By Stairway Having Steps Forming An Endless Member Patents (Class 198/326)
  • Patent number: 11764716
    Abstract: A device and method for determining operating modes of an AC asynchronous three-phase motor in an escalator system and computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program for implementing the method is stored. The operating modes include a first operating mode and a second operating mode, the AC asynchronous three-phase motor adopts a triangular wiring mode and a star wiring mode in the first operating mode and the second operating mode, respectively, the device includes: a memory; a processor coupled with the memory; and a computer program stored on the memory and running on the processor, the running of the computer program causes: A. obtaining a slip rate of the AC asynchronous three-phase motor; and B. determining whether the AC asynchronous three-phase motor needs to be switched between the first operating mode and the second operating mode based on the slip rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Lifei Cheng, Zhaoxia Hu, Xinwei Gong, Wentong Liu
  • Patent number: 11667495
    Abstract: A brake disc release device, a turning device, and an elevator rescue package and method. The brake disc release device comprises: an actuating mechanism; a gear connected to a first end of the actuating mechanism; a first slider capable of sliding along a first guide piece and comprising a rack portion for engagement with the gear and a first wedge portion; a second slider capable of sliding along a second guide piece and comprising a second wedge portion for engagement with the first wedge portion of the first slider; and a pulling cable having a first end connected to the second slider and a second end connected to the brake disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: FengKun Zhu, Hongliang Wu, James L. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 10865073
    Abstract: A passenger conveyor includes a main frame, a support angle at an end in a longitudinal direction of the main frame and which is to be disposed on a building structure; and a support reinforcement part. The support reinforcement part includes a connection portion which is fixed to the support angle, a building-side extension portion which is extended from the connection portion along a floor face of the building structure, and a main-frame-side extension portion which is extended from the connection portion along an upper face of the main frame. In a case where the building-side extension portion of the support reinforcement part is in contact with the building structure, and the support angle is not in contact with the building structure, at least one portion of the main-frame-side extension portion is able to touch the upper face of the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yutaka Hashioka, Ayaka Ushirosako, Masahiko Nawata
  • Patent number: 10703609
    Abstract: A passenger conveying device, including: an entrance, an exit, and a plurality of steps disposed between the entrance and the exit. A skirt guard panel is respectively disposed on two sides of the step, and the step is constructed to reciprocally move between the entrance and the exit along a path defined by the skirt guard panel. The step includes a tread, a tread guard panel is attached to each of two sides of tread, and the tread guard panel is located between the tread and the skirt guard panel. The tread guard panel includes two or more protrusions, each protrusion is constructed to protrude with respect to an upper surface of the tread, and a protrusion farther away from the tread has a larger protrusion height. The passenger conveying device of the present invention has the advantages of simple structure, reliable installation, and convenient maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Kaisheng Xu, JiAn Wan, JianGuo Li
  • Patent number: 10683192
    Abstract: A moving walkway (1) comprises at least one endless belt (12) moving in a conveyance direction along a closed loop; a plurality of pallets (20); and a plurality of linkages (26a, 26b) rotatably connecting adjacent pallets (20) with each other. A mounting portion (20a) of each pallet (20) is rotatably connected to the at least one belt (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Martin Michalke, Alexander Turek
  • Patent number: 10562133
    Abstract: What is described is a method for producing a framework-like supporting structure for a passenger transport system, such as a moving staircase, in which an entire production sequence is divided into at least three separate joining steps which can be performed by coordinated semi- or fully automated joining stations that cooperate with each other. Each of the joining stations comprises at least one retention device and at least one welding robot, as well as optionally at least one handling robot. The joining steps to be performed in the individual joining stations are configured so that interim products can be produced efficiently and harmonized with a subsequent joining step in a subsequent joining station. Interim products can be forwarded sequentially and at optimized, short intervals from joining station to joining station, to be able to provide a finished, load-bearing supporting structure at the end of the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventors: Manfred Gartner, Richard Schütz, Thomas Koukal
