Abstract: A handrail with handrail elements is moved past a sensor support with at least one sensor. Each handrail element has, for example, a collar, which extends into the adjacent handrail element. The handrail elements, which are pivotably fastened to a second transport chain, can move relative to the adjacent handrail elements without a gap then arising between two adjacent handrail elements. Merely a segment groove with such a small depth that fingers are not caught arises between two adjacent handrail elements. The sensor can recognize each segment groove as well as defective handrail elements. Operating magnitudes such as speed, acceleration and deceleration of the handrail are ascertainable and/or risk-laden operating states are recognizable by means of the sensor signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a side safety device for an escalator which is operated in such a way that a plurality of stairs circulates. The side safety device includes a side safety plate (100) which is coupled to each of side surfaces of each of the stairs (2) at a position adjacent to a vertical plate (2b) of the stair. The side safety plate has a triangular shape and protrudes forwards from the vertical plate. The side safety plate includes a bottom side (104) which extends parallel to a step board (2a) of the stair in a direction away from the stair, and a hypotenuse (106) which extends at a predetermined inclination so as to meet the bottom side. The inclination of the hypotenuse is substantially equal to an inclination of an inclined section of the escalator.

Abstract: The system and method comprising at least one idler wheel for use with a drag chain mechanism. The device for use with the idler wheel has a rotatable shaft for receiving the rotational force of the idler wheel, and transmits that force to a rotation indicator which is external to the enclosed space where the idler wheel is located. The rotation indicator thus provides a reliable method for indicating to an external sensor or operator whether an idler wheel is rotating within acceptable operational parameters.

Abstract: A monitor, which may be closely associated with a handrail, may determine the amount of force applied to the handrail. The monitor may also determine the pattern in which force is applied to the handrail in order to assess how the user is contacting the handrail. The user's application of force to the handrail can be monitored along the course of movement along the handrail and may be compared to historical usage patterns.

Abstract: A main drive shaft brake for a passenger conveyor includes a braking element, an actuator, and a counter-actuator. The actuator is de-energized to release the braking element and halt operation of the passenger conveyor during an abnormal or emergency condition. An energized counter-actuator permits release of the braking element but, when de-energized, inhibits release of the braking element by the actuator to prevent unintentional release of the braking element caused by, for example, an accidental loss of power to the actuator.

Abstract: An escalator with a step belt or a moving walkway with a plate belt, which step belt or plate belt comprises at least one transport chain that is arranged to circulate between a first and second deflecting region of the escalator or moving walkway. Steps or plates are arranged at the transport chain and connected with the transport chain. In addition, at least one blocking device is arranged in stationary position and has at least one blocking arm. The blocking arm can be brought into a release position or into an engagement position, wherein this blocking arm in the engagement position engages in at least one link intermediate space of the transport chain and the blocking arm is fixable in the respective release position or engagement position.

Abstract: Provided is a missing step detection device which can be miniaturized even when the clearance between adjacent steps is wide.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes an electric motor to move a conveyor. A voltage determining device is coupled to an alternating-electricity source that supplies alternating electricity to the conveyor system. A power supply appliance supplies power between the electric motor and the alternating-electricity source. The power supply appliance includes an inverter and an inverter control. The inverter includes a rectifying bridge and a motor bridge. The rectifying bridge input is coupled to the alternating-electricity source and the rectifying bridge output is coupled to the motor bridge input. The motor bridge output is coupled to the electric motor. The inverter control is coupled between the voltage determining device and the motor bridge. The inverter control is responsive to frequency and phase of the determined voltage of the alternating-electricity source to adjust the frequency and phase of the motor bridge output voltage such that the motor bridge output voltage is made to be essentially constant.

Abstract: A safety and rescue device (1) for a mountain conveyor belt (2) includes a frontal blade (7) in the vicinity of and/or in contact with the transporting band (2d) of the conveyor belt (2). The frontal blade (7) is a pressure sensor or a pressure-sensitive blade. The frontal blade (7) is integral with a flap (4) that slides between a closed position and an open position, moved by winding or unwinding on a motorized winding tube (10).

Abstract: A monitor, which may be closely associated with a handrail, may determine the amount of force applied to the handrail. The monitor may also determine the pattern in which force is applied to the handrail in order to assess how the user is contacting the handrail. The user's application of force to the handrail can be monitored along the course of movement along the handrail and may be compared to historical usage patterns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch arrangement of an electric motor drive (1). The electric motor drive comprises safety switches (3) determined by the safety of the drive, a controlled mechanical brake (4), a power supply circuit (5) of the brake control, a power converter (6), which power converter comprises a network rectifier (7) and a power rectifier (8) of the motor. The power rectifier of the motor is at least partly implemented with controlled semiconductor switches (9, 10) arranged into a bridge. The power converter comprises an intermediate circuit (11, 12) between the network rectifier and the power rectifier of the motor. The switch arrangement comprises normally-open switches (13, 14) in the intermediate circuit of the power converter (6).

