Monitor Fixtures

This overview details two fixture products offered by Monitor Elevator Products LLC.

Recently separated from Janus Elevator Products, Inc. (ELEVATOR WORLD, December 2011), Monitor Elevator Products LLC focuses on elevator fixtures and touch-panel displays. Monitor is also part of Halma p.l.c.’s elevator division, along with Janus, TL Jones, Memco and E-Motive. According to Monitor, there has been a renewed focus on its core design and manufacturing business, continued investment in new technology and commitment to build on the potential of the display business. The following are details on two of the products the company offers.

Commander™ T2 Touch Elevator Car Operating Panels (COPs)

Commander panels are intended as 24-V replacements to traditional mechanical push buttons. Combining the functionality of directing the elevator with a customizable touch interface that matches building décor and requires no surface coatings, the COP can double as an information and entertainment platform. It is mounted in a fixtures panel with auxiliary mechanical control buttons and keypad, all of which meet code specifications; only one set of mechanical buttons and keypad is required per elevator.

The Commander’s full-color LCD screen and touch technology can provide greater benefits for visually impaired people than standard buttons. For example, it can provide high-contrast buttons with backlighting and customizable button sizes, utilizing the idea that larger buttons improve usability over standard button sizes for all users, including the disabled. The touch-sensitive nature of the Commander’s buttons have also been shown to aid usability by those unable to press traditional mechanical buttons with the usual force.

According to Monitor Controls, the optical touch technology used by the Commander is an infrared technique that determines the area being touched. The technology detects objects as they approach the screen, rather than requiring physical touching of the screen. Thus, any pointing apparatus, such as those used by people in wheelchairs, can operate the COP. Also, Phase II Firefighter’s Operation key switches and instructions are present and unchanged. Emergency personnel can select the designation via keypad, instead of push button. The screen can also be customized to show a message indicating that the elevator is in fire service.

Vanguard 24-V Elevator Fixtures

While Monitor Controls calls its Commander “the fixture of fixtures,” it considers its new Vanguard line of fixtures products “for the value conscious.” The Vanguard’s pre-engineered design of fixtures allows users to choose the layout, cost out the fixtures and plan manpower needs based on guaranteed delivery (within three weeks). The #4 prefinished 304 stainless-steel fixtures are intended to minimize maintenance requirements and feature stainless-steel push buttons with long-life blue LED illumination and studless design. Standard drawing and pricing sheets are available for quick calculation of package costs.

The 24-V Vanguard line is in full compliance with all U.S. and Canadian National Fire Service codes, all Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for Braille and ASME 17.1 2004/2007. Package options are available for up to 12 stops in any combination of front and rear entrances. Hall lanterns may be provided with red, green or white LED illumination. The standard 24-V Vanguard car station includes:

• Signage: up to three lines of text, to include “No Smoking,” “Capacity,” “Elevator Number” and, if required, “Fire Instructions”
• An E-Motive digital position indicator with red LED illumination
• An emergency light
• Emergency Service hands-free phone
• A fire-service cabinet that complies with 2004/2007 code, including fire key switch, fire jewel, audible signal, call cancel, door open, door close and pull stop buttons, with Phase II instructions behind a locked fire-cabinet door
• Stainless-steel push buttons, each with a blue LED illuminated halo, studless design, plug-in connector with wire leads, and black Braille plates with white character
• Door open, door close, alarm and call buttons
• A “Call Acknowledged” jewel
• A locking service cabinet with eight rocker switches and a provision for ground-fault interrupter outlet

For more information, contact Monitor Controls at 125 Ricefield Lane, Hauppauge, New York 11788; toll free: (877) 849-4334; fax: (631) 543-4372; e-mail: sales@mcontrols.com; or website: www.mcontrols.com.