Moving Hand-support Structure Patents (Class 198/335)
  • Publication number: 20100122890
    Abstract: An information display system for a conveying device, the information display system comprising a driving mechanism, a flexible display loop driven by the driving mechanism to travel in a closed loop, and an image forming module configured to provide media to at least a section of the flexible display loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Jia-Xing Lin, Tai-Ann Chen, Da-Wei Lee, Jung-Ya Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7681709
    Abstract: A balustrade fastening arrangement for an escalator or passenger conveyor having a moveable skirt panel whereby the fastening arrangement secures an inner decking panel such that it overhangs the moving skirt panel between the skirt panel and the step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Andreas Vogt, Anne Chen Yangying, Bernward Engelke, Ke Ye
  • Patent number: 7641038
    Abstract: A passenger conveyor (20) includes a handrail assembly (30) comprising a handrail (32) having a plurality of co-extruded polymer materials (34, 36). In one example, an outermost portion (34) establishes a passenger gripping surface (38). One example includes an extruded soft, low cost polymer in the middle of the handrail cross section to reduce cost and weight. A disclosed example includes a toothed driving surface (40) on an inner side made of a selected one of the polymer materials (34, 36). In one example, the driving surface (40) and the gripping surface (38) comprise the same polymer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Tahany I. El-Wardany, John M. Milton-Benoit, Changsheng Guo, John P. Wesson, Foster P. Lamm, Detlev Lindemeier
  • Patent number: 7621389
    Abstract: A curvature-adjustable handrail length compensation device for an escalator or a moving walkway is provided. The device comprises a frame, handrail support mounted along a length of the frame, and springs mounted to the frame to elastically support the handrail support. Each handrail support includes a supporting rod movably mounted through the frame, a first supporting roller mounted to an end of the supporting rod to support the handrail, and a stopper formed at the other end of the supporting rod. The spring is provided between the frame and the first supporting roller, and biases the first supporting roller away from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Chan Jong Park
  • Patent number: 7614489
    Abstract: A passenger conveyor system (20) includes a handrail assembly (30) having a guidance (40) for guiding a moving handrail (32). The example guidance includes an extrusion and presents a continuous, uninterrupted guiding surface (44) along which the handrail (32) travels. In a disclosed example, a single-piece extrusion (50) extends along an entire length of a balustrade (34). A disclosed example includes a first material forming a body of the guidance (40) and a second material (70) establishing the guiding surface (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Changsheng Guo, John M. Milton-Benoit, John P. Wesson, Foster P. Lamm
  • Patent number: 7614490
    Abstract: A passenger conveyor handrail (30) has a gripping surface (32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82) with a generally circular cross-section. Disclosed examples include a toothed driven surface (34, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84) that is adapted to be engaged by a toothed driving member (28) for propelling the handrail in a desired direction. Disclosed examples include having the generally circular cross-section extend along an entire length of the handrail (30) corresponding to the closed loop path followed by the handrail during operation of a corresponding passenger conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: John M. Milton-Benoit, Mary Ann T. Valk, Bryan R. Siewert, Andre Picker, Matthias Steffen, Andreas Stuffel, Klaus Seehausen, Knuth Wallbaum
  • Patent number: 7600628
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carriage for driving handrails of walkways and moving stairs, comprising a body (6) in the form of a vertical plate in which leading rollers (7) are assembled; two swinging locking pawls (12-13) for locking with a drive chain; a free turning wheel (24) intended to be supported against a cam profile in order to cause the pawls (12-13) to swing between an operative vertical position and an inoperative horizontal position; and an arm (8) intended to engage with the variable pitch screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignees: Thyssenkrupp Norte, S.A., Thyssenkrupp Elevator (ES/PBB) Ltd.
