Suspension member equalization system for elevators

A method of using a suspension member equalization system for equalizing tension in a plurality of elevator suspension members, the method comprising the steps of:

• disposing each of a plurality of upper swash plates into each of a plurality of cavities formed within each of a plurality of cylinder assemblies;
• disposing each of a plurality of lower swash plates into portions of each of the plurality of upper swash plates in a manner such that each of the plurality of upper swash plates and each of the plurality of lower swash plates are rotatable relative to each other;
• extending each of a plurality of rods through each of the plurality of cylinder assemblies, through each of the plurality of upper swash plates and through each of the plurality of lower swash plates, each of the plurality of rods extending from each of a plurality of suspension member sockets, each of the suspension member sockets connected to each of a plurality of suspension members, each of the plurality of cylinder assemblies having a slidable piston;
• fluidly connecting a manifold block to each of the plurality of cylinder assemblies with an incompressible fluid;
• and
• providing tension in the plurality of suspension members and allowing the sliding pistons to seek an approximately equal pressure, thereby approximating equal tension in each of the plurality of suspension members.