Abstract: A train system for moving people within a religious site includes an elevated train track forming a closed loop within the religious site. An object of attention is located at a middle of the closed loop. The train system also includes at least one train on the elevated train track, at least one passenger platform for embarkation of at least one passenger onto the train, and at least one passenger platform for disembarkation of the at least one passenger from the train. The at least one train includes at least one carriage has an inside having a floor, a first seat located closer to the object of attention, and a second seat next to the first seat and farther away from the object of attention. The first seat and second seat have different distances from the floor of the carriage.

Abstract: In a passenger conveyor balustrade apparatus, a lighting box includes: a ceiling portion; and a pair of side surface portions that protrude downward from the ceiling portion so as to face each other, an opening being disposed on a lower portion of the lighting box. A lighting holder that holds a lighting appliance is mounted inside the lighting box. The lighting holder has an elastically deforming portion. The lighting holder is held inside the lighting box by being pressed against the pair of side surface portions by elastically deforming the elastically deforming portion.

Abstract: The application relates to a floor covering of an escalator or moving walkway. The floor covering has a floor covering support, a first covering element and at least one adjoining covering element. At least one device which predetermines a single-possible, correct installation position of the covering elements on the floor covering support is arranged between at least the first covering element and the adjoining covering element, wherein, in the correct installation position, the first covering element and the adjoining covering element are arranged to be flush with the floor covering support and, in an incorrect installation position, at least part of the adjoining covering element is arranged in a visibly protruding manner on the floor covering support due to the device.

Abstract: A direct-drive system for a passenger transportation apparatus, and a passenger transportation apparatus having same. The direct-drive system comprises: a motor comprising a motor output shaft, for providing power; a main drive shaft for transmitting the power to a passenger transportation portion of the passenger transportation apparatus; and a gear box comprising an input end connected to the motor output shaft and an output end connected to the main drive shaft respectively, and being used for transmitting the power, provided by the motor, to the main drive shaft, wherein the gear box comprises a plurality of gear pairs, and each of the gear pairs has a progressively decreasing gear slope along the direction from the input end of the gear box to the output end thereof.

Abstract: A ride vehicle loading interface system to allow guests in wheelchairs to access a ride vehicle and enjoy a ride attraction. The loading interface system includes a plurality of associated ride vehicles moving on a track. At least one ride vehicle including a tray extendable from and retractable into the ride vehicle through an opening, the tray for receiving a wheelchair and for allowing the wheelchair to be positioned in the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle loading interface system including a loading platform moving at about the same rate as the ride vehicle during loading and unloading.

Abstract: A support (1), module (101, 201) to be placed on the support, transport system is for displacement of people/goods modernized with the module and modernization method of transport systems is for displacement of people/goods. The support (1) has fixings (11) to fix the support (1) to a bearing structure (10) of the transport system, horizontal tie plates (12) to support and horizontally place the module (101, 201), lateral tie plates (13) to support and laterally place the module (101, 201), longitudinal tie plates (14) to support and longitudinally place the module (101, 201). The module has positioning and verification equipment (101A, 201A, 301A) to place the module (101, 201, 301) maintaining within tolerances the system lines of the transport system. The transport system has a support (1) and an entrance (101)/exit (201)/central (301) module on an entrance (100)/exit (200) finished floor/in a central section.

Abstract: A mass transit system. The system comprises a first platform for supporting a cargo compartment, a rotating platform having a center area, and a conveyor system for moving the cargo compartment from the first platform to the center area of the rotating platform, while the rotating platform is rotating. The system also includes apparatus for moving the cargo compartment from the center area of the rotating platform to a point relative to the rotating platform that is adjacent a perimeter of the rotating platform. Finally, the system may include apparatus for moving the cargo compartment from the center area to a point relative to the rotating platform that is adjacent a perimeter of the rotating platform.

Abstract: A longitudinal joint forms a surface usable as a passage between first and second passage surfaces (2,3) adjacent to one another, usable as walking user passage, the distance between both in the longitudinal direction being variable. The longitudinal joint (1) has transverse slats (4) attached to one another, with a substantially planar upper surface (5), each being attached to the contiguous slats by a pivot point (6) with respect to which they can rotate preserving the continuity of the surface of the longitudinal joint (1). The slats (4) rest on a series of support surfaces (8,9,12), a certain number of slats being hidden under the first passage surface (2), below the level of the upper surface (5), by the relative rotation to one another with respect to the pivot point (6), depending on the distance between first and second passage surfaces (2,3).

