Basic Components of Elevator Elevator Types: Hydraulic Elevators
Basic Components of Elevator Elevator Types: Hydraulic Elevators
Basic Components of Elevator Elevator Types: Hydraulic Elevators
History of Elevators
Since the dawn of time, humans sought the way for more efficient vertical transportation of
freight and passengers to different levels. These devices for transport goods up and down
represent first elevators.
Elevator history begins several hundred years before Christ. The earliest elevators were called
hoists. They were powered by human and animal power, or sometimes water-driven
mechanisms. They were in use as early as the 3rd century BC.
Modern elevators were developed during the 1800s. These crude elevators slowly evolved
from steam driven to hydraulic power. The first hydraulic elevators were designed using water
pressure as the source of power.
They were used for conveying materials in factories, warehouses and mines. Hydraulic
elevators were often used in European factories.
In 1852, Elisha Graves Otis introduced the first safety contrivance for elevators.
Otis established a company for manufacturing elevators and went on to dominate the elevator
industry. Today the Otis Elevator Factory is the world's largest manufacturer of vertical transport
systems.
Revolution in elevator technology began with the invention of hydraulic and electricity.
Motor technology and control methods evolved rapidly and electricity quickly became the
accepted source of power. The safety and speed of these elevators were significantly enhanced.
The first electric elevator was built by the German inventor Wener Von Siemens in 1880.
In 1889, the first commercially successful electric elevator was installed.
In 1887, an electric elevator with automatic doors that would close off the elevator shaft was
patented. This invention made elevators safer.
Many changes in elevator design and installation was made by the great advances in electronic
systems during World War II.
Space elevators use the same concept of classic elevator. They will be used to transport people
to space station. This concept theoretically can considerably reduce the cost for putting a person
into space.
Today, modern commercial buildings commonly have multiple elevators with a unified
control system. In addition, all modern elevators have special override controls (to make
elevators go directly to a specific floor without intermediate stops).
Elevators History
The ancient Greeks made first elevators, by using pulleys and winches. What made revolution in
elevator technology? Read all about interesting elevators history and evolutions.
Elevator Inventor
Modern elevators become widely available just over 150 years ago. Where was the elevator
invented? Who invented the first modern elevator? What year was the elevator invented? Learn
all about elevator invention and inventors.
Elevator Facts and Myths
Did you know that elevators are safer than cars? Did you know that today’s elevators can reach
speeds as fast as 1,000 meters per minute? Read about interesting facts, myths and corresponding
truths about elevators.