Abstract: A modular belt having plug-inserts produced from electroconductive material. The plugs may be snapped into respective holes that are preformed or machined in a standard plastic belt module. The modules may be produced from low cost materials such as polypropylene or polyacetal. The electroconductive plugs may be attached to the belt in numerous ways including, but not limited to, snap fit, gluing, screwing or direct integration by molding.

Abstract: A travelator, moving ramp or escalator comprises a conveyor having a driven end driven by a power machine and a non-driven end. At the driven end, a first drive element, in the form of an endless loop, is passed over a first driving pulley rotated by the power machine, and at the non-driven end the first drive element is passed over a first diverting pulley. A second drive element, in the form of an endless loop, is passed over a second driving pulley at the driven end rotated by the power machine, and over a second diverting pulley at the non-driven end. A first synchronizing device at the driven end provides mutual synchronization of the first and second driving pulleys. The conveyor additionally comprises a second synchronizing device arranged at the non-driven end for mutual synchronization of the first and second diverting pulleys.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of changing the direction of motion of a pallet at an end of a transport conveyor while maintaining the pallet at a substantially constant attitude. The method comprises conveying pallets in a passenger transport direction and at a first level, conveying pallets in a return direction and at a second, different level, positively guiding a trailing end of a first pallet with respect to its direction of motion with a supporting element, and rotating the supporting element with a second pallet located immediately behind the first pallet with respect to the direction of motion, thereby moving the trailing end of the first pallet from one of the first level and the second level to the other of the first level and the second level and changing the direction of motion of the first pallet.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway has a step or plate belt with motor-driven steps or plates and free-running steps or plates. A drive frame connected with a frame serves as support for a drive unit of a motor-driven step or plate. The drive unit includes a motor, a transmission and a brake. A friction wheel, which transmits drive power to a travel track, is arranged at the transmission output, while a counter-pressure roller arranged in a fixed position on the drive frame laterally guides the step.

Abstract: A cleaning unit for cleaning travel equipment allows the travel equipment to be shifted from an operating mode to a cleaning mode. The cleaning equipment is an escalator or a moving walkway which has tread units connected with an endless conveyor. The cleaning unit can be mounted as a substitute for a tread unit of the travel equipment during a cleaning sequence and includes cleaning elements. The travel equipment can be shifted from an operating mode to a cleaning mode in which the cleaning equipment is substituted for one or more tread units and the travel equipment operated whereby a cleaning sequence is performed. After cleaning is performed, the equipment is stopped, the cleaning equipment removed, and the removed treads reinstalled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guide for a lift along a staircase, comprising an elongate profile with at least one edge thereon, which edge extends along a considerable part of the length of the profile, wherein the edge of the profile is serrated and forms a gear rack for engagement thereon by a drive of the lift.

Abstract: A stairs lift system capable of converting stairs climbing operation into a walking movement along a horizontal plane. The system comprises an existing substrate, flight of stairs, and a second, overlying layer of stairs. Each one of the overlying stairs comprises a lifting element. Mechanical, electronic or hydraulic means are provided for lifting the lifting element up to the height of next-in-line overlaying stair. The lifting means are activated when sensing the presence of a subject having stepped on the first-in-line lifting element. The first-in-line lifting element returns to the initial position once the subject has stepped over to the next-in-line stair; and so forth.

Abstract: An escalator having a twin chain drive. Each chain 10, 11 comprises links 13 consisting of two side plates 14 interconnected by hollow sleeves 15, 23. The links are pivotally connected together to form a chain by linking plates 18 and pins 19 that are inserted through holes in the linking plates 18 and the bores of first hollow sleeves 15. A rotatably mounted load bearing roller 21, 29 is mounted on each sleeve 15, 23. Second hollow sleeves 23 are provided at spaced intervals along the length of the chains and have a bore that is provided with a double tapered surface 24, 25 that converges at a radial plane 26 midway between the side plates 14 of the respective link 13. An axle 20 is provided at spaced intervals along the chains and comprises a spindle 37 located in the tapered bores of the second hollow sleeve 23 of each chain and a spacer assembly 39, 39a, 39b, 39c located between the pairs of second sleeves 23.