  • Patent number: 10414632
    Abstract: An escalator system for facilitating the transport of good is disclosed. The system includes a step plate comprising a horizontal planar surface configured for supporting a passenger's weight. A pulley is located near, and coupled with, a bottom of the step plate. The system also includes a retracting platform having a horizontal planar surface coplanar with the horizontal planar surface of the step plate. The retracting platform is configured to lower into the step plate. A platform chain is connected on one end to an upper adjacent step plate and connected on another end to a bottom surface of the retracting platform. The platform chain extends around the pulley and when the upper adjacent step plate moves upward, the platform chain is pulled toward the upper adjacent step plate, and the platform chain pulls the retracting platform down such that the retracting platform lowers into the step plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventors: Constanza Terry, Amelie Terry
  • Patent number: 9816550
    Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment point (1) comprising a connecting element (3) which comprises a section (5) for connecting an attachment device, a seat (9) for a fastening device (11) and at least one pair of rolling bearings (23) between the seat (9) and the connecting element (9), wherein the connecting element (3) is rotatable relative to the seat (9) and wherein the rolling bearings (25, 27) of the pair of rolling bearings each comprise at least one rolling element (29). In order to provide an attachment point that exhibits little wear, is easily rotated also when lifting heavy loads and is easy to install, it is according to the invention provided that the rolling bearings (25, 27) of the pair of rolling bearings (23) comprise an outer race (39, 41) attached to the connecting element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: RUD KETTEN RIEGER & DIETZ GMBH U CO. K.G.
    Inventor: Simon Haas
  • Patent number: 9790679
    Abstract: An improved handrail for a staircase or ramp. In one embodiment, the handrail includes an elongated member such as a cylinder or bar that spans the length of the staircase or ramp and a riser barrier. The riser barrier has an extender portion and a riser portion. The extender portion of the riser barrier keeps the elongated member a sufficient distance horizontally from the riser portion that a person can slide his or her hand on the rail without interference. The riser portion projects vertically a sufficient distance above the elongated member to deter sliding down the elongated member. Thus, sliding on the member is deterred, while the function of the cylinder as a handrail is preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Bishop, James Boyd Shaible
  • Patent number: 9718648
    Abstract: The invention relates to a moving walk having an endless conveyor member comprising pallets and at least one longitudinal drive member to which the pallets are connected, which drive member is engaged by a drive unit, whereby the endless conveyor member runs in a middle section of the moving walk along an upper conveying track and along a lower return track; at both ends of the middle section a respective end section is located, whereby each end section comprises an entrance/exit area of the moving walk and a transfer means for transferring the endless conveyer member from the conveyor track to the return track and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Tomi Petteri Sipilä, Andreas Mnich, Ralf Weber, Arttu Hult, Hongbin Gary Yao
  • Patent number: 9676597
    Abstract: The invention relates to a truss construction (2) for a passenger conveyor comprising at least one self-supporting element (4, 16). The self-supporting element, which is a roller molded element (4, 16), extends in a conveying direction of the passenger conveyor and is formed with at least one rail portion (6, 8) for guiding step chain rollers (7a) and/or step rollers (7b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Alois Senger, Goetz Metzdorf
  • Patent number: 9663942
    Abstract: An improved handrail for a staircase or ramp. In one embodiment, the handrail includes an elongated member such as a cylinder or bar that spans the length of the staircase or ramp and a riser barrier. The riser barrier has an extender portion and a riser portion. The extender portion of the riser barrier keeps the elongated member a sufficient distance horizontally from the riser portion that a person can slide his or her hand on the rail without interference. The riser portion projects vertically a sufficient distance above the elongated member to deter sliding down the elongated member. Thus, sliding on the member is deterred, while the function of the cylinder as a handrail is preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Bishop, James Boyd Shaible
  • Patent number: 9371183
