Abstract: The present invention provides a pull rope head fixing apparatus and an elevator system using the same, and belongs to the technical field of elevators. The pull rope head fixing apparatus of the present invention is configured to simultaneously fix rope heads of N pull ropes that are arranged in parallel, and includes: a hydraulic cylinder body configured to form a hydraulic cylinder; N first hydraulic sub-cylinders arranged in parallel on the hydraulic cylinder body and communicated with the hydraulic cylinder; and first pistons each disposed corresponding to each of the first hydraulic sub-cylinders. The pull rope head fixing apparatus of the present invention can automatically balance the tensions of multiple pull ropes fixed by it.

Abstract: A suspension member equalization system is provided. The suspension member equalization system includes cylinder assemblies configured to receive rods extending from suspension member sockets. The cylinder assemblies have slidable pistons. A manifold block is in fluid communication with the cylinder assemblies. An incompressible fluid is in simultaneous communication with the cylinder assemblies and the manifold block. An upper swash plate is received within a cavity formed in a lower portion of each of the cylinder assemblies and in contact with the cylinder assemblies. A lower swash plate is received within an annular recess of each of the upper swash plates in a manner such that the upper swash plate is rotatable relative to the lower swash plate. The pistons within the cylinder assemblies are configured for movement such as to seek an approximately equal pressure, thereby approximating equal tension in each of the suspension members.

Abstract: A deflector sheave mounting bracket for mounting a plurality of individual deflector sheaves of an elevator system includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and a plurality of support plates connected at a first end to the top plate and connected at a second, opposite end to the bottom plate. A plurality of openings for receiving the plurality of deflector sheaves is defined between pairs of adjacent support plates of the plurality of support plates. At least one opening of the plurality of openings is vertically offset and horizontally offset from another of the plurality of openings.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method for adjusting tension of a steel wire rope of an ultra-deep vertical shaft at a hoisting-container-end. The device includes two stages of steel wire rope tension adjusting devices provided on a hoisting container, where a primary steel wire rope tension adjusting device includes left and right steel wire rope tension adjusting devices that are symmetrically arranged, and a secondary steel wire rope tension adjusting device is provided below the primary steel wire rope tension adjusting device. By use of two stages of steel wire rope tension adjusting devices, tension on four steel wire ropes can be adjusted to equalize the tension, thus meeting the requirement for tension equalization in a hoisting process. The four steel wire ropes are equally divided into two groups.

Abstract: A counterweight is provided including a counterweight frame including a crosshead. A counterweight hitch is operably coupled to the counterweight frame. The counterweight hitch includes a vertically stacked first sheave channel and a second sheave channel. Each of the first sheave channel and second sheave channel includes an interior cavity within which at least one individual sheave assembly is mounted. The plurality of individual sheave assemblies is substantially identical and arranged at an angle relative to a central plane of the counterweight frame.

Abstract: An elevator car arrangement includes an elevator car body and an elevator car sling. The elevator car arrangement further includes a hanging damper arranged to connect the elevator car body and the elevator car sling together for dampening vibrations coming from guide rails through the elevator car sling to the elevator car body. The hanging damper includes a first part connected to a bottom part of the elevator car body; a second part connected to the elevator car sling; and a damping element arranged to dampen vibrations coming from the second part to the first part. A method for dampening vibrations coming from guide rails through the elevator car sling to the elevator car body is disclosed.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an elevator arrangement, which comprises at least two elevator cars that are connected to each other with suspension ropes or corresponding and are configured to move simultaneously with each other and reciprocally in an elevator hoistway, and a hoisting machine provided with at least one traction sheave or corresponding. The arrangement comprises at least one compensation means for compensating positioning inaccuracies caused by loading of the elevator cars.

Abstract: A nodal point pressure-equalizing device of steel rope sets for an elevator, including a pressure-equalizing device main body, a base seat, a first nodal point component and a second nodal point component. The pressure-equalizing device main body can be rotatably provided on the base seat. The first nodal point component and the second nodal point component are respectively arranged at both ends of the pressure-equalizing device main body and are respectively matched with and connected with the corresponding steel rope set. The first nodal point component and the second nodal point component can respectively rotate around rotational centers thereof, and the rotational centers and the rotational center of the pressure-equalizing device main body are on the same horizontal plane.

