Abstract: A safety device for people movers, particularly for escalators and moving sidewalks, includes at least one carrier plate supporting a comb segment at a first end. The carrier plate is horizontally displaceable relative to at least one carrier element which accommodates the carrier plate, and is pivotable about a horizontal rotational axis which is located at a second end of the carrier plate and cooperates with at least one switch-off device for immobilizing the people mover.

Abstract: A balustrade handrail entry housing is provided for a balustrade having a base, a handrail, and a balustrade panel. The balustrade entry housing includes a frame, a shell, a channel formed within the frame for receiving the balustrade panel, apparatus for clamping the balustrade panel in the channel, and a face plate having apparatus for mounting a safety device for sensing obstructions entering the handrail entry housing around the handrail. The frame is independent of the balustrade base and the balustrade panel, and therefore may be positionally adjusted relative to both. The shell, which is independent of the frame, mounts on and is supported by the frame. The shell may be positionally adjusted relative to the balustrade base and balustrade panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an irregularity in the frequency of steps passing a particular point within a passenger conveying device is provided, comprising an apparatus for sensing the presence of an axle attached to the step without contacting the axle or a roller attached thereto.

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: The emergency brake for a passenger conveyor such as an escalator or moving walkway is provided with a brake force adjustment assembly which will supply a braking force that is proportional to the passenger load imposed on the main drive motor of the conveyor at any point in time. Thus, if the conveyor is lightly or heavily loaded with passengers, the emergency brake force will be automatically proportionally decreased or increased so that, in the event of an emergency stop condition, the braking force applied to the drive sprocket axle will be sufficient to stop movement of the conveyor within the predetermined time period that is preprogrammed into the conveyor controller.

Abstract: An induction proximity sensor 26 is wider than a normal gap between moving escalator steps 10, 12 so that the inductive proximity sensor 26 is always in front of one step or another and provides a constant signal, when steps 10, 12 are passing the inductive proximity sensor 26, and stops the steps 18, 12, 14, 16 when the inductive proximity sensor 26 detects no steps.

Abstract: A power switch assembly is operably connected to the combplate of an escalator for selectively shutting off the escalator in the event of entrapment of some object between the steps and combplate. When an object becomes wedged between the steps and combplate, the latter will be lifted or pushed upwardly away from the steps. The upward movement of the combplate operates a power interruption switch to stop further movement of the steps and handrail. The combplate is supported on the truss by spring assemblies which serve to effectively lower the weight of the combplate so that upward movement of the latter is more readily accomplished. The assembly can be retrofitted onto older existing escalators with heavier combplates than are found in newer equipment.

Abstract: Motion of the moving handrail of an escalator or moving walkway is interrupted in the event that a foreign object is carried into the handrail reentry housing area on the handrail. Handrail movement stops independently of movement of the conveyor steps, so that the handrail will stop even as the steps are still decelerating as a result of an appropriate signal from a reentry housing foreign object sensor. The handrail will be reset for further motion after the steps stop but will not commence further movement until the steps are intentionally restarted.

Abstract: A combplate safety device for a passenger conveyor moving relative to a frame and having a combplate mounted on the frame and movable relative to the frame in response to an obstruction to the motion of the conveyor. The combplate safety device includes a ramped hold down member which cooperates with the frame to define a rearwardly opening notch within which a complementary portion of the combplate is releasably secured against the frame in a vertically downward direction. A pair of limit switches are actuated upon a predetermined relative displacement of the combplate and the frame for deactivating the conveyor in response to the obstruction to the motion, with a compressible member being posed between the combplate and the frame to prevent accumulated debris from interfering with operation of the safety device.

Abstract: An optical fiber (28) disposed at the entry edge (32) of an escalator handrail guard (22) receives light from an LED (38), the magnitude of which is sensed by a detector (40), the output of which is compared (48) to determine whether its magnitude is sufficient to indicate the lack of intrusion of objects into the guard (22); if not a relay (56, 58) will drop power to the motor (62).