Abstract: A moving walkway includes at least one drive belt having one side arranged to engage a synchronizing disk and another side presenting fixing elements spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the belt. Each of a plurality of pallets has at least one component to detachably engage with a corresponding fixing element on the drive belt so that the drive belt can move the pallets in a direction of conveyance. Each lateral side of each pallet includes an individual guide roller for engagement with a guideway. A rear area of one pallet and a front area of a following pallet, as seen in the direction of conveyance, define a supporting area such that a rear supporting area of each pallet is supported on a front supporting area of the following pallet.

Abstract: For reduction in externally excited oscillations there is provided at an escalator or a moving walkway an oscillation damper which is connected with the escalator or the moving walkway within a self-supporting region, preferably at the point of greatest oscillation displacement. The oscillation damper is preferably a speed-proportional plate damper comprising plates which move relative to one another in viscous oil.

Abstract: Personnel conveyor (2) featuring endless personnel conveyor belt (6) formed of numerous step elements (4), in which step elements (4) are attached to conveyor chains (8) along both of their sides that are driven around a first and a second reversal element, and in which conveyor chains (8) are constructed of a multitude of chain links (10) that are connected to each other at pivots (12), and where the segmentation ratio of conveyor chain (8) to personnel conveyor belt (6) is 1:1, characterized in that two chain links (10), which are equally positioned in relation to a step element (4), are connected to each other by means of a through-going connecting axle (32) attached to chain links (16) between each two pivoting points of chain links (10).

Abstract: A system and method for returning empty luggage carts over long distances from a remote collecting station to a retrieval station in a passenger terminal, where they may be retrieved by arriving passengers for the transportation of their luggage to parking lots, cab and bus loading areas, etc. A plurality of carts are inserted in nested arrangement into a load-in station. The carts are engaged individually, separated from the nested arrangement, and transported individually, in spaced-apart relation along a series of transport conveyor sections, changing elevations as appropriate and extending around curves as required to reach a discharge and retrieval station near the terminal luggage discharge area.

Abstract: A transfer device includes an upper mechanism and a lower mechanism associated with the upper mechanism. The upper mechanism includes a first endless belt that circulates in forward and reverse directions. The lower mechanism includes a second endless belt that circulates in forward and reverse directions independently of the first endless belt. The first and the second endless belts are selectively brought into and out of engagement with each other.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is a need for removal of the controller assembly from its stored location within the escalator pit for the purpose of working on the escalator or the escalator controller itself. The risk for human injury associated with this removal can be eliminated through the use of the present invention, that of a power driven ejection device for the automatic removal of the escalator controller from the escalator pit, with the main components of the automatic ejection device being the mounting base/guide tube, the drive system, the carriage, the main attachment pin and the controller attachment bracket, the automatic pivoter and the optional latch and manual release.

Abstract: For reduction in externally excited oscillations there is provided at an escalator or a moving walkway an oscillation damper which is connected with the escalator or the moving walkway within a self-supporting region, preferably at the point of greatest oscillation displacement. The oscillation damper is preferably a speed-proportional plate damper comprising plates which move relative to one another in viscous oil.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is a need for removal of the controller assembly from its stored location within the escalator pit for the purpose of working on the escalator or the escalator controller itself. The risk for human injury associated with this removal can be eliminated through the use of the present invention, that of a power driven ejection device for the automatic removal of the escalator controller from the escalator pit, with the main components of the automatic ejection device being the mounting base/guide tube, the drive system, the carriage, the main attachment pin and the controller attachment bracket, the automatic pivoter and the optional latch and manual release.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the transportation of objects and/or persons, in particular for use as a ski-lift, a T-bar lift or the like. Such devices generally comprise a driving station, a deflection or return station as well as a rope or wire rope circulating between the stations.

Abstract: A support construction for an escalator or moving walkway comprises at least one framework element integrally constructed as a flat, non-profiled, cut plate. Multiple framework elements can be assembled into a unitary support construction. By virtue of the simple structure of the support construction. Wherein little welding work is needed, production time for the support construction is substantially reduced over conventional constructions.

