A structure having limited supportable portions has been difficult to isolate from vibration in the direction in which a load is applied. A base isolation apparatus includes a Z-axis base isolation unit, an X-axis base isolation unit, and a Y-axis base isolation unit. The base isolation unit includes a vibration-source connector, an isolated-object connector, a lock device disposed between the isolated-object connector and the vibration-source connector for switching between a state of fixing the isolated-object connector and a state of making it movable, a distance recovery device for generating a force to cause an amount of change in distance to approach zero, depending on the amount of change, and a vibration damper for generating a force in an orientation of hindering the change, depending on the rate of change in distance.

A structure having limited supportable portions has been difficult to isolate from vibration in the direction in which a load is applied. A base isolation apparatus includes a Z-axis base isolation unit, an X-axis base isolation unit, and a Y-axis base isolation unit. The base isolation unit includes a vibration-source connector, an isolated-object connector, a lock device disposed between the isolated-object connector and the vibration-source connector for switching between a state of fixing the isolated-object connector and a state of making it movable, a distance recovery device for generating a force to cause an amount of change in distance to approach zero, depending on the amount of change, and a vibration damper for generating a force in an orientation of hindering the change, depending on the rate of change in distance.

An incline elevator system includes a pair of laterally spaced rails and a carriage configured with restraining members extending laterally beneath a bottom surface of the rail in a vertically spaced relationship therewith. A rail kit, together with methods of assembling the elevator system, is also provided. A modular deck system includes a plurality of box treads arranged in an array and a plurality of stanchions supporting the array. Methods of assembling the array of box treads are also provided.

An incline elevator system includes a pair of laterally spaced rails and a carriage configured with restraining members extending laterally beneath a bottom surface of the rail in a vertically spaced relationship therewith. A rail kit, together with methods of assembling the elevator system, is also provided. A modular deck system includes a plurality of box treads arranged in an array and a plurality of stanchions supporting the array. Methods of assembling the array of box treads are also provided.

A skip hoist of a blast furnace includes a winch system. In order to provide an improved drive system for a skip hoist of a blast furnace, the winch system includes a winch drum, rotatably mounted about a drum axis; at least three drive motors; and a transmission for transferring a drive force from each of the drive motors to the winch drum.

The skip hoist further relates to a blast furnace.

A skip hoist of a blast furnace includes a winch system. In order to provide an improved drive system for a skip hoist of a blast furnace, the winch system includes a winch drum, rotatably mounted about a drum axis; at least three drive motors; and a transmission for transferring a drive force from each of the drive motors to the winch drum.

The skip hoist further relates to a blast furnace.

An elevator system includes guide rails located in an elevator hoistway and a running device adapted to reciprocate along the guide rails, and the guide rails are tensioned guide ropes.

An incline elevator system includes a pair of laterally spaced rails and a carriage configured with restraining members extending laterally beneath a bottom surface of the rail in a vertically spaced relationship therewith. A rail kit, together with methods of assembling the elevator system, is also provided. A modular deck system includes a plurality of box treads arranged in an array and a plurality of stanchions supporting the array. Methods of assembling the array of box treads are also provided.

An incline elevator system includes a pair of laterally spaced rails and a carriage configured with restraining members extending laterally beneath a bottom surface of the rail in a vertically spaced relationship therewith. A rail kit, together with methods of assembling the elevator system, is also provided. A modular deck system includes a plurality of box treads arranged in an array and a plurality of stanchions supporting the array. Methods of assembling the array of box treads are also provided.

This invention is directed to a self-propelled elevator system having multiple motors or one motor, and methods for synchronizing said multiple motors. This invention is also directed to an elevator brake system to be used in said self-propelled elevator system or other types of elevators to increase their level of safety.