Abstract: The detector is designed to sense one or more broken rollers on an escalator, and then to automatically shut down the escalator to prevent damage or injury. Dual proximity sensors are positionable proximate a roller path so as to sense the outside diameter of each roller as the roller passes close to the sensors when the escalator is in motion. As long as each roller is intact, the sensors will transmit a symmetrical time pulse signal. A broken roller will fall away from its spool and no longer trigger the sensors, and the resulting interruption will interrupt the symmetry and turn off the escalator.

Abstract: An improved keyswitch circuit for an escalator or moving walkway senses the normal (center or lateral) position of the keyswitch and, if the keyswitch does not return to its normal position after a selected event such as a selected normal starting interval, then the safety circuit is opened and the escalator or moving walk is stopped; the escalator or moving walkway can be restarted only after first returning the keyswitch to its normal position.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor, such as an escalator or a moving walkway, in which a device for transmitting a change of direction of the movement of treadboards to a passenger by changing the passenger's sense of touch is provided in the vicinity of a boundary between a horizontal path and an inclined path. With this construction, a level difference between the adjacent treadboards is produced when the treadboard moves into the inclined path, thereby preventing the passenger from accidentally falling down.

Abstract: A controlled tension cable transport system is disclosed, comprising a pulley with fixed axis and a second pulley whose axis occupies a position which is normally fixed during operation. Four sensors measure the tension of the cable during a previous test phase, with the installation off load, and a computing and control assembly compares the measurement results obtained with admissible limit values, for allowing or preventing operation of the installation. Preferably, the computing and control assembly permanently compares the tension of the cable and the torque of the pulley with respect to admissible threshold values during operation of the installation.

Abstract: A control device for a passenger conveyor includes an upward moving device for moving the passenger conveyor upward, a downward moving device for moving the passenger conveyor downward, a detection device of detecting an anomaly of the movement of the passenger conveyor, an emergency stopping device for stopping the movement of the passenger conveyor by emergency stopping either the upward moving device or the downward moving device which is operated when the detection device detects an anomaly, a control device for operating the other of the upward moving device and the downward moving device after the emergency stopping device stops the passenger conveyor to forcibly move the passenger conveyor in a direction opposite to that in which it is moving before it is stopped, and a forcible operation stopping device for stopping the forcible movement of the passenger conveyor when the detection device is reset due to the passenger conveyor being forcibly moved by the control device.

Abstract: An induction motor, which drives an escalator, can be selectively supplied by both a commercial power source and a power converting unit. A control apparatus for the escalator has a trouble detector for detecting the occurence of a trouble or abnormality on the basis of an input and/or output current and/or voltage of the power unit, an actual speed of the escalator, a speed command for the escalator speed and so on. Usually, the motor is fed by the power converting unit, and the power supply thereto is switched over from the power converting unit to the commercial power source, when the trouble detector produces its output representative of the occurrence of a trouble or abnormality.

Abstract: A mechanical sensor is placed beside the return run of the steps on an escalator or moving walk, The sensor is biased toward the steps so as to bear against each step passing thereby. If a step in the series is missing from its normal position, the sensor will move in the direction of the step run and will open a switch in the escalator power circuit thereby shutting off power to the escalator. The switch can only be manually reset by a mechanic from a location which is closed off to the public.

Abstract: A handrail monitoring system for use in a passenger conveyor such as an escalator, moving sidewalk or the like, compares the speed of each handrail against their nominal installed speed and responds when the handrail speeds differ from nominal by a selected percentage, i.e., when the difference in speed is 5, 10, 15 or 20%, as selected by an operator. Handrail speed is compared with the nominal handrail speed which may be established over a continuous range of speeds depending upon the installation. The system outputs either an immediate audio and/or visual alarm upon excessive slowing of a handrail or a delayed audio and/or visual alarm following a selected time interval to allow for temporary, short interruptions in handrail transport not due to conveyor system malfunction, but rather frequently due to passenger interference with the handrail.

