Patent Description:
Elevator cars are conventionally operated by ropes and counter weights, which typically only allow one elevator car in an elevator shaft at a single time. The elevator cars are guided through the elevator shaft by guide rails. Construction of guide rails for elevator systems is conventionally performed manually by human beings.

<CIT> discloses a mechanical system and method for constructing a self-supporting, elevator support structure using a rail-climbing platform to progressively erect higher levels of modular rail sections.

<CIT> discloses a method for installing guide rails into an elevator shaft using a first, a second, and a third hoist.

<CIT> discloses a method for mounting lift components in a vertical shaft of a building with the aid of a mounting system which can be moved in the shaft.

<CIT> discloses a method for mounting an elevator via the successive placing of guide rails from the bottom of the elevator casing.

According to an embodiment, an elevator system is provided according to claim <NUM>.

Some embodiments may include that the first lifting system includes a pulley and a pulley cable.

Some embodiments may include that the first lifting system includes at least one of a robotic arm, a hydraulic or pneumatic ram, a linear actuator, a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, or a miniature belt driven system with CSB belts.

Some embodiments may include a first guide rail extending vertically through the elevator shaft, the first guide rail including a first section of the first guide rail, wherein the first lifting system is configured to releasably attach to a second section of the first guide rail.

Some embodiments may include that the beam climber assembly pod is configured to construct remaining sections of the first guide rail as the beam climber assembly rides on the first section of the first guide beam.

Some embodiments may include that the beam climber assembly pod is configured to construct remaining sections of the second guide beam as the beam climber assembly rides on the first section of the first guide beam.

Some embodiments may include that the second lifting system includes a pulley and a pulley cable.

Some embodiments may include that the beam climber assembly pod further includes a work stand.

According to another embodiment, a method of building an elevator system is provided according to claim <NUM>.

Some embodiments may include that the elevator system further includes a first guide rail extending vertically through the elevator shaft, the first guide rail including a first section of the first guide rail, and wherein the method further includes: removably attaching a second section of the first guide rail to the first lifting system of the beam climber assembly pod, wherein the beam climber system moves the beam climber assembly pod to a location in the elevator shaft where the second section of the first guide rail may be attached to a first section of the first guide rail.

Some embodiments may include that the elevator system further includes a second guide rail extending vertically through the elevator shaft, the second guide rail including a first section of the second guide rail, and wherein the method further includes: removably attaching a second section of the second guide rail to a second lifting system of the beam climber assembly pod, wherein the beam climber system moves the beam climber assembly pod to a location in the elevator shaft where the second section of the second guide rail may be attached to a first section of the second guide rail.

Technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include utilizing a beam climber system to build multiple guide beams and guide rails that the beam climber system rides upon as the beam climber system build.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an elevator system <NUM> including an elevator car <NUM>, a beam climber system <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a power supply <NUM>. Although illustrated in <FIG> as separate from the beam climber system <NUM>, the embodiments described herein may be applicable to a controller <NUM> included in the beam climber system <NUM> (i.e., moving through an elevator shaft <NUM> with the beam climber system <NUM>) and may also be applicable to a controller located off of the beam climber system <NUM> (i.e., remotely connected to the beam climber system <NUM> and stationary relative to the beam climber system <NUM>). Although illustrated in <FIG> as separate from the beam climber system <NUM>, the embodiments described herein may be applicable to a power supply <NUM> included in the beam climber system <NUM> (i.e., moving through the elevator shaft <NUM> with the beam climber system <NUM>) and may also be applicable to a power supply located off of the beam climber system <NUM> (i.e., remotely connected to the beam climber system <NUM> and stationary relative to the beam climber system <NUM>).

