Abstract: An eccentric crankshaft (8) is connected to a rotary driving device (6), and a rocking unit (10) is connected to the eccentric crankshaft (8). Pin roller rolling gear teeth (11), each having a trochoid tooth-shape, are provided in the rocking unit (10). When the rocking unit (11) rocks in accordance with eccentric rotation of the eccentric crankshaft (8), the trochoid shape of the pin roller rolling gear teeth (11) meshes with pin rollers (5a) and thus gives a thrust to the pin rollers (5a), thereby driving footsteps (2).

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: A support structure for an escalator includes a bottom landing, a top landing, and a rise that interconnects the bottom and top landings. An improved truss design comprised of steel modules that are stamped or bent is used to form the rise, the top landing, and the bottom landing. The modules have closed sides, which increases the strength and stiffness of the truss while also providing the enclosure for internal escalator components. The modules are either formed as a single piece or formed from multiple pieces that are welded or fastened together. The modules are then secured to each other to form the rise, the top landing, and the bottom landing.

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 lubricating device for an escalator or moving walkway provides a lubricant container connected by way of lines with lubrication points which are arranged at a base plate which forms lateral borders for the escalator/moving walkway step belt or plate belt. Sliding pads are provided at the escalator steps of the step belt or at the plates of the plate belt which project slightly beyond the side edges of the steps or plates and, when sliding past the lubrication points, receive lubricant and subsequently transfer it to the base plate.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway is provided with a guide device to maintain the positions of the steps or plates with respect to the escalator sides. A respective guide device is provided at each step side which guides the steps laterally in the horizontal direction and insures a minimum spacing of the step from the base plate of the escalator balustrade base. In the forward run portion of the step belt the guide device engages the base plate, while in the return run portions of the step belt, the guide device engages the side surface of a second guide for chain rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the polygon effect that occurs over the course of the reversing of a chain which can be used for a pedestrian conveyor, especially an escalator or moving walkway. To this end, a different rotational speed is superimposed upon the rotational speed of the reversing wheel via the electric drive which indirectly or directly acts upon said reversing wheel.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway includes, divided roller bearings to improve the efficiency of replacement thereof. The roller bearings may be located in the region of the drive axle or deflecting axle of the step chain. The divided roller bearing components can be mounted on the roller bearing axle, and removed therefrom, in radial direction.

Abstract: A drive configuration for stair lifts is described. The drive configuration has a load-bearing configuration which is mounted displaceably on a first (bottom) guide rail and a second (top) guide rail. A drive unit interacts with a drive rail. The drive rail is formed by a perforated bar which has engagement openings spaced apart at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction and also has two uninterrupted, mutually opposite running surfaces. The drive unit has two gearwheel-shaped drive wheels which are disposed opposite one another, and accommodate the perforated bar with a radial contact-pressure force between them. The drive wheels have drive surfaces which are uninterrupted in the circumferential direction and radially projecting drive protrusions, the drive protrusions interacting with the engagement openings in a form-fitting drive connection and the drive surfaces interacting with the running surfaces in a force-fitting drive connection.

Abstract: An escalator and moving walkway construction has spaced first and second basic wall supports arranged laterally of a step or plate conveying run. The rigidity of such a support construction is enhanced, in the case of use with large support widths, in that at least one respective supplementary wall support is laterally flange-mounted to each of the basic wall supports of the support construction.

Abstract: A continuous conveying apparatus of an unified going/returning way type in which tread faces can be turned around with driving elements (chains or the like) on both sides of the tread faces maintained. A movable member having tread faces is turned helicoidally by 180° around an axis which extends in a plane parallel to the reference plane of the tread faces and is inclined at an angle of 45° with respect to the traveling direction. Then, the movable member travels horizontally and turned helicoidally by 180° around another axis which is inclined oppositely to the aforementioned axis. Thus, the movable member travels in the direction opposite to the going direction.