Abstract: A device and method for detecting a misaligned or missing step of a conveyor are disclosed. The missing step detector includes various sensors for detecting the drive speed of the conveyor and for detecting the presence of pallets or steps. The sensor output signals are correlated to determine fixed values characteristic of the specific conveyor in question. Using the fixed values as reference, the missing step detector is able to effectively monitor the conveyor for misaligned or missing steps independent of conveyor speed and time.

Abstract: A main drive shaft brake for a passenger conveyor includes a braking element, an actuator, and a counter-actuator. The actuator is de-energized to release the braking element and halt operation of the passenger conveyor during an abnormal or emergency condition. An energized counter-actuator permits release of the braking element but, when de-energized, inhibits release of the braking element by the actuator to prevent unintentional release of the braking element caused by, for example, an accidental loss of power to the actuator.

Abstract: A display device (40) for use with a passenger conveyor (20) provides a traffic flow direction indicator and visible maintenance information. One example includes a display panel (42) supported on a surface (38) that is conveniently positioned between a handrail (28) and a landing (24). In one example, a single display panel (42) alternatively provides the traffic flow direction indicator or the maintenance information. In another example a first display panel (42) and a second display panel (48) are supported on a plate (43) that is selectively moveable into different positions, depending on which display panel should be visible. One example includes a remote signaling device (62) that allows an individual to control the information shown on the display device (40).

Abstract: A safety arrangement for use with a piece of equipment. The safety arrangement includes a signal generating unit for generating an optical signal, an elongate element, and a signal detecting unit. The elongate element is disposed along, about, around or through the piece of equipment and is capable of transmitting an optical signal. The signal detecting unit detects an optical signal. The signal generating unit is connected to the signal detecting unit by the elongate element such that the signal detecting unit is in optical communication with the signal detecting unit. The signal detecting unit is arranged to detect a change in the optical signal transmitted by the elongate element as a consequence of movement of the elongate element and, upon detection of the change in the signal, the detecting unit is configured to effect a change in the operation of the piece of equipment.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway having a frame, to which rails for chain rollers and rails for idling rollers are fixedly mounted, in particular with the aid of side panels, the escalator or moving walkway further comprising a turn-around area for the chains thereof that comprises a tensioning station for the chains. The tensioning station is guided and mounted on a side part that is fixedly mounted to the frame independently of the support structure.

Abstract: A braking apparatus and method for an escalator or moving walkway are provided. The braking apparatus may include a braking element, a linearly controllable solenoid assembly, a biasing mechanism, and a control device. The braking element may be adapted to engage a brake drum or brake disk on a drive shaft of the escalator or moving walkway. The linearly controllable solenoid assembly may include a brake coil and an elongated member. The elongated member may be moveable linearly along an axis and the braking element may be coupled to the elongated member. The biasing mechanism may be arranged to bias the elongated member in a first direction along the axis to increase a torque applied to the drive shaft by the braking element.

Abstract: A braking apparatus and method for an escalator or moving walkway are provided. The braking apparatus may include a braking element, a linearly controllable solenoid assembly, a biasing mechanism, and a control device. The braking element may be adapted to engage a brake drum or brake disk on a drive shaft of the escalator or moving walkway. The linearly controllable solenoid assembly may include a brake coil and an elongated member. The elongated member may be moveable linearly along an axis and the braking element may be coupled to the elongated member. The biasing mechanism may be arranged to bias the elongated member in a first direction along the axis to increase a torque applied to the drive shaft by the braking element.

Abstract: A shopping cart conveyor system is designed to shut the system down in the event that a shopping cart becomes jammed. The system includes a track operable to guide a shopping cart between a first location and a second location, and a drive assembly for moving a shopping cart along the track. The drive assembly includes engagement members movable relative to the track and operable to engage and move a shopping cart from the first location to the second location, and a drive motor (e.g., an electric motor) operable to provide movement to the engagement members. A force sensor detects a parameter (e.g., motor current) of the drive assembly corresponding with a force required to move the engagement members. A controller receives information regarding a frequency of change in the parameter and compares that information to a known value (e.g., a frequency of the engagement members).