Abstract: Moving ramp for the transportation of people and/or goods, comprising a moving belt (1) limited between upper and lower fixed plates (3) for loading and unloading. The moving belt is constituted by a plurality of inclined pallets (4-4?), which are parallel to the noticeably horizontal lower fixed plates (3), having said pallets the inclination of the moving belt (1).

Abstract: Conveyor system for the transportation of passengers (21)/goods (22) formed by a bearing structure (1a), a loading/unloading area (1b) and a traction equipment (4a, 19, 20), which also comprises mobile platforms (3, 6, 7, 8, 16, 26) dragged by the traction equipment (4a, 19, 20), for the reception and transport of passengers (21)/goods (22) from a loading area to an unloading area. The mobile platforms (3, 6, 7, 8, 16, 26) have side walls (25) to define a compartment and prevent passengers (21)/goods (22) from interfering with the guiding device (4b) thereof in a carryway, from a loading area (1b) to an unloading area (1b), and in a return way, from an unloading area (1b) to a loading area (1b).

Abstract: A support (1), module (101, 201) to be placed on the support, transport system is for displacement of people/goods modernized with the module and modernization method of transport systems is for displacement of people/goods. The support (1) has fixings (11) to fix the support (1) to a bearing structure (10) of the transport system, horizontal tie plates (12) to support and horizontally place the module (101, 201), lateral tie plates (13) to support and laterally place the module (101, 201), longitudinal tie plates (14) to support and longitudinally place the module (101, 201). The module has positioning and verification equipment (101A, 201A, 301A) to place the module (101, 201, 301) maintaining within tolerances the system lines of the transport system. The transport system has a support (1) and an entrance (101)/exit (201)/central (301) module on an entrance (100)/exit (200) finished floor/in a central section.

Abstract: A step band guard for use of a passenger conveyor includes a first panel comprising a first piece of material. A second panel comprises a second piece of material that is distinct and separate from the first piece of material. A securing connection allows for selectively securing the panels together. The first panel can be strategically left in place for blocking access to at least a portion of a step band near a turnaround. The second panel can be selectively put in place when blocking access to the entire step band at the turnaround is desired. The first panel allows for some access to the step band and allows an individual to move the step band without having to have the entire step band guard in place.

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 step band guard (30) for use of a passenger conveyor (20) includes a first panel (32) comprising a first piece of material. A second panel (34) comprises a second piece of material that is distinct and separate from the first piece of material. A securing connection (42) allows for selectively securing the panels together. The first panel (32) can be strategically left in place for blocking access to at least a portion of a step band (22) near a turnaround (28). The second panel (34) can be selectively put in place when blocking access to the entire step band (22) at the turnaround (28) is desired. The first panel (32) allows for some access to the step band and allows an individual to move the step band (22) without having to have the entire step band guard (30) in place.

Abstract: A method according to the present invention includes providing a transfer plate used in conveying manufactured product or raw materials onto or off from a conveyor belt. Generally, the transfer plate includes a support member and a transfer extension depending from the support member to interface to a predetermined conveyor belt. The support member may be coupled to a support structure to allow multidirectional flotation, or acceptable operational movement, of the plate due to incidental movement of the conveyor belt. The method further includes the step of manually coupling the support member to the support structure, thereby preventing the need for tools during repair or replacement.

Abstract: Escalator with a series of steps connected to at least one drive chain, driven by a motor mechanism, travelling via an advanced track and a return track placed alongside, there being transition zones between two levels, said tracks respectively comprising a main set of guides and at least one set of additional guides for moving a movable step, via the bearing thereof, parallel to a non-movable step, so that they are positioned at the same height, creating a widened continuous platform which can accommodate a person with reduced mobility.

Abstract: Conveyor system for the transportation of passengers (21)/goods (22) formed by a bearing structure (1a), a loading/unloading area (1b) and a traction equipment (4a, 19, 20), which also comprises mobile platforms (3, 6, 7, 8, 16, 26) dragged by the traction equipment (4a, 19, 20), for the reception and transport of passengers (21)/goods (22) from a loading area to an unloading area. The mobile platforms (3, 6, 7, 8, 16, 26) have side walls (25) to define a compartment and prevent passengers (21)/goods (22) from interfering with the guiding device (4b) thereof in a carryway, from a loading area (1b) to an unloading area (1b), and in a return way, from an unloading area (1b) to a loading area (1b).