Abstract: The truck-mounted escalator is an improvement to mobile passenger stairways used to allow airline passengers to board and alight from large commercial aircraft. The improvement consists of motorizing the steps so they would function identically to escalator staircases commonly used in building structures. The truck-mounted escalator would consist of an electrical motor-driven escalator unit mounted on the bed of a dump truck style vehicle. The vehicle would feature a central support for the escalator unit and a hydraulic unit by which the escalator could be inclined for desired positioning. The escalator unit and hydraulic lift could be controlled by either of two control units, one located in the cab and the other on the rear of the truck bed. Electrical power for the motor, escalator unit, hydraulic lift, and control units would be supplied by the truck battery.

Abstract: In an escalator with a high speed inclined section, shape of an auxiliary rail is set, in a section between a forward path side horizontal section and a forward path side constant inclined section of a circulation path, such that, of steps adjacent to each other, a moving track of a relative position of a step on a lower step side with respect to a step on an upper step side is the same as surface shape of a riser of the step on the upper step side.

Abstract: A continuously moving sidewalk pedestrian transport system includes a railway loop having a pair of continuous parallel rails connected by a plurality of elongated tie rods disposed upon a ground surface. An area defined between the pair of rails and ground surface is hydraulically sealed to prevent fluid placed between the rails from escaping. A pedestrian pathway is mounted on top of the rails to contain the fluid under pressure. The pedestrian pathway is mounted such that it can move along the railway loop. A pedestrian walking upright can step onto the moving pathway and be transported along the railway loop. When the pedestrian reaches a desired location along the loop she may step off of the moving pathway to continue walking to her desired location.

Abstract: A plurality of steps 33 are connected to a pair of step chains 32 wound around step chain sprockets 30. The step chain sprockets 30 drives the step chains 32 to turn the step chains 32 through a forward path 43a, a return path 43b, and reversing areas at the opposite ends of the forward path and the return path. Front wheels 39 are supported on shafts attached to the opposite side surfaces of a front part of the step 33 and connected to the step chains 32, respectively. Rear wheels 40 are supported on a rear part of the step 33. Front wheel guide rails 44 supporting and guiding the front wheels 39 and rear wheel guide rails 45 for supporting and guiding the rear wheels 40 guides the step 33 in the forward path. In the reversing area, in which the step is inverted, an auxiliary step guide means including auxiliary rollers 41 and auxiliary roller guide rails 46 controls the position of the step 33 such that the rear wheels approach a connecting shaft 30a supporting the step chain sprockets 30.

Abstract: A staircase guide for a device for ascending a staircase, the device has a frame with a carrying element for people or goods and a drive connected to the frame. The guide has a cylindrical tube to be adapted to a staircase with at least one protrusion which extends in longitudinal direction of the tube. The tube has an engaging surface for co-action with a drive element of the drive for the purpose of displacing the stairlift and a support surface for support of the drive by a support member in order to hold at least the carrying element upright.

Abstract: In a clean room having a plurality of floors of different levels, an escalator is disposed between the plurality of floors for transporting an article between the floors. A self-propelled vehicle is used for transporting an article between floors. The self-propelled vehicle and the article are loaded on a step of the escalator. The vehicle and the article are held on the step from above the article by means of a holding section. The holding section assists loading of the vehicle onto the escalator through the article in the vicinity of an entrance gate of the escalator and assists unloading of the vehicle from the escalator in the vicinity of an exit gate.

Abstract: A continuously moving sidewalk pedestrian transport system includes a railway loop having a pair of continuous parallel rails connected by a plurality of elongated tie rods disposed upon a ground surface. An area defined between the pair of rails and ground surface is hydraulically sealed to prevent fluid placed between the rails from escaping. A pedestrian pathway is mounted on top of the rails to contain the fluid under pressure. The pedestrian pathway is mounted such that it can move along the railway loop. A pedestrian walking upright can step onto the moving pathway and be transported along the railway loop. When the pedestrian reaches a desired location along the loop she may step off of the moving pathway to continue walking to her desired location.

Abstract: A moving walkway is shown having a walkway surface with first and second ends and formed of a series of hinged rigid pallets in an endless loop. A direction-reversing sprocket is at each of the first and second ends. Each pallet is hinged to adjacent pallets along an axis substantially transverse to the walkway at opposite ends of the pallets along a length of the endless loop. Each pallet being transversely subdivided into a plurality of parts, each of the pallet parts being unidirectionally hinged to an adjacent one of the plurality of parts such that each pallet will support vertical loads on the walkway surface as a rigid unit and will hinge separately as the endless loop reverses direction around the sprockets.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway comprises at least one support structure which is supported between bearings. At least one upstanding support, which may be an arch or column, is provided. The support structure is connected at several points to the arch or the column, preferably by cables or rods. The columns or arches may be provided at each of the two sides of the moving walkway or the escalator and if the columns or arches and converge or run together above the escalator or moving walkway.