Abstract: A displacement apparatus comprising a first rail and a second rail, extending substantially parallel thereto, while on the first rail a first driving gear with a first motor is provided and on the second rail a second driving gear with a second motor is provided, the first and the second rail comprising at least one inclined portion, and control means being provided for the two motors, which control means are arranged for controlling the first and the second motor in a force-controlled manner at least on a portion of the at least one inclined part of the first and the second rail.

Abstract: A drive configuration for stair lifts is described. The drive configuration has a load-bearing configuration which is mounted displaceably on a first (bottom) guide rail and a second (top) guide rail. A drive unit interacts with a drive rail. The drive rail is formed by a perforated bar which has engagement openings spaced apart at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction and also has two uninterrupted, mutually opposite running surfaces. The drive unit has two gearwheel-shaped drive wheels which are disposed opposite one another, and accommodate the perforated bar with a radial contact-pressure force between them. The drive wheels have drive surfaces which are uninterrupted in the circumferential direction and radially projecting drive protrusions, the drive protrusions interacting with the engagement openings in a form-fitting drive connection and the drive surfaces interacting with the running surfaces in a force-fitting drive connection.

Abstract: Underneath view paneling for an escalator or moving walkway has a respective bentover 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: A skirt panel for a passenger conveyor, particularly an escalator having a plurality of steps. The skirt panel has a plurality of ball bearings that protrude enough from its surface to give a sliding and/or deflecting action to traveling objects so as to reduce skirt panel surface friction and to minimize side of step entrapments. The skirt panel can be fitted for installation as a skirt panel or as an overlay to an already installed skirt panel.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway for transporting people along a moving path includes a mounting assembly for attaching a roof structure to enclose the moving path and protect the people from rain an other undesirable environmental factors. The escalator is supported by a truss structure. A main bracket is secured to the truss structure outboard of the moving path and a handrail extends along the length of the moving path. Outer decking is secured to the main bracket for partially enclosing the truss structure. At least one roof bracket is mounted to the outer decking for gripping engagement with the main bracket and a roof support member is secured to the roof bracket for supporting the roof structure to enclose the moving path of the escalator or moving walkway. Preferably the main bracket includes grooves or channels for receiving outwardly extending tabs on the roof bracket to prevent vertical separation between the roof and main brackets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a moving walk which can transport users in opposite two directions. A number of pallets 3 are arranged for rounding or circulation on annular rails 11 having two linear sectors 1A and 1B. Screw rods 16 are arranged on the linear sectors 1A and 1B of the rails 11. The adjacent pallets 3 are interconnected through string members 22. The pallets 3 are moved in opposite directions on the linear sectors 1A and 1B, respectively. Each pallet 3 is inserted at its front end under a read end of its preceding pallet 3 to provide a continuous walk surface so that many users are transported safely.

Abstract: A cart conveyor system for the transport of load-carrying carts, as frequently used in airports, supermarkets, etc. up and down inclined pathways. The cart is provided with front and back wheels with different spacing, and the conveyor has separate tracks for the front and back wheels, arranged to support the wheels in a manner that maintains the cart in a generally horizontal orientation as it moves up or down the conveyor path. The cart is engaged adjacent one end by laterally opposed conveyor elements, which advance the cart along the incline. At the other end of the cart, a retaining element extends downward and is engaged by a retaining track to prevent tipping of the cart as it is moved along the conveyor path.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway is constructed to absorb oscillation and lateral displacement of a first story relative to a second story between which the escalator or moving walkway extends such as which may occur in the event of an earthquake. End mount devices are provided to serve as fulcrums for the elevator and as dampers. Lateral recesses for the reception of additional damping elements may be provided in recesses formed into the building construction.