    Abstract: A multilevel vertical conveyor system for transporting uncontained case units to and from a multilevel storage structure having an array of vertically stacked storage levels is provided and includes a frame having platform guide members, a drive member connected to the frame, and support platforms coupled to the drive member. The drive member is configured to move the support platforms relative to the frame in a substantially continuous vertical loop, each of the support platforms being configured to support multiple uncontained case units where each of the multiple uncontained case units is disposed at a respective predetermined area of a respective support platform, the support platforms have support members that are guided by guide members substantially throughout a path of the substantially continuous vertical loop, where the support members are guided in three point contact by the guide members substantially throughout the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Symbotic, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Toebes, Robert Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9193568
    Abstract: Provided is a passenger conveyor apparatus that can be reduced in number of components. The passenger conveyor apparatus includes a plurality of footsteps to be moved in a circulating manner, a moving handrail to be moved in a circulating manner in synchronization with the movement of the plurality of footsteps, and a truss for supporting the plurality of footsteps and the moving handrail. A skirt guard is provided on a lateral side of the plurality of footsteps. At least one roller is provided to each of the plurality of footsteps. The roller is guided by a rail corresponding to the roller. The rail is fixed to a rail supporting plate supported on the truss. At least one of the skirt guard and the moving handrail is fixed to the rail supporting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihiko Inoue
  • Publication number: 20150090557
    Abstract: In a passenger conveyor, a supporting angle that is supported on a building beam is fixed to an end portion of a truss main body. A plurality of movement limiting members that come into contact with the supporting angle to limit horizontal movement of the supporting angle are disposed on the building beam. The supporting angle includes: a first supporting portion; and a pair of second supporting portions that are disposed on two sides of the first supporting portion in a width direction of the truss. A horizontal protruding dimension of the first supporting portion from the truss main body is different than horizontal protruding dimensions of the second supporting portions from the truss main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Akihiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 8967364
    Abstract: The invention relates to a passenger conveyor comprising steps/pallets which are mounted to an endless drive member running between an upper conveying path and a lower return path, characterized in that at least one heating element is provided in the step/pallet, which heating element is connected to a power source. This solution prevents the building of ice surfaces on the steps/pallets of outdoor passenger conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Kleine-Brüggeney, Heinrich Zeiger
  • Patent number: 8931614
    Abstract: The invention relates to a passenger conveyor, comprising an endless transportation band comprising a plurality of transportation elements, at least one endless transportation chain drivably connected to the transportation band, the transportation chain comprising a plurality of transportation chain links, a plurality of transportation chain rollers, consecutive of the transportation chain links being connected via a respective of the transportation chain rollers, and a plurality of transportation chain roller axles, each of the transportation chain roller axles connecting a respective of the transportation elements to the transportation chain, the transportation elements comprising first transportation elements being supported by a respective transportation chain roller axle, and second transportation elements being supported by a transportation element axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Alois Senger
  • Publication number: 20140326577
    Abstract: Provided is a passenger conveyor apparatus that can be reduced in number of components. The passenger conveyor apparatus includes a plurality of footsteps to be moved in a circulating manner, a moving handrail to be moved in a circulating manner in synchronization with the movement of the plurality of footsteps, and a truss for supporting the plurality of footsteps and the moving handrail. A skirt guard is provided on a lateral side of the plurality of footsteps. At least one roller is provided to each of the plurality of footsteps. The roller is guided by a rail corresponding to the roller. The rail is fixed to a rail supporting plate supported on the truss. At least one of the skirt guard and the moving handrail is fixed to the rail supporting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 8757350
    Abstract: A connection between step flange covers 54 and passenger conveyor frames 60 is adjustable to vary the position of a step flange cover relative 54 to moving tread plates 18 or a moving skirt 52 in at least two directions. The adjustable connection 64 permits the step flange cover 54 to be precisely positioned with respect to the tread plates 18 or the skirt 52 without the necessity of using crude adjustment techniques, such as, for example, using shims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Ke Ye, Yanying Chen, Jian Liang
