Patent ID: 7878306

Claim:
An elevator system, comprising: a cab that is supported for movement within a hoistway; at least one load bearing member having a first portion secured near a first end of the hoistway, the load bearing member being arranged within the system such that the load bearing member extends from the first end of the hoistway toward the cab, wraps at least partially around a first sheave supported for movement with the cab, extends from the first sheave toward the first end of the hoistway, wraps at least partially around a second sheave supported near the first end of the hoistway, extends from the second sheave toward a second end of the hoistway, wraps at least partially about a third sheave supported near the second end of the hoistway, extends toward the cab from the third sheave, wraps at least partially around a fourth sheave supported for movement with the cab, and extends from the fourth sheave toward the second end of the hoistway; a tension device near the second end of the hoistway that is configured to secure a second portion of the load bearing member near the second end of the hoistway and to maintain tension on the load bearing member throughout all movement of the cab within the hoistway, the tension device comprising a mass that is configured to remain near the second end of the hoistway; and at least one guide member positioned to guide limited movement of the mass.