The beam climber system <NUM> is configured to move the elevator car <NUM> within the elevator shaft <NUM> and along guide rails 109a, 109b that extend vertically through the elevator shaft <NUM>. In an embodiment, the guide rails 109a, 109b are T-beams. The beam climber system <NUM> includes one or more electric motors 132a, 132b. The electric motors 132a, 132b are configured to move the beam climber system <NUM> within the elevator shaft <NUM> by rotating one or more wheels 134a, 134b that are pressed against a guide beam 111a, 111b. In an embodiment, the guide beams 111a, 111b are I-beams. It is understood that while an I-beam is illustrated any beam or similar structure may be utilized with the embodiment described herein. Friction between the wheels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d driven by the electric motors 132a, 132b allows the wheels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d climb up <NUM> and down <NUM> the guide beams 111a, 111b. The guide beam extends vertically through the elevator shaft <NUM>. It is understood that while two guide beams 111a, 111b are illustrated, the embodiments disclosed herein may be utilized with one or more guide beams. It is also understood that while two electric motors 132a, 132b are illustrated, the embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to beam climber systems <NUM> having one or more electric motors. For example, the beam climber system <NUM> may have one electric motor for each of the four wheels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d. The electric motors 132a, 132b may be permanent magnet electric motors, asynchronous motor, or any electric motor known to one of skill in the art. In other embodiments, not illustrated herein, another configuration could have the powered wheels at two different vertical locations (i.e., at bottom and top of an elevator car <NUM>).

The first guide beam 111a includes a web portion 113a and two flange portions 114a. The web portion 113a of the first guide beam 111a includes a first surface 112a and a second surface 112b opposite the first surface 112a. A first wheel 134a is in contact with the first surface 112a and a second wheel 134b is in contact with the second surface 112b. The first wheel 134a may be in contact with the first surface 112a through a tire <NUM> and the second wheel 134b may be in contact with the second surface 112b through a tire <NUM>. The first wheel 134a is compressed against the first surface 112a of the first guide beam 111a by a first compression mechanism 150a and the second wheel 134b is compressed against the second surface 112b of the first guide beam 111a by the first compression mechanism 150a. The first compression mechanism 150a compresses the first wheel 134a and the second wheel 134b together to clamp onto the web portion 113a of the first guide beam <NUM>11a. The first compression mechanism 150a may be a metallic or elastomeric spring mechanism, a pneumatic mechanism, a hydraulic mechanism, a turnbuckle mechanism, an electromechanical actuator mechanism, a spring system, a hydraulic cylinder, a motorized spring setup, or any other known force actuation method. The first compression mechanism 150a may be adjustable in real-time during operation of the elevator system <NUM> to control compression of the first wheel 134a and the second wheel 134b on the first guide beam 111a. The first wheel 134a and the second wheel 134b may each include a tire <NUM> to increase traction with the first guide beam 111a.

The first surface 112a and the second surface 112b extend vertically through the elevator shaft <NUM>, thus creating a track for the first wheel 134a and the second wheel 134b to ride on. The flange portions 114a may work as guardrails to help guide the wheels 134a, 134b along this track and thus help prevent the wheels 134a, 134b from running off track.

The first electric motor 132a is configured to rotate the first wheel 134a to climb up <NUM> or down <NUM> the first guide beam 111a. The first electric motor 132a may also include a first motor brake 137a to slow and stop rotation of the first electric motor 132a. The first motor brake 137a may be mechanically connected to the first electric motor 132a. The first motor brake 137a may be a clutch system, a disc brake system, a drum brake system, a brake on a rotor of the first electric motor 132a, an electronic braking, an Eddy current brakes, a Magnetorheological fluid brake or any other known braking system. The beam climber system <NUM> may also include a first guide rail brake 138a operably connected to the first guide rail 109a. The first guide rail brake 138a is configured to slow movement of the beam climber system <NUM> by clamping onto the first guide rail 109a. The first guide rail brake 138a may be a caliper brake acting on the first guide rail 109a on the beam climber system <NUM>, or caliper brakes acting on the first guide rail <NUM> proximate the elevator car <NUM>. The second guide beam 111b includes a web portion 113b and two flange portions 114b. The web portion 113b of the second guide beam 111b includes a first surface 112c and a second surface 112d opposite the first surface 112c. A third wheel 134c is in contact with the first surface 112c and a fourth wheel 134d is in contact with the second surface 112d. The third wheel 134c may be in contact with the first surface 112c through a tire <NUM> and the fourth wheel 134d may be in contact with the second surface 112d through a tire <NUM>. A third wheel 134c is compressed against the first surface 112c of the second guide beam 111b by a second compression mechanism 150b and a fourth wheel 134d is compressed against the second surface 112d of the second guide beam 111b by the second compression mechanism 150b. The second compression mechanism 150b compresses the third wheel 134c and the fourth wheel 134d together to clamp onto the web portion 113b of the second guide beam 111b. The second compression mechanism 150b may be a spring mechanism, turnbuckle mechanism, an actuator mechanism, a spring system, a hydraulic cylinder, and/or a motorized spring setup. The second compression mechanism 150b may be adjustable in real-time during operation of the elevator system <NUM> to control compression of the third wheel 134c and the fourth wheel 134d on the second guide beam 111b. The third wheel 134c and the fourth wheel 134d may each include a tire <NUM> to increase traction with the second guide beam 111b.

