An elevator counterweight assembly (11) includes a counterweight structure (38), at least one safety brake (12a, 12b) mounted on the counterweight structure (38), and a safety actuation mechanism (16) including a connection (17) for a suspension member (18). The safety actuation mechanism (16) is configured to move, relative to the counterweight structure (38), between a normal position, and a safety position. In the safety position the safety actuation mechanism (16) is arranged to actuate the at least one safety brake (12a, 12b) and thereby brake the counterweight structure (38). The counterweight assembly (11) also includes a mechanical actuator (22), configured, when actuated, to apply a force to the safety actuation mechanism (16) and thereby move the safety actuation mechanism (16) from the normal position to the safety position, e.g. for the purposes of a handover test.

Counterweights for elevator systems are described. The counterweights include a frame and a counterweight safety system attached to the frame. The safety system includes a safety brake mounted to an upright of the frame and configured to enable engagement with a guide rail to apply a braking force. A sheave is mounted to the frame and configured to operably connect to tension members. The sheave is configured to move between a first position when under tension and a second position when the tension is lost. A connecting link operably connects the sheave to the safety brake. The connecting link has first and second link members operably connected between the sheave and the safety brake.

Arrangement in an elevator for stopping uncontrolled movement of an elevator car, which elevator comprises at least an elevator car (1) arranged to move reciprocally in the elevator hoistway along guide rails (1a), and means for stopping uncontrolled movement of the elevator car (1). The arrangement according to the invention comprises an arrester (4, 5) separate from the guide rails (1a) of the elevator car (1) and independent of the suspension of the elevator car (1).

Arrangement in an elevator for stopping uncontrolled movement of an elevator car, which elevator comprises at least an elevator car (1) arranged to move reciprocally in the elevator hoistway along guide rails (1a), and means for stopping uncontrolled movement of the elevator car (1). The arrangement according to the invention comprises an arrester (4, 5) separate from the guide rails (1a) of the elevator car (1) and independent of the suspension of the elevator car (1).

A break detection device includes a sensor, an abnormal variation detection unit (22), a storage unit (20), an arithmetic unit (23), and a break determination unit (24). The arithmetic unit (23) increases a determination score when the abnormal variation detection unit (22) detects occurrence of an abnormal variation when a car (1) passes a position stored in the storage unit (20). The arithmetic unit (23) decreases the determination score when the abnormal variation detection unit (22) does not detect the occurrence of the abnormal variation when the car (1) passes the position. The break determination unit (24) determines whether or not a broken portion is present in a rope on the basis of the determination score.

A break detection device includes a sensor, an abnormal variation detection unit (22), a storage unit (20), an arithmetic unit (23), and a break determination unit (24). The arithmetic unit (23) increases a determination score when the abnormal variation detection unit (22) detects occurrence of an abnormal variation when a car (1) passes a position stored in the storage unit (20). The arithmetic unit (23) decreases the determination score when the abnormal variation detection unit (22) does not detect the occurrence of the abnormal variation when the car (1) passes the position. The break determination unit (24) determines whether or not a broken portion is present in a rope on the basis of the determination score.

A tension member for an elevator system includes one or more tension elements extending along a length of the tension member, and one or more a wave guide regions secured to at least one surface of the tension member or integral to the tension member and extending along the length of the tension member. The one or more wave guide regions are configured for transmission of a radio frequency (RF) data signal along the one or more wave guide regions.

A tension member for an elevator system includes one or more tension elements extending along a length of the tension member, and one or more a wave guide regions secured to at least one surface of the tension member or integral to the tension member and extending along the length of the tension member. The one or more wave guide regions are configured for transmission of a radio frequency (RF) data signal along the one or more wave guide regions.

A counterweight slack detection switch including a body, a first belt guide mounted to the body and configured to engage a first side of a tension member, a second belt guide mounted to the body and configured to engage the first side of the tension member, a lever arm having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotally mounted to the body, a deflectable member biasing the lever arm relative to the body, a third belt guide mounted to the second end of the lever arm and configured to bias the tension member from a tension position to a slack position, and a switch mounted to the body and configured to contact the tension member when the tension member is in at least one of the tension position and the slack position.

A counterweight slack detection switch including a body, a first belt guide mounted to the body and configured to engage a first side of a tension member, a second belt guide mounted to the body and configured to engage the first side of the tension member, a lever arm having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotally mounted to the body, a deflectable member biasing the lever arm relative to the body, a third belt guide mounted to the second end of the lever arm and configured to bias the tension member from a tension position to a slack position, and a switch mounted to the body and configured to contact the tension member when the tension member is in at least one of the tension position and the slack position.