Abstract: A travelator system for conveying a passenger, comprising a main conveyor and a branch conveyor. The main conveyor includes a first plurality of shafts each having a first plurality of belt pulleys disposed side by side thereon. The main conveyor also includes a plurality of mutually parallel endless belt loops which define a moving conveying surface of the main conveyor, each belt loop being passed over a belt pulley on two different shafts. Adjacent belt loops on the same common shaft are passed over different belt pulleys such that a first belt loop is passed over a belt pulley on a previous shaft relative to the common shaft in a transport direction of the main conveyor, while a second belt loop is passed over a belt pulley on a following shaft relative to the common shaft in a transport direction of the main conveyor.

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 ride vehicle loading interface system to allow guests in wheelchairs to access a ride vehicle and enjoy a ride attraction. The loading interface system includes a plurality of associated ride vehicles moving on a track. At least one ride vehicle including a tray extendable from and retractable into the ride vehicle through an opening, the tray for receiving a wheelchair and for allowing the wheelchair to be positioned in the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle loading interface system including a loading platform moving at about the same rate as the ride vehicle during loading and unloading.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention is a transfer plate used in conveying manufactured product or raw materials onto or off from a conveyor belt. Generally, the transfer plate includes a support member and a transfer extension depending from the support member to interface to a predetermined conveyor belt. The support member may be coupled to a support structure to allow multidirectional flotation, or acceptable operational movement, of the plate due to incidental movement of the conveyor belt. The support member is preferably manually couplable to the support structure, thereby preventing the need for tools during repair or replacement. The transfer interface may include fingers or a modular interface plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a passenger transportation system, in particular a ski lift system in the form of a chair lift system or a circulating gondola lift system, having a main conveyor, in particular a chair lift or a circulating gondola lift, having a boarding/disembarking platform to board and/or alight from the main conveyor moving past the boarding/disembarking platform as well as having an auxiliary conveyor in the form of a conveyor floor for the conveying of persons to and/or from the boarding/disembarking platform. It is proposed in accordance with the invention that the conveyor floor describes a curved conveyor path which includes a first conveyor path section which feeds to the boarding platform or feeds away from the disembarking platform at an acute angle inclined to the conveying direction of the main conveyor and a second conveyor path section which extends substantially parallel to the conveying direction of the main conveyor at the boarding platform.

Abstract: A conveyor system called a travelator which includes a frame section installed on top of a base section, including an electrical power unit for driving a conveyor system, an entry ramp and/or a departure ramp which forms a walking surface. The entry ramp and departure ramp are arranged on top of a fixed base and oriented in the general direction for conveying passengers.

Abstract: An escalator, having a pair of balustrades disposed on both sides of traveling steps, includes a balustrade end, a skirt end portion, and an indicator. The balustrade end is configured to turn back a handrail belt wound around each of the balustrades. The skirt end portion has a belt entrance port configured to receive the handrail belt, and an outer edge of the skirt end portion furthest away from the traveling steps extends further in an axial direction of the traveling steps than an inner edge of the skirt end portion closest to the traveling steps to guide items towards the traveling steps. The indicator is configured to indicate operating conditions of the escalator. A front face of the skirt end portion includes an inclined surface at a predetermined angle with a vertical plane. A display face of the indicator conforms to the inclination of the inclined surface.

Abstract: Comb plate (18) for a passenger conveyor (2) with a conveyor band and a moving flange a number of teeth (24) arranged on it essentially parallel to one another across the width of the conveyor band, which mesh in use with grooves (6) provided on the upper surface of the conveyor band characterised by a deflector guard (26) which is arranged at the lateral edge of the comb plate (18) and extends a certain height above the upper surface of the comb plate (18).

Abstract: A display device (40) for use with a passenger conveyor (20) provides traffic flow direction information. One example includes a display panel (42) supported on a surface (38) that is conveniently positioned beneath the handrail (28) near a landing (24). In a particular example, a handrail entry module (32) includes a handrail entry (36) and a support surface (38) that supports the display (40). In one example, the surface (38) extends down and out from a vertical surface (34) associated with the handrail entry (36) to maximize visibility of the display.

