Abstract: An elevator load bearing assembly includes a plurality of cords within a jacket. The cords are spaced from an exterior surface on the jacket such that the spacing remains generally constant along the length of the belt. The jacket has a smooth, uninterrupted exterior surface for contacting sheaves as the belt moves in the elevator system. A method of making the inventive belt assembly is disclosed. The inventive belt assembly minimizes the possibility for generating an annoying, audible sound and vibration during elevator operation.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a hoistway defined by a surrounding structure. An elevator car and counterweight are located in the hoistway, and a drive motor is located between the elevator car and a sidewall of the hoistway. The drive motor drivingly couples and suspends the elevator car and counterweight via at least one flat rope or belt.

Abstract: An elevator sheave (20) includes a belt guiding surface (26) having a surface profile along at least a portion of the belt guiding surface. The surface profile preferably is defined by an nth order polynomial equation where n is a number greater than 2. In one example, the reference point (40) is a central point along the width of the belt guiding surface (26). In one example, a central portion (42) of the surface profile preferably is aligned to be generally parallel with the central axis (34) of the sheave body. Some examples have curvilinear side portions (44, 46) between the central portion (42) and the edges (28, 30) of the sheave. Other examples also include second side portions (48, 50) that have linear profiles.

Abstract: An elevator system (1) includes a guide rail bracket (10) attached to a single hoistway wall (20). Car guide rails (5) and counterweight guide rails (6) are fixed to the bracket (10). The counterweight guide rails (6) are positioned in between the car guide rails (5) so that the counterweight (11) can translate therebetween. The elevator car (8) is supported by rope (4) and sheave (2, 3) members coupled to a traction drive (16).

Abstract: An elevator system (1) includes a guide rail bracket (10) attached to a single hoistway wall (20). Car guide rails (5) and counterweight guide rails (6) are fixed to the bracket (10). The counterweight guide rails (6) are positioned in between the car guide rails (5) so that the counterweight (11) can translate therebetween. The elevator car (8) is supported by rope (4) and sheave (2, 3) members coupled to a traction drive (16).

Abstract: An elevator system (1) includes a guide rail bracket (10) attached to a single hoistway wall (20). Car guide rails (5) and counterweight guide rails (6) are fixed to the bracket (10). The counterweight guide rails (6) are positioned in between the car guide rails (5) so that the counterweight (11) can translate therebetween. The elevator car (8) is supported by rope (4) and sheave (2, 3) members coupled to a traction drive (16).

Abstract: An elevator system includes a magnetic guide that dampens vibration of a flat rope that move the car and counterweight up and down in the hoistway. The flat rope is guided through an opening in the magnetic guide between a pair of ferromagnetic flux concentrators having a set of teeth. The flux concentrators concentrate a centralizing magnetic flux that centers the ferromagnetic wires of the rope between each tooth. As the centralizing force acts on each ferromagnetic wire, the flat rope will be magnetically laterally centered within the opening of the magnetic guide and vibration of the flat rope is accordingly dampened. In one example implementation of this invention, the magnetic guide is slideably mounted on a slide assembly in response to rope migration.

Abstract: A tension member termination device optimized for terminating flat tension members having compressible outer coatings, the device including a wedge and a socket each having cooperating surfaces positioned at a predetermined angle for clamping the tension member therebetween. The angle reliably secures the tension member while avoiding deleterious pressure and stress upon the tension member. The invention also provides a safety clamp for optional use with the tension member termination device.