Abstract: A retaining device (10) for a conveyor belt assembly (12) which includes a clamping means (14) for clamping a conveyor belt (36) of the conveyor belt assembly, and a biasing means (38,40) for displacing the clamping means between an inoperative condition and an operative retaining condition wherein the clamping means clamps a part of the belt to tension a material carrying portion of the belt in the event of a loss of tension in the belt.

Abstract: An escalator or moving step assembly includes a control unit, a plurality of input/output units each for providing data concerning a respective one of a location and a function of the escalator, and a standard bus system. The input/output units are connected to the standard bus system for communicating therewith. The escalator also includes a plurality of security position switches each having at least one opening contact and a plurality of security slaves each associated with a respective one of the security position switches and being communicated with the standard bus system. A security monitor communicated with the standard bus system and operating in cooperation with the security slaves initiates an intervention in the operation of the escalator in the event that an opening contact of a security slave is opened.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling the respective brake of a device for transporting people, such as an escalator or a moving pavement in that the control signals for the drive motors and the brake are monitored with the aid of several processors. If functional interruptions occur in the region of the device for transporting people, the brake is applied abruptly. If deceleration values are detected, the brake is relieved in a defined manner and the device for transporting people is thus stopped via the processors within a predetermined time interval.

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: A method and a system for disconnecting passenger transport systems, especially escalators and moving walkways. Functional units of a passenger transport system monitor for malfunctions of the passenger transport systems by using switching elements and the signals of the functional units are combined to form a security chain. The signals of the functional units and signals from a drive monitoring unit are supplied to at least one pilot unit. Subsequently, a disconnecting signal is provided to a respective disconnecting contact as a result of a malfunction detected by the functional units and/or the drive monitoring system.

Abstract: The device includes a protection and safety assembly which covers the downstream end of said device and which, in said decelerated safety zone, includes a moving member disposed above said handrail elements and adapted to be entrained by a foreign body itself entrained by said handrail elements in the same direction as and at the same speed as said handrail elements along a substantially horizontal path, and detector means adapted to detect predetermined displacement of said member in said direction, and to cause at least said device to stop.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the presence. of steps and pallets of an escalator or moving walkway, such that missing steps or pallets are immediately detected, so that the drive will be stopped before the missing or defective part reaches the visible area of the escalator or moving walkway.

Abstract: An inclined conveyor for transporting shopping carts between an upper floor and a lower floor. The inclined conveyor includes a continuous conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt including a plurality of spaced drive lugs that engage a shopping cart. The moving conveyor belt transports the shopping cart between the upper and lower floors. The inclined conveyor includes a jam detector that interrupts operation of the conveyor upon detection of a jam along the conveyor. The inclined conveyor further includes a front wheel alignment and turning system for rotating at least one of the front wheels 180 degrees to place both front wheels in a common aligned position so as to prevent unnecessary operation of the jam detector along the conveyor belt. The inclined conveyor further includes a cart travel correction device for maintaining proper engagement between a portion of the cart and one of the drive lugs on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An escalator combtooth assembly for an escalator is responsive to combplate obstruction and generates an alarm signal when an obstruction is encountered. One or more combteeth plates are pivotally mounted to the front or leading edge at a combplate assembly. In response to an encountered obstruction one or more of the plates rotate upwardly. Electrical switch contacts associated with the combteeth plates change state when the plate rotates, allowing an alarm signal to be generated. The combteeth plates may include rearwardly-extending arms which pass through accepting slots located at the rear of a ledge on a main complete body upon which the combteeth plates rest. A guide device, such as a bolt, limits the degree of available rotation for the plates, which are biased in an initial position, preferably by an elastomeric member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the polygon effect that occurs over the course of the reversing of a chain which can be used for a pedestrian conveyor, especially an escalator or moving walkway. To this end, a different rotational speed is superimposed upon the rotational speed of the reversing wheel via the electric drive which indirectly or directly acts upon said reversing wheel.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the presence of steps and pallets of an escalator or moving walkway, such that missing steps or pallets are immediately detected, so that the drive will be stopped before the missing or defective part reaches the visible area of the escalator or moving walkway.

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: An escalator or moving step assembly includes a control unit, a plurality of input/output units each for providing data concerning a respective one of a location and a function of the escalator, and a standard bus system. The input/output units are connected to the standard bus system for communicating therewith. The escalator also includes a plurality of security position switches each having at least one opening contact and a plurality of security slaves each associated with a respective one of the security position switches and being communicated with the standard bus system. A security monitor communicated with the standard bus system and operating in cooperation with the security slaves initiates an intervention in the operation of the escalator in the event that an opening contact of a security slave is opened.

