Product of the Year 2022

Clean, Efficient and Forward-Thinking

While our inaugural Product of the Year award showcased quite a few disinfection solutions aimed at protecting the public in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, ELEVATOR WORLD’s second annual iteration sees a trend toward making the world of vertical transportation (VT) clean, safe, dependable, attractive and up-to-date. VT disinfection products continue to evolve and multiply, and two — one for elevators and one for escalators — are described in the pages that follow. Also on offer are updated and streamlined versions of “classics,” such as machines and rope grippers, as well as communication systems — one for first responders and the other for VT owners and operators who had to transition away from Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) by August of this year. Manufacturers present an intuitive door-protection system, a code-compliant pit bottom control station, an energy transmission system, architectural panels for elevator cabs and a door-operator modernization kit.

Bringing any product to market is no small task. It involves carefully coordinating vast teams that include engineers, scientists, designers and tech experts who draw inspiration from such places as the aerospace and automotive industries.

With innovation at the core of the elevator industry, ELEVATOR WORLD’s second annual Product of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of manufacturers whose products, brought to the VT market between March 2021-June 2022, are considered particularly noteworthy or innovative. The products represent advances in technology or application, innovative or improved design, price/performance improvements and potential for further development.

This special section contains detailed listings of the various products up for consideration. In the award’s second year, we received 11 outstanding products to showcase to our readers. You have the opportunity to help choose this year’s winner by voting online from September 26-September 30 at elevatorworld.com/contests/product-of-the-year. An impartial panel of experienced industry experts/professionals will assist in judging the nominations. Their input and feedback will be combined with the online voting results to help determine a winner and two finalists, which will be featured in the Elevator World 2023 SOURCE Directory. The winner and the two finalists will also receive framed certificates and digital decals to use in marketing.

Vision Plus – Formula Systems

Formula Systems has designed Vision Plus, our most intuitive elevator door protection system for concise door control and paramount safety. The system is an ASME 2019 code-compliant door safety solution that satisfies both the 2D and 3D requirements of object detection, all incorporated into the existing edge profile and does not require any additional devices.

By utilizing 2D and 3D technology, the Vision Plus solution reduces false 3D triggers and significantly improves detection ability. And by combining more technology in fewer parts, the system is time and cost-efficient to install.

The solution comprises a 2D/3D receiver and transmitter that can be connected directly with the elevator door controller or via our universal interface power supply when a direct connection is not possible. The Vision Plus comes with an in-built ECO mode, a unique LED code compliant self-testing function and universal mounting options for center or side door openings.

As a “plug and play” solution, the fitting of Vision Plus edges is the same as fitting a standard edge and does not require any lengthy calibration procedures. This means that labor times for fitting remain unchanged when upgrading to the Vision plus. The ease of installation will deliver substantial cost savings for initial installations.

The highly intelligent Vision Plus system has been designed to minimize potential damage to the doors, which in the long term will prevent nuisance and unexpected repair costs.

To find out more about Vision Plus, contact:

Cornelius Walls – Cornelius.walls@formula-systems.com or visit Formula Systems

TLP5S008 – Giovenzana

IP65 Pit bottom control station with patented reed sensor and pocket is fully compliant with the main international standards on Elevators: ASME A17.1-2019 / CSA B44-2019, EN81-20 / EN81-50, GOST33984.1-2016, ABNT NBR 16858.

Its design incorporates the main rules:

• Emergency mushroom device conforming to IEC/EN 60947-5-5;

• Mandatory run button;

• Operators protected against accidental collisions;

• Standard-bound cam switch for inspection operation with solid drive and without  margin of error in switching;

• Contact blocks with spring clamp conforming to EN 60068-2-6 and EN 60068-2-27 and vibration resistant with IP20 protection rating;

• AC-15 and DC-13 contact units complying with EN 60947-5-1:2005;

• Vibration and shock resistant according to EN 60068-2-26, EN 60068-2-27 and EN 60068-2-29;

• The components are manufactured in accordance with IEC 947-3, IEC 947-5-1, EN 60947-3, EN 60947-5-1, UL 508, IEC204-1, EN 60204-1, EN ISO 13850 and to RoHS, PFOS, RAEE, REACH regulations.

The added value lies in the patented reed contact, which is used to identify the presence of the inspection apparatus at a specific point in the pit compartment shelter area, according to EN 81-20.

The reed contact ensures that the inspection control station is positioned in such a way as to ensure that the mounted emergency button is effectively accessible by the operator. If the reed contact does not indicate the correct positioning of the inspection control station, the system does not need to be enabled for maintenance. It also ensures the safety of the operator during maintenance, using a product fully compliant with current regulations.