Abstract: An anti-rotation system for an elevator system that includes an elevator shaft, elevator suspension cables, and a mechanical room includes a hitch plate disposed on a floor of the mechanical room and at a top of the elevator shaft, a plurality of cable shackles, each cable shackle including a cable locking mechanism on a first end thereof configured to lock one of the elevator suspension cables and a threaded rod on a second end thereof configured to extend through the hitch plate from the elevator shaft to the mechanical room, and a plurality of anti-rotation devices, each anti-rotation device being fixed to the threaded rod of one of the plurality of cable shackles in the mechanical room, and each anti-rotation device being connected to at least one other anti-rotation device, whereby rotation of cable shackles is prevented.

Abstract: An elevator system has at least one elevator car and at least one counterweight connected by a suspension device, both of which can be counter-directionally displaced at at least one guide rail in an elevator shaft via a traction sheave of a drive. At least one pivotable suspension anchoring is adaptable to displacements of the suspension device according to a displacement angle wherein a rolling body moves on a holding plate.

Abstract: A mining elevator traction cable connecting apparatus and a measuring method therefor, for use in a mining elevator serving a deep-mine. The apparatus includes an industrial personal computer (IPC), a signal collector connected to the IPC, multiple symmetrically arranged cable rings for use in connecting to one end of a traction cable, and a traction cable tension adjusting apparatus connected to the multiple of cable rings. Arranged within the traction cable tension adjusting apparatus are a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, and a plurality of draw wire displacement sensors for use in monitoring the relative displacement between each hydraulic cylinder plunger and a corresponding hydraulic cylinder body. The draw wire displacement sensors and an oil pressure sensor connected to a hydraulic pipeline are connected to the IPC via the signal collector, forming a traction cable tension and degree of adjustment measuring system.

Abstract: An exemplary device that is useful for controlling vibrations of an elevator load bearing member includes a guide. A mass is moveable relative to the guide responsive to vibration of the load bearing member to introduce a force to counter the vibration.

Abstract: A rope sway mitigation device for an elevator system includes a rope tension adjuster connected to a plurality of ropes operably connected to an elevator car. The rope tension adjuster is configured to adjust a tension of at least one individual rope of the plurality of ropes thereby mitigating excitation of natural frequencies of the plurality of ropes during sway of at least one component of the elevator system and or a building in which the elevator system is located. Further disclosed is an elevator system including a rope sway mitigation device and a method of rope sway mitigation in an elevator system.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a car assembly, a drive assembly, and a vibration-damping device (16) arranged at a connection between the top of the car assembly and the drive assembly. The vibration-damping device (16), which includes springs (32, 34, 36) that have varying spring stiffnesses and varying heights, is configured to provide a total spring stiffness between the top of the car assembly and the drive assembly. The total spring stiffness varies as a function of a mass of the car assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for equalizing tensions among elevator wire ropes, which immediately eliminates imbalance and equalizes the tensions among elevator wire ropes in the event of differences in the lengths of elevator wire ropes, thereby improving safety, durability and reliability. The apparatus automatically corrects imbalance caused by changes in the lengths of a plurality of elevator wire ropes (700) to maintain a balance in the tensions of elevator wire ropes.

Abstract: An exemplary mounting arrangement for an elevator machine comprises a first portion (32) and a second portion (34). The first portion and the second portion are moveable relative to each other between a shipping position and a deployed position in which the first portion and the second portion are generally perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for automatically equalizing tensions of elevator wire ropes by which an unbalance of tensions of elevator wire ropes can be immediately solved to automatically equalize the tensions in real time when lengths of the wire ropes become different, improving safety, durability, and reliability. The apparatus according to the present invention includes a body (100) having an accommodation space therein, a tension adjusting unit connected to elevator wire ropes (R1-R4) and installed within the body (100), a main shaft (200) passing through the tension adjusting unit and rotatably coupled to an inner side of the body (100) horizontally; and first to fourth guide rollers (B1˜B4) rotatably coupled to the body (100) such that the elevator wire ropes (R1˜R4) connected to the tension adjusting unit contact the first to fourth guide rollers (B1˜B4) at outer sides thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically equalizing the uneven tension between ropes of an elevator in combination with a load cell to determine elevator load. The load of an elevator car having multiple tension members is automatically balanced while load is measured using a single load cell. The incorporation of a load cell with an autobalancing system allows for an accurate measure of an elevator load to be taken while providing the benefits of having uniform rope lengths in the elevator system. The apparatus may have various arrangements, including an in-line configuration and a grouped configuration. The apparatus may also dampen the vibration energy that is usually imparted to an elevator car.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for equalizing tensions among elevator wire ropes, which immediately eliminates imbalance and equalizes the tensions among elevator wire ropes in the event of differences in the lengths of elevator wire ropes, thereby improving safety, durability and reliability. The apparatus automatically corrects imbalance caused by changes in the lengths of a plurality of elevator wire ropes (700) to maintain a balance in the tensions of elevator wire ropes.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing hitch termination (40) includes a terminating member (52) that moves against a first bias (62) responsive to a first level of tension on a load bearing member (26) associated with a car (22) and counterweight (24) in an elevator system (20). A support member (60) moves with the terminating members (52) against a second, passive bias (70) responsive to increased tension on the load bearing member (26). In one example, the second bias is provided by mechanical springs (70). In another example the second bias is provided by air springs. In still another example the second bias is provided by pressurized actuators (82). The shock-absorbing hitch termination may be supported for movement with the car, counterweight or both. In another example, the shock-absorbing hitch termination is provided in a stationary structure (90) within the elevator system.