The first surface 112c and the second surface 112d extend vertically through the elevator shaft <NUM>, thus creating a track for the third wheel 134c and the fourth wheel 134d to ride on. The flange portions 114b may work as guardrails to help guide the wheels 134c, 134d along this track and thus help prevent the wheels 134c, 134d from running off track.

The second electric motor 132b is configured to rotate the third wheel 134c to climb up <NUM> or down <NUM> the second guide beam 111b. The second electric motor 132b may also include a second motor brake 137b to slow and stop rotation of the second motor 132b. The second motor brake 137b may be mechanically connected to the second motor 132b. The second motor brake 137b may be a clutch system, a disc brake system, drum brake system, a brake on a rotor of the second electric motor 132b, an electronic braking, an Eddy current brake, a Magnetorheological fluid brake, or any other known braking system. The beam climber system <NUM> includes a second guide rail brake 138b operably connected to the second guide rail 109b. The second guide rail brake 138b is configured to slow movement of the beam climber system <NUM> by clamping onto the second guide rail 109b. The second guide rail brake 138b may be a caliper brake acting on the first guide rail 109a on the beam climber system <NUM>, or caliper brakes acting on the first guide rail <NUM> proximate the elevator car <NUM>. The elevator system <NUM> may also include a position reference system <NUM>. The position reference system <NUM> may be mounted on a fixed part at the top of the elevator shaft <NUM>, such as on a support or guide rail <NUM>, and may be configured to provide position signals related to a position of the elevator car <NUM> within the elevator shaft <NUM>. In other embodiments, the position reference system <NUM> may be directly mounted to a moving component of the elevator system (e.g., the elevator car <NUM> or the beam climber system <NUM>), or may be located in other positions and/or configurations as known in the art. The position reference system <NUM> can be any device or mechanism for monitoring a position of an elevator car within the elevator shaft <NUM>, as known in the art. For example, without limitation, the position reference system <NUM> can be an encoder, sensor, accelerometer, altimeter, pressure sensor, range finder, or other system and can include velocity sensing, absolute position sensing, etc., as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

The controller <NUM> may be an electronic controller including a processor <NUM> and an associated memory <NUM> comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor <NUM>, cause the processor <NUM> to perform various operations. The processor <NUM> may be, but is not limited to, a single-processor or multiprocessor system of any of a wide array of possible architectures, including field programmable gate array (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP) or graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware arranged homogenously or heterogeneously. The memory <NUM> may be but is not limited to a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic or any other computer readable medium.

The controller <NUM> is configured to control the operation of the elevator car <NUM> and the beam climber system <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may provide drive signals to the beam climber system <NUM> to control the acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc. of the elevator car <NUM>.

When moving up <NUM> or down <NUM> within the elevator shaft <NUM> along the guide rails 109a, 109b, the elevator car <NUM> may stop at one or more landings <NUM> as controlled by the controller <NUM>. In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be located remotely or in the cloud. In another embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be located on the beam climber system <NUM>.