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.

Abstract: A gap monitoring device (16; 19) for monitoring a gap (12) between a tread panel (4) of a passenger conveyor and individual tread elements (2) in a tread elements band of the passenger conveyor, characterized in that a space sensor (18; 34) is provided to measure the gap between the tread panel (4) and at least one tread element (2).

Abstract: An escalator handrail load monitoring and detection apparatus monitors and detects variations to a load applied to the handrail during operation. A distortable element is mounted to a handrail guide upon which the handrail rides and responds through distortions to downward-applied forces to the handrail. An electrical switch is activated by the distortion, allowing an output signal to be generated indicating that a particular minimum downward force has been applied to the handrail. The minimum force may be chosen to be above the range of forces normally applied to the handrail during normal passenger use, and thus be responsive to unsafe or improper operating conditions, such as when a passenger sits on the handrail or places packages thereon.

Abstract: A strip brush moving surface guard mounted on a fixed surface and projecting over the edge of the moving surface includes a base for the strip brush and an elongated holder secured to the fixed surface. The holder includes a drop-in recess for the base with the primary horizontal fasteners for the holder extending through the recess so that they are concealed when the base is in place. Smaller secondary fasteners extend transversely of the primary fasteners or almost vertically to hold the strip brush base in place in the drop-in recess. The recess and base include mating pilot surfaces to facilitate the seating or placement of the base in the recess.

Abstract: Transport system (2), comprising a controller, a drive motor and a safety switch (18) that is connected to a safety-related part (8, 10) of the transport system (2) and is able to distinguish between a safe state of the transport system (2) and an unsafe state of the transport system (2), where the safety switch is connected to the controller in order to interrupt the power to the drive motor in an unsafe state, characterized by the fact that the safety switch (18) is realized so that it is able to also detect a warning state in addition to the safe state and the unsafe state.

Abstract: A deflector device prevents jamming of body parts and/or objects between a step belt, which consists of individual steps, and a balustrade pedestal of an escalator. A deflector profile member is fixedly connected with the pedestal plate. The deflector profile member has an opening which serves for the reception of a brush body carrying a brush. A first lug of the deflector profile member has a first projection and a second lug of the deflector profile member has a recess. A snap hook and a second projection are provided at the brush body, wherein the snap hook detents with the first projection and the second projection detents with the recess.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling the respective brake of a device for transporting people, such as an escalator or a moving pavement in that the control signals for the drive motors and the brake are monitored with the aid of several processors. If functional interruptions occur in the region of the device for transporting people, the brake is applied abruptly. If deceleration values are detected, the brake is relieved in a defined manner and the device for transporting people is thus stopped via the processors within a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An escalator combplate load and obstruction sensor is capable of monitoring and indicating both horizontal and vertical force and loads. The combplate is mounted for limited horizontal and vertical travel in response to corresponding horizontal and vertical loads. Both the horizontal and vertical travel are resolved into a displacement at an angle to both the horizontal and vertical, and the displacement is applied to a sensing portion of a loadcell which generates an electrical output proportional to the applied displacement and force. An indicator is coupled to the loadcell to indicate a relationship between the displacement applied to the loadcell and at least one reference value, whereby the horizontal and vertical loads applied to the combplate can be monitored and improper load levels determined.

Abstract: An inclined conveyor for transporting shopping carts between an upper floor and a lower floor. The inclined conveyor includes a continuous conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt including a plurality of spaced drive lugs that engage a shopping cart. The moving conveyor belt transports the shopping cart between the upper and lower floors. The inclined conveyor includes a jam detector that interrupts operation of the conveyor upon detection of a jam along the conveyor. The inclined conveyor further includes sensors that prevent operation of the conveyor assembly if a person is present at either the unloading end or loading end of the conveyor assembly. At least one cart arrester is positioned along the length of the inclined conveyor to prevent uncontrolled descent of a shopping cart along the length of the inclined conveyor.

Abstract: A strip brush moving surface guard is mounted to extend along a fixed surface with the strip brush projecting over the edge of the moving surface to guard the gap between the moving and fixed surfaces. The strip brush includes a base. An elongated holder is secured to the fixed surface and the base and holder are hingedly connected so that the strip brush may yield and pivot or hinge away from the moving surface. The hinge may be an elongated rod and socket connection. When assembled to the fixed surface, the fixed surface acts to block disassembly of the hinge without removal of the holder form the fixed surface.

