Abstract: A moving stairway in which articulation of the steps from platform to step mode automatically positions panel members to cover the adjacent stationary skirt boards, between the tread part of each step and the riser part of the next adjacent step, and return to platform mode automatically retracts the panel members for passage through the combplate. In a preferred embodiment, the panel members additionally function as active guide elements for laterally guiding the steps through the load bearing run of the moving stairway.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus, for determining the direction of force in a moving escalator having a plurality of drive units coupled to an endless, articulated belt. The direction of force, and the duration of such force in a direction which indicates compression of the belt at each drive unit, is used to align and properly space the drive units for optimal load sharing.

Abstract: A track splice having finger members fixed to the spaced ends of two track sections. The finger members include adjoining, contacting surfaces which are configured to positively align the finger members and wheel support surfaces of the finger members and associated track sections, while enabling the ends of the track sections to be adjustably spaced. The track splice further includes a clamping device for firmly clamping the finger members together, once the desired spacing between the track ends is selected.

Abstract: A multiple strand drive chain for transmitting power from toothed sprockets to an endless belt constructed of toothed links. The strand which cooperates with the toothed links has a plurality of spaced rollers, with alternate rollers, which have a first predetermined diameter, being constructed of a deformable, resilient material. The intervening rollers, which have a smaller diameter than the first predetermined diameter, are constructed of a substantially non-deformable, rigid material. The deformable rollers normally share the driving load in a substantially uniform manner, but as the chain wears the sharing becomes disproportionate. The non-deformable rollers greatly extend chain life by limiting the maximum driving load placed on any one deformable roller.

Abstract: An escalator including an endless belt and a plurality of steps attached thereto. The endless belt and steps are guided about a loop which includes load bearing and return runs for the steps, by guide wheels rotatably mounted on a common side of the endless belt, and a guide track. The guide wheels and guide track cooperatively define the first and second yieldable guide points, and first and second non-yieldable guide points, which function at different levels of side thrust forces on the endless belt.

Abstract: A toothed step link for transportation apparatus, such as escalators, constructed of formed metallic shells. First and second like elements, each including at least one metallic shell, are disposed in spaced relation. A third element, including at least one hollow metallic assembly formed of assembled right- and left-hand metallic shells, which collectively define a plurality of teeth, is disposed in a portion of the space between the first and second elements. The first, second and third elements are held in assembled relation via tubular members which are press fit into aligned openings in the first, second and third elements.

Abstract: A spring-applied, electrically released drum brake which is self-energizing in one direction, and partially deenergizing in the other direction. Regardless of braking direction, the brake shoes are applied with substantially zero force, with the braking force being increased to decelerate and stop the drum within predetermined jerk and deceleration constraints.

Abstract: Transportation apparatus including an endless belt having platforms, pallets or steps attached thereto. The endless belt is driven in a guided loop through load bearing and return runs interconnected by turn-arounds at the ends of the loop. Guide rollers and guide tracks cooperate to guide the endless belt, with the guide tracks associated with the load bearing and return runs being connected in the turn-arounds via dynamic transition apparatus including cooperative guide track structure which enables normal manufacturing and assembly tolerances to be observed while automatically compensating for wear. The apparatus constantly seeks the best adjustment mode, providing smooth operation with minimal noise and vibration.

Abstract: An elevator system including an elevator car an enclosure on top of the elevator car, a passenger opening in the elevator car, a door operable between open and closed positions relative to the passenger opening, a door operator for the door a car top inspection station, and a traveling cable. Controls for the door operator are mounted within the enclosure, and controls for the car top inspection station are mounted on a side of the enclosure. The traveling cable is connected to the enclosure. Open wiring in the enclosure interconnects the electrical components of the door operator, the car top inspection station, and the conductors of the traveling cable.

Abstract: Hydraulic elevator apparatus including a cylinder and a fluid actuated plunger which supports an elevator car. A cylinder head seals against fluid leakage to the outside, and it guides the plunger as it moves relative to the cylinder. The cylinder head includes a travel limit structure for the plunger which generates a hydraulic retarding force programmed by a resilient device which adjusts the hydraulic retarding force during a travel limit stop. The resilient device also adds its own retarding force to the plunger, to smoothly decelerate and stop the plunger with minimal impact forces on the cylinder head.

Abstract: An elevator system including an elevator car, a passenger opening in the elevator car, a door operable between open and closed positions relative to the passenger opening, and a door operator for the door. The door operator includes a drive motor, a drive for imparting linear motion to the door, speed control and limit switches, associated door control, and various accessory equipment, such as emergency lighting control, alarm bell, and control for object sensing door re-opening devices, all mounted within a common enclosure on the top of the elevator car, which permits open wiring between the electrical components. The common enclosure also functions as the hanger roller track and up thrust roller guide.

Abstract: Transportation apparatus for transporting persons between spaced landings, including a plurality of steps, and skirt members disposed at opposite sides of the steps. The steps each include tread and riser parts which cooperatively define projections on the riser side of the step adjacent to the skirt members. The projections on the step form an obtuse angle between the skirt members and the immediately adjacent portions of the riser part.

Abstract: Transportation apparatus including a conveyor mounted on a support structure, and a balustrade formed of a plurality of panel members aligned in end-to-end relation. The lower edge of the balustrade is disposed in a support channel. A plurality of spaced clamp assemblies mounted on the support structure apply a bending force to the support channel which clamps the panel members firmly within the support channel and simultaneously clamps the support channel to the support structure.

Abstract: Transportation apparatus for transporting persons between spaced landings, including a conveyor mounted on a support structure, and a balustrade formed of a plurality of panels aligned in end-to-end relation. An endless handrail is guided over the top edge of the balustrade via a handrail guide member which extends to and partially defines newel sections at opposite ends of the transportation apparatus. Support channels extend from newel to newel to support the lower edge of the balustrade. Structural members complete the newels, extending from the opposite ends of the support channel to the ends of the handrail guide member. The structural members are tapered to provide a stepless transition from the handrail guide members, which are relatively thin, to the larger dimension of the support channel. Support for the structural members, which are cantilevered outwardly from the support structure, is provided by a splice-clamp arrangement which provides excellent support and lateral stability.