The power supply <NUM> for the elevator system <NUM> may be any power supply, including a power grid and/or battery power which, in combination with other components, is supplied to the beam climber system <NUM>. In one embodiment, power supply <NUM> may be located on the beam climber system <NUM>. In an embodiment, the power supply <NUM> is a battery that is included in the beam climber system <NUM>.

The elevator system <NUM> may also include an accelerometer <NUM> attached to the elevator car <NUM> or the beam climber system <NUM>. The accelerometer <NUM> is configured to detect an acceleration and/or a speed of the elevator car <NUM> and the beam climber system <NUM>.

The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method and apparatus for building new guide beam <NUM> and guide rail <NUM> section using the beam climber system <NUM> as the beam climber system <NUM> rides on previously installed guide beam <NUM> and guide rails <NUM> sections.

Referring now to <FIG>, with continued reference to <FIG>, a beam climber assembly pod <NUM> for guide rails 109a, 109b and guide beams 111a, 111b is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrate how the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> builds the guide rails 109a, 109b and guide beams 111a, 111b from a bottom 117a of the elevator shaft <NUM> to a top 117b of the elevator shaft <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> moving to <FIG>.

The beam climber assembly pod <NUM> is operably attached to the beam climber system <NUM>. The beam climber assembly pod <NUM> may be located on top of the beam climber system <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The beam climber assembly pod <NUM> may include a support beam <NUM> and a first lifting system 330a and a second lifting system 330b. The first lifting system 330a and the second lifting system 330b may be attached to the support beam <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first lifting system 330a and the second lifting system 330b may be a pulley system. The first lifting system 330a may comprise a first pulley 332a and a first pulley cable 334a. The second lifting system 330b may comprise a second pulley 332b and a second pulley cable 334b. In one embodiment, there may be a single first lifting system 330a. In one embodiment, there may be more than two lifting systems.

It is understood, that while a pulley system is utilized herein for exemplarily illustration, the embodiment disclosed herein may be applicable to other lifting systems, such as, for example a robotic arm, a hydraulic or pneumatic ram, a linear actuator, a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, a miniature belt driven system with CSB belts, or any other known method of lifting an object. In another embodiment, the first lifting system 330a and the second lifting system 330b may be robotic arms. In another embodiment, the first lifting system 330a and/or the second lifting system 330b comprises at least one of a robotic arm, a hydraulic or pneumatic ram, a linear actuator, a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, or a miniature belt driven system with CSB belts.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a first section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a may prebuilt in the elevator shaft <NUM> for the beam climber system <NUM> and the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> to ride on as the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> constructs the remaining sections 111a-<NUM>, 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a. The remaining sections 111a-<NUM>, 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a may include a second section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a and a third section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a. It is understood that while only two remaining sections 111a-<NUM>, 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a are being built by the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> as further described herein, the embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to a beam climber assembly pod <NUM> building any number of sections for the first guide beam 111a.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a first section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b may prebuilt in the elevator shaft <NUM> for the beam climber system <NUM> and the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> to ride on as the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> constructs the remaining sections 111b-<NUM>, 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b. The remaining sections 111b-<NUM>, 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b may include a second section <NUM>1b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b and a third section <NUM>1b-<NUM> of the second guide beam <NUM>1b. It is understood that while only two remaining sections 111b-<NUM>, 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b are being built by the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> as further described herein, the embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to a beam climber assembly pod <NUM> building any number of sections for the second guide beam 111b.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a first section of the first guide rail 109a may prebuilt in the elevator shaft <NUM> to guide the beam climber system <NUM> and the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> as the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> constructs the remaining sections of the first guide rail 109a. The remaining sections of the first guide rail 109a may include a second section of the first guide rail 109a and a third section of the first guide rail 109a. It is understood that while only two remaining sections of the first guide rail 109a are being built by the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> as further described herein, the embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to a beam climber assembly pod <NUM> building any number of sections for the first guide rail 109a.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a first section of the second guide rail 109b may prebuilt in the elevator shaft <NUM> to guide the beam climber system <NUM> and the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> as the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> constructs the remaining sections of the second guide rail 109b. The remaining sections of the second guide rail 109b may include a second section of the second guide rail 109b and a third section of the second guide rail 109b. It is understood that while only two remaining sections of the second guide rail 109b are being built by the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> as further described herein, the embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to a beam climber assembly pod <NUM> any number of sections for the second guide rail 109b.

