you guys might wanna check these out
http://www.macrondynamics.com/linear_actuators.htm
linear motion actuators capable of speeds of around 200 inches per second for the ones we could possibly use. I'd just like to point out that elevators are made to carry a relativley heavy load on a cable system. For our application we wont be moving a heavy load and a belt or chain driven system would be much more effective.