    Inventors: Miguel Angel González Alemany, Juan Domingo Gonzalez Pantiga, Manuel Alonso Cuello
  • Patent number: 7594570
    Abstract: A handrail for one of an escalator and a people-mover the includes a cross-section formed by a first upper cross-sectional part and a second lower cross-sectional part, the first cross-sectional part that includes an upper belt structured and arranged to form a handle for individuals to be transported by one of the escalator and the people-mover, the second cross-sectional part that includes a lower belt structured and arranged to form an active connection with a guiding system and a driving system, and a connecting bridge that connects the upper belt to the lower belt, wherein the cross-section has a double “T” shape and the lower belt that includes side areas that extend beyond the connecting bridge as viewed in the cross section, and the side areas are wedge-shaped. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Semperit Aktiengesellschaft Holding
    Inventor: Herwig Miessbacher
  • Patent number: 7571797
    Abstract: The present invention provides a newel guide for supporting a handrail, comprising: a friction belt having a closed curved shape and including an outer surface in contact with an internal surface of the handrail; and a support member for supporting an inner surface of the friction belt to allow the friction belt to make an endless continuous movement around the support member. The support member includes a newel frame having a pair of plate members at its upper portion, wherein the plate members are separated from each other and extend in a longitudinal direction of the newel frame. An intermediate guide is mounted on the pair of plate members and has a depressed surface in contact with the inner surface of the friction belt. A pair of joint guides is mounted to the newel frame adjacent to both ends of the intermediate guide, wherein an end of the joint guide provides a support surface for supporting the endless continuous movement of the friction belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Jin Koo Lee
  • Patent number: 7562759
    Abstract: A passenger conveyor handrail (30) includes a plurality of teeth (36) that interact with a toothed driving member (42). In a disclosed example, a low friction material (60) is placed near an end of the teeth (36) on the handrail (30). The low friction material (60) facilitates the teeth sliding along a guidance (70) but does not interfere with a desired engagement between the teeth(36) and corresponding teeth (46) on the driving member (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Changsheng Guo, Klaus Seehausen, Bernward Engelke, Detlev Lindemeier, John M. Milton-Benoit, Bryan R. Siewert, Fabio P. Bertolotti, William S. Weiss, John P. Wesson, Paul A. Stucky, Andreas Stuffel
  • Publication number: 20090139831
    Abstract: An arrangement in drive machinery of a travelator, moving walkway, escalator or similar apparatus, includes at least a drive motor, at least one handrail with a handrail belt, a support element supporting the handrail and a drive belt connecting rotational movement of the drive motor to the support element. The support element comprises a supporting wheel, having a rim and adapted for use by the drive belt which is fitted to the rim of the support element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Marc Ossendorf
  • Publication number: 20090057097
    Abstract: An escalator or moving walk has respectively a step band and steps, or a moving walk with a pallet band and pallets. A balustrade has a handrail that is held by means of a balustrade skirt. Arranged on the balustrade skirt is a wedging guard apparatus or deflector apparatus that prevents wedging or pinching of objects and persons between the steps and the balustrade skirt. The wedging guard or deflector apparatus has a carrier or base section and a brush unit that is arranged on a vertical area of the balustrade skirt. The carrier or base section has fastening parts for vertical mating or joining with the brush unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Matheisl, Norbert Frim, Kurt Streibig
  • Publication number: 20090050443
    Abstract: A travelator, moving ramp or escalator for transporting passengers, comprises a conveyor mounted on a frame that is supported on a fixed structure. The frame comprises a number of mutually identical profiled metallic bodies joined together end to end one after the other and containing coupling, supporting and/or guide elements integrated in the profiled metallic body of solid material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Marc Ossendorf
  • Publication number: 20080308385
    Abstract: The present invention provides a newel guide for supporting a handrail, comprising: a friction belt having a closed curved shape and including an outer surface in contact with an internal surface of the handrail; and a support member for supporting an inner surface of the friction belt to allow the friction belt to make an endless continuous movement around the support member. The support member includes a newel frame having a pair of plate members at its upper portion, wherein the plate members are separated from each other and extend in a longitudinal direction of the newel frame. An intermediate guide is mounted on the pair of plate members and has a depressed surface in contact with the inner surface of the friction belt. A pair of joint guides is mounted to the newel frame adjacent to both ends of the intermediate guide, wherein an end of the joint guide provides a support surface for supporting the endless continuous movement of the friction belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Jin Koo Lee
