Abstract: A gap monitoring device (16; 19) for monitoring a gap (12) between a tread panel (4) of a passenger conveyor and individual tread elements (2) in a tread elements band of the passenger conveyor, characterized in that a space sensor (18; 34) is provided to measure the gap between the tread panel (4) and at least one tread element (2).

Abstract: A control system for a passenger conveyor includes a ready-to-operate mode, a standby speed and a nominal speed. A method to operate the passenger conveyor includes the steps of: transitioning the conveyor from ready-to-operate mode to nominal speed using a frequency converter; switching from frequency converter to line power at nominal speed; switching back to frequency converter if no passengers are present and transitioning from nominal to standby speed; and transitioning from standby speed to ready-to-operate mode if a predetermined amount of time passes without a passenger entering the conveyor.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a handrail of a passenger conveyor includes a plurality of electrical conductors extending through the handrail, a device for inducing a current within the conductors, and a device for monitoring the induced current. In a particular embodiment, tension carriers within the handrail are electrically spliced together to form the electrical conductors. The level of current detected within the handrail is compared to an acceptable range and, if the monitored level is not acceptable, the passage conveyor is stopped.

Abstract: A passenger sensor for a passenger conveyor is disposed adjacent to a floorplate and produces a signal in response to changes in the load on the floorplate, rather than in response to a predetermined level of load. This results in a passenger sensor that does not require adjustment to accommodate the changing conditions of the passenger conveyor. In a particular embodiment, the passenger conveyor includes a passenger sensor that is formed from a piezoelectric cable that extends about the perimeter of the floorplate. The piezoelectric cable is connected to a controller that determines the operational speed of the passenger conveyor. Changes in the load on the floorplate, such as caused by a passenger entering the passenger conveyor, result in the piezoelectric cable generating a signal that is received by the controller. The controller then adjusts the operation speed of the passenger conveyor in response to the signal.

Abstract: A control system for a passenger conveyor includes a controller, a plurality of sensors, and an interface between the sensors and the controller. The interface receives the signals from the sensors and analyzes and converts the signals into the proper format for communication to the controller.

Abstract: A passenger sensor for a conveyor includes a transmitter assembly that is positioned within a channel in the conveyor balustrade. The transmitter assembly includes a plurality of transmitters that are spaced along a cable to form a transmitter chain. Each transmitter includes a module and a connector attached thereto. The transmitter assembly is disposed within the channel without the need for mounting hardware or openings within the balustrade for the passage of the cable. In a particular embodiment, a receiver assembly is disposed in a channel in the opposite balustrade in a similar manner.

Abstract: A control system for a passenger conveyor includes a plurality of junction boxes distributed throughout the conveyor and a control unit. The control unit communicates with the plurality of junction boxes through a serial link that interconnects the junction boxes and control unit. In a particular embodiment, the control unit is located remotely from the truss of the conveyor.