Abstract: An improved escalator or moving walk construction, head elements are pre-assembled as a sub-assembly which is subsequently mounted on the truss of the escalator. The sub-assembly includes comb plate holders, one on each side, which carry a comb plate. The comb plate holder may have a C-shaped profile and may be reinforced by stiffening ribs so as to be able to bear the weight of the end-curve of a balustrade. By means of supports arranged on the truss, the height of the comb plate carrier can be adjusted to that of the truss. During pre-assembly, and until after final mounting on the truss, the comb plate serves as a connecting element between comb plate holders.

Abstract: A guard device for a handrail in an entry zone of an escalator is disclosed, which assures safety of an entry of the escalator, sanitary maintenance of the handrail by sterilization, efficient advertisement of products and business corporations, and clean maintenance of air in the entry of the escalator. The guard device includes a guide channel at its bottom to receive a part of the handrail. The guard device further includes a sterilization unit to sterilize the handrail, an advertising display provided on a front face thereof, and an air-cleaning unit provided at a side wall thereof.

Abstract: A conveyor specialized to convey people, and more particularly a conveyor which may serve as a conventional staircase, comprises treads that can individually raise and lower by the amount of the tread rise. To ascend, a user stands on the lowest level, and the tread lifts to match the height of the next tread. The user steps forward to the next tread. That tread likewise lifts to match the height of the next tread, and so on. In this way the user is able to ascend the height of the staircase without having to step up. A corresponding process permits descending the height of the staircase without having to step down. The conveyor can work even if the staircase winds or curves or goes around corners. Optionally a platform is caused to move laterally from each step to the next, so that the user need not even step forward during the process.

Abstract: Sensing equipment for monitoring the space in front of escalators for the control of the drive has sensors arranged in handrail inlet caps of the escalator balustrades. Each sensor consists of a transmitter and a receiver and operates with high-frequency waves. The sensors monitor the access to the escalator in a specific region in front of the entry to the escalator, for example the region of the entrance plate. On entry into the monitoring region of a sensor the high-frequency waves emitted by the transmitter are reflected by the person or object and picked up by the associated receiver and the escalator drive is switched on.

Abstract: Process and device for controlling the drive of a conveyor system (10), specifically in the form of an escalator or passenger conveyor, which can be switched from load to no-load operation, comprising a drive motor (26) and a variable frequency converter (42), which is at least controllable with respect to the frequency of its output voltage, wherein, under load, the drive motor (26) is supplied with a line voltage with an essentially constant line frequency and, at no-load, is supplied the output voltage of the variable frequency converter's (42), wherein, prior to a changeover from no-load to load operation, the output frequency of the variable frequency converter (42) is essentially brought with phase accuracy to the line frequency by means of a PLL device (30), and wherein this changeover is brought about as soon as this phase conformance has been realized.

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: A moving walkway is shown having a walkway surface with first and second ends and formed of a series of hinged rigid pallets in an endless loop. A direction-reversing sprocket is at each of the first and second ends. Each pallet is hinged to adjacent pallets along an axis substantially transverse to the walkway at opposite ends of the pallets along a length of the endless loop. Each pallet being transversely subdivided into a plurality of parts, each of the pallet parts being unidirectionally hinged to an adjacent one of the plurality of parts such that each pallet will support vertical loads on the walkway surface as a rigid unit and will hinge separately as the endless loop reverses direction around the sprockets.

Abstract: In a moving sidewalk comprising loading-unloading belts and one or more of accelerating-decelerating belt(s) independently provided in front and in the rear of the main circulating belt, wherein the traveling speed of the loading-unloading belt and of the accelerating-decelerating belt are determined to decrease with the decreasing distance to the entrance and the exit thereof, and thus to increase with the decreasing distance to the main circulating belt, and the traveling speed of the main circulating belt is faster than both of these belts, the speeds of the belts adjacent with each other are determined so that the difference between squares of the speeds of these belts does not exceed the prescribed value in order to give no feeling of fear to the passenger.

Abstract: A directional indicator for automated transport devices, such as escalators and moving walkways, for permitting the discernment of the direction of travel of the transport device from a distance. The directional indicator comprises a set of indicia permanently formed or placed on the moving handrail of the escalator or moving walkway that can be seen and easily discerned from a distance. The indicia are preferably of a bright color that strongly contrasts with the dark gray or black of the typical escalator or moving walkway handrail construction. The indicia are also sized, configured, and spaced along the handrail to allow the viewer from a distance to quickly and easily interpret the motion thereof. The indicia are constructed of a material that is placed on or incorporated into the material of the handrail in such a manner as to prevent its removal from the handrail and to prevent the degradation of the contrasting visual effect over time.

