Abstract: A drive chain band for a chain drive device having chain links and pins is provided. The drive chain band may include one or more drive bands, and a plurality of connectors disposed on the one or more drive bands. Each connector may have a toothed profile configured to directly receive and engage the pins.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor includes a plurality of pallets arranged to form a travel surface of the passenger conveyor. A first guide member extends from a first longitudinal end of the travel surface and is located at a first lateral side of the plurality of pallets, and a second guide member extends from the first longitudinal end and is located at a second lateral side of the plurality of pallets. A position of the second guide member is offset in a longitudinal direction along the travel surface relative to the first guide member. The first guide member and the second guide member are pivotably connected to the plurality of pallets to guide movement of the plurality of pallets.

Abstract: A moving walkway with a pallet return mechanism is disclosed. The moving walkway generally includes a pallet track having a passenger portion connected to a return portion through an end portion, a plurality of pallets coupled to the pallet track with each pallet extending between front and back ends, and a pallet return apparatus adapted to sequentially lower the front and back ends of the pallet to transition each pallet from the passenger portion to the return portion of the pallet track. Methods for returning the pallet on the pallet track are also disclosed.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor with reduced pallet travel height is disclosed. The moving walkway generally includes a chain track and a pallet track separate from the chain track, a drive chain movably disposed in the chain track, and a plurality of pallets coupled to the pallet track. Each of the pallets may be movably connected to the drive chain and the drive chain may travel at a different velocity than the plurality of pallets in a portion of the passenger conveyor. Methods for reducing distance between passenger and return portions of an endless series of pallets are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting the presence of an analyte associated with a nanoparticle layer formed at a liquid-liquid interface. The method comprises removing a portion of one of the liquid phases; and detecting the presence of the analyte by Raman spectroscopy, Infra Red spectroscopy and/or fluorescence spectroscopy.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of purifying one or more biological analytes from a sample. The method comprises incubating the sample with nanoparticles and centrifuging a biphasic system. The biological analytes can be one or more of an enzyme, a protein, a nucleic acid, an organelle, a cell, a bacteria, a virus, or any other biological material which requires purification.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor, comprises: an endless tread band, the endless tread band comprising a plurality of treads, at least one endless drive chain, the drive chain being driven around a first and a second turnaround section by means of a drive, the drive chain comprising a plurality of drive chain links, each of the drive chain links having associated thereto a respective drive chain roller, consecutive of the drive chain links being connected via the drive chain rollers, a plurality of the treads being connected to the drive chain, and at least one panel member located on a lateral side of the treads such as to be movable with respect to the treads, the at least one panel member being supported such as to remain stationary with respect to one of the drive chain links, wherein each of the treads is associated with a plurality of consecutive panel members.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor includes an endless tread band having a plurality of treads. At least one endless drive chain is driven around a first and a second turn around section by a drive. The drivetrain includes a plurality of links that are associated with drive chain rollers. A plurality of the treads are connected with the drivetrain. At least one panel member is located on a lateral side of the treads. The panel member is moveable with respect to the treads and supported to remain stationary with respect to at least one of the drive chain links. Each of the treads is associated with at least one panel member.

Abstract: A polygon compensation coupling system for reducing a polygon effect in a chain driven system is disclosed. The polygon compensation coupling system may include a chain sprocket and a main drive in engagement with the chain sprocket, such that the engagement defines a compensation curve to reduce the polygon effect.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor (10), comprises: an endless tread band, the endless tread band comprising a plurality of treads (24), at least one endless drive chain (26), the drive chain (26) being driven around a first and a second turnaround section (14) by means of a drive, the drive chain (26) comprising a plurality of drive chain links (18), each of the drive chain links (18) having associated thereto a respective drive chain roller (30), consecutive of the drive chain links (18) being connected via the drive chain rollers (30), a plurality of the treads (24) being connected to the drive chain (26), and at least one panel member (12) located on a lateral side of the treads (24) such as to be movable with respect to the treads (24), the at least one panel member (12) being supported such as to remain stationary with respect to one of the drive chain links (18), wherein each of the treads (24) is associated with a plurality of consecutive panel members (12).