Abstract: A method for installing the hoisting roping of an includes at least an elevator car provided with safety gear, the elevator car moving in essentially a vertical direction along guide rails in the elevator shaft, a hoisting machine, a traction sheave, and at least a plurality of diverting pulleys as well as hoisting roping and a rope compensation appliance. In the installation phase the hoisting ropes are lifted into the elevator shaft by means of an auxiliary hoist by moving the elevator car situated in the shaft with the auxiliary hoist, in connection with which elevator car the ends of the hoisting ropes are fixed.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are provided for fixing the compensating ropes of an elevator to an elevator car or to a counterweight, which elevator includes at least a hoisting machine and hoisting roping, suspended by which the elevator car as well as the counterweight are arranged to travel, and between which elevator car and counterweight compensating ropes are fixed such that the first ends of the compensating ropes are fixed to the counterweight, from where the compensating ropes are led downwards to pass below a compensating pulley, after which upwards to the elevator car, where the second ends of the compensating ropes are fixed by wedge housings in connection with the elevator car. When fixing the ends of the compensating ropes in connection with the elevator car or the counterweight, the wedge housings are turned into an inclined attitude before disposing the ends of the compensating ropes in the wedge housings.

Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes a tie-down compensation arrangement (40). A tension member (42) extends between a cab (22) and counterweight (26) to provide a desired amount of tension on a load bearing rope or belt (30) that supports the cab and the counterweight. The tension member (42) in one example comprises a coated steel belt. At least one sheave (46) is supported on a base module (48) and remains stationary relative to a floor of a pit (52). A damper (50) is supported for movement with the counterweight (26) or the cab (22) to absorb energy that would otherwise tend to cause counterweight jump following a rapid descent and stop of the cab (22).

Abstract: A vehicle parking apparatus for parking a vehicle comprises a main structure having a plurality of storage racks capable of storing vehicles lined up in a vertical direction, a lift cage capable of being mounted with a vehicle, a coupling mechanism having a second coupling member, a first coupling member capable of making contact with the second coupling member from a lower side and capable of relative movement in a downward direction from a position of making contact with the second coupling member, and an urging mechanism causing a prescribed urging force to act in a downward direction on the first coupling member; a wire capable of suspending the lift cage in an elevator shaft H next to the storage racks via the coupling mechanism, and winding apparatus capable of winding the wire up and down. The first coupling member is fixed to one end of the wire, and the second coupling member is fixed to the lift cage.

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, first and second raised/lowered bodies are raised and lowered by hoisting machines. The second raised/lowered body has a raised/lowered main body and a rocking member rockably connected to the raised/lowered main body. The raised/lowered main body is suspended by a main rope via the rocking member. The main rope has a first rope end connected to the rocking member on one side of a rocking center of the rocking member and a second rope end connected to the rocking member on another side of the rocking center.

