Certain embodiments described herein are directed to button covers that can reversibly couple to a button. In some examples, the button cover comprises a bioactive material that can kill or inactivate bioorganisms. The bioactive material can be a photocatalyst and/or may comprise one or more transition metals. The button may be present in an elevator, on an ATM machine, on a touchpad or on other devices. Methods of using the buttons covers and buttons to reduce or prevent infections are also described.

An elevator-calling device and elevator system. The elevator-calling device includes a processor to receive an input instruction and send a signal to a main controller of an elevator system; a display device connected to the processor; a rotatable button, wherein the rotatable button is connected to the processor, and the rotatable button is pressable and rotatable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein the rotatable button has an initial zero scale; and an assistant sound generating unit connected to the processor; wherein the processor is configured to have an assistant elevator-calling mode, in which a preset target floor is increased when the rotatable button rotates in the first direction, the preset target floor is decreased when the rotatable button rotates in the second direction, and the preset target floor is confirmed when the rotatable button is pressed at a non-zero scale.

An elevator has a safety control unit that distinguishes between a first input signal and a second input signal at an input for selecting an operating mode. The elevator has a main switch device with a switch, the main switch device being accessible from outside a shaft of the elevator. The main switch device and the safety control unit are connected, wherein the switch is switchable from a first state into a second state. The safety control unit operates in a first operating mode when the switch is in the first state, in a second operating mode when the switch is in the second state and the safety control unit detects the first input signal at the input, and in a third operating mode when the switch is switched to the second state and the safety control unit detects the second input signal at the input.

An elevator control button assembly (7), in particular an elevator hall call button (7a), to be employed in an elevator system (2) comprises a stationary reference element (22); an activation element (26), which is movable with respect to the reference element (22); and at least two rods (24a-24d). The at least two rods (24a-24d) are arranged non-parallel to each other between the reference element (22) and the activation element (26). Each of the rods (24a-24d) contacts the reference element (22) and the activation element (26), respectively. The at least two rods (24a-24d) are configured for moving when the activation element (26) is moved with respect to the reference element (22).

A call input device of an elevator includes a keyboard for inputting the number of a floor and a keyboard control for the keyboard. The keyboard control is configured to open an input channel from the keyboard for the input of a further digit of a floor number to enter a more than one-digit floor number. The call input device includes a proximity sensor having a sensing area in front of the keyboard. The keyboard control is configured to open/close the input channel from the keyboard for the input of a further digit in response to the signal of the proximity sensor.

An energy-autonomous elevator system control element includes a piezoelectric layer and processing unit for detecting a control operation, a transmitting unit for wirelessly transmitting at least one signal to a remote elevator system controller, the at least one signal being generated automatically by the elevator system control element on the basis of the control operation, and an energy recovery unit for supplying electrical energy for the elevator system control element. The energy-autonomous elevator system control element can be used as a car operating panel or a landing operating panel in an elevator system.

An elevator call box with internal, concealable latching mechanism comprises an internally disposed, cylindrical magnetic pin with a relatively low pull force that is slidably displaceable by an larger, external magnetic force supplied by a service technician. When the access door is closed, magnetic pin penetrates an orifice in a locking tab to lock the call box. The pin magnet is normally attracted to an adjacent, magnetically attractive clip snap-fitted to a latching block. The latch is externally disengaged via a stronger portable magnet carried by service personnel. The larger magnetic pull force of the portable magnet slidably displaces the smaller magnetic latch pin, freeing the locking tab to permit pivotal opening of the access door. Once the stronger magnet is moved away, the smaller magnetic pin, which is attracted magnetically to the clip, will return to it's rest position penetrating the locking tab and locking the control.

An input device for generating a control signal includes a control panel, which is formed by a plate-shaped element and has a front side and a rear side, an input zone on the front side, wherein the position of the input zone is marked by a marking on the front side and wherein the control panel is arranged to be deflectable at least in the region of the input zone and a sensor, which is mounted on a region of the rear side opposite the input zone, that detects deflection of the control panel occurring in the region of the input zone, wherein the sensor generates or varies an electrical signal when a user of the input device by exertion of a pressure force on the input zone produces a sufficient deflection of the control panel in the region of the input zone.

An elevator pushbutton device has a guide housing and an actuating element disposed within the guide housing. The guide housing is provided with fastening wings, the guide housing and the actuating element are made of metal material, and the guide housing is a monolithic one-piece metal injection molded component.

An elevator-calling device and elevator system. The elevator-calling device includes a processor to receive an input instruction and send a signal to a main controller of an elevator system; a display device connected to the processor; a rotatable button, wherein the rotatable button is connected to the processor, and the rotatable button is pressable and rotatable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein the rotatable button has an initial zero scale; and an assistant sound generating unit connected to the processor; wherein the processor is configured to have an assistant elevator-calling mode, in which a preset target floor is increased when the rotatable button rotates in the first direction, the preset target floor is decreased when the rotatable button rotates in the second direction, and the preset target floor is confirmed when the rotatable button is pressed at a non-zero scale.