Ask more at giovenzana@giovenzana.com

TRV-Vertical Busbar – Giovenzana

VERTICAL BUSBAR SYSTEM WITH 6 PRE-MOUNTED CONDUCTORS (SIZES: 50 A, 100 A, 160 A) Energy transmission system equipped with 6 conductors with joints. Operating current: 50, 100 or 160 A, depending on the bar. Vertical layout suitable for construction site lifts, designed for lifting tasks in material handling systems and lifting technology for outdoor and construction sites. It can also be applied inside the lifting shaft for electric and hydraulic lifts.

TRV distributes electricity simply and flexibly. The solution has huge advantages, including:

Optimization of space!

The compact design of the cable-free bar allows optimization of installation and use  space.

It is the safety response to a problem that has never been solved!

It can solve the problem of conductor interruption in the power cable currently used to power construction site elevators. There is no problem of damage or wear on the cable.

Provides easier and faster installation!

The interlocking modularity of the individual components means that no tools are needed for installation and less construction work means less expensive installation.

Flexibility of use!

Compatible with any type of structure and any configuration.

It is a unique solution, an excellent alternative to cable replacement.

There is no similar solution on the international market for this type of vertical application.

One solution for reducing installation costs, increasing product life, ensuring that the operator cannot come into contact with exposed electrical parts, and allowing the line to be reused on other installations

Ask more at giovenzana@giovenzana.com

INTERsens© – GoGaS

Shopping mall, train station, office building or public authority: Many people use elevators every day – and are exposed to an increased risk of infection there, as infectious aerosols can easily spread in the narrow cabs. GoGaS has developed INTERsens© 25/25 Lift, an innovative technology for disinfecting ambient air in elevators: UV-C light against viruses, bacteria and other germs. The ambient air is drawn into the interior of the boxes, where it is disinfected with high-energy UV-C light. Pathogens such as viruses (e.g. influenza or SARS-CoV2), bacteria and fungi can no longer reproduce and are rendered harmless. The disinfected air flows back into the elevator car – without any drafts. The devices work safely because no UV-C light can escape the box and disinfect so quietly that passengers are not disturbed. GoGaS’s UV-C technology is certified and validated, complies with WHO medical standards, and is environmentally friendly because the disinfection process is completely chemical- and ozone-free. There is also no hazardous waste, as all components are 100% recyclable. INTERsens© 25 Lift disinfects 25 cubic meters of air per hour and is designed for installation in small passenger, freight and cargo elevators. The INTERsens© 50 Lift box disinfects 50 cubic meters of air per hour, making it suitable for installation in passenger elevators with high passenger traffic as well as for installation in larger freight and cargo elevators. Both units are compatible with all models of common elevator manufacturers, and installation in existing elevators is possible.

GoGaS Goch GmbH & Co. KG
Zum Ihnedick 18
D-44265 Dortmund
Germany
T: +49 231 46505 0
F: +49 231 46505 88
protect@gogas.com

PROsens X – GoGaS

Shopping center, hospital, public authority, office, airport, or underground: Many people use escalators every day. Pathogens can accumulate around the handrails because our hands transmit numerous germs. This is why, not only since the COVID-19 pandemic, many people avoid holding on to the handrails of escalators – and thus expose themselves to the risk of falling. The PROsens X disinfection module eliminates the problem with innovative technology and ensures safety as well as a good feeling: users can once again hold on to the handrail with peace of mind – protection against smear infections and accidents in one. 

PROsens X: The big plus for safety, environment and your wallet. The innovative technology behind PROsens X works ozone-free and without the use of harmful chemicals. Like a dynamo, the modules feed their energy from the rotation of the handrail, and run completely self-sufficiently around the clock without an external power connection. In addition, all components are fully recyclable – more sustainability is hardly possible! PROsens X not only protects the environment, but also your wallet. In addition to the high-energy efficiency, the compact design of the module allows for easy and simple installation: No complex conversion measures are necessary. The PROsens X modules work according to the plug & play principle, do not require any intervention in the existing electronics or control system, and are compatible with practically all escalators and moving walkways.

GoGaS Goch GmbH & Co. KG
Zum Ihnedick 18
D-44265 Dortmund
Germany
T: +49 231 46505 0
F: +49 231 46505 88
protect@gogas.com

Elevator interiors – INPRO®

Whether you are outfitting a new cab or modernizing an existing one, Inpro provides the highest level of elevator cab expertise and superior products.  We’ve been the global leader in interior architectural products for more than 40 years so rest assured, you can be at ease knowing your elevators can take an impact – and make an impact.  Here’s what sets us apart …

Durable Panel Systems

Inpro’s industry exclusive cab panels are clad in Palladium® Rigid Vinyl Sheet, making them more durable than competing plastic laminate (PLAM) products. The fully wrapped and bonded panels are engineered to be extremely durable and impact resistant against chipping.  Our patented interlocking clip system is factory installed for perfect spacing and ease of installation.