Abstract: A method of modernizing an escalator using modular components. The mechanical and electrical parts of an existing escalator are removed, leaving only the structural truss framework and cross members as well as all external parts, such as external panels, that interface with the building. A single module is placed at the top of the escalator and another module at the bottom. A plurality of incline modules are placed in the central inclined part of the escalator, at each cross member. By utilizing these modules, the assembly of the escalator is simplified. Furthermore, an entirely new escalator system using the latest technology may be installed rather than merely installing new parts in an old system.

Abstract: A drive system for escalators and pedestrian conveyors having a plurality of steps and pallets, respectively, is provided. The drive system includes at least one driving chain including links and joints connecting the links. The driving chain has a chain pitch such that there are no more than two links per step or pallet and the driving chain is connectable to the plurality of steps or pallets via bolts that are positioned between two joints and provided with a roller. The drive system also includes a plurality of interspaced reversing elements having a number of teeth that correspond to the chain pitch.

Abstract: An inclined conveyor for transporting shopping carts between an upper floor and a lower floor. The inclined conveyor includes a continuous conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt including a plurality of spaced drive lugs that engage a shopping cart. The moving conveyor belt transports the shopping cart between the upper and lower floors. The inclined conveyor includes a jam detector that interrupts operation of the conveyor upon detection of a jam along the conveyor. The inclined conveyor further includes a front wheel alignment and turning system for rotating at least one of the front wheels 180 degrees to place both front wheels in a common aligned position so as to prevent unnecessary operation of the jam detector along the conveyor belt. The inclined conveyor further includes a cart travel correction device for maintaining proper engagement between a portion of the cart and one of the drive lugs on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a passenger conveyor (2) with a running belt (4) which contains a frame (6), a main running belt drive (12) that is mounted on the frame (6) and that contains a drive shaft (10) and at least one running belt driving wheel that is connected to the drive shaft, and a drive unit for driving the main running belt drive (12), with the drive unit containing a driving motor (16) and a step-down gear (18), and with the output of the step-down gear (18) being connected to the input of the main running belt drive (12). The invention is characterized by the fact that the driving motor (16) is mounted on the housing (22) of the step-down gear (18), with the driving motor (16) and the step-down gear (18) forming a drive unit (8), and by the fact that the drive unit (8) is supported by the main running belt drive (12).

Abstract: A chain-free conveying device for persons has directly driven step bodies which run forward in one direction one after the other and run back more quickly thereunder. Each step body runs on rollers, of which two may each be driven by a respective electric motor. Each step body includes a device for the supplying of electrical current to the step body. Each step body has at least one sensor for determining spacing from the adjacent step bodies. A control electronic system controls the electric motors in dependence on a signal from the sensors, so that the step bodies run directly one after the other in a person transport region. A respective tipping station for inclining the step bodies is provided at each of the ends of the conveying device. In preferred embodiments the step bodies are directly driven by a friction wheel drive or by means of toothed wheels.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor system is arranged along a path in a racetrack fashion. Drive members associated with lateral edges of each pallet step surface move with the pallets through straight sections of the path to avoid relative movement between the pallets and adjacent structure. During turnaround sections, where the pallets are beneath a floor surface, the drive members move relative to each other, with one set of drive members becoming temporarily disconnected from each other, to permit the pallets to make a transition and a turnaround. In the illustrated example, a drive mechanism cooperates with at least one set of the drive members to transmit a motive force to propel the pallets along the path.

Abstract: A moving walkway is shown having a walkway surface with first and second ends and formed of a series of hinged rigid pallets in an endless loop. A direction-reversing sprocket is at each of the first and second ends. Each pallet is hinged to adjacent pallets along an axis substantially transverse to the walkway at opposite ends of the pallets along a length of the endless loop. Each pallet being transversely subdivided into a plurality of parts, each of the pallet parts being unidirectionally hinged to an adjacent one of the plurality of parts such that each pallet will support vertical loads on the walkway surface as a rigid unit and will hinge separately as the endless loop reverses direction around the sprockets.

