Abstract: One elevator system includes an elevator car, counterweight, traction sheave, support wrapped around the traction sheave and suspending the car and the counterweight, a compensation sheave, a compensation member wrapped around the compensation sheave and being affixed at a first end to the elevator car and at a second end to the counterweight, and a tensioner. The support is driven by rotation of the traction sheave to raise and lower the car, and the tensioner is in communication with the traction sheave for linearly displacing a rotational centerpoint of the traction sheave. Another elevator system has an elevator car, counterweight, compensation sheave, compensation rope wrapped around the compensation sheave and being affixed to the car and the counterweight, a traction sheave driving a support suspending the car and the counterweight, and a tensioner in communication with the traction sheave for inducing a variation in tension of the compensation rope.

Abstract: One elevator system includes an elevator car, counterweight, traction sheave, support wrapped around the traction sheave and suspending the car and the counterweight, a compensation sheave, a compensation member wrapped around the compensation sheave and being affixed at a first end to the elevator car and at a second end to the counterweight, and a tensioner. The support is driven by rotation of the traction sheave to raise and lower the car, and the tensioner is in communication with the traction sheave for linearly displacing a rotational centerpoint of the traction sheave. Another elevator system has an elevator car, counterweight, compensation sheave, compensation rope wrapped around the compensation sheave and being affixed to the car and the counterweight, a traction sheave driving a support suspending the car and the counterweight, and a tensioner in communication with the traction sheave for inducing a variation in tension of the compensation rope.

Abstract: A system and method for actively damping tension members modulates the natural frequency of shape memory alloys incorporated into tension members, such as suspension ropes or cables. The frequency of the tension member can be modulated by heating the shape memory alloy, such modulation preventing potentially destructive resonance with natural exciting forces.

Abstract: A system and method for actively damping tension members modulates the natural frequency of shape memory alloys incorporated into tension members, such as suspension ropes or cables. The frequency of the tension member can be modulated by heating the shape memory alloy, such modulation preventing potentially destructive resonance with natural exciting forces.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing compensation rope sway by altering the natural frequency of compensation ropes using servo actuators. The rope sway may be minimized by moving the compensation sheave to adjust the tension of the compensation rope or adjusting the position of the termination of a compensation rope to account for changes in the position of a structure. Servo actuators may also be used to re-level the elevator car to account for rope stretch.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing compensation rope sway by altering the natural frequency of compensation ropes using servo actuators. The rope sway may be minimized by moving the compensation sheave to adjust the tension of the compensation rope or adjusting the position of the termination of a compensation rope to account for changes in the position of a structure. Servo actuators may also be used to re-level the elevator car to account for rope stretch.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for actively damping tension members by modulating the natural frequency of shape metal alloys. By incorporating shape metal alloys into tension members, such as suspension ropes or cables, the frequency of the tension member can be modulated to prevent potentially destructive resonance with natural exciting forces.