blog

TL Jones, E-Motive and Memco to show new products at WEE Expo 2012

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:14:17 -0500

Elevator passenger protection, control and information specialist TL Jones Asia Pacific, along with sister companies E-Motive Display and Memco, will be exhibiting new products at the World Elevator and Escalator Expo 2012.

TL Jones will be showing the new Red Spider range of infrared door detectors which uses technology found in the established Microscan range, is locally manufactured and suitable for mass volume production.

Elsewhere on the stand, E-Motive will be demonstrating Panorama, an ultra-wide LCD LED-backlit media display for in-elevator or landing area applications.

Finally, Memco will be displaying the E-Series range of infrared door detectors. Robust and easy to install, the versatile range satisfies most installation requirements.

Aside from these new products, visitors to the booth can examine TL Jones’s COMMANDER™ touch-enabled car operating panels and the Microscan® range of infrared elevator door detectors; E-Motive’s Evolution LCD elevator and building displays; and Memco’s Panachrome infrared elevator door detectors and the Memcom emergency telephone system.

The event takes place at the China Import & Export Fair Exhibition Hall in Guangzhou, China, from 16 to 19 May. The TL Jones, E-Motive and Memco team will be on hand in booth 1701 to demonstrate and discuss the entire range of products available.

TL Jones India opens new factory and office in Thane

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:00:00 -0500

In response to increasing demand within the Indian elevator industry, protection and information system specialist TL Jones has opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Thane, Maharashtra. The factory has a production capacity of 70,000 light curtains a year and is located in TL Jones India’s head office, along with a service centre and engineering department.

Nigel Trodd, Halma Divisional Chief Executive of Elevators, Fire and Security, takes part in the lamp lighting ceremony, watched by Dinesh Musalekar, TL Jones India’s general manager (far right)

The factory was officially inaugurated on 15 February in a grand opening ceremony, attended by elevator industry veterans and customers: Mr Uday Kulkarni (MD, Schindler India); Mr Partha Gurumoorthy (director - R&D, KONE); Mr Abhijit Dandekar (DGM - Quality, Otis India Ltd); Mr V. Jagannathan (executive director, Johnson Lifts); Mr Amit Maitra (owner, Lerch Bates India Pvt Ltd); and Mr T. Bruce Mackinnon (vice president, Elevator World Inc). A lamp lighting ceremony, considered an auspicious tradition in India when starting any new venture, was followed by Mr Dev Das Goswami, from the Bureau of Indian Standards, cutting a ribbon to commemorate the factory’s opening.

Reflecting on the achievement of this milestone, Dinesh Musalekar, TL Jones India’s general manager, said: "We are very pleased to get our manufacturing set-up closer to our customers to produce global products locally, in order to achieve more flexibility and efficiencies in TL Jones India’s operations. We have already started the production of infrared light curtains and will soon add other product lines to our manufacturing schedule."

"This is the next step in our commitment to the Indian market," said Nigel Trodd, Halma Divisional Chief Executive of Elevators, Fire and Security, "and is prompted by robust growth in construction and infrastructure development. Our local capability, led by Dinesh and his team, will contribute strongly to the long-term expansion of the elevator industry in the exciting Indian market."

The new factory and offices can be contacted at:
TL Jones India Pvt Ltd
Plot No. A-147, Road No 24
Wagle Industrial Estate, Thane West
Thane 400 604
India
Tel: +91 22 2581 8000 (30 lines), Fax: +91 22 2581 8080
E-mail: info@tljones.com
Web: www.tljones.com

TL Jones to show new products at IEE Expo, Mumbai, February 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0600

TL Jones India will be showing the complete range of elevator passenger control, protection and information systems at the at the IEE Expo, 16-18 February 2012 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.

Products on show include the new LCD displays from E-Motive Display - the Panorama ultra-wide LCD display - plus the COMMANDER™ car operating panels and digital lobby directories which use high quality graphics and interactivity combined with the latest touch screen technology offering an enhanced journey experience for elevator passengers.

The LCD products are fully programmable and customisable with infinite branding and colour possibilities.