Abstract: An escalator combtooth assembly for an escalator complete is responsive to combplate obstruction and generates an alarm signal when an obstruction is encountered. One or more combteeth plates are pivotally mounted to the front or leading edge at a combplate assembly. In response to an encountered obstruction one or more of the plates rotate upwardly. Electrical switch contacts associated with the combteeth plates change state when the plate rotates, allowing an alarm signal to be generated. The combteeth plates may include rearwardly-extending arms which pass through accepting slots located at the rear of a ledge on a main complete body upon which the combteeth plates rest. A guide device, such as a bolt, limits the degree of available rotation for the plates, which are biased in an initial position, preferably by an elastomeric member.

Abstract: A support construction for an escalator or moving walkway comprises at least one framework element integrally constructed as a flat, non-profiled, cut plate. Multiple framework elements can be assembled into a unitary support construction. By virtue of the simple structure of the support construction. Wherein little welding work is needed, production time for the support construction is substantially reduced over conventional constructions.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor system is arranged along a path in a racetrack fashion. Drive members associated with lateral edges of each pallet step surface move with the pallets through straight sections of the path to avoid relative movement between the pallets and adjacent structure. During turnaround sections, where the pallets are beneath a floor surface, the drive members move relative to each other, with one set of drive members becoming temporarily disconnected from each other, to permit the pallets to make a transition and a turnaround. In the illustrated example, a drive mechanism cooperates with at least one set of the drive members to transmit a motive force to propel the pallets along the path.

Abstract: During an earthquake, escalators are subjected to longitudinal displacement, which may cause excessive movement of a bearing girder out of the supporting area and may result in the escalator crushing down. Securing elements in the form of bolts or ropes are provided to limit the movement of the bearing girder within the supporting area and prevent the escalator from crashing down. When ropes are utilized, they may be securely fixed to fastenings located on a supporting base by the manufacturer. On site, the ropes may be pulled through holes in the provided support and looped over a rope rod. The rope rod is located on a provided bracket. When, in the case of a catastrophe, the provided bracket is unable to withstand the forces, the rope rod is stopped at the hole without the escalator crashing down.

Abstract: Interactive movable waiting station, comprising a plurality of seating stations (16) carried by a motorized movable structure (22) adapted to cyclically take the various seating stations (16) in correspondence with a service counter (10) attended by an operator. Each seating station (16) is provided with first computer means (20) electronically connected to second computer means (12) associated with the service counter (10). The first computer means (20) are programmed for enabling the person who occupies the seating station to prepare a service request during the waiting time necessary for taking the person in correspondence with the service counter. The first computer means transfer the request for service to the second computer means (12) before the person who has prepared such request reaches the service counter.

Abstract: Handrail for variable speed moving walkway which comprises a flexible belt or profile which circulates over the length of the walkway, with a forward stretch and a return stretch. The profile or band is constituted on the basis of fixed length stretches and, optionally, stretches of variable length, alternating and joined to each other. The fixed length stretches have a profile which defines a toothed arrangement which meshes successively with a series of pulling chains which are arranged between the forward and return stretches of the handrail, mounted between toothed wheels and each one moves at a speed different from the adjacent chains.

Abstract: An escalator construction has a framework, steps and a balustrade at both sides of the steps. The balustrade is fastened to balustrade posts. Clamps for profile tubes are provided at the framework and optionally also at the balustrade posts, U-profile members for receiving the profile tubes can be provided at the lower part of the framework Partition walls are fastened to both the inner and outer sides of the profile tubes. In order to cover the fasteners, the outer partition walls are fastened at least at its lower portion from an internal face, while the fasteners at the lower portion of the inner walls are covered by the balustrade. The fasteners for the upper portions of the partition walls may be covered by a cover profile member.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway includes a support structure supported between the rests at a cable, which is arranged laterally or below the support structure. According to the invention there is provided in the region of each rest a respective lever which is rotatably mounted at the support structure and is slidingly supported by one arm at the building structure, the cable being fastened to the other arm of the lever so that the cable is additionally tensioned when the support structure bends. In this manner, the construction is very stiff so that the escalator bends only slightly even under heaving loading.

