Wow some really interesting stuff. It kinda reminds me of old phone switching technology. Even the current tech is interesting, and it's a rather niche thing to know about. Not something the average person gets to work on that's for sure.
The spiral switch/sensor mechanism is interesting, I would have figured that there would be sensors at the actual floors with wires going back up, but guess this method cuts down on the amount of wiring needed and gives a central location to make adjustments.
Spiral switch is Schindler, Otis uses a similar one ( but not the same, patents) or a polyamide fibre band running down the shaft with magnets on it, with the lift car having hall sensor detectors that pass close to it. Express used a series of changeover tappet switches at the side of the shaft and a guide on the car that flipped each cam as it passed, with the car stopping on the selected floor.
Most current systems which are new use a magnetic or proximity sensor on the car, with either steel tabs or magnets on the shaft side to actuate them. Your speed controls will use these to time ramp times, or just use a 2,3 or more speed motor to provide the ramps. Almost all use AC motors, always 3 phase, and a lot of the modern ones use an inverter to provide the drive, with it levelling always to the sensor setting. The desire is that the lift always stops absolutely level with the landing, within 2mm is perfect, and to do that from empty to with the testing load ( typically 2 times the plate rating inside the lift, for passenger lifts), and from both approaches for intermediate floors.
Every 6 months the lift will be tested for the electrical overrun protection operation. The mechanical one is only tested at the 5 year certification, as it does do damage to the shaft guide rails, which you have to file afterwards. Monthly will be lubrication, checking of operation, checking of lamps, doors and belts. With this is cleaning of the shaft and lift exterior, I have done a lot of painting in the shaft to add warning yellow and black on moving parts, along with replacing the shaft and car lighting to bring it into compliance with the new regulations as they came into force. Should have done that lift technician trade test I had as a choice.
If you are with Schindler AG and do the SA tour you come to the lift at work, as it is one of the samples of them on the inspection list. going for it's 50'th anniversary in a few years, still mostly all original, with only the main ropes having been changed in 1978, should need new selector and emergency ropes in a few years, they are still original, but still are within wear limits. Lift gearboxes always weep oil, if not then there is no oil, as they have large sleeve bushes on the shaft, no ball races there except on high speed units.