Other products on the TL Jones stand (Stand D3, Hall 1) will be EVOLUTION™ LCD displays, MICROSCAN® and Panachrome light curtains, and a full complement of accessory products.

COMMANDER T2 Winner of 2011 Good Design Award

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:00:00 -0600

TL Jones is delighted to announce that its COMMANDER™ T2 touch car operating panel has been recognised as a winner by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies in their annual Good Design Award, known as the World's most prestigious global awards for new product design and graphics.

The COMMANDER™ T2 is a touch-enabled car operating panel, replacing traditional mechanical buttons and offering elevator passengers a whole new interactive experience. A full colour, touch LCD screen, the T2 is a totally software-customisable and vandal proof product and is a versatile solution for every building owner wishing to update or add sophistication to their facility.

From several thousand entries, the T2 has been selected as a distinctive example in a programme that honours worldwide design innovation, vision, sustainability and competitive design edge in products that enrich human lives.

“GOOD DESIGN is referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of industrial design”, states Christian K. Narkiewicz-Laine, Museum President, The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and chief curator of the GOOD DESIGN program.

Entries for design and innovation, sustainability, creativity, branding, ecologically responsible design, human factors, materials, technology, graphic arts, packaging, and universal design are submitted annually by various industrial design and graphic design firms working for the Fortune 500 companies. All products and graphics must be designed, in production or manufactured for at least two years before the contest title year. One of the main factors for the awards selection is based on whether or not a product can enrich society and people's lives through its design.

“The GOOD DESIGN Awards,” states Good Design jury member, Giorgio Borruso, "is an amazing opportunity to understand the state of global design today. These innumerable projects come from many different geographical areas, brands, manufacturers and design offices. Through them, you can see how design is shaping our world, now as well as in the near future,” he adds.

“This year’s program,” Mr. Borruso continued, “is a snapshot of what design has achieved in 2011, clearly demonstrated how products are noticeably getting closer to the user, triggering powerful emotional responses from the public; how interfaces have become generally friendlier and more intuitive; and, in certain cases–like interactive objects, for example–how software and hardware are fusing together almost seamlessly.”

Of learning of the award recognition, TL Jones Ltd General Manager, Chris Woodman said “We are thrilled to be included in this year’s Good Design Awards winners, indicating the COMMANDER™ T2 is exemplary of a product leading the way in usability and aesthetics.”

Product Information

TL Jones launches Commander Studio

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:00:00 -0600

TL Jones now offers its customers an online simulation tool for viewing their COMMANDER™ T2 touch car operating panel screen designs. Fully interactive, customers have the chance to work with their theme ‘live’ and approve it before it is loaded onto their T2 units.

“The best thing about it” says Chris Woodman, General Manager of TL Jones Ltd, “is the customer can see their designs before they receive their operating panels. From anywhere in the world, they can see and hear their T2 working as if in an actual elevator and, if necessary, send a quick email outlining any changes, which can be made and updated for the customer to approve.” There is also a library of that customer’s previous designs on-line that can be referenced easily.

First viewed publically at Interlift 11 in Augsburg, Germany in October, COMMANDER™ STUDIO received very positive feedback from industry professionals. “It’s the only one of its kind in this industry” adds Mr Woodman.

COMMANDER™ Studio makes it easy for building owners to view and interact with their elevator touch screen designs.

COMMANDER™ products can be purchased from TL Jones Asia Pacific, Monitor Controls in North America, Dupar in Canada, and Memco plc in the UK and Europe.

Line Monitoring Alert Panel meets elevator codes

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0500

Delivers audio-visual cues signalling elevator phone line failure

In conjunction with sister company Janus Elevator Products, elevator safety specialist TL Jones now offers a panel providing audio-visual signals to the building lobby in the event of emergency phone line failure. The Line Monitoring Alert (LMA) Panel meets ASME/B44 2009 and US 2010 code requirements for elevator phone line status notification.

When used with TL Jones phones featuring the phone line monitoring option, the LMA unit completes the warning system. To manage multiple phone lines, the LMA can be used in conjunction with TL Jones’s Line Monitoring Expansion (LMX) unit. Mounted in the machine room, adding the LMX allows up to ten elevator phones to be connected to the LMA panel.