Abstract: An escalator or travelling walkway, which connects a first story with a second story, has plates forming a walkway for conveying persons and objects. The travelling walkway is laterally bounded by balustrades. Each balustrade carries a moving handrail which advances at the speed of the plates. A balustrade pedestal supports the balustrades. Serving as a support for the plates are one or more support bodies having a beam lower edge, at which underneath bracing is arranged. The bracing may be in the form of tie rods, connected to ends of the support bodies and to the middle of the support bodies by a central support.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving seated or standing people or objects in a closed path in which the closed path may be other than circular. The apparatus comprises a chain of movable platforms arranged in a closed loop free-form geometrical arrangement and arranged to travel above or below a stationary floor surface. By providing tables and chairs on each platform, one or more diners can be seated at each of the tables and thus will be enabled to view a changing surrounding view while immobile at the table on the moving platform. Preferably, the platforms are constructed on supporting chassis in the form of wheeled vehicles each pivotable about a pivot on an adjacent platform chassis. Each chassis may comprise a cross member positioned generally perpendicular to the direction of travel and rigidly connected to a tie member extending generally perpendicular to the cross member. The tie member preferably forms part of the drive for the chained platforms.

Abstract: A transporter main body has a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, each of which is adapted to contact with a step of an escalator, a resilient member connected to the bottom of the transporter main body, a mounting structure for mounting a wheelchair, and an extending/retracting device connected with one end of the mounting structure for pivoting the mounting structure in vertical direction. After a wheelchair is mounted on the mounting structure, the wheels allow the transporter main body to be wheeled on the escalator. The resilient member grips the steps of the escalator to allow the wheelchair to ascend or descend with the escalator.

Abstract: Equipment for monitoring an approach area of a moving belt apparatus (1), such as an escalator or a travelling walkway, and for controlling a drive for the belt includes light sensors (12) arranged in handrail entry caps (11) of balustrades (3). Each light sensor (12) has an emitter (15) and a receiver (16) and operates with, for example, infrared beams. The light sensors (12) monitor the access to the moving belt apparatus (1) in a specific region (13) in front of an entry to the belt (2), for example, the region of the threshold plate (14). On stepping into the monitoring region (13) of the light sensor (12), the beams emitted by the emitter (15) are reflected by the person and sensed by the associated receiver (16) to switch on the drive.

Abstract: A patient transferring apparatus comprised of an elongated board portion having a flat bottom level and two side walls extending upwardly from opposing side edges of the flat bottom level. The flat bottom level and the two side walls define a pair of end portions. The elongated board portion has a top level secured between the two side walls tangential to the flat bottom level. A pair of rollers are rotatably secured within each of the pair of end portions of the elongated board portion. An endless belt extends about the pair of rollers and being movable with respect to the pair of rollers.

Abstract: Three continuous steps (1, 2, 3) of a transportation apparatus, adjoining in front and in rear, are connected to one another by parallel links, thereby forming one step group (123), so that the tread of each step is horizontal at all times. The step group (123), having reached the terminal end of a first stroke track (01), is delivered from the stroke track (01) onto a carriage (7) in engagement with a guide groove (03) as friction wheels (91, 92) rotate. The step group (123) on the carriage (7) is transversely transferred together with the carriage (7) along a circuit which is formed of the guide groove. Then, as friction wheels (93, 94) rotate, the step group (123) on the carriage (7) is delivered to the starting end of a second stroke track (02), and travels in the opposite direction on the stroke track (02). While this is done, the direction of the one step group itself is not changed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, fuzzy sets indicative of the degree to which the time since the last passenger boarded an escalator can be deemed to be zero, a very long time, or something in between, are combined with fuzzy sets indicative of the extent to which the maximum number of passengers in a recent temporal or cyclic period can be deemed to be a zero passenger, a very large group, or something in between. In another embodiment, fuzzy sets indicative of the degree to which the time since the last passenger exited an empty escalator can be deemed to be nearly zero, a very long time, or something in between, are combined with fuzzy sets indicative of the degree to which the maximum group of passengers on the escalator at any time since the last time it was empty can be deemed to be a single passenger, a very large group, or something in between.