Abstract: A moving staircase (escalator) with two flights of steps (1, 1?), a first flight for resetting one foot and a second flight for resting the other foot, equipped with synchronized reciprocating motion so that when the first flight goes up the second one goes down by the pace corresponding to a step, the user, by alternating the resting foot onto the steps of the two flights, will make no effort in waiting along it and he/she will not have to bend the limbs. The elevator finds its elective application as emergency escalator, also as fire-fighting staircase and as moving staircase for users prevented from an ease moving of limbs. The escalator can also-conveniently be rested onto pre-exiting flights.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motor control apparatus for controlling a synchronous motor, which includes a receiver section for receiving the value detected by a temperature sensor installed inside the synchronous motor. The synchronous motor is started up with the current fed into it, whose magnitude is changed in accordance with the temperature received by the receiver section at the time of starting up the synchronous motor. In this way, the stable startup of the synchronous motor can be guaranteed and the useful life of the semiconductor elements can also be prolonged.

Abstract: Provided is a missing step detection device which can be miniaturized even when the clearance between adjacent steps is wide.

Abstract: In an escalator or travelator configured to travel in two directions and including a step or pallet belt returned in first and second return portions facing away from each other, a monitoring device and method for detecting steps or pallets of the step or pallet belt is provided. The device includes a first detector configured to detect the steps or pallets in one of the directions of travel, a second detector configured to detect the steps or pallets in the other direction of travel, and an electronic analyzer/controller functionally coupled with each of the first and second detectors. The electronic analyzer/controller is configured to receive and compare signals from the first and second detectors for the two directions of travel and derive therefrom a signal for halting the escalator or travelator.

Abstract: Travelator, the conveyor of which comprises a frame, which comprises a stationary first frame part and a second frame part that moves in relation to it. The drive wheel is mounted on a bearing allowing rotation onto the first frame part. The power unit rotates the drive wheel. The diverting wheel is mounted on a bearing allowing free rotation onto the second frame part. The transport surfaces are connected to a traction element which is formed as an endless loop, and which is led to pass over the drive wheel and the diverting wheel. The tightening device is arranged to act between the first frame part and the second frame part to move the diverting wheel linearly away from the drive wheel in order to exert tightening force on the traction element. The travelator comprises identification means for identifying the drive status of the conveyor, and adjustment means for adjusting the tightening force of the tightening device to different force levels based on the drive status identified.

Abstract: A moving staircase (escalator) with two flights of steps (1, 1?), a first flight for reseting one foot and a second flight for resting the other foot, equipped with synchronized reciprocating motion so that when the first flight goes up the second one goes downby the pace corresponding to a step,—the user, by alternating the resting foot onto the steps of the two flights, will make no effort in waiting along it and he/she will not have to bend the limbs. The elevator finds its elective application as emergency escalator, also as fire-fighting staircase and as moving staircase for users prevented from an ease moving of limbs. The escalator can also-conveniently be rested onto pre-exiting flights.

Abstract: In a passenger conveyor according to the present invention, an inlet safety device, an operation device, an operation condition display device, and a passenger detecting device are all received in a end-deck cover at an end of a balustrade panel. Thus, the passenger conveyor is excellent in design because of a simple appearance of a platform and a vicinity thereof. Since an inclined surface of the end-deck cover on which a display part of the operation condition display device is disposed is inclined to face an upper side of a center part of the platform, an observability by a passenger of the display part of the operation condition display device can be exceedingly enhanced.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walk has respectively a step band and steps, or a moving walk with a pallet band and pallets. A balustrade has a handrail that is held by a balustrade skirt. Arranged on the balustrade skirt is a wedging guard apparatus or deflector apparatus that prevents wedging or pinching of objects and persons between the steps and the balustrade skirt. The wedging guard or deflector apparatus has a carrier or base section and a brush unit that is arranged on a vertical area of the balustrade skirt. The carrier or base section has fastening parts for vertical mating or joining with the brush unit.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway having a frame, to which rails for chain rollers and rails for idling rollers are fixedly mounted, in particular with the aid of side panels, the escalator or moving walkway further comprising a turn-around area for the chains thereof that comprises a tensioning station for the chains. The tensioning station is guided and mounted on a side part that is fixedly mounted to the frame independently of the support structure.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor assembly (20) includes a moveable stepping surface (22). A first drive (50) is operative to move the stepping surface (22). A handrail (30) and a second drive (40) is provided as part of the passenger conveyor assembly (20). A controller (70) controls the second drive (40) independent of the first drive (50) to allow for movement of the stepping surface (22) or the handrail (30) when the other of the handrail (30) or the stepping surface (22) is stationary.

