Abstract: A tension member for an elevator system has an aspect ratio of greater than one, where aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of tension member width w to thickness t (w/t). The increase in aspect ratio results in a reduction in the maximum rope pressure and an increased flexibility as compared to conventional elevator ropes. As a result, smaller sheaves may be used with this type of tension member. In a particular embodiment, the tension member includes a plurality of individual load carrying ropes encased within a common layer of coating. The coating layer separates the individual ropes and defines an engagement surface for engaging a traction sheave.

Abstract: A tension member for an elevator system has an aspect ratio of greater than one, where aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of tension member width w to thickness t (w/t). The increase in aspect ratio results in a reduction in the maximum rope pressure and an increased flexibility as compared to conventional elevator ropes. As a result, smaller sheaves may be used with this type of tension member. In a particular embodiment, the tension member includes a plurality of individual load carrying ropes encased within a common layer of coating. The coating layer separates the individual ropes and defines an engagement surface for engaging a traction sheave.

Abstract: A tension member for an elevator system has an aspect ratio of greater than one, where aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of tension member width w to thickness t (w/t). The increase in aspect ratio results in a reduction in the maximum rope pressure and an increased flexibility as compared to conventional elevator ropes. As a result, smaller sheaves may be used with this type of tension member. In a particular embodiment, the tension member includes a plurality of individual load carrying ropes encased within a common layer of coating. The coating layer separates the individual ropes and defines an engagement surface for engaging a traction sheave.

Abstract: A handrail entry safety device including a collar and a base is provided for a balustrade having an enclosure and a handrail. The base includes an upper section and a lower section, the latter having a seat for receiving the collar. The upper section is hingedly attached to the lower section above where the handrail enters the safety device, thereby enabling the lower section and the collar to pivot together.

Abstract: A glass escalator balustrade is mounted in an extruded metal channel which is secured to the escalator truss. Closed cell foam strips are disposed in contact with the balustrade panels. The strips insulate the balustrade from noises produced by the operating components of the escalator thereby rendering the escalator quieter for passengers. A layer of the sound insulating fiberglass nylon insulation is also adhered to the underside of the inner deck panels to insulate the latter from noise produced by the step rollers and step roller tracks.

Abstract: The guide rail for a moving handrail on an escalator or moving walkway is mounted on a glass balustrade by a mount assembly which includes a vibration-isolating gasket between the balustrade and the guide rail. The gasket is preferably formed from a closed cell foam material which isolates vibrations so that vibrations of the guide rail and handrail engendered by operation of the handrail do not cause the glass balustrade to vibrate. Controlling vibration of the glass balustrade quiets the escalator since the glass, if allowed to vibrate, will act as a loudspeaker which magnifies and broadcasts escalator handrail noise.

Abstract: The handrail reentry guard housing on a moving walkway or an escalator is provided with a retrofittable shield which is attached to the underside of the guard housing, and which fills the space between the moving handrail and the guard housing. The shield is formed from complimentary halves which are made from formed plastic sheets. The shield halves are somewhat flexible so as not to form a rigid counterpart to the moving handrail. Hook and loop components are secured to the guard housing and to the shield halves to allow for retrofit securement of the shield to the guard housing.