  • Patent number: 8701861
    Abstract: A passenger conveyor includes an endless tread band having a plurality of treads. At least one endless drive chain is driven around a first and a second turn around section by a drive. The drivetrain includes a plurality of links that are associated with drive chain rollers. A plurality of the treads are connected with the drivetrain. At least one panel member is located on a lateral side of the treads. The panel member is moveable with respect to the treads and supported to remain stationary with respect to at least one of the drive chain links. Each of the treads is associated with at least one panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Alexander Turek, Bernward Engelke, Alois Senger, Gero Gschwendtner, Detlev Lindemeier
  • Patent number: 8636134
    Abstract: A tread plate assembly for a passenger conveyer system includes a first tread plate projecting from a first skirt plate, a second tread plate projecting from a second skirt plate and arranged adjacent the first tread plate, a link pivotally connected to the first skirt plate and slidably and pivotally connected to the second skirt plate, and a bridge member connected to the link and arranged between the first skirt plate and the second skirt plate to form a moving skirt of the passenger conveyer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Richard N. Fargo
  • Publication number: 20130228414
    Abstract: An escalator or a moving walkway includes a support structure and a soffit plate. A first side edge region of the soffit plate is fixedly connected with the support structure. In addition, the soffit plate is biased between the first side edge region and a second side edge region, which is opposite the first side edge region, by a predetermined biasing force. In order to maintain the bias the second side edge region is fixedly connected with the support structure, wherein through the maintenance of the biasing force a stiffness of the support structure is increased and in operation of the escalator or the moving walkway the output of noise is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Gerd HEINEMANN, Michael MATHEISL, Stephan HAUER, Wolfgang KLEIN, Wolfgang NESZMERAK
  • Patent number: 8424667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a moving walkway comprising a moving belt (1) formed by a series of pallets (3) consecutively hinged to one another by means of elements (4-5) forming part of the pallets themselves and forms drive means through which the stress of the pulling mechanism is transmitted between pallets (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Norte, S.A.
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Gonzalez Alemany, Juan Domingo Gonzalez Pantiga, Manuel Alonso Cuello
  • Patent number: 8387772
    Abstract: Provided is a missing step detection device which can be miniaturized even when the clearance between adjacent steps is wide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Yukiyasu Nagao
  • Patent number: 8322508
    Abstract: The step support (17) or plate support comprises a rear crossmember (22) and a front crossmember (24) which together form a plane (E3) for receiving the tread element (9). There are two outer step cheeks (20.1, 20.2), wherein one of the step cheeks (20.1) is arranged on the right and one of the step cheeks (20.2) is arranged on the left, substantially perpendicular with respect to the crossmembers (22, 24). The two crossmembers (22, 24) are manufactured from deep-drawing sheet metal and are welded or joined or riveted or screwed or adhesively bonded or clinched to the step cheeks (20.1, 20.2) or plate cheeks to form a load-hearing frame. The height (H2) of the crossmembers (22, 24) at its ends is smaller than the height (H3) of the crossmembers (22, 24) in the center, with the result that the crossmembers (22, 24) have a curved shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Michael Matheisl, Thomas Illedits, Thomas Novacek, Harald Gössl
  • Patent number: 8312978
    Abstract: A people mover comprising a plurality of steps or palettes to carry and move people. A transmission chain formed into an endless loop is connected to the steps or palettes via which the steps or palettes are moved. The transmission chain comprises consecutive chain links connected in a hinged manner to each other such that the chain links are bendable in relation to each other in a first direction (I) and in a second direction (II). Two turning elements are provided around which the transmission chain is arranged to pass. The consecutive chain links of the transmission chain bend in relation to each other in the first direction (I) when passing around the respective turning elements. A bending limitation mechanism is arranged to limit bending of the transmission chain occurring in the second direction (II).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Jorma Mustalahti, Arttu Hult, Nithil Karimpanackal Natarajan, Raimo Pelto-Huikko, Aki Metsänen
  • Patent number: 8292057
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Paschal F. Lennon