Abstract: A cable fixing point for fastening at least one cable includes a cable end fastening for the cable end and a rotary mounting for the cable end fastening, wherein the rotary mounting enables rotation of the cable end fastening about an axis and the axis can be aligned by a tension force acting on the cable. In an elevator for transporting at least one load carrier by at least one cable movable in its longitudinal direction wherein the respective cable at the cable end is disposed under a tension force, the direction of which is variable in dependence on a position of the load carrier, this cable fixing point permits rotation of the cable at the cable fixing point about an axis which is aligned in the respective direction of the tension force and/or in the respective longitudinal direction of a cable segment adjoining the cable fixing point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for installing the hoisting roping of an elevator, which elevator comprises at least an elevator car (4) provided with safety gear (3), said elevator car moving in essentially a vertical direction along guide rails (1) in the elevator shaft (2), a hoisting machine (5), a traction sheave (6), and at least a plurality of diverting pulleys (10-13) as well as hoisting roping (9) and a rope compensation appliance (14). In the installation phase the hoisting ropes (9) are lifted into the elevator shaft (2) by means of an auxiliary hoist (18) by moving the elevator car (4) situated in the shaft with the auxiliary hoist (18), in connection with which elevator car (4) the ends of the hoisting ropes (9) are fixed.

Abstract: An end-connector for fastening a flat-belt type suspension device of an elevator system comprises a housing with two side walls and a first and a second wrapping element each of which extends between the two side walls and is wrappable by the flat-belt type suspension device in a specified arrangement so as to hold the suspension means fast in the end-connector by frictional engagement. Marked on at least one of the two side walls on the outside that faces away from the wrapping elements is the specified arrangement of the suspension device.

Abstract: An elevator, which preferably is an elevator without counterweight and in which an elevator car is suspended by means of a set of hoisting ropes comprising one rope or a number of parallel ropes. The elevator has a traction sheave that moves the elevator car by means of the hoisting ropes. The elevator comprises rope portions of hoisting ropes going upwards and downwards from the elevator car, and the elevator has a compensating device acting on the hoisting ropes to equalize and/or compensate rope tension and/or rope elongation. The compensating device acting on the hoisting ropes of the elevator comprises at least one slack rope prevention means for preventing uncontrolled slackening of the hoisting ropes and/or uncontrolled motion of the compensating device.

Abstract: A cable fixing point for fastening at least one cable includes a cable end fastening for the cable end and a rotary mounting for the cable end fastening, wherein the rotary mounting enables rotation of the cable end fastening about an axis and the axis can be aligned by a tension force acting on the cable. In an elevator for transporting at least one load carrier by at least one cable movable in its longitudinal direction wherein the respective cable at the cable end is disposed under a tension force, the direction of which is variable in dependence on a position of the load carrier, this cable fixing point permits rotation of the cable at the cable fixing point about an axis which is aligned in the respective direction of the tension force and/or in the respective longitudinal direction of a cable segment adjoining the cable fixing point.

Abstract: An elevator system (20) load bearing assembly (30) includes a plurality of load bearing members (32-38). At least one of the load bearing members (32-38) has a load carrying capacity that is different than at least one other of the load bearing members (32-38). A disclosed example includes equal numbers of load bearing members (32, 38) having a first load carrying capacity and equal numbers of load bearing members (34, 36) having a second, different load carrying capacities. Another example includes at least three different load carrying capacities. With the disclosed examples, the aggregate load carrying capacity of an elevator load bearing assembly (30) can more closely meet the load carrying requirements for a given elevator system without over-roping the system.

Abstract: A deflecting module has deflecting elements that are displaceable relative to one another. The deflecting elements are mutually supported, wherein at each side the outermost deflecting element is carried by a bearing plate. Each deflecting element has a housing which carries an axle and, for the mutual displaceability, has on one side a groove and on the other side a cog. A deflecting roller is rotatably arranged on the axle for guiding and deflecting elevator car and counterweight support elements, for example a flat belt, and producing a change of direction of the support elements.

Abstract: An improved measuring device for measuring the load of an elevator including a car suspended by a tension member within a hoistway, a termination (36) at one end of the tension member (28), a mounting plate (42) for attaching the termination relative the hoistway, and a hitch (38) for attaching the termination to the mounting plate further including load cell (56) positioned between the hitch and the mounting plate wherein the load cell generates a signal proportional to the load of the car

Abstract: An elevator, preferably an elevator without machine room, in which the hoisting machine (10) engages the hoisting ropes (3) by means of a traction sheave (11), the elevator car (1) being at least partially supported by the hoisting ropes serving as a means of moving the elevator car (1). The elevator car is suspended on the hoisting ropes (3) by means of at least one diverting pulley (13,14) from whose rim the hoisting ropes go upwards from both sides and at least one diverting pulley (7,5) from whose rim the hoisting ropes go downwards from both sides of the diverting pulley. The traction sheave (11) engages the rope portion between these diverting pulleys (13,5).

