一个曾经改变世界的的电梯装置——电梯安全锁装置（防止电梯坠落的装置）将在2012年迎来其诞生160周年纪念。1852年，Elisha Otis首次发明了电梯安全锁装置。简易升降系统早在公元前238年就已存在。19世纪，世界上极少有超过5层的建筑，因为人们担心高层建筑中的升降机有坠落的危险。Otis意识到这一问题，他在自己的商店中创造了电梯安全锁装置，并在1854年世博会上亲身验证了其防坠落的作用。1857年，世界第一台安装防坠落装置的电梯在纽约一座11层建筑中投入使用，直到今天。
　　这项伟大的发明改变了世界。当今的建筑高度恐怕只受建筑师想象力和金钱的限制了。电梯成为摩天大楼里必不可少的设备。如今在迪拜的世界第一高楼（高2717英尺）如果没有电梯，根本就无法存在。
　　所以，下次当你乘坐电梯时，应该说一句“感谢你，Elisha。”

The elevator safety latch that revolutionized city skylines

　　Last week’s Register headline about the stuck elevator prompted me to call for a celebration of a momentous invention. In 1852 Elisha Otis pioneered the development of the safety locking latch for elevators. While some form of hoist-style elevator had existed since 238 BC, 19th-century buildings were limited to four or five stories since passengers where terrified of “lift” failure. Otis saw the need, tinkered in his shop and then stole the 1854 World Fair show by demonstrating his free-fall safety brake on himself. By 1857 the first elevator was installed in an 11 story New York building that still works today.
　　This invention, though simple, revolutionized the world. Building heights were limited only by the architect imagination and his budget. Today’s modern urban skyline has been shaped by the elevator’s ability to move people vertically fast and safely. The world’s tallest building in Dubai is 2,717 feet and wouldn’t exist without a safe lift.
　　So, the next time you’re in an elevator, say “Thanks, Elisha!” and “Could you turn down the Musak?”