Ease of Installation

Our cabs are engineered with installers in mind. Our patented interlocking factory-installed aluminum clip fastening system, detailed install instructions + videos, and panels that are fabricated to your exact dimensions, save you elevator downtime when installing our systems.

World Class Service

Inpro is obsessed about a lot of things, including customer satisfaction. Many companies claim they’re the best when it comes to taking care of customers. At Inpro, we prove it. We continually survey our customers using the Net Promoter® Survey to make sure we are providing the best service. All you have to do is pick up the phone, and our elevator experts are here to help!

Ready to get started?  Visit INPRO® Website to request an Inpro Rep to help you.

M90 Volte – Kings III

The Kings III M90 VoLTE Technology cellular voice communication solution is now FirstNet Ready® – the first emergency phone to gain that distinction. FirstNet Ready® devices are central to transforming the capabilities of our nation’s first responders. They have met the standards for supporting the critical operational needs of public safety agencies and users who need tools that are highly secure, resilient, scalable and available when needed.

FirstNet®, Built with AT&T is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications network built with and for first responders and the greater public safety community. Think of FirstNet as the public safety VIP cellular network for first responders and those who support them, with access to the connections they need, never competing with commercial network traffic. This service is invaluable when commercial networks are overloaded due to natural disasters or state of emergencies.

Using an emergency communications device approved for use on the FirstNet Network gives emergency callers safety benefits to which they may not otherwise have access – like prioritized connectivity.

Seconds count. Kings III has been making them count when it matters most for over 30 years. So when misfortune happens – whether it’s a trapped elevator passenger in a building that has lost power; a swimmer in a multi-family community who has suffered a heart attack; or a school on lockdown – Kings III offers a reliable, cost-effective solution with an added layer of risk and liability reduction.

Contact Info:

Katie Thomas, VP of Marketing
marketing@kingsiii.com
972.906.7006

AirDial – Ooma

Building owners and elevator service firms face a huge challenge in the next few years with the impending demise of legacy copper-wire analog phone lines, also known as Plain Old Telephone Service or POTS. There are millions of elevator phones across the United States that require a POTS line that in many cases can’t be migrated to a standard voice over internet protocol (VoIP) connection. As POTS infrastructure dwindles, carriers are sharply increasing monthly rates, and quality of service is declining.

Ooma AirDial is a groundbreaking solution for the “copper sunset” dilemma – a complete drop-in solution from a single vendor that combines on-premise hardware with fully backward-compatible virtual POTS lines and a wireless data connection to the cloud. This sets AirDial apart from competing hardware-only solutions, which require the partner or end customer to provision on-premise equipment. Ooma AirDial is also the only POTS replacement solution to offer remote device management so service companies can remotely configure and monitor elevator phones.

Learn more about Ooma AirDial at ooma.com/airdial or call 866-839-5810.

GT Series – Hollister

GT Series Geared Hoist Machines

The GT series of machines is the modern take on our legendary geared traction machine, the workhorse of the vertical transportation industry. The GT series was designed by our veteran team of engineers, test and field service personnel, machinists, and industry partners who applied a century of lessons learned to create the geared machine for the twenty-first century.  Using modern materials and today’s computer aided design, we have produced the smoothest and most efficient geared traction machine in the industry.  The GT series features a 25 year design life at 100% loading and a 60% duty cycle. It is smaller, lighter, more efficient, and more durable than any geared machine we’ve offered in our history.

For more information, please contact us at: sales@vantagelevation.com

QK Door KIT – GAL

QKS16 to MOVFE-HL Conversion Kit

GAL has designed a door operator modernization kit that allows the Independent a quick and easy way to upgrade or replace this specific OBSOLETE OEM door operator.  This kit allows the installer to upgrade the operator system in half a day or less, and contains everything needed, including wiring harnesses, diagrams, bolts, brackets, etc. This kit eliminates guess work, retains the functioning portion of the system, and allows for a cost effective MOD.  This kit covers multiple operators from the same era with the similar features.

For more information, please contact us at: sales@vantagelevation.com

Rope Grippers – Hollister

620L and 622L Linear Rope Grippers

Hollister Whitney’s “L” series of Rope Grippers takes our groundbreaking safety device to a whole new level.  We’ve eliminated the separate hydraulic pump, hose, and piston in favor of linear actuators to open the Rope Gripper, debuting a new one-piece unit that employs a simple four-wire connection. This fully self-contained design now incorporates intelligent self-monitoring and an LED troubleshooting array, preventing the safety circuit from completing if any internal fault is detected.  Finally, the more robust unit can be provided to the customer at a lower cost than our legacy Rope Gripper products.

For more information, please contact us at: sales@vantagelevation.com