The LMA panel can operate as a stand-alone unit or be incorporated into a lobby panel. One pair of wires from either the elevator phone or LMX and suitable AC voltage are required for installation. Onboard volume control adjusts the audible signal, with a reset function to silence it using a standard J200 key. The unit resets automatically when the phone line is restored, and a test feature enables manual system checks.

TL Jones Commander T2 First Touch Screen Approved for New York City

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:00:00 -0500

Commander T2 meets standards for elevator car panels

The Commander T2 touch-screen car operating panel from TL Jones has been granted approval by the New York City Department of Buildings Elevator Division. The T2 is now the first touch screen approved in the United States for use as the main elevator car operating panel.

After reviewing the T2, the NYC Department of Buildings determined the vandal-resistant panel to be in compliance with ASME A.17.1, ICC/NCANSI A117.1-1998, and New York City Building Code. The easy to install panel increases elevator efficiency for transit time, enhances passenger experience and lowers the effect of wear and tear.

The Commander T2 car operating panel replaces traditional mechanical push buttons, going beyond simple functionality. The touch panel allows users to choose floor direction with a customisable interface that can be matched to building décor and programmed to deliver supplemental information. High resolution graphics pair tenant logos with floor buttons, provide multi-media building information and entertainment, or deliver advertising messages.

TL Jones supplies elevator light curtains and displays to Delhi Metro

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:00:00 -0600

TL Jones, the leading manufacturer of elevator passenger safety equipment, has supplied 185 elevator light curtains and 555 dot-matrix displays to the Delhi Metro (DMRC) in India. The passenger safety and information products are fitted to elevators supplied by Kone and Johnson Lifts. Each elevator features Pana40 3D light curtains and three PD3001 LED displays.

The Delhi Metro system, with an insert showing the colours of Memco’s Pana 40 3D elevator door safety system

Dinesh Musalekar, general manager at TL Jones India, commented: "We are extremely happy to have supplied our world-class product range to the country’s largest infrastructure project, the Delhi Metro. These products have been supplied continuously over the last three years, in conjunction with the elevator OEMs that have contributed to the project."

The Pana40 3D incorporates two independent detection systems. The first is a light curtain of infrared beams criss-crossing the elevator car’s doors; the second a 3D proximity detection system in the landing zone. Any object interrupting the direct beams or reflections within the 3D detection zone will trigger the system and re-open the elevator doors.

Specific benefits of the Pana40 3D include increased passenger safety and improved traffic flow, as well as reduced collisions between trolleys, wheelchairs or pushchairs and the elevator doors. Typical applications include busy public buildings such as hospitals, shopping centres, hotels, offices, passenger terminals and public transport systems.

The detectors are manufactured in various profiles to suit a variety of elevator doors, including both centre- and side-opening doors.

The Delhi Metro is a rapid transit system built and operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited, serving Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida in the National Capital Region of India. The network consists of six lines with a total length of 156 kilometres (97 miles) and 132 stations. It uses a combination of elevated, ground-level and underground lines.

TL Jones Christchurch Office Sustains 6.3 magnitude earthquake with no damage

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:21:45 -0600

TL Jones' office in Christchurch, New Zealand sustained only minimal damage in yesterday's 6.3 magnitude earthquake. All our employees have been accounted for, but there are varying reports of damage to personal homes and property. We expect the office to be open and functional by tomorrow, Thursday 24 February, possibly with a skeleton staff. We thank you for your good wishes, and we appreciate your patience as we get back up and running.

Touch Technology for Elevator COPs

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Article by Dinesh Musalekar on TL Jones' COMMANDER™ touch car operating panels appearing, in Elevator World India, 1st Quarter 2011.

(downloadable copy)

History of COPs

The car operating device has come a long way since its inception as a handle in passenger elevators that required a liftman to drive and apply the brakes (with fairly accurate judgment on the brake slip), stopping almost on the floor level with minimal jerk. These handle devices used to operate the cars are considered antiques today.

With the development of elevator controllers, car operating panels (COPs) were introduced with simple mechanical push buttons that did not have call registration lights. Most of these controllers did not have memory and attended to only one call at a time. The introduction of electronics into elevator controllers and “memory” led to more sophisticated elevator dispatch and traffic management systems. All peripheral signaling devices interacting with controllers underwent changes, and COPs were not an exception.

