Abstract: A method and arrangement are provided for guiding a drive chain in an area of a reversing chain wheel of a pedestrian conveyor system. The drive chain contains plate link elements, connecting elements connecting the plate link elements in leading and trailing coupling areas of the respective plate link elements, and guide rolls respectively located in the spaces between the coupling areas. The arrangement is such that the drive chain is guided into the chain wheel so that, as seen in the direction of movement, the connecting element in a leading coupling area of one plate link element is guided into an associated reception area of the chain wheel. The guiding roll of that plate link element is then brought into a corresponding cap-shaped indentation of the reversing wheel.

Abstract: In an escalator with a high speed inclined section, steps are coupled in an endless manner and circulate. Driving roller shafts of the steps adjacent to each other are coupled with each other by a link mechanism. An interval between the driving roller shafts is changed as the link mechanism is transformed. An outer peripheral length change absorbing mechanism is provided in a reversing section of a circulation path of the steps. The outer peripheral length change absorbing mechanism absorbs a change in an outer peripheral length of a polygon, formed by connecting axes of the driving rollers with straight lines, while guiding movement of the driving rollers in the reversing section.

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: A sealing system for fast-running motors with a directly flanged-on gear unit, used for passenger conveyor systems such as escalators and moving walkways, is provided. The sealing system includes at least one sealing element comprising a radial shaft seal, at least one centrifugal element, at least one cover and suctioning element, and a lubricating oil collection chamber. The lubricating oil collection chamber being provided in a region of the centrifugal element and connected via at least one channel that extends in the direction of the cover and suctioning element to a gear unit chamber of the gear unit, the gear unit chamber being located above an oil level in an intake region of the cover and suctioning element. The cover and suctioning element is arranged between the gear unit and the sealing element.

Abstract: An eccentric crankshaft is connected to a rotary driving device, and a rocking unit is connected to the eccentric crankshaft. Pin roller rolling gear teeth, each having a trochoid tooth-shape, are provided in the rocking unit. When the rocking unit rocks in accordance with eccentric rotation of the eccentric crankshaft, the trochoid shape of the pin roller rolling gear teeth meshes with pin rollers and thus gives a thrust to the pin rollers, thereby driving footsteps.

Abstract: An escalator drive machine includes a motor output sheave connected to a drive motor through a belt reduction assembly including a main output sheave. A drive belt extends from the belt reduction assembly and is guided along a plurality of guide sheaves to engage the step chain and propel the escalator tread plates. In addition, by locating a pinch roller adjacent the handrail, the drive belt and handrail can be pinched together to provide a motive force to the handrail. The drive belt thereby synchronously drives the handrail. In another embodiment the drive machine includes a counter-rotating motor to drive a drive belt on each side of the escalator system.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor system is arranged along a path in a racetrack fashion. Drive members associated with lateral edges of each pallet step surface move with the pallets through straight sections of the path to avoid relative movement between the pallets and adjacent structure. During turnaround sections, where the pallets are beneath a floor surface, the drive members move relative to each other, with one set of drive members becoming temporarily disconnected from each other, to permit the pallets to make a transition and a turnaround. In the illustrated example, a drive mechanism cooperates with at least one set of the drive members to transmit a motive force to propel the pallets along the path.

