Genesis

The Genesis of Proprietary Restraint

Before 1975, hundreds of relays were assembled on panels to provide logic processing. These “relay logic” systems represented the state-of-the-art at the time. With development of the first “solid state” silicon devices, transistors began to replace electro-mechanical relay systems. Without moving parts, these devices improved reliability while eliminating the need for relay replacement. Old technology allowed a qualified elevator mechanic to trace the source of a problem by following wires from relay to relay. With the advent of software, lines of computer software coding replaced wires and relays. Dispatching logic and other operations were now hidden inside microchips.

As the elevator industry adopted this technology, an increasing amount of new equipment required the use of a special electronic service tool. These tools were needed to adjust, troubleshoot and maintain equipment, or reconfigure system operation. This in turn limited the building owner’s choice for all future maintenance and repair to the original manufacturer.

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