The beam climber assembly pod <NUM> may also include wheels <NUM> to ride on the first guide beam 111a and the second guide beam 111b. The beam climber assembly pod <NUM> may include two wheels <NUM> or four wheels <NUM>, in a configuration similar to the beam climber systems <NUM>, such as, for example, two wheels <NUM> compressing the first guide beam 111a and two wheels <NUM> compressing the second beam guide beam 111b. The beam climber assembly pod <NUM> may include additional electric motors <NUM>, similar to the beam climber systems <NUM>, to rotate the wheels <NUM> of the beam climber assembly pod <NUM>, thus increasing the torque and climbing power, resulting in larger lifting capacity.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first lifting system 330a is configured to releasably attach to (i.e., grab) the second section <NUM>1a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a and the second section of the first guide rail 109a proximate the bottom 117a of the elevator shaft <NUM> or any other starting location. The first pulley cable 334a may include a claw mechanism (not shown for simplicity) or similar mechanism to grab on to the second section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a and the second section of the first guide rail 109a. The beam climber system <NUM> is then configured to move the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> up to a location where the second section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a and the second section of the first guide rail 109a are to be installed, as illustrated in <FIG>. Then a worker standing on a work stand <NUM> of beam climber assembly pod <NUM> will attach the second section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a to the first section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a and the second section of the first guide rail 109a to the first section of the first guide rail 109a. The work stand <NUM> may include a safety rail <NUM> to keep the worker safely on the work stand <NUM>. Alternatively, a robotic system can attach the second section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a to the first section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a and the second section of the first guide rail 109a to the first section of the first guide rail 109a. <FIG> illustrates, the second section <NUM>1a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a attached to the first section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a and the second section of the first guide rail 109a attached to the first section of the first guide rail 109a.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second lifting system 330b is configured to releasably attach to (i.e., grab) the second section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b and the second section of the second guide rail 109b proximate the bottom 117a of the elevator shaft <NUM> or any other starting location. The second pulley cable 334b may include a claw mechanism (not shown for simplicity) or similar mechanism to grab on to the second section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b and the second section of the second guide rail 109b. The beam climber system <NUM> is then configured to move the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> up to a location where the second section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b and the second section of the second guide rail 109b are to be installed, as illustrated in <FIG>. Then a worker standing on a work stand <NUM> of beam climber assembly pod <NUM> will attach the second section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b to the first section <NUM><NUM>1b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b and the second section of the second guide rail 109b to the first section of the second guide rail 109b. Alternatively, a robotic system can attach the second section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam <NUM>1b to the first section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b and the second section of the second guide rail 109b to the first section of the second guide rail 109b. <FIG> illustrates, the second section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b attached to the first section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b and the second section of the second guide rail 109b attached to the first section of the second guide rail 109b.

As shown in <FIG>, the beam climber system <NUM> may be configured to move back down to the bottom 117a of the elevator shaft <NUM> once the second section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a is attached to the first section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a, the second section of the first guide rail 109a is attached to the first section of the first guide rail 109a, the second section <NUM>1b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b is attached to the first section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b, and the second section of the second guide rail 109b is attached to the first section of the second guide rail 109b.

