What Pandemic?

Well, it’s like COVID-19 never happened. Only two-and-a-half years of your life crept by. You worked from home, or you were essential and serviced elevators in empty buildings. You attended Zoom or Microsoft® Teams meetings. Your favorite restaurant closed or became a caterer. When you did see a real live business acquaintance, you touched fists or elbows. Remember how excited we were when 2020 was over? And then, 2021 was almost as bad. Well, it’s official now: The pandemic is over because we are so over it. OK, maybe China is not over it.

COVID is not really gone, but it is pretty much forgotten. Because of the pent-up delay of most meetings, the next few months are packed with industry events, some right on top of others. We will be there, so come give us a hug. This month, we report on two events that couldn’t be more different.

One Day, Six Hours by Kaija Wilkinson. The very popular Elevator Conference of New York Supplier Showcase was held at the usual place. Attendance is always good, even when everyone is busy. That’s because you can see everyone you need to see in one place, and you have to have lunch anyway. This year was no exception, with great displays, good friends and exceptional food.

“Finally, Interlift!” by Angela C. Baldwin. After a six-month delay, the Interlift expo and congress took place in Augsburg, Germany, in late April. It was anticipated to be smaller, with 350 booths and 10,000 attendees, but it exceeded expectations. In many ways, the gathering of that many people after so long was warmer and a little emotional. A success, by any measure.

Not to be outdone, a few weeks ago Elevator World, Inc. held its Annual Board Meeting. We were joined online by our friend Achim Hütter, president of VFA-Interlift, in Germany; Süleyman Özcan of Liftinstituut B.V. in Dubai; and Bülent Yılmaz, managing director of our office in Turkey. Here in Mobile, our legal counsel Jim Green sat in, but directors Robert Lane (Elevator Motors, NY) and John Koshak (Elevator Safety Solutions, LLC) were unable to attend. We were exceedingly lucky that two directors, Massimo Bezzi from the European Federation for Elevator Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EFESME) in Italy, and Robert Schaeffer of D&D Elevator Maintenance and American Elevator Group (AEG) in the U.S., were able to join us in person and spend several days discussing activities in their areas of the industry. Bezzi, in particular, was eager to chat with us about Europe and an upcoming ELEVATOR WORLD Europe issue on Spain. Both men talked about the growth of private investment in the VT global arena.

This month, we focus on Doors and Sensors. Everyone in the industry knows this is where most accidents involving passengers occur.

Door Developments by MEILLER. Door specialist MEILLER used the two years of the pandemic to initiate new developments and expand existing lines. In this Product Spotlight, the company showcases its new and improved door solutions.

Design Diversity by Michael J. Ryan. The author highlights the many different door configurations to fit freight storage systems. None are identical, and doors must adapt to conditions.

Next Level Protection by India Carter. Since 40% of all elevator injuries occur in the door area, Formula Systems has developed a new door-mounted system that uses both 2D (in the doorway) and 3D (near the door) detection to protect passengers.

A Step Beyond by Kaija Wilkinson. CEDES Vice President of Special Projects Patrick Bass talks to EW about leaving TK Elevator and working with CEDES on a safety edge with the capability to provide all the data needed for predictive maintenance.

Ah, predictive maintenance! Is this coming to a building near you soon? Stay tuned.