Abstract: A conveyer for transporting people includes a transmitting mechanism for transmitting the drive force of a treadboard driving section for moving treadboards to a drive mechanism of a handrail driving section for moving handrails. The transmitting mechanism includes a transmission shaft on which first and second junction sprockets are fixed, a first drive chain stretched between the treadboard driving section and the first junction sprocket, and a second drive chain stretched between the second junction sprocket and the drive mechanism. A detecting device is arranged to detect a twist of the transmission shaft attributable to the difference between loads acting on the first and second junction sprockets. The device detects a change in the moving sped of the handrail in accordance with the detected twist of the shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for controlling passenger conveyers, such as an escalator and a motor-driven passageway. The control apparatus according to this invention is made up of output device for maintaining the output signal from the computer in the state of the moment when a failure or abnormality is detected when said failure or abnormality is detected by devices for detecting a failure or abnormality of the computer. By the above arrangement, even if the computer fails or becomes out of order, the passenger conveyer operation is continued, and the passengers are prevented from falling down.

Abstract: The handrail of an escalator is continuously monitored for movement by a sensor assembly. In the event that the handrail stops moving, the escalator steps are stopped so as to provide a safe environment for passengers on the escalator. The system can also be used with moving walkways equipped with moving handrails.

Abstract: The reentry port where an escalator handrail passes out of view at the exit newel of the escalator is provided with an elastomeric reentry guard in the form of a collar surrounding the handrail. The collar has an elastomeric bumper part which is accessible from the exterior of the assembly, and which is mounted on a holder assembly which is contained inside of the escalator skirt housing. The holder and bumper are mounted for limited lateral movement concurrently with the handrail, and such movement is controlled by rollers mounted on the holder assembly, which rollers contact the sides of the handrail. The result is that lateral movements of the handrail as it moves past the reentry guard cause like lateral movements of the housing assembly and bumper. The handrail thus will not rub on the bumper, thereby providing a safer and longer lasting reentry guard.

Abstract: A single endless series of steps for up and down flights has inboard end spacing control links, each operated by a gear arrangement at transitions between curved and straight paths of step travel. Steps are molded plastic cores with top mounted tread caps, both the cores and caps being of colors as desired, and with light transmission characteristics from opaque to transparent, as desired. Inter-engaging edges on treads and risers are of curved shape facilitating the transition from straight to curved runs of steps. Break-away stripper comb fingers at landings terminate escalator operation when an object becomes jammed between a step and a finger and breaks a finger. Spring-loaded skirt guards at the sides of steps, and step spacing monitors, include wear indicators. The ascending and descending flights of steps are supported by structural tubes extending between floors, with no other support for the flights. Stabilizer legs, rollers and tracks under the steps maintain the horizontal attitude of the steps.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for conveyor systems is disclosed that enables components of the system to unfasten when an object, like a person's finger, becomes lodged in a space between two components of the system. The mechanism is automatically releasable when pressure is exerted upon it.

Abstract: The location on an escalator where the handrail reenters the balustrade is provided with an electrical field projector which will establish a limited extent electrical field around the handrail reentry housing. The field is established with a pair of antennae disposed adjacent to the handrail reentry. The antennae are preferably connected to the main AC power source for the escalator, and can be angularly adjusted to focus the field that they project. Shrouds are positioned adjacent to each antenna to confine the lateral extent of the field. An object entering the field will cause a field disturbance which creates a signal setting off an audible alarm. Subsequent stopping of the escalator can ensue if the disturbance is not removed in a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: An elastomeric collar is positioned at the mouth of the escalator handrail reentry housing. The collar will deform when subjected to forces running parallel to the direction of travel of the handrail. Sufficient deformation of the collar will activate a switch which turns the escalator off. if an object enters the reentry housing and becomes lodged therein against the handrail, the forces generated thereby normal to the direction of travel of the handrail will activate a pressure sensor which in turn will turn the escalator off.