Abstract: In an elevator installation with an elevator car and a counterweight suspended and driven by several flat-belt-type suspension devices arranged in parallel, the suspension devices are arranged in parallel vertical planes that run diagonal to main horizontal axes of the counterweight and/or of the elevator car. Mounted on the counterweight and on the elevator car are suspension-sheave systems of which at least one comprises several suspension-sheave units which each have one suspension sheave and are arranged adjacent to each other, the suspension-sheave units being fastened to the counterweight and/or to the elevator car in such manner that the axles of the suspension sheaves are essentially horizontal and each are swivelable about one associated vertical axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for automatically equalizing tension of main ropes of an elevator suspended to the main ropes so as to move up and down. A structure of the apparatus is simplified so that the apparatus is easily fabricated and installed with improving a tension equalizing function. The apparatus has a plurality of movable pulleys coupled with ends of the main ropes, which are coupled to a car or a count weight and aligned in a machine room or a hoistway, through rods and rope coupling members, a fixed pulley section supported by a beam and having a plurality of fixed pulley sheaves installed in a single block in a longitudinal direction of the single block, a compensating rope aligned between the movable pulleys and the fixed pulley section so as to allow the movable pulleys to move depending on tension of main ropes coupled with the movable pulleys, and a housing for properly positioning the above components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lift gear with a main cable (4), operating the lift (1) and connecting the same to a counterweight (2), a weight compensating element (7, 8) for stabilising the lift (1) and the counterweight (2) and a lift cable (16) provided for power supply and function control lines for the lift. The aim of the invention is to simplify the construction of the gear and improve the supply and/or data transmission capacity of the lift cable (16), which is achieved by providing each of the lift (1) and the counterweight (2) with an exclusive weight compensation element (7 or 8) and the weight compensation element (7) for the lift (1) is combined with the lift cable (16).

Abstract: A device for securing an end on a load bearing member in an elevator system includes a socket, a wedge and at least one insert member. The socket at least partially receives the insert member and wedge to maintain the end of the load bearing member in position. The preferred arrangement includes two insert members that engage the load bearing member on opposite sides of the wedge such that the load bearing member is gripped between the wedge and the insert members. The insert members and the socket preferably include contoured surfaces that facilitate arranging the engaging surfaces on the inserts in a parallel alignment to most evenly distribute pressure on the load bearing member.

Abstract: A safety plank assembly for mounting on a bottom of an elevator car in a traction-type elevator system includes a pair of parallel extending plank beams connected by a cross support member. A rope sheave is rotatably mounted at each of opposed ends of the plank beams to define a diagonal rope path through the assembly for underslung support of the elevator car. Traction weights and balancing weights can be attached to the beams and provision is made for mounting safety equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a plurality of coated steel belts as tension members for an elevator system. A dispenser is employed that retains a plurality of rolled steel belts aligned vertically in said dispenser. An axel passing through the side walls of the dispenser and the centers of the steel belts rolls contained therein rotatably supports the steel belt rolls. When employing the disclosed method, equal lengths of the belts are pulled from the dispenser and clamped between two metal plates. A guide is then connected to the clamped plates which is used to feed the secured coated steel belts down the elevator shaft, around the sheave mechanism and back up the elevator shelf. The center core of the dispenser allows for the even systematic dispensing of steel belts so that equal lengths of the steel belts are fed simultaneous throughout the elevator system.

Abstract: A trailing rope tensioning device for an elevator installation engages a trailing rope that extends from a first hitch point of a car frame to a second hitch point of a counterweight frame. The tensioning device has two tensioning pulleys that are arranged offset relative to a vertical direction of travel of the elevator and a transverse horizontal direction. This arrangement of the tensioning pulleys makes it possible to use relatively large tensioning pulleys resulting in a lower number of revolutions per unit of distance traveled, which brings about a reduction in noise from the bearings rotatably mounting the pulleys. Larger diameters of trailing rope and, as a result, fewer trailing ropes can be used. Furthermore, the tensioning pulleys can be standardized.

Abstract: A trailing rope tensioning device for an elevator installation includes at least one damper having at least one piston slidably received in a cylinder. The piston divides the cylinder into two chambers filled with a working fluid and connected together by a throttled connecting line as well as a channel fitted with a non-return valve. Attached to the piston is a fixed piston rod extending through the cylinder and emerging from ends of the cylinder. This arrangement requires no externally active container for damping.