  • Publication number: 20080296125
    Abstract: A handrail drive apparatus is provided comprising a first drive wheel assembly configured to drive a handrail and comprising a planetary gear train arranged to be driven by a first driving member. The handrail drive apparatus further comprises a second drive wheel assembly configured to drive the handrail, the second drive wheel assembly being coupled to the planetary gear train of the first handrail drive wheel assembly by a second driving member. The planetary gear train of the first handrail drive wheel assembly is configured to divide a torque imparted by the first driving member between the first and second drive wheel assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas Nurnberg, Esko Aulanko, Glen Collison, Randall Keemle
  • Publication number: 20080271974
    Abstract: A passenger conveyor (20) includes a handrail assembly (30) comprising a handrail (32) having a plurality of co-extruded polymer materials (34, 36). In one example, an outermost portion (34) establishes a passenger gripping surface (38). One example includes an extruded soft, low cost polymer in the middle of the handrail cross section to reduce cost and weight. A disclosed example includes a toothed driving surface (40) on an inner side made of a selected one of the polymer materials (34, 36). In one example, the driving surface (40) and the gripping surface (38) comprise the same polymer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Tahany I. El-Wardany, John M. Milton-Benoit, Changsheng Guo, John P. Wesson, Foster P. Lamm, Detlev Lindemeier
  • Patent number: 7441644
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting passengers in a transport direction such as, for example, a travelator, moving ramp, or escalator, is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor mounted on a first frame adapted to be supported on a fixed structure. The first frame includes two elongated first frame parts which include guide tracks for guiding the conveyor. The first frame parts may be profiled metallic bodies of solid material joined together end to end one after the other. The profiled metallic bodies include one or more extruded profiles. A handrail is provided and includes a handrail frame and an endless handrail belt mounted on the handrail frame. The endless handrail belt is arranged as a loop having an upper handhold portion that a passenger can grip with a hand for support and a lower return portion disposed inside the first frame. A number of suspenders are fastened to the first frame at a distance from each other to support the return portion of the handrail belt inside the profiled metallic bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Marc Ossendorf
  • Patent number: 7413068
    Abstract: A first handrail (2) of the travelator, moving ramp or escalator comprises an endless moving first handrail belt (3) formed as a loop and having a first handhold portion (4) that the passenger can grasp with a hand for support. The first handhold portion (4) has a posterior end (5) posterior in the conveying direction. To support and guide the handrail belt (3), the handrail (2) comprises a first handrail frame (6) having a first side (7). A second handrail (8) is placed after the first handrail in the conveying direction and alongside the conveyor on the same side with the first handrail and extending in a direction parallel to the first handrail (2). The second handrail (8) comprises a second moving endless handrail belt (9) formed as a loop and having an upper second handhold portion (10) that the passenger can grasp with a hand for support. The second handhold portion (10) has an anterior end (11) anterior in the conveying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Jorma Mustalahti, Esko Aulanko
  • Publication number: 20080190733
    Abstract: A passenger conveyor handrail (30) includes a plurality of teeth (36) that interact with a toothed driving member (42). In a disclosed example, a low friction material (60) is placed near an end of the teeth (36) on the handrail (30). The low friction material (60) facilitates the teeth sliding along a guidance (70) but does not interfere with a desired engagement between the teeth (36) and corresponding teeth (46) on the driving member (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Changsheng Guo, Klaus Seehausen, Bernward Engelke, Detlev Lindemeier, John M. Milton-Benoit, Bryan R. Siewert, Fabio P. Bertolotti, William S. Weiss, John P. Wesson, Paul A. Stucky, Andreas Stuffel
  • Patent number: 7404477
    Abstract: The present invention discloses and teaches method and apparatus for the detection of a disengaged, moving, handrail on a people moving walkway particularly an escalator. By the present invention a proximity sensor is positioned beneath the handrail for detection of a handrail that has become disengaged from its underlying guide rail. Upon detection of a disengaged handrail, the proximity sensor sends an electrical signal to a controller which stops the escalator or walkway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventors: H. Eugene Toennisson, Kyle A. Apperson, Richard D. Rodich
  • Patent number: 7398869