As shown in <FIG>, the first lifting system 330a is configured to releasably attach to (i.e., grab) the third section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a and the third section of the first guide rail 109a proximate the bottom 117a of the elevator shaft <NUM> or any other starting location. The first pulley cable 334a may include a claw mechanism (not shown for simplicity) or similar mechanism to grab on to the third section <NUM>1a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a and the third section of the first guide rail 109a. The beam climber system <NUM> is then configured to move the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> up to a location where the third section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a and the third section of the first guide rail 109a are to be installed, as illustrated in <FIG>. Then a worker standing on the work stand <NUM> of beam climber assembly pod <NUM> will attach the third section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a to the second section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a and the third section of the first guide rail 109a to the second section of the first guide rail 109a. Alternatively, a robotic system can attach the third section <NUM>1a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a to the second section <NUM>1a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a and the third section of the first guide rail 109a to the second section of the first guide rail 109a. <FIG> illustrates, the third section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a attached to the second section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a and the third section of the first guide rail 109a attached to the second section of the first guide rail 109a.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second lifting system 330b is configured to releasably attach to (i.e., grab) the third section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b and the third section of the second guide rail 109b proximate the bottom 117a of the elevator shaft <NUM> or any other starting location. The second pulley cable 334b may include a claw mechanism (not shown for simplicity) or similar mechanism to grab on to the third section <NUM>1b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b and the third section of the second guide rail 109b. The beam climber system <NUM> is then configured to move the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> up to a location where the third section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b and the third section of the second guide rail 109b are to be installed, as illustrated in <FIG>. Then a worker standing on a work stand <NUM> of beam climber assembly pod <NUM> will attach the third section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam <NUM>1b to the second section <NUM>1b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b and the third section of the second guide rail 109b to the second section of the second guide rail 109b. Alternatively, a robotic system can attach the third section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b to the second section <NUM>1b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b and the third section of the second guide rail 109b to the second section of the second guide rail 109b. <FIG> illustrates, the third section <NUM>1b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b attached to the second section <NUM>1b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b and the third section of the second guide rail 109b attached to the second section of the second guide rail 109b.

Referring now to <FIG>, with continued reference to the previous FIGS. , a flow chart of method <NUM> of building an elevator systems <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

At block <NUM>, a second section 111a-<NUM> of a first guide beam 111a is removably attached to a first lifting system 330a of a beam climber assembly pod <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, a first electric motor 132a of a beam climber system <NUM> rotates a first wheel 134a. The first wheel 134a being in contact with a first surface 112a of the first guide beam 111a that extends vertically through an elevator shaft <NUM>. The first guide beam comprising a first section of the first guide beam.

At block <NUM>, the beam climber system <NUM> moves the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> through the elevator shaft <NUM> when the first wheel 134a of the beam climber system <NUM> rotates along the first surface 112a of the first section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a. The beam climber system <NUM> moves the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> to a location in the elevator shaft <NUM> where the second section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a may be attached to the first section 111a-<NUM> of the first guide beam 111a.

The method <NUM> may further include removably attaching a second section 111b-<NUM> of a second guide beam 111b to a second lifting system 330b of the beam climber assembly pod <NUM>. The beam climber system <NUM> moves the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> to a location in the elevator shaft <NUM> where the second section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b may be attached to a first section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b.

The method <NUM> may also include removably attaching a second section of a second guide beam to a second lifting system of the beam climber assembly pod <NUM>. The beam climber system <NUM> further comprises a second wheel 134b in contact with the second surface1 12b of the first guide beam 111a. The method <NUM> may also include rotating, using a second electric motor of a beam climber system <NUM>, a third wheel. The third wheel 134c being in contact with a first surface 112c of a second guide beam 111b that extends vertically through an elevator shaft <NUM>. The second guide beam 111b comprising a first section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b. The beam climber system <NUM> moves the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> to a location in the elevator shaft <NUM> where the second section <NUM><NUM>1b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b may be attached to a first section 111b-<NUM> of the second guide beam 111b.

The elevator system <NUM> may further include a first guide rail 109a extending vertically through the elevator shaft <NUM>. The first guide rail 109a comprising a first section of the first guide rail 109a. The method <NUM> may also include removably attaching a second section of the first guide rail 109a to the first lifting system 330a of the beam climber assembly pod <NUM>. The beam climber system <NUM> moves the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> to a location in the elevator shaft <NUM> where the second section of the first guide rail 109a may be attached to a first section of the first guide rail 109a.