Abstract: A high-speed continuous conveying system such as an escalator, a moving walk and a moving slope, in which a low-speed getting on/off section and a high-speed traveling section are connected in a transferring way. At least one movable slope unit using a toothed belt or a conveying roller chain is provided with inclination of a tread face gradually changing downwardly from a horizontal direction, so as to allow a passenger to transfer to a moving slope section provided at an end of a high-speed continuous conveying mechanism and inclined in the opposite direction. As the inclination angles of the slopes are set within the limited value, an angle between the slopes is within a range from 24° to 30°. Thus, a toothed-belt pulley or a chain pulley having an appropriate diameter can be used. In order to reduce a shock in transferring, speed Vn of the n-th tread is set to {square root over (n)}V1, where V1 is speed of the first transferring tread, so that an averaged acceleration is minimized in the transfer.

Abstract: A moving walk for effecting transport in a longitudinal direction includes a series of belt modules with modules at a center portion running at a higher rate than modules at exit ends. Among the belt modules are at least first and second belt modules, each having a first end and a second end, a endless belt extending from the first end to the second end, and a drive circulating the endless belt. The first and second belt modules are disposed adjacent one another in the longitudinal direction with the second end of the first belt module opposing the first end of the second belt module. The second end of the first belt module is disposed higher that the first end of the second belt module when a passenger is transported from the first belt module to the second belt module to facilitate transition from module to module.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a floor for a passenger conveyor which includes floor rollers mounted below the floor, floor roller guide rails mounted upon a machine room for guiding the rollers, and a lift mounted in the machine room to be in contact with a bottom of the floor, wherein the floor can be easily opened and closed by one person without any other instrument in repair or maintenance, and wherein it is not needed to move the floor to another place after opening because the floor can stand upright in its place after opening the floor, so improving efficiency of working.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway has an inclined balustrade superstructure extending along the sides of a step or pallet belt between a first story and a second story. The upper edge of the balustrade has a handrail, which is fastened to a balustrade profile member, which is supported by a balustrade support. The balustrade profile member is connected to a base by means of an oblique extending inner facing. Illuminating equipment for illumination of the belt is arranged at the base, and supports portions of at least one of the balustrade base and superstructure. The illumination equipment is flush with the base to provide a continuous facing surface.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring objects, including pedestrians, between sequential moving-surfaces disposed in a common plane. The device comprises first rollers housed in a platform and defining a first object bearing-surface disposed substantially in the common plane. In one embodiment, the rollers comprise balls; in another, they comprise cylinders. A plate mounted on the platform defines a comb that slidably meshes with ribs of a conveyer belt that defines one of the moving surfaces. Second rollers are housed in the plate, providing a second object bearing-surface. The platform pivots within a limited and adjustable angle towards and away from one of the moving surfaces, when an object becomes jammed between the platform and the moving surface, and slides perpendicularly to said angle, by a small amount, when the ribs force the comb laterally.

Abstract: A transporter main body has a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, each of which is adapted to contact with a step of an escalator, a resilient member connected to the bottom of the transporter main body, a mounting structure for mounting a wheelchair, and an extending/retracting device connected with one end of the mounting structure for pivoting the mounting structure in vertical direction. After a wheelchair is mounted on the mounting structure, the wheels allow the transporter main body to be wheeled on the escalator. The resilient member grips the steps of the escalator to allow the wheelchair to ascend or descend with the escalator.