    Abstract: A wheel for driving a flexible handrail of an escalator or moving walk. The wheel can be turned about an axis of rotation and has a readily elastically deformable layer. The readily elastically deformable layer is formed by a body that is stable in form when free of stress. Arranged adjacent to an inner circumferential surface of the readily elastically deformable layer is an inner layer that is stiffer than the readily elastically deformable layer. Adjacent to an outer circumferential surface of the readily elastically deformable layer is an outer layer that is intended to rest against the handrail under static friction. Respective adjacent layers are coupled to each other in non-rotating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Thomas Novacek, Thomas Illedits
  • Patent number: 7389866
    Abstract: A moving handrail is provided on a railing of a passenger conveyor. A surface portion of the moving handrail is made of a thermoplastic material. A moving handrail repairing device has heating means for melting the surface portion through heating. When the surface portion is damaged, a target spot to be repaired of the surface portion is melted through heating. After that, the target spot is cured again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20080116035
    Abstract: In a passenger conveyor according to the present invention, an inlet safety device, an operation device, an operation condition display device, and a passenger detecting device are all received in a end-deck cover at an end of a balustrade panel. Thus, the passenger conveyor is excellent in design because of a simple appearance of a platform and a vicinity thereof. Since an inclined surface of the end-deck cover on which a display part of the operation condition display device is disposed is inclined to face an upper side of a center part of the platform, an observability by a passenger of the display part of the operation condition display device can be exceedingly enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: TOSHIBA ELEVATOR KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshio Ogimura
  • Patent number: 7341139
    Abstract: A travelator, moving ramp or escalator for transporting people, comprises a people mover; a balustrade extending alongside the people mover throughout its length. The balustrade comprises a handrail belt formed as an endless loop and having an upper handhold portion, which the passenger can grasp with a hand for support, a lower return portion, and a turn-around portion between the handhold portion and the return portion. The balustrade frame comprises a turn-around guide at the end of the balustrade to form a turn-around to support and guide the turn-around portion of the handrail belt. The turn-around guide comprises a number of pressure rollers spaced at a distance from each other and arranged in a sequence in the form of a circular arc. In addition, a drive assembly is arranged to move the handrail belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Marc Ossendorf
  • Patent number: 7320393
    Abstract: An arrangement for a people mover located near a floor surface comprises a transport conveyor structure including a conveyor and a handrail having a casing. A drive machine is operatively arranged at least for moving the conveyor and the handrail. The drive machine is located above the floor surface and is installed in the transport conveyor structure, at least partly inside the casing of the handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Marc Ossendorf
  • Patent number: 7296672
    Abstract: A wheel for driving a flexible handrail of an escalator or moving walk. The wheel has a power transmission element that can be turned about an axis of rotation and that has, on its circumference a contact surface through which an outwardly acting radial force can be exerted. The wheel also has two base sheaves that are arranged coaxially to the power transmission element. Each base sheave has a plurality of slits that are arranged in the outer edge area of the base sheave and extend toward the axis of rotation. The slits of one base sheave form, with the slits of the other base sheave, slit pairs. The wheel has a circumferential cover with an inside surface against which the contact surface of the power transmission element rests. A plurality of pins is arranged in the circumferential cover, each pin engaging a separate respective slit pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Thomas Novacek, Thomas Illedits
  • Patent number: 7297388
    Abstract: A method of applying photo-luminescent pigment to a substrate, such as an aluminum or metal strip containing channels or depressions, includes preparing a dry powder formulation including a photo-luminescent pigment and a carrier/fixer, depositing the dry powder formulation onto the substrate surface, and heating to fuse the dry powder formulation to the substrate surface. The photo-luminescent pigment can be applied using an apparatus which includes a hopper adapted to contain a dry powder formulation, one or more orifices adapted to allow transfer of the dry powder formulation from the hopper to a substrate surface and a guide rail system for locating the substrate surface in both a fixed horizontal plane and a fixed vertical plane below the hopper and orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ecoglo Limited
    Inventors: George Trevor Dimond, Paul Rodney Sapsford
  • Publication number: 20070199797
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric-laminated plastic part and a novel process of locating the fabric upon a plastic substrate component where the fabric extends over a contour of the plastic substrate component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Steven Alan Sell, Brent Alan Salamon, Michael Hus, Kin Fung Alex Yeung, Joseph Langmaid
  • Patent number: 7255217