Abstract: Underneath view paneling for an escalator or moving walkway has a respective bent-over portion at each of its lateral edges and is screw-connected at the bent-over portions to fastening blocks. The fastening blocks are in turn screw-connected to profile members connected to the escalator/moving walkway framework. The fastening blocks have an elongate hole for each fastening screw, allowing compensation for construction tolerances to be achieved. The fastening block screws are preferably screwed into a clamping plate disposed behind elongate holes of the profile member. The clamping plates are preferably parallelogram-shaped and are so constructed such that in one orientation they can pass through the elongate holes of the profile member, while when turned through about 90° to a second orientation they cannot pass through the elongate holes. Side paneling for the escalator can be fastened to the underneath view paneling by means of clamping springs.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway comprises at least one support structure which is supported between bearings. At least one upstanding support, which may be an arch or column, is provided. The support structure is connected at several points to the arch or the column, preferably by cables or rods. The columns or arches may be provided at each of the two sides of the moving walkway or the escalator and if the columns or arches and converge or run together above the escalator or moving walkway.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway includes a support structure supported between the rests at a cable, which is arranged laterally or below the support structure. According to the invention there is provided in the region of each rest a respective lever which is rotatably mounted at the support structure and is slidingly supported by one arm at the building structure, the cable being fastened to the other arm of the lever so that the cable is additionally tensioned when the support structure bends. In this manner, the construction is very stiff so that the escalator bends only slightly even under heaving loading.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control system designed for use in either new or existing escalators or moving walkways. The control system is comprised of a main controller and a variable frequency drive. The main controller is attached to the variable frequency drive which controls the speed of the motor based upon various environmental changes, such as passenger load and safety conditions. The control system of the present invention utilizes motions sensors, time relay switches, proximity switches and other electromechanical detectors as intelligence to detect faults and to control and vary the speed of the motor through the variable frequency drive.

Abstract: An inclined conveyor for transporting shopping carts between an upper floor and a lower floor. The inclined conveyor includes a continuous conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt including a plurality of spaced drive lugs that engage a shopping cart. The moving conveyor belt transports the shopping cart between the upper and lower floors. The inclined conveyor includes a jam detector that interrupts operation of the conveyor upon detection of a jam along the conveyor. The inclined conveyor further includes sensors that prevent operation of the conveyor assembly if a person is present at either the unloading end or loading end of the conveyor assembly. At least one cart arrester is positioned along the length of the inclined conveyor to prevent uncontrolled descent of a shopping cart along the length of the inclined conveyor.

Abstract: A deflector device prevents jamming of body parts and/or objects between a step belt, which consists of individual steps, and a balustrade pedestal of an escalator. A deflector profile member is fixedly connected with the pedestal plate. The deflector profile member has an opening which serves for the reception of a brush body carrying a brush. A first lug of the deflector profile member has a first projection and a second lug of the deflector profile member has a recess. A snap hook and a second projection are provided at the brush body, wherein the snap hook detents with the first projection and the second projection detents with the recess.

Abstract: An escalator drive machine includes a motor output sheave which drives a drive belt along a closed look between the output sheave and a drive sprocket. The output sheave engages the drive belt with the step chain such that the step chain and attached tread plates are propelled from on landing to the other. The output sheave includes a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth. The first set of teeth is around the output sheave hub to engage a set of belt teeth extending from the drive belt. The second set of teeth is preferably located along a rim of the output sheave and is engageable with corresponding link teeth located along each link in the drive chain. The second set of teeth maintain their relationship with the corresponding link teeth due to the first set of teeth, however, there is no contact therebetween. However, should the drive belt fail or become disengaged, the second set of teeth engage the corresponding link teeth.

Abstract: An escalator drive machine includes a motor output sheave connected to a drive motor through a belt reduction assembly including a main output sheave. A drive belt extends from the belt reduction assembly and is guided along a plurality of guide sheaves to engage the step chain and propel the escalator tread plates. In addition, by locating a pinch roller adjacent the handrail, the drive belt and handrail can be pinched together to provide a motive force to the handrail. The drive belt thereby synchronously drives the handrail. In another embodiment the drive machine includes a counter-rotating motor to drive a drive belt on each side of the escalator system.