Abstract: A hydraulic elevator system does not include a machine room but does include an access panel that allows at least a control valve and controller to be accessible from outside of the hoistway while the control valve and controller remain in the hoistway. An exemplary elevator system includes a hoistway. An elevator car is supported within the hoistway. The hydraulic cylinder is associated with the elevator car for selectively moving the elevator car. A reservoir is within the hoistway. The reservoir is configured to contain fluid for selectively causing extension of the cylinder. A control valve within the hoistway controls communication of the fluid between the reservoir and the cylinder. A controller within the hoistway controls movement of the elevator car. An access panel is on one side of the hoistway for selectively closing and opening into the hoistway near the control value and the controller. The opening provides access to at least the control valve and the controller from outside of the hoistway.

Abstract: An elevator derailment detection system (51) which provides for accurate detection of the derailment of a movable element (30, 32), such as a counterweight (32) or an elevator car (30), within a hoistway (22) even when the building (24) within which the elevator (20) is installed is of a substantial height and may be experiencing a significant degree of sway due to high winds, earthquakes, or other causes. By mounting an electric conductor (52) such as a sensing wire of the system (51) at spaced intervals (76) along the length of the hoistway (22), the electric conductor (52) in turn sways with the building (24). Accordingly, contact of the electrical conductor with sensors attached to a movable element within the hoistway, such as the counterweight, is limited to derailment situations and not normal building sway, and false trips are significantly reduced.

Abstract: An exemplary elevator system includes a hoistway. An elevator car is supported within the hoistway. The hydraulic cylinder is associated with the elevator car for selectively moving the elevator car. A reservoir is within the hoistway. The reservoir is configured to contain fluid for selectively causing extension of the cylinder. A control valve within the hoistway controls communication of the fluid between the reservoir and the cylinder. A controller within the hoistway controls movement of the elevator car. An access panel is on one side of the hoistway for selectively closing and opening into the hoistway near the control value and the controller. The opening provides access to at least the control valve and the controller from outside of the hoistway.

Abstract: An elevator derailment detection system (51) is disclosed which provides for accurate detection of the derailment of a movable element (30, 32), such as a counterweight (32) or an elevator car (30), within a hoistway (22) even when the building (24) within which the elevator (20) is installed is of a substantial height and may be experiencing a significant degree of sway due to high winds, earthquakes, or other causes. By mounting an electric conductor (52) such as a sensing wire of the system (51) at spaced intervals (76) along the length of the hoistway (22), the electric conductor (52) in turn sways with the building (24). Accordingly, contact of the electrical conductor with sensors attached to a movable element within the hoistway, such as the counterweight, is limited to derailment situations and not normal building sway, and false trips are significantly reduced.