Abstract: An hydraulic buffer or brake is provided on an escalator to stop movement of the steps in case power is interrupted, or if a safety device is activated. The braking action occurs in parallel to the inclination of the step chain. The braking action occurs in several stages so that a maximum time delay between initiation of the device and stopping of the steps can be achieved. In the first stage, the braking force is more solely applied, so that the first stage can affect a stopping of an empty escalator when completed. In the second stage the braking force is more quickly applied, so that the first and second stages can affect a stopping of a heavily loaded escalator in concert in the same maximum deceleration as the first stage can, when completed stop the lightly loaded escalator.

Abstract: An electromechanical and more particularly an electromagnetic brake is utilized in the control of exercise equipment including escalator type stair-climbing apparatus, in which electronically controllable torque, including a clamping torque, is applied to a rotary shaft to load the exercise equipment, thereby giving complete electronic control to the operation of the exercise apparatus including a safety locking function.

Abstract: An elastomeric collar is positioned at the mouth of the escalator handrail reentry housing. The collar will deform when subjected to forces running parallel to the direction of travel of the handrail. Sufficient deformation of the collar will activate a switch which turns the escalator off. If an object enters the reentry housing and becomes lodged therein against the handrail, the forces generated thereby normal to the direction of travel of the handrail will activate a pressure sensor which in turn will turn the escalator off.

Abstract: A safety door at the entry of the handrail of an escalator into the housing which encloses the handrail mechanism has double door wings. The outer doors are stopped by a latch slider pressed down by the inner wings over ramps. The slider rests by way of a central guide pin extending in the sliding direction in a guide mounted on the entry wall.

Abstract: A pair of light barriers are mounted on a pair of spaced apart balustrade sockets located on opposite sides of an endless step conveyor-type escalator. The light barriers are positioned at the transition of upper and lower transisition arches to an inclined run of the conveyor. The light barriers each include a transmitter and receiver for emitting and receiving a light beam transversely to the direction of travel of the conveyor. The light beam is interrupted by side shields on the conveyor steps. An opening is formed adjacent a leading edge of each side shield and one or more openings are formed adjacent a trailing edge of each side shield. The trailing edge openings are formed as oblong holes each with a longitudinal axis extending with respect to the tread of the step at the same angle as the inclination of the inclined run of the escalator with respect to the horizontal.

Abstract: A safety device for use in the comb part of an escalator landing is operable to detect objects which pass into the comb from the escalator treads. The device includes a photodetector which is positioned beneath the comb and which detects a light beam projected across the comb where the treads pass through the comb. When a foreign object passes under the comb and blocks the light beam, this potential hazard is sensed by the detector. If the light beam remains blocked for a predetermined time period, the detector energizes and amplifier which in turn causes a relay to stop operation of the escalator motor.

Abstract: Increased safety in the area of running clearance between the step (12) and the skirt panel (10) of an escalator is provided by an elongated tubular bladder (24) running the length of the skirt panel, behind the panel just opposite the step. Inward deflection of the skirt panel indicative of an object trapped between the step and the panel increases the air pressure in the bladder. A switch (30) sensitive to the increased bladder pressure controls a relay (32) that shuts off the escalator drive motor (33) and applies the escalator brake (34).

Abstract: A transportation apparatus having improved brake control. The actual speed of the transportation apparatus is compared with a reference speed signal, and when the actual speed exceeds the reference speed a brake is applied to slow the transportation apparatus. Rather than simply applying the full torque of the brake abruptly, the present invention discloses an apparatus for pulse duration modulating the control signal for controlling the brake. The brake responds to the average of the pulse duration modulated control signal such that braking torque is applied gradually and essentially linearly. The device can also be used in an acceleration situation to provide gradual acceleration of the transportation apparatus.

Abstract: In escalators or moving stairways there exists, between the moving step and the fixedly positioned skirt guard, a latent risk of entrapment or catching of the shoe of the passenger, especially when wearing light footwear. The inventive warning devices are arranged at the side uprights or plates of the step of the escalator and induce the user or passenger, by means of a physically and, possibly additionally, by means of an acoustically perceptible signal, to leave the stepped-on danger zone. Each of the warning devices comprising, for example, two swivelingly or pivotably mounted segments is held in a projecting readiness position, through the force of a spring, in relation to the tread surface and the front surface of the step.