Abstract: A pivoting hitch for an elevator rope includes a horizontal shaft or ball having a circular base and a flat top. The shaft or ball rests on a seat. An elevator rope is connected to a rod which passes through a hole in the shaft or ball and is suspended on the flat part of the shaft or ball by a spring. The shaft is used when multiple ropes are used to suspend an elevator car. When used with an overslung or underslung elevator car suspension, the pivoting hitch keeps the rope angles on both sides of the elevator car the same.

Abstract: A trailing rope tensioning device for an elevator installation includes at least one damper having at least one piston slidably received in a cylinder. The piston divides the cylinder into two chambers filled with a working fluid and connected together by a throttled connecting line as well as a channel fitted with a non-return valve. Attached to the piston is a fixed piston rod extending through the cylinder and emerging from ends of the cylinder. This arrangement requires no externally active container for damping.

Abstract: A trailing rope tensioning device for an elevator installation engages a trailing rope that extends from a first hitch point of a car frame to a second hitch point of a counterweight frame. The tensioning device has two tensioning pulleys that are arranged offset relative to a vertical direction of travel of the elevator and a transverse horizontal direction. This arrangement of the tensioning pulleys makes it possible to use relatively large tensioning pulleys resulting in a lower number of revolutions per unit of distance traveled, which brings about a reduction in noise from the bearings rotatably mounting the pulleys. Larger diameters of trailing rope and, as a result, fewer trailing ropes can be used. Furthermore, the tensioning pulleys can be standardized.

Abstract: An elevator including a cage configured to ascend and descend in an elevator shaft along a cage guide rail, a counterweight configured to ascend and descend in the elevator shaft along a counterweight guide rail, a cable configured to hang and connect the cage and the counterweight, a drive unit configured to drive the cage and the counterweight by providing motive power for the cable, and a cable hitch mounted on the cage guide rail or the counterweight guide rail and configured to secure one end of the cable.

Abstract: A device and method are set forth for tensioning elevator cables. The device includes a platform supporting a plurality of hydraulic cylinders each adapted to be coupled to a thimble rod for a cable. Hydraulic fluid is supplied to each cylinder at the same pressure until each cable load is transferred from the cable system hitch plate to the platform indicating that each cable is now under the same tension. The thimble rods are adjusted with the cables now at the same tension and the hydraulic fluid is vented from the cylinders to transfer the cable loads back to the hitch plate.

Abstract: A virtually active hitch system is provided for the damping of vertical oscillations of an elevator car during a semi-active hitch mode of operation along a relatively lengthy elevator travel path and for load leveling the elevator car during an active mode when the elevator is braked. The virtually active hitch stores energy derived from the elevator motor during the semi-active mode, and utilizes that stored energy during the active mode to actively adjust the positioning of the elevator car, as might result from load changes. The hitch assembly may advantageously use hydraulic piston and cylinder means to adjust, or impede adjustment of, a limited hitch gap between a support rope and the elevator car. The hydraulic circuit associated with the piston and cylinder may include a variable orifice valve to control damping action and a pair of accumulators controlled via a switching network to selectively store and release energy and to also serve as a spring.

Abstract: A hitch assembly is disclosed for an elevator car suspended by hoist ropes and driven by a drive sheave. The hitch assembly having a hitch plate with openings for thimble rods, wherein geometrical planes bisecting the openings for the thimble rods are substantially coplanar with geometrical planes bisecting hoist rope grooved recesses in the drive sheave. Another feature of the present invention is a vibration isolation assembly for fastening the hitch plate to a mounting plate fixed to the elevator car, wherein the vibration isolation assembly isolates vibrations transmitted to the elevator car from the hoist ropes. Still another feature of the hitch assembly is a rope tension equalization assembly for fastening the hoist ropes to the hitch plate, wherein the rope tension equalization assembly equalizes tensions among the hoist ropes.

Abstract: An elevator is provided comprising a first car, a second car, and a counterweight for travel within a hoistway. A plurality of ropes connect the first and second cars to the counterweight for travel within the hoistway. A machine is provided for driving the cars and counterweight within the hoistway. The plurality of ropes are arranged to cause the second car to travel 1/N of the distance, at 1/N of the speed, of the first car when the machine is driving the cars.