  • Patent number: 8276737
    Abstract: Device for the passenger transport, in particular an escalator provided with steps or a moving walkway equipped with pallets, wherein the steps or pallets are connected to each other to form a continuous step or pallet belt and can be moved in the direction of transport by means of drive elements, wherein a lower entrance or exit section of the device is connected to an upper exit or entrance section via at least one arched transport section which, seen over the length and height thereof, is formed by different radii which verge into each other, wherein at least the arched transport section is composed of several linear framing sections which are connected to each other in the region of the facing ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Winfried Lanzki, Andreas Tautz, Carsten Rolf, Alfred Thiel, Heinrich Zeiger
  • Publication number: 20120181142
    Abstract: A device for connecting a chain, which is actively connected to a roller, to a step or a pallet of an escalator or a moving walkway, respectively. The chain has a roller side and a step or pallet side. The device includes a hollow stud disposed on the roller side and a cylindrical shoulder disposed on the step or pallet side. The hollow stud has a clearance to receive the cylindrical shoulder. A slide bearing is arranged at least radially between a circumferential surface of the hollow stud defining the clearance and an outer circumferential surface of the shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Winfried LANZKI, Carsten Rolf, Andreas Tautz, Alfred Thiel, Heinrich Zeiger
  • Publication number: 20120073934
    Abstract: Conveying equipment for persons includes sheet metal parts, stiffeners, H-frames and travel tracks, which together with respect to statics, load-bearing capability and stiffness can be used as a framework support construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Gerd Heinemann, Thomas Novacek, Michael Matheisl, David Krampl
  • Patent number: 8113333
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Paschal F. Lennon
  • Publication number: 20120031729
    Abstract: Device for the passenger transport, in particular an escalator provided with steps or a moving walkway equipped with pallets, wherein the steps or pallets are connected to each other to form a continuous step or pallet belt and can be moved in the direction of transport by means of drive elements, wherein a lower entrance or exit section of the device is connected to an upper exit or entrance section via at least one arched transport section which, seen over the length and height thereof, is formed by different radii which verge into each other, wherein at least the arched transport section is composed of several linear framing sections which are connected to each other in the region of the facing ends thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Winfried Lanzki, Andreas Tautz, Carsten Rolf, Alfred Thiel, Heinrich Zeiger
  • Patent number: 8083048
    Abstract: A footstep guide rail (3) (rail body 3a) is arranged so that a level H of a horizontal surface is set at the position obtained by adding a designated offset ? to a tangential line L of a drive sprocket (9) and the footstep guide rail (3) is provided, at its one end on an introductory side of the drive sprocket (9), with a curved part (13). At a reference position closest to the drive sprocket (9), the horizontal surface of the footstep guide rail (3) is changed to the curved part (13). Consequently, it is possible to absorb velocity unevenness of one footstep roller approaching the drive sprocket (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Toshiba Elevator Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Ishikawa, Tadashi Munakata, Yoshio Ogimura, Nobuhiko Teshima, Shigeo Nakagaki, Hitoshi Kawamoto, Kenichi Fujii, Yoshifumi Ikeda, Kazuhisa Hara, Takayuki Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20110269588
    Abstract: The invention relates to an article including an elastic main body on the basis of a vulcanized rubber (17) having an article surface that is susceptible to wear, which is provided with a textile layer. The textile layer, particularly a woven fabric (16) or knitted fabric, has a mesh design that allows the vulcanized rubber (17) to penetrate to the textile surface to form a textile-vulcanized rubber hybrid system (15), wherein the vulcanized rubber portion on the textile surface can be controlled by means of the stitch number, stitch width and the thread design of the textile layer. The article is in particular a drive belt and in connection with the primary intended use, a method for making a drive belt is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Andreas Fleck, Henning Kanzow, Claus-Lüder Mahnken, Siegmar Gebhardt, Antoine Ishak, Marko Schleicher, Reinhold Moses, Thomas Baltes, Reinhard Teves
  • Patent number: 8020687
