Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes a safety device (50) strategically positioned within a hoistway to provide overhead or under car clearance during an inspection procedure, for example. An example safety device (50) includes a triggering member (56) that is selectively moved into a stopping position to engage a safety brake (42) for preventing movement of an elevator car (24) beyond a selected vertical position. The triggering member (56) is selectively moveable in an automated manner between a retracted position and a stopping position. When the triggering member (56) is in a retracted position, it has no effect on normal elevator system operation. When the triggering member (56) is in the stopping position, it provides for maintaining adequate clearance between an elevator car assembly and another surface or structure within an elevator hoistway.

Abstract: An improved elevator mounts its dead end hitches (38A, 38B, 38C and 40A, 40B, 40C) on the bedplate (46, 48) of a machine roomless elevator. The dead end hitches are preferably positioned on an upper surface of the bedplate such that they are easily accessible. Further, the governor (80) is mounted adjacent the machine (24) on the bedplate. Preferably, there are a plurality of dead end hitches and a plurality of connecting members connecting the car and counterweight. The plurality of dead end hitches are preferably aligned along lines (A and B) which are parallel to a drive axis of the drive sheave (30). Further, the plural connecting members are preferably each associated with a surface on a drive sheave and a pair of dead end hitches. A line drawn through a sheave surface and its two associated dead end hitches would be perpendicular to the rotational drive axis.