Hey there, elevator enthusiasts! Today we're going to learn about a scientist named Alexander Miles. Now, you may not have heard of him before, but this guy was a true lift genius.

Alexander Miles was born in 1838 in Erie County, Pennsylvania, and from a young age, he had a passion for science and technology. He went on to study at Wilberforce University and later worked as an inventor and a mechanic.

But it was when he started working on elevators that Alexander Miles made some of his most important contributions to the world. He was interested in finding ways to improve the safety and convenience of elevators, which were becoming increasingly popular in buildings and factories.

One of Miles's most notable inventions was the automatic elevator and electric elevator door. It was a revolutionary invention at the time, as it eliminated the need for an operator to manually open and close elevator doors. Miles became concerned with the dangerous risks associated with elevators once he noticed a shaft door left open during a ride with his young daughter, so he set out to design an elevator that was able to open and close its own doors and the elevator shaft doors automatically.

Previously, both the shaft and the elevator had to be opened and closed manually by either the elevator operator or by passengers, contributing greatly to the hazards of operating an elevator or riding in one. Miles attached a flexible belt to the elevator cage, and when the belt came into contact with drums positioned along the elevator shaft just above and below the floors, it allowed the elevator shaft doors to operate at the appropriate times. The elevator doors themselves were automated through a series of levers and rollers. 

Miles was awarded U.S. Patent 371,207 for his invention on October 11, 1887. The influence of his elevator patent is still seen in modern designs, since the automatic opening and closing of elevator and elevator shaft doors is a standard feature.

Thanks to him we have access to safe and convenient elevators that move us through multi-story buildings, whether they are 4-story apartment buildings or 100-story skyscrapers. We are able to move through buildings like this without giving it a second thought because of the inventions of Alexander Miles. 

Miles died in Seattle, Washington on May 7, 1918, just shy of his 80th birthday.

So next time you take an elevator in an apartment building or an office tower, remember Alexander Miles and the amazing work he did that made it possible for you to move safely between floors. He truly made a difference in the world and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of elevator engineers and inventors.

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