    Abstract: A wheel for driving a flexible handrail of an escalator or moving walk turns about an axis of rotation, and has a tire with a tire cover that may be filled with pressurized gas and a contact surface that is intended to rest against the handrail. The contact surface is formed on a power transmission element that has a reinforcing insert and is accommodated in a peripheral recess of the tire cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Thomas Novacek, Thomas Illedits
  • Patent number: 7249667
    Abstract: A display device (40) for use with a passenger conveyor (20) provides traffic flow direction information. One example includes a display panel (42) supported on a surface (38) that is conveniently positioned beneath the handrail (28) near a landing (24). In a particular example, a handrail entry module (32) includes a handrail entry (36) and a support surface (38) that supports the display (40). In one example, the surface (38) extends down and out from a vertical surface (34) associated with the handrail entry (36) to maximize visibility of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Frank Sansevero, Carla Majuntke, Ralph Stripling, Bernward Engelke, Thomas Swyst, Alexander Mueller
  • Patent number: 7243775
    Abstract: A handrail for an escalator or moving walk that has a fixed guide device and a handrail body that moves along the guide device when in operation is disclosed. The guide device has a form-giving guide section that contains a lip-guide that extends along a longitudinal direction of the guide section. The handrail body is strip-shaped and has two edge-lips that extend along two longitudinal edges of the strip-shaped handrail body. The edge-lips are formed in such manner that they run parallel to the longitudinal direction when the handrail body moves in the lip guide. The guide section essentially defines the form of the handrail in both the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction and in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Novacek, Thomas Illedits
  • Patent number: 7207427
    Abstract: An arrangement for a base region of an escalator or moving walkway includes an external covering element for being attached in the base region of the escalator or moving walkway. A substructure includes a profile, a support element extending from the profile and a magnet disposed on the support element. The external covering element is detachably mounted to the substructure in a region of the profile and in a region of the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Joachim Kuhnert, Thomas Zellin, Huu-Bao Nhan
  • Patent number: 7201269
    Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway is provided in combination with a device for heating components of the escalator or moving walkway. The device includes at least one pivotably mounted heating element adapted to direct heated air onto a selected component of the escalator or moving walkway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Hans-Werner Büscher, Hans Kleine-Brüggeney
  • Patent number: 7191890
    Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway with a handrail and a handrail entryway has a finger contact protection cover, wherein the finger contact protection cover includes corrugated bristles. The corrugated bristles allow the gap between the handrail and the entryway to be minimized. The bristle construction also provides improved tactile feedback when a user's hand contacts the bristles, allowing the hand to be more quickly removed from the handrail and contact with the bristles, avoiding potential injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Walter Thierer, Paul Sailer
  • Patent number: 7134539
    Abstract: A guard device for a handrail in an entry zone of an escalator is disclosed, which assures safety of an entry of the escalator, sanitary maintenance of the handrail by sterilization, efficient advertisement of products and business corporations, and clean maintenance of air in the entry of the escalator. The guard device includes a guide channel at its bottom to receive a part of the handrail. The guard device further includes a sterilization unit to sterilize the handrail, an advertising display provided on a front face thereof, and an air-cleaning unit provided at a side wall thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Jong-Sook Kim
  • Patent number: 7083037
    Abstract: The invention relates to an endless, belt-shaped tension element (1) for a conveyor system with at least one joining point (2) comprising an elastomer, in particular a cross-linked and/or thermoplastic elastomer, at least one reinforcing layer and optionally at least one tension support (3), two ends of the at least one reinforcing layer being disposed at the at least one joining point (2). An insert piece (6) is disposed between the two ends at the joining point (2), subtending an angle ? with the tension element longitudinal extension, and the ends of the at least one reinforcing layer overlap with the insert piece (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Semperit Aktiengesellschaft Holding
    Inventors: Albrecht Dürrer, Johann Imnitzer
  • Patent number: 7063203
    Abstract: A variable speed handrail for a passenger moving walkway system, comprising a flexible profile comprised of a plurality of fixed blocks each having a grooved structure and circulating along the walkway or escalator and moving with a constant speed. A plurality of handgrips coupled on the flexible profile which move at a substantially identical speed. The handgrips have for their dragging first and second connection devices respectively connected to a constant speed and a variable speed drag mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Norte, S.A.