Abstract: A means and method for moving objects (10) having a stand (12) and at least one support arm (14) movably connected to the stand (12). At least a pair of counter rotatable shafts (16 and 18) are connected with the support arm (14) and movable belts (20) for moving objects (64, 68) surrounds each counter rotatable shaft (16 and 18) so that an upper and lower surface (38 and 40) are formed by the belt (20) and each surface moves together in the same direction. The moveable belts (20) are movable by means of friction, or by a handle (22), or by some other suitable mechanical or electrical-mechanical means, in a direction that causes the device (10) to gently lift up and incrementally crawl under the object (64, 68) to be moved in one direction and to move out from under the object (64, 68) being deposited when moved in the other direction.

Abstract: A drive unit of a conveyer having a frame structure extending from one place to another place, a step chain mounting thereon a plurality of step treads and arranged inside the frame structure and a step chain sprocket for driving the step chain, which drive unit comprises a reduction gear and a motor for driving and controlling the step chain sprocket through the reduction gear, and is characterized in that the whole upper side of the reduction gear is of an opening covered with a base plate, and that the base plate is formed by unifying a top cover for the opening of the reduction gear and a motor base through reinforcing ribs disposed therebetween so as to be parallel to each other, the motor being mounted on the base plate so as to be horizontally movable in a direction perpendicular to an output shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A motor driven stair lift device is driven along the tubular track filled with transmission elements comprising incompressible spheres driven by a worm. Drive spheres affixed to a carrier and disposed in a portion of the track are driven with the transmission elements, causing movement of the carrier along the track.

Abstract: An escalator or travelator is provided with a plurality of advertising signs on the riser or step of the escalator or travelator. The sign is provided with a transparent cover which is positioned on the step so as to not interfere with the relative movement of adjacent steps on the escalator/travelator or the cyclic movement of the escalator/travelator itself.

Abstract: A floor mounted inside chain loop carousel conveyor with chain pivots at the inside corners of successive rectangular platforms and with use of spanning "butterfly" bifold guards comprising a pair of identical triangular sides with upper edges pivotally connected to each other and lower edges pivotally connected respectively to adjacent sides at successive platforms. All three pivotal connection seams are equipped with piano-type hinges. The "butterfly" bifold guards, when extended in passing around curved sections of the conveyor provide a bridge higher than, rather than flush with the platform so as to provide a structurally rigid personnel guard.

Abstract: Moving ramp intended e.g. for transportation of people, comprising plates (10) supported by wheels, which are guided for movement at an upper level to form the loaded part of the moving ramp, and at a lower level which is substantially parallel with the upper level, to form the returning part of the moving ramp, adjacent plates in each part being close to each other. Stationary guides (16, 17) are provided as upper and lower runway tracks for the wheeled plates. The plates at the edges thereof are pivotally connected to endless chains (14) at one end of the plates the chains extending along the parts to be driven in one direction in the upper part and in the opposite direction in the lower part, a sprocket wheel (15) being provided for each chain (14) at each end thereof defining the distance between the parts. The other end of the plates is free for angular adjustment.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided suitable for use over linear and curved paths of travel including sharp bends and turn-arounds which includes a conventional link-type chain, a plurality of separable article carrier members in adjacent orientation which are releasably connected to respective pivot joints of the link-type chain to form a train of consecutive article carrier members having a substantially continuous planar upper face, each of the article carrier members being constructed at is opposite ends to cooperate with the immediately adjacent carrier member, and a support associated with the train of consecutive article carrier members to guide the path of travel thereof.

Abstract: An escalator comprising four kinds of steps is disclosed. The first steps are ordinary steps, and the second step is disposed between the first steps and has a retractable support device for supporting a vertically movable step of the third step. The movable step supported by the support device lifts from the third step as the steps ascend to provide a deeper effective tread together with the tread of the second step. The fourth step includes a drop-down step which can be moved into a sloped position which also provides a space for safely accommodating a wheelchair or the like on the deep effective tread thus provided by the second, third, and fourth steps.