Abstract: A conveyor belt (1) for persons includes several sections (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) with a first section (2) and a second section (3) forming an acceleration portion (7), in which the persons to be transported are accelerated from a low initial speed, which is unproblematic for stepping onto the conveyor belt (1) for persons, to a constant transport speed of a main portion (8) formed by a third section (4). Connected downstream of the main section (8) is a retardation portion (9), which is formed by means of a fourth section (5) and a fifth section (6) and in which the persons to be transported are retarded from the transport speed to a low final speed, which is unproblematic for departure from the conveyor belt (1) for persons. Arranged at each section transition is a respective transition device (10) having a roller (20, 20.11, 36, 37) by means of which the persons are guided free of risk from one section to the other.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring objects, including pedestrians, between sequential moving-surfaces disposed in a common plane. The device comprises first rollers housed in a platform and defining a first object bearing-surface disposed substantially in the common plane. In one embodiment, the rollers comprise balls; in another, they comprise cylinders. A plate mounted on the platform defines a comb that slidably meshes with ribs of a conveyor belt that defines one of the moving surfaces. Second rollers are housed in the plate, providing a second object bearing-surface. The platform pivots within a limited and adjustable angle towards and away from one of the moving surfaces, when an object becomes jammed between the platform and the moving surface, and slides perpendicularly to said angle, by a small amount, when the ribs force the comb laterally.

Abstract: An information display and control device for a passenger conveyor includes a housing and a post. The device is separate from the passenger conveyor and is positioned at a desirable location that is viewable by passengers approaching the passenger conveyor. The housing is mounted on the post at a predetermined height to avoid inadvertent tampering with the components of the housing. In one particular embodiment, the components of the housing include a traffic light, a control panel and an emergency switch.

Abstract: A speed variable moving sidewalk for conveying passengers includes an endless circulating path having inverting sections, a high-speed section and speed variable sections, and a large number of treadboards moving along the circulating path. Each treadboard can move independently as being guided by guide rails and has hooks on its underside which engage shafts of a driving chain for inverting section. The treadboard further has hooks on its underside which engage shafts of a rack chain in order to be driven in the high-speed section and a roller for transversely sliding relative to the neighboring treadboard. A handrail mechanism for the speed variable moving sidewalk includes: with the total length of the moving sidewalk being divided into plural portions, a multiple-number of independent moving handrail portions for allowing passengers to hold thereon, being arranged for the respective portions of the sidewalk while all of the moving handrail portions are arranged without overlapping with one another.

Abstract: A band transportation system that includes a main band that extends over a closed path and includes one or more straight portions, an embarking band assembly and a disembarking band assembly with straight portions each that are brought adjacent to the straight portion of the main band by hydraulic mechanisms that move a carousel on which the embarking and disembarking bands are mounted. When the embarking and/or disembarking bands reach the speed of the main band, the passenger move from one band to the other when they are traveling on the straight portion which has sufficient length to permit this. The main band is electrically powered and the embarking and disembarking bands may include electromagnetic levitating mechanisms. Dividers are positioned on the different bands to protect the passengers from the wind. An alternate embodiment includes the use of an intermediate band assembly that travels at a constant speed equal to the speed of the main band.

Abstract: A step platform for an escalator is provided, comprising a higher step and a lower step. The higher step includes a top surface and a support arm. The lower step has a main body, a raisable middle section, and apparatus for selectively raising the middle section. When the apparatus for selectively raising the middle section engages the support arms, the top surface of the middle section is maintained in the same plane as the top surface of the higher step.

Abstract: A moving walkway comprising at least one flat slider belt (6) entrained around rollers (8) and a termination plate (2) at the discharge end of the belt (6). The termination plate (2) may be an end plate or a transfer plate. The configuration of the termination plate (2) is such in relation to the speed of the belt (6) and diameter of the end roller (8) that an object travelling at the speed of the belt and leaving the belt will strike the plate at a position downstream of the leading edge (4) of the plate. The leading edge (4) of the plate is so shaped that it defines with the adjacent portion of the belt (6) a nip (10) of small depth in a vertical direction and which permits easy removal of any material which might happen to become ingested into the gap between the leading edge (4) of the plate (2) and the belt (6).

Abstract: The invention provides an escalator constructed such that even persons using large-sized wheelchairs can utilize it with a sense of security together with healthy persons. A group of special steps made of a large-sized step and special steps are disposed between ordinary passenger steps and the special steps are guided by guide rails different from those for the ordinary passenger steps.

Abstract: An escalator apparatus is provided which may be converted as desired to accommodate wheelchairs and other vehicles. Two specially adapted steps are disposed front and back of a standard step. Guide rails defining travel paths for the steps are located on a fixed portion of the escalator apparatus, and are adapted to engage cooperating elements carried on the steps. By directing the cooperating elements along different guide paths as desired, the special steps may be raised and lowered to be flush with the standard step between them, thereby forming a single vehicle step, without the need for stopping the motion of the escalator.