Abstract: An article may include a carcass or jacket, and at least one composite member arranged within the carcass or jacket for inhibiting longitudinal stretch of the article. The composite member may include a plurality of fibers arranged in a polymeric binder, the polymeric binder bonding the composite member to the carcass or jacket. The carcass or jacket may be formed substantially of rubber or thermoplastic elastomer. The plurality of fibers may include fibers formed substantially from at least one of S-glass, aramid and carbon fiber. The polymer binder may be formed substantially of a thermoplastic material or of a thermoset material. In manufacturing of the article, the carcass or jacket may be extruded to surround the composite member. The article may be a handrail or an elevator belt.

Abstract: An article may include a carcass or jacket, and at least one composite member arranged within the carcass or jacket for inhibiting longitudinal stretch of the article. The composite member may include a plurality of fibers arranged in a polymeric binder, the polymeric binder bonding the composite member to the carcass or jacket. The carcass or jacket may be formed substantially of rubber or thermoplastic elastomer. The plurality of fibers may include fibers formed substantially from at least one of S-glass, aramid and carbon fiber. The polymer binder may be formed substantially of a thermoplastic material or of a thermoset material. In manufacturing of the article, the carcass or jacket may be extruded to surround the composite member. The article may be a handrail or an elevator belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of measuring tension in a handrail for an escalator or moving walkway provides for three support or contact points on the handrail. Two outer or first and second support points are provided by rollers at either end of the support bar. A centre point is provided by a suction cup or other attachment device that grasps the handrail. The centre point is displaced relative to the first and second points by an amount less than a clearance between the handrail and an underlining guide. This displacement and the load necessary to cause the displacement, together with the overall dimensions of the apparatus enable the tension in the handrail to be provided. The use of a suction cup effectively overcomes the requirement to provide a centre point on the opposite side of the handrail from the two other support points, this other side not otherwise being accessible in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of measuring tension in a handrail for an escalator or moving walkway provides for three support or contact points on the handrail. Two outer or first and second support points are provided by rollers at either end of the support bar. A centre point is provided by a suction cup or other attachment device that grasps the handrail. The centre point is displaced relative to the first and second points by an amount less than a clearance between the handrail and an underlining guide. This displacement and the load necessary to cause the displacement, together with the overall dimensions of the apparatus enable the tension in the handrail to be provided. The use of a suction cup effectively overcomes the requirement to provide a centre point on the opposite side of the handrail from the two other support points, this other side not otherwise being accessible in use.