Abstract: An optical beam (22) is projected across the path of escalator steps (4) and is repeatedly broken by the moving steps to generate a pulse train. When the beam passage is cleared by the steps but remains blocked by a passenger's foot being too close to the riser (6) of the adjacent step, thereby presenting a potential hazard as the steps undergo transition from inclined to horizontal runs, the interruption of the pulse train periodicity triggers a timed warning device, such as a buzzer (24), to alert the passenger. If the foot is not moved to clear the beam path after a short time, the warning intensity may be increased.

Abstract: Two generally U-shaped pieces are adapted to fit together end-to-end so that when they are nested in an appropriately-sized passage in an escalator entry box, they cooperate to form a generally cylindrical actuator that at one end has brushes protruding through the opening of the entry box and that is slideable in the entry box over the handrail to actuate a safety shutoff switch located therein in the unlikely event of a foreign object being pulled by the handrail into the entry box.

Abstract: An escalator having improved brake control, to limit the rate of deceleration immediately following a stop command, and to quickly cause the actual speed of the escalator to closely follow a linearly declining speed ramp of a speed pattern signal. The signal controlling the brake is pulse duration modulated such that the brake responds to the average pulse duration, and braking torque is applied gradually and essentially linearly. The reference speed pattern has a substantially constant portion and a declining ramp portion. To limit the initial deceleration, the constant portion of the speed pattern is controlled to be a function of the actual speed signal, and the declining ramp portion of the reference signal is controlled to start when the actual speed is equal to the constant portion of the reference speed signal.

Abstract: A safety device for a passenger conveyor is disclosed which comprises a thrust means having a support rod shiftably held by a stationary part and having a roller rotatably mounted at the forward end of the support rod so as to abut against the handrail of the conveyor, a tension application means to apply tension to the handrail through the roller of the support rod, an actuating means provided at the base end portion of the support rod, and a detecting means to detect the shift of the support rod through the actuating means.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a passenger conveyor driven by a three-phase induction motor which is capable of being put selectively into a star-connection or a delta-connection mode. A load of the conveyor is detected on the basis of a current and a voltage supplied to the induction motor, so that when the load is large the motor is driven in the delta-connection mode while when the load is small the motor is driven in the star-connection mode so as to save the power consumption of the conveyor when the load is small.

Abstract: A safety device for passenger transporter systems for the prevention of the wedging in of foreign bodies, with a switching element, the latter serving to stop the transporter system, the switching element to be actuated from within the stationary part of the intake by means of horizontally moveable comb segments and/or a rotatably arranged carrier plate, the switching element comprises a switch which is operatively actuated via an angle lever, the latter being moved by means of a switch rod. One of the legs of the angle lever is connected with a push rod which can actuate the switch, the push rod being biased by means of a compression spring. The passenger transporter system upon displacement of at least one comb segment and/or upon lifting of the carrier plate as a consequence of pivoting about a pivot point is stopped by actuation of the switch by means of pivoting of the angle lever.

Abstract: A combined stairway and power lift installable as a unit between upper and lower levels and including a fluid-powered lifting platform propelled along the stairs over an underlying pressure sensing mat extending beyond the approaches to the stairs and operable to disable the power to the lift and lock the lift stationary whenever and so long as a weight or pressure remains on the mat. Extendable and retractable barriers crosswise on the transverse edges of the lift must be held positively in a barricading position while the lift is en route between levels. The power system includes devices automatically operable to accelerate and decelerate the lift smoothly and shocklessly between zero and full speed while approaching and departing from a floor level as well as safety equipment for safeguarding against travel of the lift under all unsafe contingencies.

Abstract: A comb plate device for a passenger conveyor comprising a longitudinally extending mounting plate for mounting transversely of a conveyor, a comb plate pivotally mounted on the mounting plate about an axis parallel to the said mounting plate and fluid-sensing means to detect pivotal movement of the comb plate when in use on a conveyor.