The elevator system <NUM> may further include a second guide rail 109b extending vertically through the elevator shaft <NUM>. The second guide rail 109b comprising a first section of the second guide rail 109b. The method <NUM> may further include removably attaching a second section of the second guide rail 109b to a second lifting system 330b of the beam climber assembly pod <NUM>. The beam climber system <NUM> moves the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> to a location in the elevator shaft <NUM> where the second section of the second guide rail 109b may be attached to a first section of the second guide rail 109b.

The method <NUM> may include additionally or alternatively the following process. First the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> is parked and locked at a bottom of the elevator shaft <NUM> where it loads and secures loose guide beam <NUM> and guide rails <NUM> for vertical transport. Next the beam climber assembly pod <NUM> moves up to the top section of previously installed guide beam <NUM> and guide rails <NUM>, secures itself, and verifies "safe to lift" condition. Next, the loose guide beam <NUM> and guide rails <NUM> are hoisted vertically upward to connect to previously installed guide beam <NUM> and guide rails <NUM> and mechanics secure the connection at both the bottom and top of the newly assembled guide beam <NUM> and guide rails <NUM>. The beam climber assembly pod <NUM> then disconnects from the newly assembled guide beam <NUM> and guide rails <NUM> and confirms it is safe to move. Next beam climber assembly pod <NUM> moves back down to the bottom of the elevator shaft <NUM> to pick up another set of beams to be installed. This process is repeated until the full rise of the elevator hoistway <NUM> is completed with installed guide beams <NUM> and guide rails <NUM>.

As described above, embodiments can be in the form of processor-implemented processes and devices for practicing those processes, such as processor. Embodiments can also be in the form of computer program code (e.g., computer program product) containing instructions embodied in tangible media (e.g., non-transitory computer readable medium), such as floppy diskettes, CD ROMs, hard drives, or any other non-transitory computer readable medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes a device for practicing the embodiments. Embodiments can also be in the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an device for practicing the exemplary embodiments.

Claim 1:
An elevator system (<NUM>) comprising:
an elevator car (<NUM>) configured to move through an elevator shaft (<NUM>);
a first guide beam (111a) extending vertically through the elevator shaft (<NUM>), the first guide beam (111a) comprising a first surface (112a) of the first guide beam (111a) and a second surface (112b) of the first guide beam (111a) opposite the first surface (112a) of the first guide beam (111a), wherein the first guide beam (111a) comprises a first section (111a-<NUM>) of the first guide beam (111a);
a second guide beam (111b) extending vertically through the elevator shaft (<NUM>), the second guide beam (<NUM><NUM>1b) comprising a first surface (112c) of the second guide beam (111b) and a second surface (112d) of the second guide beam (111b) opposite the first surface (112c) of the second guide beam (111b), wherein the second guide beam (<NUM>1b) comprises a first section (111b-<NUM>) of the second guide beam (<NUM>1b);
a beam climber system (<NUM>) configured to move the elevator car (<NUM>) through the elevator shaft (<NUM>), the beam climber system (<NUM>) comprising:
a first wheel (134a) in contact with the first surface (112a) of the first guide beam (111a); and
a first electric motor (132a) configured to rotate the first wheel (134a); and
a beam climber assembly pod (<NUM>) operably attached to the beam climber system (<NUM>), wherein the beam climber system (<NUM>) is configured to move the beam climber assembly pod (<NUM>) to a location in the elevator shaft (<NUM>) where the second section (111a-<NUM>) of the first guide beam (111a) may be attached to the first section (<NUM>1a-<NUM>) of the first guide beam (111a);
characterised in that:
the beam climber system (<NUM>) comprises a second wheel (134b) in contact with the second surface (112b) of the first guide beam (111a), and a third wheel (134c) in contact with the first surface (112c) of the second guide beam (111b);
the beam climber assembly pod (<NUM>) further comprises a first lifting system (330a) configured to releasably attach to a second section (<NUM>1a-<NUM>) of the first guide beam (111a); and
the beam climber assembly pod (<NUM>) further comprises a second lifting system (330b) configured to releasably attach to a second section (111b-<NUM>) of the second guide beam (111b).