We saw the era of bulky mechanical push buttons with incandescent bulb call registration progress to more elegant mechanical push buttons in different shapes and sizes with LED call registrations and then to micromotion buttons. Now, it’s time for COP touch technology to transform to Touch Operating Panels (TOPs).

Why TOPs?

This is one of the fundamental questions that comes to mind when we want to adapt a new technology over the proven existing technology that’s serving its purpose. Following, is a list of some advantages that TOPs bring original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users.

OEMs

Traditional COPs are one of the long lead time items, as they are contract specific, built based on project details such as number of floors, floor legends, etc. The TOP has a standard size irrespective of the number of floors, literally taking away the contract specific lead time factor.
TOPs are highly reliable and maintenance free due to elimination of all mechanical and micromechanical movements from conventional COPs. They are also a solid state electronic device.
Elimination of costly capital equipment used in manufacture of the buttons and COPs

End Users

Several design options available for every category of project
High-quality graphics and interactivity available with numerous branding options
Reconfigurable in service with new themes, colors and fonts, etc.
Equipped with an information platform to interact with the user
Vandal resistant

TL Jones Commander TOP Options

TL Jones has developed two variants – Commander T1 and Commander T2 covering the full range of elevators starting from standard residential and commercial elevators to hotel, hospital, transit hubs, and special project elevators.

Commander T1

The Commander T1 is an OEM volume supply product for factories to achieve shorter lead times, cost reductions and higher reliability, in addition to the previously mentioned advantages. It also provides flexibility in standardizing the COP graphics, namely the theme, button sizes, shapes, colors, brand logos, etc. Once these are finalized for a particular OEM, the floor directory booklet customized for that particular OEM, covering all possible floor options is provided. The entire unit (except the printed glass at the front) is standard with the front glasses printed against each contact with a lead time of just two days.

Commander T2

The Commander T2 is a 19-inch thin-film transistor screen coupled with infrared touch technology, and is capable of delivering a TOP specifically designed for the project. The basic theme of the screen design can be an extension of the overall theme and the elevator car interior with branding. The button layout can be traditional with one button for each floor or a round or rectangular keypad, or a combination of the two. One can have legends for each floor button in the form of logos, names, etc., and a small floor directory can be coupled in the TOP. There are also numerous color, font and shape options for TOP buttons.
The Commander T2 can be used as an information platform to interact with users apart from a T2 displaying elevator information like floor number, direction of travel, etc. The information can come in the form of either still images in the picture panel or video streams. The information can be floor dependent (i.e., when the elevator is travelling to a particular floor). The TOP also provides flexibility to change the theme or time dependence (i.e., the different media information would get transmitted purely based on the predetermined timing). The device can also be default where a series of media files will continuously run in the information platform.

Questions about TOPs

Is it compatible with my elevator controller?

Yes, both models come with an inter face board with discrete connections, two terminals for call buttons and two terminals for call registrations for every floor. This makes the TOP system compatible/replaceable with conventional micro-motion buttons of traditional COPs.

TL Jones has also worked with a few major OEMs to read their protocol directly through serial communication, reducing interface hardware for both TL Jones and other OEMs.

Is the TOP reliable and robust, particularly in harsh environments?
Both Commander T1 and T2 are robust and reliable COPs and are 100% solid state electronic devices without mechanical movements. The glass serving as the interface between users and the TOP is designed to be vandal resistant. This glass panel can withstand an impact of a 45-kg pendulum dropped from 90° and it cannot be scratched with sharp objects. In addition, it is water and fire resistant and has minimal reflection and is finger print resistant.

Environmental effect

(temperature and humidity)

Unlike traditional capacitive based touch technologies, the optical touch technology eliminates the limitation of sensitivity based on environmental changes.

(Code Compliance)

The Commander model is designed with the extended bezel, which accommodates the mechanical keypad, and complies with national and international codes.

How do I conceptualize and see the TOP before it is delivered?

