Rotatable elevator system

This invention relates to an elevator-like passenger conveying system that approximates the passenger flow characteristics of an escalator. A rotating passenger conveying system includes a central rotating column which drives a number of cabs to rotate about an axis. The cabs are also movable along the axis between a first and second floor. The central column rotates continuously, and the cabs are cyclically moved between the two floors. Passengers can enter a cab at one of the floors, and cab will then rotate to a movement zone. In the movement zone the cab will move to the other floor. The movement and flow of passengers in this system is continuous, and thus, the throughput of passengers in the rotating passenger conveying system is closer to an escalator system than to an elevator.