Abstract: An overspeed protective device connected to the rotary shaft (3) of a drive machine in an escalator or a moving walkway is disclosed. The escalator or moving walkway includes a safety switch (9) for controlling electric current to be fed to the machine. The overspeed protective device comprises a rotation unit connected to the rotary shaft (3) so that it rotates with the rotary shaft, said rotation unit including a rotating bottom plate (2), at least one centrifugal weight (14), one end of which is pivotally connected to the rotating bottom plate (2); spring (11), one end of which is connected to the weight (14); and limiting screws (13) provided on each of the two sides of the weight.

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: A safety device is provided for transport systems such as walkways and stairs that include moving elements (1, 2) with longitudinal movements and in which one of the moving elements (1, 2) may undergo tilting movements in relation to an operating direction. A safety counter-guide (7) is arranged on the moving elements (1, 2) and prevents the upward tilting of the moving elements (1, 2). The safety counter-guide also includes a lower sensor (8) in the form of a band that generates a stop signal for the system upon coming into contact with moving elements (1, 2). Since the moving elements (1, 2) cannot tilt in an upwards direction, possible risks both for the user and for the mechanical system are prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements introduced in invention patent number 200602335 relating to a safety system for moving handrails comprising a plurality of moving handgrips (1), the system having a retractable stop (5) inside the railing (3), a support structure (7), joined to the railing (3), having a guide (9), a lowerable body (11) with respect to the structure (7) and having a guiding rod (12) with a runner (13) and a roller (14) moving parallel to the handgrips (1) and a driving element (15) of the body (11), one of the ends (15b) of which is rotatably connected to the support structure (7) and the other end (15a) is rotatably connected to the lowerable body (11), such that when the retractable stop (5) is pushed by the hand of the user, the rod (12) is moved and the runner (13) is released from the guide (9), the lowerable body (11) being lowered due to the effect of the driving element (15).

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for moving handrails consisting of a stop (5), arranged at the entrance of the handrail (1) assembled on a fixed railing (3) finishing the handrail, the stop (5) being connected to a rod (7) which can move longitudinally and is retractable against a spring (9), the device comprising a hinged outer lid (15) having locking pawls (19) for an inner lid (18), such that the outer lid (15) automatically tends to the open position due to the effect of the springs (17) affecting the hinge (16) when the stop (5) is retracted and the lock (10) of the latter are released, whereas the inner lid (18), upon being released, also tends to the open position by simple gravity. In this way when a user does not let go of the handrail (1) when it penetrates the railing (3), he or she drives the stop (5) with his or her hand and the lids (15) and (18) are automatically opened, preventing injury to the hand of the user and causing the stop of the handrail through a microswitch (23).

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device for passenger conveyors comprises shock-absorbing members, which are attached respectively to at least one side of each of an inner rail and an outer rail of a track and protrude from the inner and outer rails toward a step roller. Supporting members are attached to the shock absorbing members for supporting the shock-absorbing members together with the inner rail and the outer rail.

Abstract: An escalator drive assembly (30) includes a sensor that facilitates detecting when the normal drive assembly operation is interrupted, such that a brake should be activated. In one example, a sensor 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. When there is a failure in the normal operation of the drive mechanism, however, there is a resulting relative movement between the sensor 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 (30). Another example sensor includes a sensor member (202, 212) that engages a drive belt (35). If the belt (35) breaks, the sensor member (202, 212) moves to provide an indication of the broken belt condition. Various braking application modes are possible using the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of disabling a drive system of a passenger conveying system is provided. The passenger conveying system is monitored with switches each arranged to detect a respective malfunction of the passenger conveying system. A shutdown signal is produced by a respective one of the switches detecting the respective malfunction and is coupled to a corresponding shutdown contact and to a controller. The corresponding shutdown contact operates to interrupt a drive enabling signal of the drive system in response to receipt of the shutdown signal. The controller monitors the shutdown signals from the switches and the drive enabling signal. The controller sends a signal to open a redundant contact to interrupt the drive enabling signal if the shutdown signal is detected and the drive system remains enabled.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and teaches method and apparatus for the detection of a disengaged, moving, handrail on a people moving walkway particularly an escalator. By the present invention a proximity sensor is positioned beneath the handrail for detection of a handrail that has become disengaged from its underlying guide rail. Upon detection of a disengaged handrail, the proximity sensor sends an electrical signal to a controller which stops the escalator or walkway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for transport systems comprising walkways and stairs by means of moving elements (1, 2) with longitudinal movements in which there is the possibility that said moving elements (1, 2) undergo tilting movements in relation to an operating direction. A safety counter-guide (7) is arranged on the moving elements (1, 2), preventing the upwards tilting of the moving elements (1, 2) and further having a lower sensor (8) in the form of a band that generates a stop signal for the system upon coming into with moving elements (1, 2). Therefore the moving elements (1, 2) cannot tilt in an upwards direction, preventing possible risks both for the user and for the mechanical system, and due to a possible tendency to said tilting caused by any anomaly, the system is automatically stopped.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor system (20) automatically reduces the speed of the conveyor responsive to a request from one or more potential passengers. In one example, a controller (32) receives information regarding a wirelessly transmitted signal (42) received by a receiver (34). The controller (32) gradually reduces the speed of the conveyor for a travel time of such a passenger and then subsequently gradually increases the speed to the normal operating speed. A variety of signaling devices (40) may be used and preferably are portable and carried about by individuals so that a separate mechanical switch need not be made part of the physical conveyor system.