While the T2 is being conceptualized and designed by our media team based on project inputs, we upload project-specific work to our website. The work can be accessed (password protected), reviewed and changes can be suggested by the customer’s authorized representative. This allows the customer to know the exact design contents before they are delivered.

Are there any options for T2 bezel?

Bezel is an integral part of T2 and offers flexibility in selecting the different colour options, as shown in the photo, to harmonize with the rest of the car’s interior.

Can the Commander be integrated with access cards or biometric security systems?

Yes, as the discrete interface card allows replacement of call button contacts and call registration inputs, these auxiliary security systems can be integrated exactly the same way they are integrated with conventional COPs.

Is touch operating technology extended to the hall stations?

Yes, L1 landing hall stations are available with all the features of T1.

Development of Commander TOPs

The Optical Touch Technology was conceptualized by TL Jones Ltd. of New Zealand under its Blue Zone Technology program, established in 2003 by Chris Stoelhorst, divisional managing director of TL Jones. The development of the first prototype was done by a team headed by Chris Woodman, R&D head of TL Jones in association with HIT Labs and Next Windows. In 2005, it was presented to industry veterans at Interlift in Augsburg, Germany. In 2008, the product was commercially launched. Since then, hundreds of Commander TOPs have been installed around the world.

Conclusion

The elevator industry has been no exception in embracing new technological breakthroughs once they are proven reliable. TL Jones is committed to developing new technologies for the elevator industry.

Dinesh Musalekar is the director for TL Jones India. He has worked in sales, installation, modernization and engineering departments in other major OEMs. Musalekar has 18 years of management experience in the elevator industry. He has an engineering degree in electronics and communications and an MBA from Mumbai University. Musalekar can be contacted at e-mail: dinesh.musalekar@tljones.com.

TL Jones Supplies Elevator Safety and Information Systems to Dr L H Hirananadani Hospital in Mumbai

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:00:00 -0600

TL Jones has recently supplied its Microscan M150 infrared light curtains, E-motive Evolution S2 elevator display systems, 3D elevator hall lanterns and LED down-lights to the prestigious Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai.

The Microscan light curtains, which are installed on the elevator doors, produce 154 invisible criss-cross beams and prevent the elevator doors closing when there is an obstruction. The elevator interiors are lit by energy efficient LED down-lights which are situated on the ceiling and provide bright, clear light, enhancing the appearance of the elevator interior.

The 15-inch, multimedia Evolution S2 elevator displays can show live TV or DVD feeds, internet messages, live scrolling messages (such as welcome messages to dignitaries) and emergency information, as well as the usual elevator information such as floor number and direction of travel. The building operator can also edit the information in real time, according to their requirements. The displays’ TFT screens have wide viewing angle of 178 degrees from all four sides. Evolution S1 displays act as car position indicators. In addition, 3D LED-based hall lanterns with viewing angles of 180 degrees are installed in all the landings of the hospital.

The high-end, interactive elevator products were endorsed by Tak Consultants, the elevator consultants for Hiranandani Construction. The elevators are supplied by City Elevators Private Limited.

Hiranandani Construction’s Director Engineering Mr. Cyrus Pittawalla commented: “The products supplied by TL Jones enhance the elevator doors’ safety and the E-Motive Evolution products not only provide basic elevator information such as floor number and direction of travel, but also offer multimedia capabilities for visitors”.

TL Jones India’s Director, Mr. Dinesh Musalekar, added: “We are extremely pleased to be associated with Hiranandani Constructions, who are highly respected developers in India, and we are proud to meet customers’ increasing demands for international quality elevator products.”

The Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, located in the picturesque Hiranandani Gardens in Powai, Mumbai, is the first hospital in the Western region of India to have received the prestigious National Accreditation for hospital and health care providers. Built in honour of Dr. L. H. Hiranandani, an eminent E.N.T. surgeon, the hospital was commissioned in 2004 and is now one of the leading hospitals in Mumbai, with the latest technology and facilities.

TL Jones Christchurch office undamaged in Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:00:00 -0500

TL Jones' Christchurch office is fully operational after the magnitude 7.1 earthquake on Saturday 4 September and the subsequent ongoing aftershocks.