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

Abstract: Method for controlling the drive of a conveyor device (10), especially in the form of an escalator or moving sidewalk, switchable between load operation and no-load operation, having a drive motor (26) and a frequency changer (42) controllable at least with respect to frequency and phase position of its output voltage, in which the drive motor (26) in load operation is fed with a line voltage with essentially constant line frequency and in no-load operation with the frequency changer output voltage, the phase difference between the phase position of the line voltage and the phase position of the frequency changer output voltage is determined, the phase position of the frequency changer output voltage is corrected according to the determined phase difference and therefore essentially brought into agreement with the phase position of the line voltage and switching is produced as soon as this agreement is reached.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor system is arranged along a path in a racetrack fashion. Drive members associated with lateral edges of each pallet step surface move with the pallets through straight sections of the path to avoid relative movement between the pallets and adjacent structure. During turnaround sections, where the pallets are beneath a floor surface, the drive members move relative to each other, with one set of drive members becoming temporarily disconnected from each other, to permit the pallets to make a transition and a turnaround. In the illustrated example, a drive mechanism cooperates with at least one set of the drive members to transmit a motive force to propel the pallets along the path.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor drive belt assembly includes a belt support that facilitates proper engagement between the drive belt and corresponding links of a step chain. The belt support preferably is positioned between a drive sheave and an idle sheave within the loop traveled by the drive belt. The belt support includes at least one moveable support member that moves responsive to movement of the drive belt while urging the drive belt into proper engagement with the step chain links.

Abstract: An escalator drive machine includes a motor output sheave which drives a drive belt along a closed look between the output sheave and a drive sprocket. The output sheave engages the drive belt with the step chain such that the step chain and attached tread plates are propelled from one landing to the other. The output sheave includes a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth. The first set of teeth is around the output sheave hub to engage a set of belt teeth extending from the drive belt. The second set of teeth is preferably located along a rim of the output sheave and is engageable with corresponding link teeth located along each link in the drive chain. The second set of teeth maintain their relationship with the corresponding link teeth due to the first set of teeth, however, there is no contact therebetween. However, should the drive belt fail or become disengaged, the second set of teeth engage the corresponding link teeth.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor drive is provided that is operatively connected to a vibratory conveyor tray for use in generating reciprocating movement in the tray so that a variety of goods may be transported along the tray. The conveyor drive includes a drive wheel having a radial slot formed in it. The drive wheel is supported for rotation about a first axis of rotation and is operatively connected to a source of rotational motive force, such as an electric motor. A transfer wheel is supported for rotation about a second axis of rotation, and is positioned in substantially parallel-spaced relation to the drive wheel. the transfer wheel includes a first shaft projecting outwardly from a first surface, with a drive-follower positioned on an end of the first shaft. The drive-follower is received within the radial slot of the drive wheel.

Abstract: A chain-free conveying device for persons has directly driven step bodies which run forward in one direction one after the other and run back more quickly thereunder. Each step body runs on rollers, of which two may each be driven by a respective electric motor. Each step body includes a device for the supplying of electrical current to the step body. Each step body has at least one sensor for determining spacing from the adjacent step bodies. A control electronic system controls the electric motors in dependence on a signal from the sensors, so that the step bodies run directly one after the other in a person transport region. A respective tipping station for inclining the step bodies is provided at each of the ends of the conveying device. In preferred embodiments the step bodies are directly driven by a friction wheel drive or by means of toothed wheels.

Abstract: A method of controlling the drive of conveyor installation comprising a the drive motor (26) and a frequency converter (42) whose output is adjustable, between a load operation and an idle mode, in the form of an escalator (10) or a moving sidewalk, where: in the load operation mode the drive motor (26) is supplied with a line voltage at an essentially constant line frequency (fNetz), and in the idle mode with an output voltage of the frequency converter (42); the line voltage and the frequency converter's output voltage are compared with respect to frequency and phase position; the frequency converter (42) is set for an output frequency which has a predetermined spacing (&Dgr;fup, &Dgr;fdown) from the line frequency (fNetz); a demand to switch modes is signalled by a conveyance signal generator (48); and at the point in time (t1, t4), after a demand to switch modes has been signalled, when the output frequency of the converter (42) has reached the predetermined frequency spacing (&Dgr;fup, &Dgr;fdown) from t

Abstract: An escalator drive machine includes a motor output sheave which drives a drive belt along a closed look between the output sheave and a drive sprocket. The output sheave engages the drive belt with the step chain such that the step chain and attached tread plates are propelled from one landing to the other. The output sheave includes a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth. The first set of teeth is around the output sheave hub to engage a set of belt teeth extending from the drive belt. The second set of teeth is preferably located along a rim of the output sheave and is engageable with corresponding link teeth located along each link in the drive chain. The second set of teeth maintain their relationship with the corresponding link teeth due to the first set of teeth, however, there is no contact therebetween. However, should the drive belt fail or become disengaged, the second set of teeth engage the corresponding link teeth.

