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).

Abstract: A passenger conveyor including an endless conveyor band having a plurality of tread elements connected to and driven by a drive chain at each lateral edge thereof and a moving flange moving in use together with the conveyor band. The moving flange includes a plurality of discs attached to the tread elements and a plurality of bridges each attached between two consecutive discs. At least one bridge is attached to the drive chain by a pin and socket connection and a resilient locking element is arranged so as to bias in use the bridge against the chain.

Abstract: People conveyor (2) including an endless conveyor band (4) extending through an inclined portion (6), a first and a second turnaround portions (8) and a return portion (5) of an endless path and comprising a plurality of steps (10) connected to and driven by a step chain (12), the steps (10) comprising a step roller (18), the people conveyor (2) further including a step roller track (20) for guiding the step roller (18), the step roller track (20) extends along the path of the conveyor band (4) and has an inner and an outer rails (24, 22) for supporting the step roller (18), and a device (20) for restraining the step roller (18) against one of the inner and outer rails (24, 22).

Abstract: Method for compensating the length of a movable handrail (10) in a passenger conveyor (2) having a passenger transportation belt (4) defining at least one passenger transportation surface (8), the handrail (10) is traveling along a closed handrail path which extends through an exposed path (12) along the passenger transportation belt (4), around a turnaround means (14), through a return path (16) and around a further turnaround means (18), and which hand rail path defines a handrail plane which is substantially perpendicular to the passenger transportation surface, the method comprising the following steps: (i) turning the handrail (10) out of the handrail plane; (ii) directing the handrail (10) through a compensation means (38); and (iii) turning the handrail (10) back into the handrail plane.

Abstract: A device (40, 50) for reducing noise levels in passenger conveyor systems (10) at least partially obstructs spacing (36) at the interface between two steps (24, 30) to allow for relative movement between one step and the next. A sound transmission reducing member (40, 50) at least partially obstructs a sound pathway that includes the spacing to reduce the transmission of noise through the spacing. The sound transmission reducing member in one example is a barrier that partially blocks the interface, while in another, it extends completely across the interface. Additionally, sound absorbing material (46) may be secured to the underside of the steps in order to further reduce sound transmission toward the passengers and individuals near the conveyer.

Abstract: People conveyor (2) including an endless conveyor band (4) extending through an inclined portion (6), a first and a second turnaround portions (8) and a return portion (5) of an endless path and comprising a plurality of steps (10) connected to and driven by a step chain (12), the steps (10) comprising a step roller (18), the people conveyor (2) further including a step roller track (20) for guiding the step roller (18), the step roller track (20) extends along the path of the conveyor band (4) and has an inner and an outer rails (24, 22) for supporting the step roller (18), and a device (20) for restraining the step roller (18) against one of the inner and outer rails (24, 22).

Abstract: A stepchain for a passenger conveyor includes a plurality of stepchain links (30, 130, 230). There is only one link-to-link interface (31) on each side of the steps (24) such that the number of links (30) on each side of the steps (24) is equal to the number of steps (24). The inventive arrangement reduces rotation or contraction of the stepchain between steps (24). Elongation of the stepchain is also reduced as there is a reduction in the number of interfaces (31). The inventive arrangement also facilitates arcuate movement of the steps (24) along a constant radius through the transition zones between the inclined area (27) and the landing areas (29). Having a truly arcuate movement allows for reducing the gap (33) between the steps (24) at the transition zones. In one example at least one needle bearing (190) is associated with an attachment mechanism (184, 284) at the interface (31) between adjacent links (30) to allow for rotation between the stepchain links (30) and to eliminate the need for lubrication.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an escalator (2) with an endless stair band (6) that is composed of several interconnected steps (4), wherein a step (4) contains a walking surface (16) and a front side (18) and is connected to respective lateral step chains (8) that are driven around a lower and an upper reversing point (22) by means of a drive, and wherein a step (4) contains at least one step roller (34) that is guided by a step roller guide. The invention is characterized by the fact that the point (32) at which a step (4) is fastened to the step chain (8) is arranged in the vicinity of the front side (18) of the step (4).

