A paternoster is a passenger elevator which consists of a chain of open compartments that move slowly in a loop up and down inside a building without stopping. Passengers can step on or off at any floor they like. As a result of safety issues, many such lifts have been shut down.
First built in 1884 by the Dartford, England engineering firm of J & E Hall Ltd as the Cyclic Elevator, the name paternoster was originally applied to the device because the elevator is in the form of a loop and is thus similar to rosary beads used as an aid in reciting prayers.
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(via Blog on a Toothpick)
3 comment(s):
There was one of these in the mathematics building of Leeds University, UK. There still is one in the Arts Tower of Sheffield University. Most have been taken out of service due to safety concerns.
Yay! I used to love the one in the Arts Tower, although 'going over the top' was somewhat scary....
Wow this looks like it could be disastrous!
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