Otis Elevator Company

Peter O Erlandsen

Frederick H Barker

Boris G Traktovenko

An apparatus is provided for preventing sway of elevator ropes (7). The apparatus comprises a swing arm (2) positioned within a hoistway (6) of an elevator. The swing arm is movable between a first position and a second position wherein the swing arm is in proximity with the ropes in the first position and the ropes contact the swing arm thereby reducing sway and wherein the swing arm is positioned outside of the path of an elevator car (8) in a second position. An embodiment includes a sheath (21) having tapered ends (22, 23) mounted to the end of the swing arm to facilitate the movement of the swing arm through the plurality of ropes.

Swing arm to prevent sway of elevator ropes

Tension of compensating ropes in an elevator system is electively changed to minimize horizontal vibration of the compensating ropes in tall buildings. The tension of compensating ropes is changed by a tensioning mechanism either when the horizontal movement of the compensating ropes exceeds a preset limit or when the building sway exceeds a predetermined amount. Additionally, the tension of compensating ropes can be changed when the elevator car is parked within certain predetermined top floors. The tension can be applied to a compensating sheave supporting the compensating ropes by a tensioning mechanism such as a hydraulic jack.

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Glastonbury, CT, United States of America

Peter O Erlandsen