Abstract: In a passenger conveyor according to the present invention, an inlet safety device, an operation device, an operation condition display device, and a passenger detecting device are all received in a end-deck cover at an end of a balustrade panel. Thus, the passenger conveyor is excellent in design because of a simple appearance of a platform and a vicinity thereof. Since an inclined surface of the end-deck cover on which a display part of the operation condition display device is disposed is inclined to face an upper side of a center part of the platform, an observability by a passenger of the display part of the operation condition display device can be exceedingly enhanced.

Abstract: A combplate closes the terminal ends of a continuous belt transport system having grooved carrier plates. The combplate has a plurality of protrusions and a communications board. The plurality of spaced apart projections are located along the one lateral edge with a portion thereof extending forward of the one lateral edge, shaped to align with and pass between the carrier plate grooves, and provided with a detector that senses a break in its integrity and a circuit for communicating its status externally. The communications board is in electrical contact with each of the projections for repeatedly monitoring the status of each projection to detect a break in a projection's integrity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of disabling a drive system of a passenger conveying system is provided. The passenger conveying system is monitored with switches each arranged to detect a respective malfunction of the passenger conveying system. A shutdown signal is produced by a respective one of the switches detecting the respective malfunction and is coupled to a corresponding shutdown contact and to a controller. The corresponding shutdown contact operates to interrupt a drive enabling signal of the drive system in response to receipt of the shutdown signal. The controller monitors the shutdown signals from the switches and the drive enabling signal. The controller sends a signal to open a redundant contact to interrupt the drive enabling signal if the shutdown signal is detected and the drive system remains enabled.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a mechanical device that monitors the support wheels, or rollers, of a moving escalator stair step. The diameter of each support wheel is indirectly measured by determining the height of each support wheel axial above a given plane. Support wheels that have unacceptable diameter trip an activation mechanism that sends an electrical signal to stop the escalator's driving motor.

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: A comb plate (2) for a people mover with a step belt, having a base plate and a number of teeth (4) applied to one side of it, arranged essentially parallel to one another, which mesh in use with grooves in a people mover, whereby the comb plate (2) has an upper side that is exposed and a lower side that is concealed in use, characterized by the fact that an electric tooth-break monitoring device (6) is provided.

Abstract: A braking system for an escalator having multiple rates of deceleration. When electrical protective devices (EPD) indicate that the escalator should be stopped, the main controller makes a determination as to whether the maximum rate of deceleration should be applied or the lower rate of deceleration. The brake is then controlled according to this determination to prevent a sudden stopping of the escalator when it is not necessary. The EPDs may be divided into two or more groups for different rates of deceleration. A provision may be made for multiple signals at once. If the main controller fails to provide a deceleration rate, the braking controller automatically defaults to the maximum rate. This system may also be used with moving walkways or other conveyors.

Abstract: A safety device for a passenger conveyor such as an escalator or a moving walk having an improved safety performance and a simple configuration. The safety device separately detects the forward and upward displacements of a combplate beam 12 with respect to a supporting beam 13 with a single safety switch actuated by a switch actuating member having first and second actuating portions to stop an operation of the passenger conveyor. Thus, the improved safety performance and a simple configuration can be achieved, and a combplate made of aluminum alloy can be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stopping conveying equipment for persons of the type that includes a drive motor, a frequency converter for controlling motor operation, and a holding brake. On activation of a safety element a the frequency converter decreases the speed of the drive motor according to a pre-established braking ramp, the holding brake being activated before standstill of the conveying equipment. Operational safety of the braking system is thus increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stopping conveying equipment for persons, wherein on response of a safety element a braking process performed by a frequency converter co-operating with a drive motor is initiated, by means of which the conveying equipment for persons is brought to a standstill, wherein the braking process is monitored by a safety circuit which comprises at least a first channel and a second channel. The operational safety of the braking system is thereby increased.