    Abstract: An apparatus is used to enhance the standing-surfaces of platform-components of an escalator or a moving walkway which moves in a continuous loop. The apparatus is maintained in a constant position relative to the moving parts of the escalator or walkway such that, while in that constant position, all the standing-surfaces continually pass under the apparatus as a result of the continuous loop of the escalator. When the escalator is in operation, an applicator-means of the apparatus applies a flowable enhancement-material, in situ, to the standing-surfaces of the moving platform-components. The material solidifies thereon to enhance the surface characteristics of the standing-surfaces of the escalator, or moving walkway as the case may be.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Rex John Sutherland
  • Patent number: 8011682
    Abstract: A transportation system cradle cradles and moves a transportation system structure of a transportation system in an assembly process. The transportation system cradle contains a drive unit connectable to the transportation system structure to move or transport the transportation system structure. The transportation system cradle also has at least one first and second cradle units that are designed to cradle a first or second foot area of the transportation system structure. Intermediate products, formed of a transportation system structure and a cradle, may be moved between assembly stations in an assembly plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Klein, Andreas Hein, Michael Matheisl
  • Patent number: 7918325
    Abstract: A moving staircase (escalator) with two flights of steps (1, 1?), a first flight for resetting one foot and a second flight for resting the other foot, equipped with synchronized reciprocating motion so that when the first flight goes up the second one goes down by the pace corresponding to a step, the user, by alternating the resting foot onto the steps of the two flights, will make no effort in waiting along it and he/she will not have to bend the limbs. The elevator finds its elective application as emergency escalator, also as fire-fighting staircase and as moving staircase for users prevented from an ease moving of limbs. The escalator can also-conveniently be rested onto pre-exiting flights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Luigi Cozzuto
  • Publication number: 20110042179
    Abstract: People conveyor (2) having an endless people transportation band (4) and an endless handrail (6), a glass balustrade (8) arranged laterally to the transportation band (4) and supporting the handrail (6), and a profile (10, 12) having an U-shaped channel (38) for engaging the glass balustrade (8) and comprising an illumination cavity (44), wherein a plurality of LEDs is arranged in the illumination cavity (44).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Andreas VOGT, Frank WIEGAND, Frank KIRCHHOFF, Bernward ENGELKE
  • Patent number: 7857115
    Abstract: A device (42) useful for working on an escalator (20) provides a tread surface (50) that is obliquely oriented relative to an incline (I) of the escalator (20) during a maintenance or repair procedure. A disclosed example is useful for spanning at least a portion of an escalator (20) where the normal operating steps (22) have been removed for purposes of working on the escalator (20). A disclosed example includes a tread surface (50), a riser portion (52) that is at least partially generally perpendicular to the tread surface (50), a first axle hook (54) and a second axle hook (56). The axle hooks rest upon spaced axles (46) associated with the escalator for positioning a temporary step (44) as desired for facilitating working on the escalator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Douglas B. LeBrecque, Craig A. Buckley, Troy R. Chicoine, Thomas R. Charney, Richard S. Blakelock
  • Patent number: 7854311
    Abstract: An escalator or travelator comprising a circulating step belt or panel belt. Each step or panel of a belt is provided on each side respectively with a supporting roller and a chain roller, which are guided on supporting roller rails and chain roller rails in forward travel and in return travel. Supporting roller return travel rails are adapted to support the supporting roller only partially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Fahrtreppen GmbH
    Inventors: Gerben van der Werf, Frank Neerhut, Michael Tilkorn, Reiner Ludwig, Hartmuth Willnauer
  • Publication number: 20100213024
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Paschal F. Lennon
  • Publication number: 20100213025
    Abstract: The step support (17) or plate support comprises a rear crossmember (22) and a front crossmember (24) which together form a plane (E3) for receiving the tread element (9). There are two outer step cheeks (20.1, 20.2), wherein one of the step cheeks (20.1) is arranged on the right and one of the step cheeks (20.2) is arranged on the left, substantially perpendicular with respect to the crossmembers (22, 24). The two crossmembers (22, 24) are manufactured from deep-drawing sheet metal and are welded or joined or riveted or screwed or adhesively bonded or clinched to the step cheeks (20.1, 20.2) or plate cheeks to form a load-hearing frame. The height (H2) of the crossmembers (22, 24) at its ends is smaller than the height (H3) of the crossmembers (22, 24) in the center, with the result that the crossmembers (22, 24) have a curved shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Matheisl
  • Patent number: 7753190
