed next that the switch SR is closed and that the elevator car A is in service. As long as the elevator car gate is open, the break contacts Q3 of the gate and door interlock relay Q are closed, and the third timing relay XT?) remains picked up. Let it be assumed next that a passenger enters the elevator car to open the switch LRl and that the car gate closes. Assuming that all of the associated hatchway doors are closed the closure 'of the car gate results in opening of the break contacts Q3. Under normal conditions of operation, rthe make contacts Mil close before the timing relay XT3 `can drop out. It will be recalled that the make 'contacts M11 are operated by the control conditioning relay M of the Carney et al. patent which picks up when the car A is to start. lf under these circumstances the elevator car A has a defect Which prevents closure of the contacts Mil, the timing relay XTS finally drops out to connect the loud speaker SP to the source of sound S53.

Preferably the three relays XAl, XAZ and XA3 are so interlocked that only one of the relays can be picked up at one time. The interlock may be of any desired type and conveniently may be of the mechanical type.

Although circuits have been ydescribed in detail only for the elevator car A, it will be understood that the relays BXAl, BXAZ and BXAS for the elevator car B and the relays CXA, CXA2 and CXA3 for the elevator car C are operated by circuits similarly associated with them, their elevator cars and the auxiliary relays.

The operation of the system as a whole now may be considered. it will be assumed that the elevator car is at the iirst floor and that a passenger operates the pushbutton lll: for the purpose of opening the car gate i9. It will be assumed further that after the car gate opens, two persons enter the elevator car and one registers a call for the fifth door by .pressing the pushbutton 5E. Y

The entering passengers deflect the platform LR sufficiently to open the contacts LRE; However, since the elevator car A is assumed to be in service, the relay XT3 continues to be energized through the break contacts Q3 and the switch SR.

It will be assumed next that when the elevator car gate 1 9 starts to close, one of the passengers presses the door hold button to open the contacts DHll or holds the safety edge to open the contacts SE1. Under such circumstances the door closing relay DC cannot be energized and the elevator car gate remains open. At the same time one of the sets of contacts DHZ or SEZ will be opened.

Since the elevator car A has been assigned to leave the rst door the up direction preference relay UP is energized and picked up by a sequence which is clearly set Vforth in the Carney et al. patent. As a result of this lsec'iuenc'e the break contacts UF6 are opened and the timing relay XTI s deenergized. ,Y

lt will be recalled that the iirst timing relay XTI may have a time delay in drop out of the order of 7 se'cfonds. lf the passenger presses the door hold button or holds the safety edge for a minimum of 7 seconds it follows that the rst timing relay XH drops out to close its breakV contacts XTl-l.

The tape lili? continues to move until the notch 117 registers with the brush 115 to pick up the rst auxiliary sound start relay XXl. This relay closes its break contacts XXl-l to complete the following circuit: L9+,

XT1"'1,-XX1-1,XA1, XSI-l, L9-. The relay XAl now is energized and closes its make 'contacts XAl-l to shunt the make contacts XXl-l. Consequently although continued motion of the tape l0@ interrupts the energization circuit for the relay XXll the holding contacts XAl-l maintain the energization of the first sound start relay XA.

The relay XAl also closes its make contacts XAl-Z and XA143 to connect the loud speaker SP across the secondary winding of the transformer ST1. The message stored in the tape ift@ now is reproduced by Vthe loud speaker Si?. This message is Please release the door. This car is required for service at other floors.

The passenger now releases the door hold button or the safety edge to complete the following circuit: L6-[-, Q2, EC, DOE, SEL W5., Dl-li, L6. The energization of the door closing relay DC initiates closure of the car gate i9 by a sequence which will be clear from the Carney et al. patent.

At the conclusion of the message, the brush 1.2i enters the notch 123 to energize the rst auxiliary sound stop relay XYl. This relay closes its make contacts XYl-l to complete with the break contacts XTl-l an energizing circuit for the first sound stop relay XS. This relay opens its break contacts X3i-3l to interrupt the energization of the rst sound start relay XAl. The sound start relay thereupon opens its holding contacts XA-ll and opens its make contacts XA-LZ and XAl-S to disconnect the loud speaker SP from the sound source SSlt. it will be recalled that if repetition of the message is desired the switch SW1; may be manually closed to shunt the contacts XSI-1.

The release of the door hold button or of the safety edge also is accompanied by completion of the following circuit: L9-{-, DHZ, SEZ, XT, and 130 in parallel, L9. The resulting pickup of the first timing relay XT 1 results in opening of the break contacts XTl-l to prevent energization therethough of the relays XAl and XSl.

For the next typical operation it will be assumed that the elevator car A is positioned at the first floor and that a sulticient number of persons enter the elevator car to deflect the platform LR and open the contacts LRZ. Such opening of the contacts LRQ; deenergizes the second timing relay XTZ. Upon the expiration of the delay in drop out of this relay which may be of the order of one second the relay drops out to close its break contacts XTZ-l.