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Gonzalez Alemany, Juan Domingo Gonzalez Pantiga, Manuel Alonso Cuello
  • Patent number: 6994204
    Abstract: A device for heating components of an escalator or a moving sidewalk comprises at least one heating element that is mounted in a pivotal manner so that hot air emerging from the heating element can be directed onto a respective component of the escalator or moving sidewalk in a substantially precise manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Hans-Werner Buescher, Hans Kleine-Brueggeney
  • Patent number: 6991084
    Abstract: In an escalator, a handrail is supported medially and reversed by means of a reversing sheave, which rotates about an axle which has approximately the width of a balustrade. The axle is held by at least one supporting cheek. A handrail-drive, which is integrated in the balustrade base, drives the reversing sheave by means of a drive-wheel, the handrail, which is guided over a diverter roller, being carried along by friction from the reversing sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Lunardi
  • Patent number: 6866125
    Abstract: An illumination system for an escalator handrail has a rechargeable power source and a light source. The rechargeable power source is recharged by a charging circuit which receives power from one or more magnetically coupled charging stations. The light source emits light into an optic fiber or another light carrying and dispersing element. The optic fiber is selected to disperse light from its sides and thereby appears to be illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventors: Ronald Ball, George Yan
  • Publication number: 20040222063
    Abstract: A handrail-drive for an escalator or moving walk drives the handrail through frictional contact with an outside surface of the handrail. Press-on rollers engaging the inside of the handrail may be employed to press the handrail against a drive-wheel of the drive. The force of the rollers may be adjustable. The drive-wheel may include a gas-filled tire on a rim and can be driven by a motor, a step-chain wheel, or a step-chain drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Illedits, Hubert Holzl
  • Publication number: 20040206603
    Abstract: In an escalator, a handrail is supported medially and reversed by means of a reversing sheave, which rotates about an axle which has approximately the width of a balustrade. The axle is held by at least one supporting cheek. A handrail-drive, which is integrated in the balustrade base, drives the reversing sheave by means of a drive-wheel, the handrail, which is guided over a diverter roller, being carried along by friction from the reversing sheave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Gerhard Lunardi
  • Patent number: 6761259
    Abstract: A moving handrail superior in durability includes a linear belt of which two end portions are connected, forming a loop. This linear belt includes a single-layer or multilayer of thermoplastic elastomer having a C-shape in cross section; metallic and web-shaped metal stretch inhibitors disposed along a longitudinal direction of the thermoplastic elastomer, and base members coupled inside of the thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer, metal stretch inhibitor, and base member are integrally molded. In the connection portion, a splice junction between the metal stretch inhibitors and a joint where the base members are connected together at both end portions with an auxiliary backing does not overlap in a direction of thickness of the moving handrail. Further, the metal stretch inhibitors that are spliced are enclosed with a thermoplastic elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushikikaisha Tokan
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Onodera, Muneaki Mukuda, Kohsuke Haraga, Ryuji Otsuka, Yuji Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20030136635
    Abstract: An escalator handrail load monitoring and detection apparatus monitors and detects variations to a load applied to the handrail during operation. A distortable element is mounted to a handrail guide upon which the handrail rides and responds through distortions to downward-applied forces to the handrail. An electrical switch is activated by the distortion, allowing an output signal to be generated indicating that a particular minimum downward force has been applied to the handrail. The minimum force may be chosen to be above the range of forces normally applied to the handrail during normal passenger use, and thus be responsive to unsafe or improper operating conditions, such as when a passenger sits on the handrail or places packages thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Lauch
  • Patent number: 6533098
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Gerald Winkler
  • Publication number: 20020084169
    Abstract: This invention relates to a handrail for a people mover, such as an escalator or moving walkway, with a grip for people to grasp and a one-piece structure comprising several layers with structural inserts, with the layers being joined together to form the one-piece structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Karl Schulte, Christian-Andre Keun
  • Patent number: 6382389
    Abstract: A handrail guide in an outdoor escalator contains a heating cable to prevent the handrail from freezing to an associated handrail guide in cold weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Hans-Martin Mehlert, Dietmar Krüger
  • Patent number: 6367608
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device forming a moving handrail for an accelerated moving walkway. The device including a rail which carries backing carriages and which converges towards the rail carrying the carriages that support the handrail handholds in a zone situated between the divergence zone and the turn-around zone; in at least the divergence zone, said rail follows a cam outline having an oscillatory profile in which the length of each wave is equal to the distance between a first one and a third one of the consecutive backing carriages, each placed at a respective end of the wave that they flank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Constructions Industrielles de la Mediterranee—CNIM
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Franceschi
  • Publication number: 20010023810
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Gerhard Lunardi, Reinhard Pallinger
  • Patent number: 6223879
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Karl-Friedrich Schöps