Abstract: A passenger conveyor drive assembly (40) includes drive members such as belts (42) that engage a step chain (30). A monitoring device (50) provides an indication of a damaged or broken drive member (42) by monitoring the relative rotations between wheels (44, 46). In one example, relative rotation between deflection wheels (46) provides an indication that one of the drive members (42) is not performing as well as the other. In another example, a comparison between the speed of rotation of the drive wheels (44) on the one hand and the deflection wheels (46) on the other hand allows for independently monitoring each of the drive members (42) of the drive assembly. In a disclosed embodiment, the monitoring device includes rotating members (52, 56) that normally rotate in unison and move into another position when there is relative rotation between the selected wheels. Such movement provides an indication of a malfunction of the drive system and may actuate the brake as needed.

Abstract: Passenger conveyor (2) including an endless conveyor band (6) comprised of a plurality of tread elements (4) connected to and driven by a drive chain (8) at each lateral edge thereof, a moving flange moving in use together with the conveyor band (6), the moving flange being comprised of a plurality of discs (16) attached to the tread elements (4) and a plurality of bridges (18) each attached alternating between two consecutive discs (16), wherein a groove and tongue (70) engagement is provided between bridge (18) and disc (16), characterised in that an insert (64) made of a plastic material is provided between bridge (18) and disc (16).

Abstract: Passenger conveyor (2) including an endless conveyor band (6) comprised of a plurality of tread elements (4) connected to and driven by a drive chain (8) at each lateral edge thereof, a moving flange ( ) moving in use together with the conveyor band (6), the moving flange being comprised of a plurality of discs (16) attached to the tread elements (4) and a plurality of bridges (18) each attached between two consecutive discs (16), characterised in that at least one bridge (18) is attached to the drive chain (8) by means of a pin and socket connection (38) and that a resilient locking element (54) is arranged so as to bias in use the bridge (18) against the chain (8).

Abstract: Passenger conveyor (2) including an endless conveyor band (6) comprised of a plurality of tread elements (4) connected to and driven by a drive chain (8) at each lateral edge thereof, a moving flange moving in use together with the conveyor band (6), the moving flange being comprised of a plurality of discs (16) attached to the tread elements (4) and a plurality of bridges (18) each attached alternating between two consecutive discs (16), wherein a groove and tongue (70) engagement is provided between bridge (18) and disc (16), characterised in that an insert (64) made of a plastic material is provided between bridge (18) and disc (16).

Abstract: People mover (2) comprising an endless tread belt (6) formed from several tread elements (4) connected to one another, which is driven by a drive unit about a first and second reversal point (22), and a side skirt (24) moved along with tread belt (6), the side skirt (24) comprising flange elements (28) joined to the tread element (4) and bridge elements (30) connected movably relative to flange elements (28). A sensor (38) is arranged adjacent to the side skirt (24), the sensor (38) having a limited detection range perpendicular to the circulation direction of side skirt (24), and a plurality of marking elements are arranged in a line on side skirt (24) along the circulating direction having a limited width perpendicular to the circulating direction.

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 passenger conveyor (2) contains an endless passenger conveyor belt (6) that is composed of several interconnected footboard elements (4), wherein the footboard elements (4) are respectively connected to transport chains (8) that are arranged laterally of the footboard elements and driven around a first and a second reversing point by means of a drive. This passenger conveyor is characterized by the fact that the footboard elements (4) are detachably connected to the transport chains (8) by means of one respective lateral holding device (34).

Abstract: A passenger conveyor (2) contains an endless passenger conveyor belt (6) that is composed of several interconnected footboard elements (4), wherein the footboard elements (4) are respectively connected to transport chains (8) that are arranged laterally of the footboard elements and driven around a first and a second reversing point by means of a drive. This passenger conveyor is characterized by the fact that the footboard elements (4) are detachably connected to the transport chains (8) by means of one respective lateral holding device (34).

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: 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 one 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 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.