It will be understood that when the sound tape for the source of sound S32 is in position to start a message, the second auxiliary sound start relay XXZ is energized and picks up to close its make contacts XXZ-ll. This com# pletes the following circuit: L9, XTZ-l, XXZ-l, XAZ, XSZ-l, L9.

The energized second sound start relay XAZ closes its holding contacts XAZ-ll to establish a shunt circuit around the contacts XXZ-l. The relay XA2 also closes its make contacts XAZ-Z and XA2-3 to connect the loud speaker SP across the secondary winding ofthe transformer 0T2. The loud speaker now informs l persons within the vicinity of the elevator car that That is all for this trip. Please allow the doors to close.

At the conclusion of the message, the second sound auxiliary stop relay XYZ picks up by a sequence which will be clear from the discussion of the source SSL and the The resultant closure of the contacts XYZ- completes with the contacts XTZ-ll an energizing circuit for the second sound stop relay XSE. This relay in turn closes its holding contacts KS2-2 which are located to shunt the contacts XY 2 1 and also open its break contacts lKS2-l to interrupt the energization of the second sound start relay XAZ.

Following its deenergization the relay XA? drops out to open its holding contacts XAZ-Z and its make contacts XA2-3 to disconnect the loud speaker SP from the source SSZ. lf a repetition of the message is desired the switch SW2 may be manually closed to shunt the contacts KS2-1.

rThe elevator car A now proceeds upwardly in the manner set forth in the Carney et al. patent. When the number of passengers on the platform LR decreases sufficiently the contacts LRZ reclose to reenergize the second timing relay XTZ. This relay then opens its break contacts XT2-1 to prevent energization therethrough of the relays XA2 and XSZ.

Let it be assumed next that the elevator car A is removed from service and that such removal is accompanied by opening of the switch SR. if a passenger thereafter enters the elevator car A, he deflects the platform LR sufficiently to open the contacts LR1 and deenergize the third timing relay XTS. The third timing relay now closes its break contacts XTS-l to prepare the third sound start relay XAS for subsequent energiza tion. When the third source of sound SSS has its tape in position to start a message, the third auxiliary sound start relay XXS is picked up by a sequence which will be clear 'l from the preceding discussion or" the pickup of the relay XXI associated with the source SSI. rThe pickup of the relay XX3 is accompanied by closure of the contacts XX3-1 to complete the following circuit: L94-, XTS-, XX3-1, XA3, XSS-1, L9-.

The relay XAS now closes its make contacts XA3-1 to establish a shunt or a holding circuit around the contacts XAS-l. In addition, make contacts XAS-Z and XAS-S close to connect the loud speaker SP to the third source of sound SSS. Through the loud speaker the passenger learns that This car is not in service at present. The passenger consequently can move to another one of the elevator cars.

At the conclusion of the message, the third auxiliary sound stop relay XYS is picked up by a sequence which will be clear from the preceding discussion of the pickup of the relay XY1 associated with the sound source SS1. The relay XY3 closes its make contacts XY3-i to complete with the contacts XTS-l an energizing circuit for the relay XSS.

The relay XSS `closes its make contacts XSS-2 to establish a holding circuit around the contacts XSS-1 and also opens its break contacts XSS-1 to interrupt energization of the third sound start relay XA3.

The relay XAS opens its holding contacts XAS-1 and opens its make contacts XAS-Z and XAS-S to interrupt the connection of the loud speaker to the third source of sound SSS.

When the passenger leaves the elevator car A the switch LR1 recloses to energize the timing relay XTS. This relay then opens its break contacts XTS-l to prevent energization therethrough of the relays XAS and XSS. If repetition of the message is desired, the switch SW3 may be manually closed to shunt the contacts XSS-l.

Let it be assumed next that the elevator car is in service and that the switch SR is closed. Under these circumstances, it will be assumed that a passenger enters the elevator car A. ln entering the elevator car the passenger opens the switch LR1 but the third timing relay XTS continues to be energized through the break contacts QS and the switch SR.

The passenger now registers a call for the fifth iioor by pressing the pushbutton SE. It will be assumed that the car gate 19 closes in the manner set forth in the Carney et al. patent and that following its closure the gate and door interlock relay Q opens its break contacts Q3 to interrupt the energization of time delay relay XTS.

Normally the make contacts M11 operated by the control conditioning relay M of the Carney et al. patent should close before the relay XTS drops out, however it will be assumed that because of some defect in the system, the make contacts M11 fail to close and at the expiration of the delay for which the relay XTS is designed the relay drops out to close its break contacts XTS-l. These contacts initiate the connection of the CTI l0 loud speaker SP to the source 0f sound SSS to advise the passenger that This car is not in service at present by a sequence which will be clear from the preceding discussion.

