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: An escalator drive assembly includes a backup member (40) that facilitates controlling movement of the escalator (20) even when the normal drive assembly operation is interrupted. A backup member (40) in the form of a flange (42) is associated with a drive pulley (34) and normally rotates in unison with the drive pulley (34). When there is a failure in the normal operation of the drive mechanism, however, there is a resulting relative movement between the backup member (40) and the drive pulley (34). Such relative motion preferably activates a switch (80) that provides a signal that indicates a failure of the normal operation of the drive mechanism. The backup member (40) facilitates providing an indication of a failure and control over movement of the escalator (20) even when the normal drive assembly is not operating as intended.

Abstract: An escalator drive assembly includes a backup member (40) that facilitates controlling movement of the escalator (20) even when the normal drive assembly operation is interrupted. A backup member (40) in the form of a flange (42) is associated with a drive pulley (34) and normally rotates in unison with the drive pulley (34). When there is a failure in the normal operation of the drive mechanism, however, there is a resulting relative movement between the backup member (40) and the drive pulley (34). Such relative motion preferably activates a switch (80) that provides a signal that indicates a failure of the normal operation of the drive mechanism. The backup member (40) facilitates providing an indication of a failure and control over movement of the escalator (20) even when the normal drive assembly is not operating as intended.

Abstract: An escalator system includes a protective flange assembly along edges of the steps having step flanges. In one example, a first step flange member is adjacent each edge of each step and moves with the step along the escalator path. The first panel member remains stationary relative to the step along the entire path. A second panel member is associated with a corresponding link in the drive chain and remains stationary relative to the link along the entire path of the escalator. The first panel members and second panel members cooperate to provide a continuous barrier along each edge of the steps along the escalator path.

Abstract: A handrail drive for a passenger conveyor includes a drive belt that does not encompass either the main drive shaft or the handrail drive shaft. In a particular embodiment, the drive belt includes a plurality of outwardly extending teeth and is formed from a reinforced elastomeric material. The teeth are engaged with complementary toothed extensions on the main and handrail drive shafts. Two pair of deflection rollers maintain contact between the drive belt and drive shafts and an adjustable spring maintains tension in the drive belt.

Abstract: A pallet for a passenger conveyor includes an integrally formed thin walled support frame. The support frame walls all extend in the same principle direction to permit the support flame to be formed by an extrusion process. In a particular embodiment, the support frame includes thin walls extending in the width dimension. In another embodiment, the support frame includes multiple, integrally formed pieces having thin walls extending in the length dimension. The width of the support frame is dependent on the combined width of the multiple pieces.

Abstract: A newel guide for supporting a passenger conveyor handrail traveling over a newel includes an integral one piece body and a plurality of rollers. The one piece body may be formed by an extrusion process and formed into the desired shape. In a particular embodiment, the one piece body incorporates an attachment portion, a deflector portion and a portion to retain the rollers. A transition piece is used between the newel guide and the handrail guide to smoothly transition between the guides. The transition piece has a profile to match the newel guide on one end and a profile to match the handrail guide on the opposite end.

Abstract: A pallet for a conveyor includes a first connector, a second connector, and a link engaging the connectors of adjacent pallets. The link permits the connectors of adjacent pallets to move relative to each other through an arcuate path. This arrangement for adjacent pallets results in a connection between the pallets that accommodates the varying distance between the adjacent pallets as they travel through a curved path.