Abstract: A clearing method for use with a conveyor belt driven by a reversible motor for essentially automatically eliminating swarf or other obstructions along the belt including an clearing process including sensing motor load and comparing sensed load to a maximum load, when the sensed load exceeds the maximum, performing a clearing process for a predetermined time period calculated to, given the clearly process, clear the obstruction.

Abstract: A flexible guard is provided that can be easily attached to the side skirt of an escalator or other moving walkway or conveyor system, the attachment of the guard occurring either during initial manufacture or during subsequent system modification. The flexible guard minimizes the possibility of side step entrapment without unduly limiting the usable width of the escalator/walkway/conveyor. Additionally, the flexible guard can be mounted close enough to the moving portions of the escalator/walkway/conveyor to minimize the possibility of guard entrapment. The flexible guard includes one or more bristle strips integrated into a flexible base. The base is attached to the escalator/walkway/conveyor using any of a variety of mounting means such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc. One or more light sources can be integrated into the flexible base in order to provide additional illumination of the escalator steps walkway/conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for load-independently braking the step or pallet belt of an escalator or a moving walkway. According to said method, the activation of at least one safety element triggers at least one frequency converter in such a way as to activate a time-dependent braking ramp, said frequency converter interacting with the drive motor. The braking ramp then slows down the step or pallet belt to 0 m/s with essentially constant deceleration.

Abstract: An escalator safety system monitors a variety of sensors, contacts, and switches over an electronic safety bus. A plurality of bus nodes are distributed throughout the escalator system and are in constant communication with the bus master over the safety bus. The bus nodes interface with sensors, switches, contacts, detectors, components, and other safety equipment of the escalator system at each location and provide status information back to the bus master. The bus master preferably includes a microprocessor which upon sensing an unsafe condition, sends control signals to an escalator control and a drive and brake system to arrest the escalator in a safe manner.

Abstract: A walkway or escalator system for the conveyance of standing passenagers comprises a termination plate associated with the travelling surface and a detector device responsive to the sensing of material ingested between the leading edge of the termination plate and travelling surface so as to shut-off the system in the event that ingestion is detected. Alternatively or in addition the system comprises means for detecting a blockage at the discharge end of the travelling surface as may arise of luggage accumulates at that point or if a passenger falls or is trapped. The detector means operates by sensing the presence of relatively stationary objects or passengers at the discharge end and shuts-off the system if blockage is detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring functional units on escalators and moving walkways, comprising several processors which monitor predetermined parameters of a particular functional unit independently of each other. The processors are connected to devices for immediately shutting down the escalator or moving walkway and interact with at least one other processor which is provided for controlling and/or diagnosing functions which are not relevant to safety.

Abstract: A safety barrier is provided for transports such as moving walks or stairs (escalators) which have a moving surface and fixed sidewalls. The barrier is a strip barrier brush assembly adapted to be attached to the sidewall and includes at least one brush strip adapted to project over the edge of the moving surface. The assembly includes a rail housing having a channel slot extending parallel to the direction of movement of the surface. The rail housing includes a hollow upper or lower portion including a rearward surface and a spaced outer surface. A through hole is formed through such surfaces by a smaller opening in the rearward surface and a larger opening in the spaced outer surface so that the rearward surface forms a fastener retention surface with access there to being obtained through the larger opening. The larger opening may be closed by a flush through hole cap.

Abstract: A clearing method for use with a conveyor belt driven by a reversible motor for essentially automatically eliminating swarf or other obstructions along the belt including an clearing process including sensing motor load and comparing sensed load to a maximum load, when the sensed load exceeds the maximum, stopping the belt, reversing the belt, stopping the belt again and driving the belt forward, and repeating this process until the obstruction is eliminated or a predetermined number of clearing processes have been performed. Also an apparatus for implementing the method including an inverter.

Abstract: A guard device (1) comprising a deflector (8) for guarding the gap between an escalator step and an escalator side wall. The guard device (1) comprises an elongate body portion (2) having an elongate recess (4) adapted to receive a base of a deflector (8) with some play. A mouth (6) of the recess (4) is sufficiently wide to allow the base of the deflector (8) to be inserted through it into the recess (4). An elongate wedging element (10) is adapted to be slid into an end of the recess (4) between the end of the deflector (8) and a side wall of the body portion (2), thereby taking up the said play and retaining the deflector (8) in the body portion (2).