Other information may be conveyed by the transducers or loud speakers. For example, a source of sound may announce that: This car is now on an up trip and a further source may announce that: This car is now on a down trip.

Let it be assumed that the source of sound SSZ has a record of This car is now on an up trip, that the second timing relay XTZ is energized through the break -contacts UF6 of the up direction preference relay UP as shown in Fig. 4 and that the time delay of the relay is reduced to say one-half second. When the up-direction preference relay UP picks up to condition the car A for an up trip the loud speaker SP announces that: This elevator car is now on an up trip. The switch SW2 may be open. If the make contacts M11 of the control conditioning relay M are connected around the break contacts UPG in Fig. 4 through the switch 150 the loud speaker repeats this announcement each time the elevator car stops at a floor during its up trip. If the contacts UF6 in Fig. 4 were replaced by the break contacts 1)?6 of the down direction preference relay DP the associated source of sound may be designed to announce in a similar manner that This car is now on a down trip.

Assume next that the contacts LRZ of Fig. l are break contacts of a conventional dispatcher relay which picks up when an elevator car is to be loaded. Such a relay AN is shown, for example, in Patent 2,589,292. if the switch SW2 is closed the associated source of sound SSE then may be designed to repeat at brief intervals through the loud speaker SP as long as the contacts of the dispatcher relay remained open that: There will be a short delay until this car leaves.

lf the contacts LRZ of Fig. l are break contacts of the door closing relay DC and if the second timing relay XTZ has a very short time delay, the associated source of sound may be designed to announce through the loud speaker each time the door closing relay DC picks up: Watch the doors.

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

I claim as my invention:

l. In an elevator system, a structure having oors, an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for move ment relative to the structure to serve the floors, a transducer mounted for movement with the elevator car, said transducer being effective when suitably energized to produce intelligible speech in the elevator car, a source of suitable energy effective when coupled to the transducer for producing a predetermined intelligible speech, and means responsive to a predetermined condition preventing operation of the elevator car when the elevator car is positioned accurately at a floor for operatively coupling the transducer to said source, whereby information concerning the failure of the elevator car to operate may be conveyed to a person within hearing range of the transducer.

2. In an elevator system, a structure, an `elevator car having a door, means operable for closing said door, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure, a transducer effective when suitably energized for producing speech intelligible in the elevator car, a source of suitable energy effective when operatively coupled to the transducer for producing predetermined intelligible speech suggesting that the closure of the door be expedited, interlock means for preventing starting of the elevator car until said door is closed. Timing means responsive to abnormal delay in closure of said door for operating from a lirst condition to a asa-3,4%

second condition, 'and means responsive to operation of the timing means to 4vthe second condition for operatively coupling the source to the transducer to deliver a message suggesting that the closure of the door be expedited. n

3. in an elevator system, a structure having oors, an elevator car having a door, means operable for closing said door, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure, a transducer elective when suitably energized for producing speech intelligible in the vicinity of the elevator car when it is positioned at one of the floors with the door open, a first source of suitable energy eiiective when operatively coupled to the transducer for producing predetermined intelligible speech indicating that the elevator car should not be further loaded, and means responsive to loading of the elevator car at such floor for electively coupling the transducer to the source for producing said speech prior toclosure of the door, in combination with a 'second source of suitable energy eiective when operatively coupled to said transducer for producing intelligible speech suggesting that closure of the door should be expedited, and means responsive to abnormal delay in closure of the door sufcient to permit transmission of the First-named speech during such delay for operatively coupling the second source to the transducer.

in an elevator system, a structure, an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure, service means operable for transferring the elevator car from an in-service to an out-of-service condition, a transducer mounted for movement With the elevator car, said transducer being elective when suitably energized to produce intelligible speech in the elevator car, a source of suitable energy effective when coupled to the transducer for producing a predetermined intelligible speech, and means responsive to operation of the service means to remove the elevator car from service for conditioning the transducer to be operatively coupled to said source, said predetermined speech indicating that the elevator car is not available for service.

5. In an elevator system, a structure, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting each of the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure, a separate transducer for each of the elevator cars, each of said transducers being effective When suitably energized to produce speech intelligible in the vicinity of the associated elevator car, a single source of suitable energy etective when coupled to any of the transducers for producing a single predetermined intelligible speech, and means operable for selectively connecting the source to each of the transducers, ysaid means being responsive to a predeterrrdned condition wherein any of said elevator Vcars does not provide prompt service for operatively connecting the transducer for said last named elevator car to the source, whereby information concerning said predetermined condition may be conveyed to a person within hearing range of the operatively connected transducer.