All employees and their families are safe and unhurt and the office and factory is working at full capacity with minimal disruption. Incredibly, no damage has been sustained to the building or equipment, and all stock has been evaluated for fitness and remains in perfect working order. The TL Jones Christchurch team thanks everyone for all messages of support during this difficult time.

TL Jones launches new touch-enabled landing call station

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:00:00 -0500

TL Jones Asia Pacific has released the latest addition to its COMMANDER™ Suite of touch-enabled elevator control products: the L1 Landing Call Station module.

Using the latest touch screen technology, TL Jones’ COMMANDER™ L1 landing call station module has a static display that can be customised to the building with colour, branding and arrow styles, working as the perfect complement to its surroundings. Able to be either flush or surface-mounted, the L1 is easily retro-fitted in modernisation projects and is also ideal for new volume standard installations.

Like the other COMMANDER™products, the L1 is constructed with toughened glass and as such is more vandal resistant, dust and liquid resistant, including cleaning and sanitising materials and, being glass, is naturally more repellent to germs than porous surfaces. With its dual illumination, elevator calls are clearly confirmed to the user.

The L1 is the latest addition to the COMMANDER™Suite of touch-enabled elevator control products, including printed glass and LCD car operating panels and LCD building information centres. COMMANDER™ products are available worldwide from TL Jones in the Asia Pacific and Middle East, Janus Elevator Products in North America and Memco in the UK and Europe.

Halma Wins Chinese Business Award

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:00:00 -0500

Halma p.l.c. (www.halma.com) has won the Innovation Award at the British Business Awards in Shanghai, China. The Award recognises the achievements of Halma’s subsidiaries operating in China who, between them, have introduced over 130 innovative products to the Chinese market since 2006.

Martin Zhang (left) Director of Halma China, receiving the Innovation Award from Roy Brown, Chairman of GKN Plc)

Over 20 Halma subsidiaries now operate in China in industries as diverse as water treatment and testing, industrial safety, photonics, laboratory instrumentation and health.

Organised by the British Chambers of Commerce in China, the British Business Awards recognise and promote excellence in innovation, enterprise and endeavour in the British business community in China. The Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, held on 7 September in Shanghai, was attended by a host of VIPs including His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, who is a UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

The Innovation Award recognises organisations that are committed to research and development and introducing innovative and sustainable technology with practical applications. Halma won the award against very strong competition. The judges were particularly impressed by the broad sweep of applications to which Halma’s products are being used in China.

Some examples from Halma’s subsidiaries include:

UV water disinfection systems from Hanovia, which have transformed the Chinese bottled water industry by offering chemical-free disinfection.
Ocean Optics, who worked with the Research Institute of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security to develop an innovative contraband detecting device.
Water leak detecting technology developed by Halma Water Management and used to minimise water loss at the 2008 Beijing Games and the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
Elevator door safety sensors developed by TL Jones and used in many of the country pavilions and public areas of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
Perma Pure’s humidifiers used in the fuel cell vehicles used to ferry visitors around the 2010 Shanghai World Expo site.

Commenting on the award, Halma’s Chief Executive Andrew Williams said: “I am pleased that our efforts to build businesses in China which can create tailored solutions for Chinese customers have been recognised in this way. Innovation is one of Halma’s core values and we remain committed to increasing our investment in R&D with China.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony, UK Trade & Investment Chief Executive Sir Andrew Cahn said: “Tonight’s awards are about recognising the enormous achievements made by companies that are promoting British excellence, innovation, enterprise and endeavour in the business community across China as well as celebrating the success of Chinese companies in the UK.

“UK-China relations are growing at a rapid pace. Already this year UK exports of goods to China have increased by 45 per cent, while last year more than 74 Chinese companies invested in the UK. “It is companies like these, doing business on the ground, which are strengthening our business ties.”

TL Jones supplies emergency elevator telephone systems to Ferrari World theme park

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:00:00 -0500

Global elevator safety, display and communications specialist TL Jones has supplied emergency telephone systems to the Ferrari World theme park on Yas island in Abu Dhabi. The Memcom telephone systems have been installed on Otis elevators throughout the complex.

TL Jones is a Halma company and the supply to Ferrari World was managed by Laith Hasen, general manager of TL Jones UAE. Laith is an industry veteran who leads the TL Jones Middle East operation from Dubai.