Abstract: A guard element having a deflector (8, 10) for covering the gap between an escalator step (48) and an escalator side wall (46). The guard element comprises an elongate body portion (2) which supports the deflector (8, 10) and an elongate mounting portion (24, 28, 30, 38) which is adapted to abut the escalator side wall (46). The body portion (2) is provided with a formation (18, 20) which interengages with a corresponding formation (22, 36) provided on the mounting portion (24, 28, 30, 38).In a preferred embodiment, the formation on the mounting portion (24, 28, 30, 38) comprises a T-shaped rib (22, 36) and the formation on the body portion (2) comprises a T-shaped recess (18, 20, 26).

Abstract: A non-invasive, portable measuring and recording apparatus and method to detect, analyze, and report the operating velocity, deceleration, jerk, and stopping distance of escalators, moving walks, and other conveyor systems. The apparatus includes motion sensors to externally measure the motion of the escalator and to generate electrical pulses encoding those measurements, a stop trigger to activate the Emergency Stop Switch and to coordinate the resulting activation of the escalator's brake system with these motion measurements, a wireless switch sensor to detect the de-energizing/energizing of the escalator safety circuit, or brake solenoid as an alternative way to coordinate the activation of the escalator brake system with these motion measurements, electronic circuitry to collect and process these pulses, and a computer software program to display, analyze, save, recall, and print test data. Measurements may be made from either landing with the escalator running in either direction.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a handrail of a passenger conveyor includes a plurality of electrical conductors extending through the handrail, a device for inducing a current within the conductors, and a device for monitoring the induced current. In a particular embodiment, tension carriers within the handrail are electrically spliced together to form the electrical conductors. The level of current detected within the handrail is compared to an acceptable range and, if the monitored level is not acceptable, the passage conveyor is stopped.

Abstract: A switching arrangement for returning a people-conveying device to a state of readiness comprises a plurality of light barriers which are formed by emitters and receivers and whose signals are fed to at least one electronic evaluation device, which automatically returns the people-conveying device to a state in which it is ready for use after an emergency off switch has been activated. The individual emitters and receivers are combined to form a light barrier chain and are disposed approximately opposite one another at predetermined spacings. Emitters and receivers are provided alternately on each side of the people-conveying device. The wiring between individual emitters and receivers on each side of the people-conveying device is brought about by plug-in connections without any connections to the emitters and receivers on the opposite side.

Abstract: A passenger sensor for a passenger conveyor is disposed adjacent to a floorplate and produces a signal in response to changes in the load on the floorplate, rather than in response to a predetermined level of load. This results in a passenger sensor that does not require adjustment to accommodate the changing conditions of the passenger conveyor. In a particular embodiment, the passenger conveyor includes a passenger sensor that is formed from a piezoelectric cable that extends about the perimeter of the floorplate. The piezoelectric cable is connected to a controller that determines the operational speed of the passenger conveyor. Changes in the load on the floorplate, such as caused by a passenger entering the passenger conveyor, result in the piezoelectric cable generating a signal that is received by the controller. The controller then adjusts the operation speed of the passenger conveyor in response to the signal.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for monitoring at least one of raising and lowering of individual steps of a band of steps of an escalator The escalator includes guide rails for the steps, a driving gear, and endless driving chains provided in a region of balustrade bases and being driven by the driving gear. The guide rails have a transition curve from a horizontal run to a vertical run. Each step includes rollers supported on the guide rails and is held between the endless driving chains. A safety device is disposed essentially in the transition curve for switching off the driving gear.

Abstract: In an escalator or a moving sidewalk having a skirt panel and, a step or a walk path, defining a gap between the skirt panel and the step or the walk path, a passenger conveyor safety apparatus comprising a main body member having a recessed groove formed therein. A set of brushes residing in the recessed groove, protruding out from the main body member and extending past the gap for preventing an object from being entrapped in the gap.

Abstract: A control system for a passenger conveyor includes a controller, a plurality of sensors, and an interface between the sensors and the controller. The interface receives the signals from the sensors and analyzes and converts the signals into the proper format for communication to the controller.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for use at the exit portion of a moving conveyor, such as that used by novice skiers, wherein at least one plate is pivotally mounted adjacent to the exit portion and is resiliently urged to an upper position so that when a sufficient force is applied to the plate, the plate moves and the pivotal movement actuates a control switch to stop the conveyor. The exit end of the plate has a plurality of spaced apart teeth located in arcuate grooves in the arcuate front surface of an egress platform so that the arcuate pivotal movement of the teeth is concentric to the arcuate grooves and arcuate front surface. A roller may be located between the plate and the exit portion of the moving conveyor.

