Abstract:
A device (30) for making electrically conductive contact with at least one tension member in an elevator belt (22) also provides a restraining feature to support loads on the belt. A connector portion (32) is secured to the belt. In one example, the connector portion (32) includes clamping members (40, 42) that are received on opposite sides of the belt. One of the clamping members supports a plurality of electrically conductive connector members (52) that establish electrical contact with selected tension members (24) within the belt (22). A plurality of load transferring members (66) are supported by the other clamping member in one example. A restraining portion (34) is adapted to be secured in a fixed position relative to a selected structure (36) within the elevator system. An opening (38) through the restraining portion (34) allows the belt (22) to pass but prevents the connector portion (32) from moving beyond the restraining portion (34) as the outside dimension of the connector portion (32) is larger than the size of the opening (38). In one example, high temperature resistant materials such as steel or ceramics are used for the restraining portion (34) and the clamping members (40, 42).