The Memcom emergency telephone system allows easy, hands-free connection with up to four pre-programmed telephone numbers in the event of an elevator-trapping emergency. EN81-compliant, the system offers many advanced features including internet-based monitoring with email response, standalone battery backup of the complete system including GSM, and easy programming. EN-81 test call compliance can also be managed locally using PC software.

There are two models available, for installation on either the cabin roof or directly behind the car operating panel. Installation is easy with only two wires required for multi-point station (MPS) extension. Up to eight units can be installed on one line, and up to three MPS units can be used in the pit, motor room or on the cabin roof.

TL Jones offers a number of emergency telephone products specifically developed for elevator applications, in addition to door safety systems, elevator displays, and touch screen car operating panel devices. Emergency telephone systems are increasingly being specified by international consultants working on many of the most prestigious construction projects in the Middle East.

Ferrari World, developed by Aldar Properties, is the world's first and only Ferrari theme park and is located adjacent to the Yas Marina Circuit, home of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Ferrari World is the world's largest indoor park, sited under an iconic red roof that spans 200,000 square metres and carries the largest Ferrari logo ever created. There are a number of major attractions and multi-sensory experiences including Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster that will power riders to 240kmph in less than five seconds.

In addition to amusement rides, the park is home to numerous interactive, shopping and dining experiences.

TL Jones Protects the Safety of Elevator Passengers in Terminal 2 of Shanghai Hongqiao Airport

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 12:00:00 -0500

UK Halma Group’s subsidiary-TL Jones, the professional enterprise in elevator safety door protection-recently supplied a large number of new generation elevator infrared door protectors through a leading elevator manufacturer in the world to Terminal 2 of Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, ensuring the safe operation of elevators and the safety of passengers in the new terminal.

Benefited from the long-term cooperation with the elevator manufacturer and the excellent reputation in the industry, TL Jones successfully became the supplier of the elevator door protection device for Terminal 2 of Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, and provided nearly 200 sets of the latest M Series light curtain products and two-in-one light curtain products to the airport. During the construction of the terminal, TL Jones, together with the elevator manufacturer, carried out meticulous design and construction and completed the projects of sightseeing elevators and common elevators in Terminal 2, guaranteeing the official operation of the Terminal 2 of Shanghai Hongqiao Airport on March,16, 2010.

Mr. Du, manager of the installation of elevators said: “Compared with other elevator safety light curtains, TL Jones’ products are responsive, easy to install and highly reliable. After the operation of Terminal 2 of Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, it can meet the requirement of an annual passenger throughput of 40 million people, which raises very high demand on the quality of elevator light curtains, and this is the reason that we chose TL Jones. ”

The Art of Elevator Controlling in the Digital Age

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 12:00:00 -0500

The 21st century has seen great advancement in technology in all aspects of life and the elevator industry is no different. With over eight million elevators in service around the world, elevator use is an essential part of urban life in 2010 and with strong projected growth of construction over the next 15 years, this will only intensify. The increasing level of complexity and magnitude of high profile construction projects in the world today mean that there is also an increased need to effectively and efficiently manage the over one billion elevator rides taken per day.

New technology being introduced into the elevator industry now includes the use of touch screen elevator control products, replacing traditional push buttons for signaling elevators and selecting destinations and offering many benefits over the existing mechanical solution.

Whilst the ease of installation and maintenance of these products – compared to the individual cutting, placement and wiring of mechanical buttons – is a major factor, there are many more benefits offered when systems such as these are installed. Without a doubt, the aesthetic nature of these products is a major selling point in the decision for implementation. With the customization that is now possible, elevator control products can be designed to harmonize and complement their building architecture and environment.

With infinite possibilities in layout, branding and design of the user interface, the high quality graphics and interactivity combined with the latest touch screen technology offers an enhanced journey experience for elevator passengers. People can catch up on the news, check the weather forecast or get information on the building tenant they are going to visit.

