Abstract: An exemplary load bearing member for use in an elevator system is made by a process that includes heating at least one tension member. The heated tension member is placed adjacent one side of a first jacket layer. The first jacket layer is at least partially melted in the vicinity of the heated tension member such that the tension member at least partially penetrates the first jacket layer. Subsequently, a second jacket layer is added adjacent to the one side of the first jacket layer such that the elongated tension member is between the first and second jacket layers. The second jacket layer is at least partially melted in the vicinity of the heated tension member such that the tension member at least partially penetrates the second jacket layer. The first and second jacket layers are secured together such that the resulting load bearing member has a planar traction.

Abstract: A method of making a load bearing member (30) for an elevator system (20) includes placing at least one tension member (32) adjacent one side (60) of a first layer (36) of a polymer material. A second layer (38), comprising a urethane in a disclosed example, is added adjacent to at least the one side (60) of the first layer (36) such that the tension member (32) is between the first layer (36) and the second layer (38). Such a technique allows for eliminating the bridges typically used to support the tension members in molding devices. Eliminating such bridges eliminates the resulting grooves associated with previous arrangements. Providing a grooveless exterior on the jacket (34) of the load bearing member (30) eliminates a significant source of potential vibration and noise in an elevator system.

Abstract: An elevator load bearing assembly (20) includes a plurality of cords (22) within a jacket (24). The jacket has a plurality of grooves (32, 34, 36, 38 40) spaced along the length of the belt assembly. Each groove has a plurality of portions (50, 52, 54, 56) aligned at an oblique angle (A, B) relative to a longitudinal axis (48) of the belt (20). In one example, the grooves are separated such that there is no longitudinal overlap between adjacent grooves. In another example, transitions (60, 64) between the obliquely aligned portions are at different longitudinal positions on the belt. Another example includes a combination of the different longitudinal positions and the non-overlapping groove placement.

Abstract: A method of making a load bearing member (30) for an elevator system (20) includes placing at least one tension member (32) adjacent one side (60) of a first layer (36) of a polymer material. A second layer (38), comprising a urethane in a disclosed example, is added adjacent to at least the one side (60) of the first layer (36) such that the tension member (32) is between the first layer (36) and the second layer (38). Such a technique allows for eliminating the bridges typically used to support the tension members in molding devices. Eliminating such bridges eliminates the resulting grooves associated with previous arrangements. Providing a grooveless exterior on the jacket (34) of the load bearing member (30) eliminates a significant source of potential vibration and noise in an elevator system.

Abstract: A termination assembly for supporting and securing an end section of a belt in an elevator system includes a first support member that is fixed in a selected position within the elevator system. A second support member of one example is at least partially received over the first support member. The first support member includes at least one stop portion extending outward from a body of the first support member. The second support member includes at least one stop portion extending inward from an interior of the second support member. A plurality of motion limiters, which are inserts in one example, are received between the stop portions to limit relative rotary movement between the first and second support members. The load bearing member is received around the exterior of the second support member where it is secured in a selected position.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and installing multiple flat tension members in an elevator system where the direction of manufacture is determined for each of the flat tension members. Each member is marked to indicate the direction of manufacture. The belts are then installed in an elevator system by aligning the belts in accordance with the marks such that each belt is aligned in the same direction.