Abstract: Roller-path system for the transportation of persons and goods, having an endless tread-plate band reversed around a horizontal axis as well as either a freely supported or a roller supported traction chain and self-supporting tread plates, each plate having two pull and two drag support-rod parts arranged close to the slate corners, respectively, opposite each other, where these plates can either directly support themselves, freely supporting rollers and the pull support-rod parts in addition to the traction chain, or can indirectly support themselves, having the pull support-rod parts mounted in traction chains with intermediate rollers and fork-shaped tread-plate resting elements which are attached by drag support-rod parts. The support-rod parts are provided as replaceably arranged system-adaptable pull and drag bolts.

Abstract: Person-conveying device of quiet operating design having a step-belt or pallet belt which is guided in guide rails by transport chains with step-chain or pallet-chain rollers as well as chain-guide rollers, the points of contact of the step-chain or pallet-chain rollers with the travel surface being spaced from the lateral guide surface of the guide rail.

Abstract: Transportation apparatus, such as escalators and moving walks, having controlled stopping characteristics. Deceleration is directly regulated via a deceleration servo loop which provides a current reference signal for an inner current loop. Brake current limiting prior to the controlled stop, as well as mechanically limiting the maximum brake gap, results in faster transient response, and a more linear braking torque versus brake current characteristics. Multiple drive units operate from a common deceleration reference signal, while having independent servo loops each operating from a "local" deceleration signal.

Abstract: A multi-positionable rail for the conveyor of an aircraft belt loader having a rail supported by a plurality of parallel posts pivoted to the side wall of the conveyor and to the rail and collapsible under the force of gravity against a stop positioned on the conveyor side wall to a stowed position wherein the posts and rail are within the silhouette of the conveyor. A first support arm pivoted on the conveyor engages a first pin on a post to position the rail above the conveyor to function as a hand rail and a second support pivoted on the conveyor engage a second pin on a post to position the rail intermediate the stowed and hand rail position. A latch trapped on the post above the first pin is urged by gravity to engage the pin to prevent disengagement of the first arm from the first pin.

Abstract: An autowalk with individual step segments with a lower return travel coarse therefor, in which an elastic bridge closing the gap between step plates is provided between every two adjacent step segments.

Abstract: A conveyor system has a track defining an endless path traversing a loading station and an unloading station and having a transport stretch therebetween, an annular succession of longitudinally spaced trucks riding on the track, and an endless conveyor belt extending along the track and having a pair of longitudinally extending edges one of which is suspended from every other truck and the other of which is suspended from the remaining trucks. A drive element extends along the track and engages the trucks to advance the belt in a longitudinal transport direction from the loading station through the transport stretch to the unloading station and then back to the loading station. At least one carrier is connected to the lower end of at least one hanger having an upper end releasably attachable to the belt so as to suspend the carrier from the belt in the transport stretch. The carrier can be a flat rigid pallet having corners each connected to the lower end of a respective such hanger.

Abstract: A moving staircase is disclosed wherein along the circulating path of a number of conventional tread boards thereof which are articulated together in an endless fashion at least one pair of specifically constituted tread boards are disposed between any two conventional tread boards so as to be articulated thereto. The specifically constituted tread boards each have substantially the same configuration as that of the conventional tread board and are articulated one behind the other in the circulating direction of the conventional tread boards. The rear one is provided with a movable footboard so as to be moved up and down relative thereto, the movable footboard being adapted to be normally locked to the rear one of the specifically constituted tread boards by a lock means provided therein.