A digital solution also offers versatility like never before, enabling an elevator to become even more user friendly. In usability studies commissioned by TL Jones Ltd, elevator component developer and manufacturer, test participants with partial visual impairment preferred the larger size of the touch screen ‘buttons’ and the greater legibility due to the higher contrast offered by the design; some participants stating they often had difficulty with stainless steel buttons due to reflection. The bespoke nature of the user interface offers limitless possibilities for the look of buttons which can be created in consultation with the building owner to achieve the ultimate look for their building.

The use of customizable and interactive visual display units both inside elevators and as building signage in lobbies and landing areas also offers the opportunity to provide up-to-the-minute news, building information and advertising content to visitors, easily updated and controlled by the building manager. Compatibility with most types of multimedia formats means that eye catching still and motion graphics can be used to inform, entertain, and inspire visitors like never before. These products can also be tapped as a lucrative source of revenue: building managers can utilize the space for their own messages, or sell or lease the advertising ‘real estate’ to third parties. The ability to link this advertising into the system’s clock enables advertising to be scheduled according to the time of day or according to the floor selected, giving advertisers options for targeting their own specific audiences.

The ability to link these control products both to each other and to the building’s elevator control room via a local area network ensures message consistency across all the products installed.

The Commander range of elevator control products from TL Jones Asia Pacific is an example of a modular system of highly configurable passenger management and information system using touch technology. The suite of products includes car operating panels, landing call stations and digital directories for lobbies, linkable to destination dispatch systems where available, and are also compatible with display products from E-Motive Display.

As seen recently with mobile and computer technology, without a doubt flat panel display units with touch technology and interactivity will become the norm for building information and elevator control as they offer limitless possibilities for building owners as a communications platform for visitors to the building, not to mention the efficiencies presented by such a system.

Evolution Elevator and Building Displays: S2, S1 and R1

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 12:00:00 -0500

E-Motive Display’s range of EVOLUTION™ LCD displays offers full TFT color LCD screens for elevator displays and building signage.

The screen sizes available range from 3.4” up to 42” and are ideal platforms for entertaining and informing building visitors with the ability to showcase corporate video and advertising content along with floor and travel directions of the elevator and user and time based messages. The displays can also include a live information feed such as a stock index or news feed, with the content able to be updated easily via use of E-Motive’s Angel™ configuration software. The networked media management offers the building owner revenue possibilities with advertising from third parties. The EVOLUTION™ displays can be used either inside or outside elevators as direction indicators, building directories and for promotion of special events.

EVOLUTION™ elevator and building displays are available world wide through Janus Elevator Products in North America, Memco Ltd in the UK and Europe, and TL Jones Asia Pacific in the Asia Pacific and Middle East region.

Commander T2: Fully Integrated Touch Car Operating Panel for Premium Elevators

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:00:00 -0500

New from TL Jones Asia Pacific: the T2 touch car operating panel uses high quality graphics and interactivity to offer an enhanced journey experience for elevator passengers.

Offering nearly infinite possibilities for topical information at passenger’s fingertips, the COMMANDER™ T2 Touch Operating Panel is fully customisable, and can provide news, building information and advertising content to visitors, which can be easily updated and controlled by the building manager. The T2 is compatible with most types of multimedia formats for use as an eye catching communications platform. Utilize the screen space for your own messages, or lease the space to third parties for advertising targeted their own specific audiences. The T2 can be used as a standalone operating panel or can be matched with EVOLUTION™ LCD displays for twice the impact.

Commander T1 - Touch car operating panel module for residential and medium rise towers

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:00:00 -0500

The COMMANDER™ T1 Touch Operating Panel offers the latest in touch technology in a volume standard fixtures model.

The T1 has a static display and can be customised to the building with colour, naming, layout and branding and is ideal for low-spec, quantity installations. It is an ideal match with the EVOLUTION™ S1 or R1 elevator displays. The COMMANDER™ suite of touch elevator control products is the latest addition to TL Jones Asia Pacific’s already extensive range of elevator passenger safety and information products. Working in collaboration with sister companies – Janus, Memco and E-Motive Display – and elevator companies worldwide, our range includes the MICROSCAN™ and Panachrome 2D and 3D light curtains, E-Motive brand elevator multimedia & TFT displays and Janus Elevator Products’ EMS and VPP emergency communications systems, along with a full range of accessory products.