Abstract: A conveyor assembly comprises a frame having a longitudinal axis, a drive shaft rotatably supported by the frame and extending generally perpendicular to the axis, and a plurality of drive sprockets mounted on the drive shaft for rotation therewith, all of the sprockets being axially movable relative to the drive shaft. The assembly also comprises a conveyor belt driven along the axis by the sprockets, the belt having a width measured along a line extending generally perpendicular to the axis. The assembly also comprises a center fingered transfer plate fixed to the frame, a first outer fingered transfer plate which is located on one side of the center plate and which is movable relative to the frame along a line extending generally perpendicular to the axis, and a second outer fingered transfer plate which is located on the other side of the center plate and which is movable relative to the frame along a line extending generally perpendicular to the axis.

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: 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 passenger conveyor has a plurality of steps each including a treadboard provided with a number of cleats and grooves defined therebetween, the cleats being adapted to mesh with teeth of a comb-like plate at each terminal of the conveyor, and a frame to which the treadboard is secured; handrails adapted to run in synchronism with the travel of the steps; handrail frames disposed beneath the handrails; and balustrade panels. The treadboard is formed of a corrugated stainless steel sheet and is reinforced by at least one reinforcement member attached to the underside of the treadboard. The handrail frame is formed by first and second members both made of stainless steel sheets and having U-shaped cross-sections. The first and second members are welded together in back-to-back relationship so that the open side of the first member is directed toward the handrail while the open side of the second member is directed toward the balustrade panel.

Abstract: An escalator step plate is provided at each edge with a narrow ramp which slopes upwardly and laterally outwardly to divert wearing apparel or other objects from the gap between the moving step plates and the stationary escalator skirt members and to lift shoes off the lateral edges of the step plate to prevent a tendency of a rider's shoe which has gotten hot from friction with the skirt member from sticking to the metal step plate. The ramp is preferably formed of smooth urethane, and may be formed integrally with the step plate or as an attachment.

Abstract: Transportation apparatus including a load bearing conveyor having a plurality of platforms for transporting persons between spaced landings. The platforms include a plurality of longitudinal grooves, and the landings each include a combplate having a plurality of teeth which mesh with the grooves. The combplate includes a portion adjacent the teeth which is dimensioned and positioned to shield the teeth from mechanical stresses when the combplate is subjected to a deflecting load.

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.