Lejon, Xavier; Sirigu, Gerard; Durand, Christophe;

Non-contact elevator call button

An elevator call button transmits infrared radiation into the space adjacent an elevator, and a call request is recognized by infrared radiation reflected from a potential passenger to an infrared receiver. Thus not only is contact with the button not required, the use of a finger or like-sized object is not required in order to place a call.

• 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetyl thiolcarbamate hydrazines Method of fabricating mixed-mode device
• Joint protector pad Portable liquid dispenser
• Educational doll Self-sealing telecommunications enclosure
• Electronic whiteboard system and method Fuel burner for a boiler
• Low thermal inertia heater Swivel joint for electrical conduit
• Connector hood constructions Low noise heatsink
• Damped elastic stop device Modeling compound
• Double door astragal Golf putter shaft attachment
• Rope protection device Charge transfer filter
• Overheat protection for fluid pump Windlace carrier
• Moving coil type instrument Carbohydrate derivatives
• Dietary food enhancement agent Signal strength detecting circuit
• Electrophotographic process for multiple images Reusable wall fastener
• Hinge for spectacles Dynamic phase coupling
• New polyglycidyl ethers Composition for gastrointestinal ulcers
• Laminate with plastic film Superconductive AC current limiter
• Process Apparatus for wrapping round bales
• Truss enhanced bridge girder Blade sealing for impeller pumps
• Four cycle outboard motor Waste water treatment
• Lateral exhaust microthruster Turbine water atomizer
• Image projector Flexible mold with hinged slits

We claim:

1. An elevator call button apparatus for an elevator having a hatchway opening into an elevator corridor, said elevator serving a plurality of floors of a building, comprising:

a plurality of elevator call buttons, there being an up-direction call button on each floor served by said elevator except the highest such floor, and a down call button on each floor served by said elevator except the lowest such floor;

each of said buttons comprising:

an electromagnetic transmitter disposed in a surface adjacent the elevator corridor for transmitting electromagnetic radiation into the space of the elevator corridor;

an electromagnetic receiver disposed in said surface in the vicinity of said transmitter, thereby to receive electromagnetic radiation of said transmitter reflected by a passenger placed in proximity with said elevator call button; and

circuitry responsive to said electromagnetic receiver for providing an elevator call request signal, in a direction corresponding to said button, in response to said receiver receiving electromagnetic radiation reflected from a passenger.

2. A call button according to claim 1, wherein:

said electromagnetic radiation is infrared.

3. A call button according to claim 1 wherein:

said electromagnetic transmitter comprises an LED.

4. A call button according to claim 3 wherein:

said electromagnetic transmitter comprises an LED emanating radiation through a lens into said space.

5. A call button according to claim 1 wherein:

said electromagnetic receiver comprises a photodiode.

6. A call button according to claim 5 wherein:

said electromagnetic receiver comprises a photodiode receiving radiation from said space through a lens.