For most of my life I commuted more than 40 mi. each way to and from work, usually by means of the Long Island Railroad, but often by car, as well. The amount of time and, more importantly, energy expended is difficult to calculate, but it is sufficient to say it was significant. Although much…
Read MoreIn November 2011, experts from the Chinese elevator industry attended a seminar hosted by Torin Drive, a provider of elevator traction machines. On November 7, 2011, around 70 experts from the Chinese elevator industry gathered in Changshu, China, at the Changshu International Hotel to attend a seminar hosted by Torin Drive, a provider of elevator…
Read MoreA look at a fundamental safety rule service mechanics must consider when working on elevator equipment: the control of hazardous energy, more commonly known as lockout/tagout procedures. Given that this issue focuses on machines, motors and pumps, it is fitting to look at one of the most fundamental safety rules any service mechanic must consider…
Read MoreExamining early steam-powered engines and their evolution There is, perhaps, nothing as antithetical to our conception of the modern electric elevator engine as the 19th-century steam engine. Our mind’s eye (and ear) imagines steam hissing, pistons clanking and oil dripping as a steam engine, located in a dirty, crowded mechanical room, drives a massive winding…
Read MoreThis article provides an explanation of the effects of high dV/dt created by variable-frequency drives and offers solutions to protect elevator motors. submitted by KEB America, Inc. During the past 20 years, AC variable-frequency drives (VFDs) have gained widespread acceptance in elevator applications. Overall, AC elevator drives provide im-proved ride performance, increased system efficiency and…
Read MoreChoosing the appropriate motor for an elevator can allow more efficient energy use. by Ivo Busi and Fabio Calegari In recent years, the hydraulic lift, as an alternative to the electric traction lift, has become one of the simplest and most common elevator applications in use. Its operational principle is based on a piston driven…
Read MoreA look at how fire alarm, sprinkler and elevator controls work together in accordance with present-day fire and electrical code mandates Elevator technology has advanced over the years in the direction of greater performance and safety. Early versions were basically rope-and-basket affairs, with a loss of mechanical integrity likely resulting in user fatality. A great…
Read MoreA look at the advantages of placing intelligent building-management systems in control of car operations A Return to the Past One hundred years ago, the supervisors and attendants of elevator groups in the first tall buildings were well aware of the activities in these buildings. During periods of heavy traffic, they coordinated car operations to…
Read MoreBerchtenbreiter celebrates its 25th anniversary at the Skywalk Allgäu in Scheidegg, Germany, chosen for the panoramic views provided by an outdoor elevator. reprinted and edited with permission from Lift Report Berchtenbreiter GmbH, established in 1986, is a manufacturer of components and partner for the planning and installation of elevator systems. Headquartered in Rieblingen, Germany, near…
Read MoreAn in-depth report on Japan’s economic trends and challenges Japan’s Economy Economic Indicators in 2010 (Estimated) Gross domestic product (GDP) adjusted for purchasing power parity: US$4.34 trillion GDP ranking: fourth by volume, 24th per capita GDP growth: 3% GDP per capita: US$33,800 GDP by sector: agriculture (1.5%), industry (22.8%), service (75.7%) Inflation: 0.3% Labor force:…
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