Abstract: A safety device for use in an escalator or moving walk for detecting stuck objects. A fine high-strength flexible wire is positioned through all the comb teeth and the skirts. A stretching of the wire triggers an electrical switch which in turn causes a relay to stop operation of the escalator or moving walk. Once this device is activated, only manual resetting will again activate the movement of the escalator.

Abstract: A control or detection arrangement for escalators, moving walks and the like includes a detector, an encoder unit connected to the detector, a wireless transmitter connected to the encoder unit, a wireless receiver, a decoder unit connected to the wireless receiver, and a microprocessor connected to the decoder unit. When an unsafe condition is detected by the detector, the encoder unit generates a trigger signal having at least one unique identifier for the detector. When received, the signal is passed by the decoder to the microprocessor which causes generation of a command signal to, for example, stop motion of the escalator. Alternatively, the inventive arrangement operates according to continuous or periodic transmission modes, which permit the arrangement to monitor operability of the detector, encoder unit, transmitter, receiver and the decoder unit.

Abstract: A control system for a passenger conveyor includes a plurality of junction boxes distributed throughout the conveyor and a control unit. The control unit communicates with the plurality of junction boxes through a serial link that interconnects the junction boxes and control unit. In a particular embodiment, the control unit is located remotely from the truss of the conveyor.

Abstract: An improved escalator 10 which incorporates a device 58 which monitors the speed of an escalator handrail 12. The escalator having a handrail and a transmission unit 14. The device cooperates with a portion of the transmission unit that moves at the same speed as the handrail. Various details are developed which facilitate the monitoring of the handrail speed. In one detailed embodiment, the device includes a plurality of targets 60 and a sensor 62 which is not interfered with by the handrail.

Abstract: An apparatus for stopping passenger conveyors, such as escalators and moving walkways having at least one comb plate, responds to movement of the comb plate due to an applied force to actuate a safety switch. The apparatus exerts a static trigger force on the comb plate which trigger force has horizontal and vertical components. The comb plate is movable horizontally and vertically against a static trigger force when the applied force exceeds one or both of the horizontal and vertical components. The trigger force is set by a biased trigger spring pivotally mounted on a carrier plate for the comb plate and acting at an adjustable angle relative to the horizontal plane permitting selection of the ratio of the horizontal component to the vertical component. The angular position can be reset manually within a certain angular range through engagement of detent notches on an abutment attached to the comb plate and detent pins connected to the trigger spring.

Abstract: A start up check relay is energized whenever escalator motor motive power is interrupted. The start up check relay checks speed and non-speed-dependent safety circuit components to determine whether these safety circuit components have all come to an escalator start up state. When the start up condition of these safety circuit components has been verified the circuit allows power to be applied to the escalator motor. When power is applied to the escalator motor, a start up delay timer is energized and the start up check relay is de-energized. When speed-dependent components of the escalator have come to operating speeds, the start up delay timer will be de-energized, and the escalator will continue movement in its normal operating mode provided that all safety circuits are fully operational.

Abstract: A passenger conveyer control apparatus includes various kinds of safety devices including a skirt guard switch, a terminal inlet switch, a chain safety switch and first and second microcomputers. The first microcomputer executes sequence processing corresponding to the operation of an escalator by the detection of an actuation of any of the safety devices, such as the start and stop of the escalator on the turn-on and off of the switches. The result of the processing is used for driving the escalator through driving means via an output memory.

Abstract: An operation panel for a passenger conveying device having a balustrade is provided comprising a key switch, a key pad, and a processor. The key switch may be actuated into a plurality of switch positions by an independent key and the keypad may be used to input data into the processor. The processor, which processes data from external inputs and the keypad, includes a programmable memory selectively accessible by password. A first level of the processor is accessible without actuating the key switch from a first switch position or entering a password into the keypad. A second level of the processor is accessible by actuating the key switch into a second switch position. A third level of the processor is accessible by actuating the key switch into the second switch position and inputting a password to the processor through the keypad.

Abstract: A safety device is disposed at a run-in region of a circulating handrail of a moving passage into a stationary wall. The safety device is made of a cover plate; an elastically deformable handrail run-in part configured as a bellows and connected to the cover plate; a rod-shaped element having a first end and a second end and being seated in a rear region of the handrail run-in part; an angled component having a first leg connected to a rear side of the handrail run-in part and a second leg adapted to receive the first end of the rod-shaped element; and a limit switch for stopping a movement of the moving passage upon being activated. The limit switch is disposed such that the rod-shaped element is effective for transmitting a deformation of the handrail run-in part onto the limit switch for activating the limit switch.