6. in an elevator system, a structure, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting each of the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure, a door for each of the elevator cars, mechanism operable for closing each of the doors, interlock mechanism for preventing starting of any of the elevator cars until the door for the last-named elevator car is closed, a separate transducer for each of the elevator cars, each of said transducers being elective when suitably energized to produce speech intelligible in the vicinity of the associated elevator car, a single source of suitable energy effective when coupled to any of the transducers for producing a single predetermined intelligible speech suggesting that closure of the door of the associated elevator car be expedited, and means operable for selectively connecting the source to each of the transducers, said mean-s including separate timing means for each of the cars operable from a 'lire-t condition to a second condition in response to Afailure of the lassociated `one ofthe doors, when open, to close within a predetcrminedtirne after closure the door is initiated, and means responsive lto Voperation of any of the timing means to the second condition Vfor o peratively coupling the transducer associated with 'such timing means With the source. y y

7. in an elevator system, Va structure, 'a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting each of the elevatorfcars for movement relative to the structure', la separate transducer for each of the elevator cars, eachof said transducers being effective when Ysuitably energized to produce speech intelligible in the vicinity of the associated elevator car, a single source of suitable energy e'ec'tive when coupled to any of the transducers for producing a s' gie predetermined intelligiblespeech suggesting that the associated elevator car is loaded, and means oper'- able for velectively connecting the source to 'each of the transducers, said means being responsive to loading'jof any of the elevator cars for operatively connecting the transducer for the loaded elevator car to the source. l

8. in an elevator system, a structure, a plurality of elevator cars, means mounting `each vof the elevator cars for movement relative to the structure, separate :service means for each of the cars, each ofthe service means being operable to a iirst condition for placing the associated one of the elevator cars in service and to a second condition for removing the associatedone of the elevator cars from service, a separate transducer for each of the elevator cars, each of Isaid transducers beingreffective when suitably energized to produce Speech intelligible in the vicinity of the associated elevator car, a single source of suitable energy effective Whenvc'oupled to any of the transducers for producing a jsingle predetermined intelligible speech indicating that the associated elevator car is not available for service, separate passenger-actuatable means for each ofy the car'sfand means responsive to operation of the passenger-actuable.

means for any of the cars while the associated service means is in the second condition for selectively connecting the source to the associated one of the transducers, and means responsive to operation of the service means to place any of the elevator cars in service 'for renderli-lg the passenger-actuatable means for the lastnamedelevator car ineitective to establish the connection yofpsiiid source to the transducer for the last-named elevator car.

9. elevator system comprisinga structure "'liavirl'g a plurality of tioors, an elevator car, means mounting'li'e elevator car'for movement relative to the structure, and control means for moving the elevator 4car relative to the structure and for stopping the elevator lcar at of said floors, in combination with la transducer mounted for movement with the elevator car, said Vtransducer when suitably energized being effective for producing speech which is intelligible in the vicinity ofthe elevator car, and means effective inV response to a predetermined manual deed which prevents prompt service by 4*the elevator car at each floor at which the elevator car stops for operatively coupling the transducer to said source, said speech containing information concerning saidlmanual `deed which is audible to a vperson within hearing range of the transducer. Y

l0. An elevator system compri-sing a structure having a plurality of doors, 'an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure, door means for the elevator car, operatingrneans for opening the door means at each ot` said floors .at which the elevator car stops and thereafter closing the door means, and control means for moving the elevator car relative tothe structure and for stopping the elevator car at anyof said floors, in combination with a transducer mounted for movement with thee'le'vator car, said transducer when suitably energized being effective for prsduclngspeechlwhlch is intelligible in the vicinity of the elevator car, and means etective in response to a predetermined interference with closure of said door means at any of said oors at which the elevator car stops for operatively coupling the transducer to said source, said speech containing information concerning the interference which is audible to a person within hearing range of the transducer.

11. An elevator system comprising a structure having a plurality of floors, an elevator car, means mounting the elevator car for movement relative to the structure, and control means for moving the elevator car relative to the structure and for stopping the elevator car at any of said oors, in combination with a transducer mounted for movement with the elevator car, said transducer when suitably energized being effective for producing speech which is intelligible in the vicinity of the elevator car, and means eiective in response to a predetermined loading of the elevator car at each of the oors at which 14 the elevator car stops for operatively coupling the transducer to said source, said speech containing information discouraging additional persons from boarding the elevator car.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,009,701 Miles July 30, 1935 2,022,991 Walter Dec. 3, 1935 2,172,187 Carney et al. Sept. 5, 1939 `2,206,998 Beizer July 9, 1940 2,288,683 Clancy July 7, 1942 2,435,066 Barsh Ian. 27, 1948 2,501,320 Eames Mar. 21, 1950 2,523,359 Deibele Sept. 26, 1950 2,644,546 Doolan July 7, 1953

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