Abstract: A goods conveyor wherein the goods are placed on a supporting surface connected with a conveyor member forming part of the goods conveyor track. The conveyor member is made up of a number of units placed in a tubular shaped guide. The unit is movable in the guide by means of a driving member. The supporting surface is connected with one of the units or is connected with a special member placed between two units. A displacement of the units in the guide also brings about a displacement of the supporting surface. The guide acts as a handrail in a staircase and the longitudinal slit faces downwards. The supporting surface is rotatably fixed to one end of the holder, the other end of which has a spherically-shaped part. The supporting surface can assume a vertical position and a horizontal position intended for the conveying of goods. The other end of the holder has also a sliding surface, usually a wheel, to cooperate with a sliding track oriented along the staircase.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a continuously moving street or road formed from a continuous chain of cars having flexible couplings therebetween. The upper surface of the moving conveyor is at approximately the same level as the supporting surface along the track which carries the conveyor, so that persons may step onto the conveyor without having to step up or down. The running street or road can be driven continuously by internal combustion engines, electricity, or other conventional drive means for vehicles. The speed of the road may be adjusted so as to maximize safety and so as to make it easy for persons to step onto the moving conveyor. Fans or cooling systems are provided below the cars to cool the air beneath the cars caused by continuous running. The spaces between the cars are covered by elastic support members.

Abstract: A capsule apparatus for transporting a disabled person from an underground mine or over rough terrain aboveground includes an elongated base with upstanding side walls extending about the periphery of the floor which has inclined forward and aft floor sections. A plate extends from the floor of the base between opposed side walls thereof to define a supply compartment at one side of the plate and a disabled person compartment at the other side of the plate. The plate is adjustably fastened to the side walls of the base. The base is provided with a mattress to support the disabled person. Elongated top sections include abutting end surfaces to form a top closure which is releasably secured by latch members to the elongated base. A sliding window for a hatch within one of the top sections for visual monitoring and voice communication is used to provide continued first aid for an injured person therein. The base is coupled to a conveyor belt by anchor members with releasable clamp jaws.

Abstract: A plate conveyor or moving walk, especially for transporting individuals, comprising plates or pallets arranged in succession in the direction of travel of the moving walk. These plates are connected with two essentially mutually parallely extending, endless drive chains. Traveling rolls enable the plate conveyor to revolve upon guide rails in one or a number of horizontal and/or inclined planes or portions. The drive chains are arranged along sides of the plates extending parallel to the direction of travel of the plate conveyor. Each chain link is connected by at least one attachment element with one of the plates.

Abstract: A transportation system includes pallet cars coupled with one another; the pallet cars being for the positive non-slipping transportation of baggage conveyor cars for escalators. On the lower side of the pallet cars, arc-shaped drivers are pivotably mounted about one of the carrying axles constituting a pivot point, by means of a bracket. The drivers are supported on a track via a roller secured at a pivot point on the driver such that during the transportation operation the driver projects through a slot in the pallet car and engages in back of a catch which is secured at the bottom of the baggage conveyor car. Shortly before reaching the horizontal part of the transportation system the driver disengages from the catch of the baggage conveyor car.

Abstract: A passenger-carrying conveyor-elevator has a helical track formed by a pair of spaced apart rails in which rollers of a succession of platforms ride. The platforms are of trapezoidal configuration with sides extending along radii of the helix and are connected together at their undersides by a flexible belt which is toothed to engage cog wheels of respective motor units driving the system.

Abstract: A transporter conveyor system, integrated with an escalator, for the transportation of pieces of baggage from one conveying plane to a different conveying plane. Parallel to the escalator for the transportation of people there is arranged an endless baggage conveyor belt which is provided with balustrades, which conveyor belt is driven synchronously with the escalator.

Abstract: An operator carriage intended to be used at a long-walled pit face in a coal or metal mine and comprising endlessly running members arranged at both ends of a conveyor and driven by a motor, an operation table suspendedly attached to the side of a spill plate of the conveyor and supported by running supports such as guide rollers which are engaged with guide rails attached to the same side of the spill plate, and a carrying mechanism arranged at the operation table so as to hold the endlessly running members.

Abstract: An artificial ski surface construction includes a support surface having an energy absorbing base of elastomer thereon. A flexible sheath covers the energy absorbing base and includes a continuous surface having a fabric underside to contact the sheath with fibers extending upwardly therefrom to provide an artificial ski surface. A structure positions the support surface to form a slope and the continuous surface forms an endless belt which is mounted on rollers with motor means to rotate the rollers and move the continuous surface relative to the sheath and elastomer base.