He invented the hydraulic balance lift (US: elevator) and the automatic injector fire hydrant.
[3] The second son of a warehouseman, Ellington was born in Camberwell, and studied at Denmark Hill Grammar School before being articled to the Greenwich-based maritime engineering firm of John Penn in 1862.
[4] In 1871, they established the Wharves and Warehouses Steam Power and Hydraulic Pressure Company.
[2] The emergence of electrical power during the 20th century meant hydraulic networks were gradually superseded; the Hull company was wound up in 1947 while the final London pumping station ceased operation in 1977.
Late in his life Ellington was elected President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.