    Abstract: An escalator or moving walk has respectively a step band and steps, or a moving walk with a pallet band and pallets. A balustrade has a handrail that is held by a balustrade skirt. Arranged on the balustrade skirt is a wedging guard apparatus or deflector apparatus that prevents wedging or pinching of objects and persons between the steps and the balustrade skirt. The wedging guard or deflector apparatus has a carrier or base section and a brush unit that is arranged on a vertical area of the balustrade skirt. The carrier or base section has fastening parts for vertical mating or joining with the brush unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Michael Matheisl, Norbert Frim, Kurt Streibig
  • Patent number: 7726459
    Abstract: An escalator step (12) includes a sound barrier material (40) covering over at least a portion of an inner surface (42) of a tread portion(30) and an inner surface (44) of a rise portion (32). In one example, the sound barrier material (40) comprises a sheet of vinyl. The sound barrier material (40) reduces noise radiation from the step (12) toward a cavity (26) within a passenger conveyor support structure (20) and reduces noise emanations from the cavity (26) through the steps (12). Several embodiments for securing the sound barrier material (40) in place are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Vijay Jayachandran, Goldino Alves, Dave Jarvis, Fred Spielman
  • Publication number: 20100122890
    Abstract: An information display system for a conveying device, the information display system comprising a driving mechanism, a flexible display loop driven by the driving mechanism to travel in a closed loop, and an image forming module configured to provide media to at least a section of the flexible display loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Jia-Xing Lin, Tai-Ann Chen, Da-Wei Lee, Jung-Ya Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7703594
    Abstract: An escalator or moving sidewalk exhibits a frame for the formation of a supporting structure between entry and exit that is made at least partially of perforated plate, with the holes in particular being provided over a significant part of the frame height, preferably roughly one half the frame height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Fahrtreppen GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Stein
  • Patent number: 7628263
    Abstract: A transport device includes a plurality of endlessly connected steps (1) so that these steps (1) circulate. One or more of the plurality of steps (1) have one or more weights (11) detachably attached thereto. These weights (11) are contained in the space surrounded by a tread (2), a riser (4), and a yoke (3) that form each of the steps (1), and supported on the rear surface of the tread (2) in a row by a channel member (12) of U-shape in cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Hirota, Kenro Matsuo, Masashi Tsuchihata
  • Patent number: 7597181
    Abstract: The invention relates to an escalator with steps or a moving walk with pallets that has a step comb or pallet comb respectively with comb teeth, wherein comb brushes on the step comb or pallet comb are arranged in approximately parallel direction to the comb teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Thomas Illedits, Michael Matheisl
  • Patent number: 7537102
    Abstract: A transportation device with steps or pallets arranged in the form of an endless transporter. The transportation device has two or more advance guide rails which are arranged in an advance area of the transportation device, and two return guide rails which are arranged in a return area of the transportation device. Each step or pallet has sliding elements fastened to it have an advance sliding surface and a return sliding surface. In the advance area each step or pallet is oriented with the advance sliding surfaces of the two respective sliding elements on the advance guide rails and slides along the advance guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Michael Matheisl, Thomas Novacek
  • Publication number: 20090101470
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system having: a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member arranged symmetrical to the first longitudinal member in relation to a longitudinal mid-plane of the conveyor system, to define a forward movement track and a return track of the rollers (4); a connecting crossbeam (6) for connecting the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members have: an upper surface defining the forward movement track (2) on which the rollers (4) roll; a lower surface defining the return track (3) on which the rollers (4) roll; an inner surface provided with means for fixing the longitudinal members; an outer surface. The first longitudinal member is connected to the second longitudinal member by means of a connecting crossbeam (6) to ensure a necessary tolerance between longitudinal members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicants: THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR INNOVATION CENTER, S.A., THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR (ES/PBB) LTD.
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Gonzalez Alemany, Juan Domingo Gonzalez Pantiga, Manuel Alonso Cuello, Jose Ojeda Arenas, Monica Diaz Sorribas