Abstract: An escalator drive machine includes a motor output sheave connected to a drive motor through a belt reduction assembly including a main output sheave. A drive belt extends from the belt reduction assembly and is guided along a plurality of guide sheaves to engage the step chain and propel the escalator tread plates. In addition, by locating a pinch roller adjacent the handrail, the drive belt and handrail can be pinched together to provide a motive force to the handrail. The drive belt thereby synchronously drives the handrail. In another embodiment the drive machine includes a counter-rotating motor to drive a drive belt on each side of the escalator system.

Abstract: An escalator drive machine includes a motor output sheave which drives a drive belt along a closed look between the output sheave and a drive sprocket. The output sheave engages the drive belt with the step chain such that the step chain and attached tread plates are propelled from on landing to the other. The output sheave includes a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth. The first set of teeth is around the output sheave hub to engage a set of belt teeth extending from the drive belt. The second set of teeth is preferably located along a rim of the output sheave and is engageable with corresponding link teeth located along each link in the drive chain. The second set of teeth maintain their relationship with the corresponding link teeth due to the first set of teeth, however, there is no contact therebetween. However, should the drive belt fail or become disengaged, the second set of teeth engage the corresponding link teeth.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus 20 according to the present invention comprises a tread guide rail 4 which is provided on a structure 120, and a plurality to treads 2 which moves along the tread guide rail 4. The plurality of treads 2 are connected by a chain 5 having pin rollers 5a. An eccentrically rotatable eccentric crank shaft 8 is connected to a rotation drive unit 6. The eccentric crank shaft 8 is connected to an oscillating body 10 which oscillates in accordance with the eccentric rotation of the eccentric crank shaft 8. The oscillating body 10 is provided with pin roller rolling teeth 11 having a trochoid tooth profile for giving thrust to the pin rollers 5a in accordance with the oscillation of the oscillating body 10.

Abstract: A displacement apparatus comprising a first rail and a second rail, extending substantially parallel thereto, while on the first rail a first driving gear with a first motor is provided and on the second rail a second driving gear with a second motor is provided, the first and the second rail comprising at least one inclined portion, and control means being provided for the two motors, which control means are arranged for controlling the first and the second motor in a force-controlled manner at least on a portion of the at least one inclined part of the first and the second rail.

Abstract: An improved flexible drive assembly for escalators and moving walks is provided. The improved drive assembly includes a substantially horizontally disposed motor. The drive assembly of the present invention further includes a substantially horizontally disposed single-stage worm gear input shaft arranged perpendicularly with a main step band sprocket shaft. The worm gear input shaft, in turn, drives a horizontal output shaft disposed in parallel fashion to the main step band sprocket shaft. One or more drive chains each link corresponding output shaft gears with corresponding main drive sprocket gears disposed on the main step band sprocket shaft. Step chain sprockets of larger diameter than the main drive sprockets are disposed adjacent to and inwardly of a corresponding main drive sprocket. These step band sprockets engage the step band and drive it about its endless path.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging roller bearings of escalator and moving walkway chainwheel sub-assemblies includes the provision of auxiliary supports to which the chainwheel sub-assembly can be fixed. With removal of axle carriers the central axle becomes accessible, and can be displaced laterally to disengage from one of the roller bearings, which is subsequently removed and replaced. The central axle is then displaced in the opposite direction to allow access to an opposite roller bearing. Auxiliary centering for the axle in an axle cylinder is provided to prevent shifting of the axle within the cylinder when the axle carriers are removed. The steps of fixing the chainwheel sub-assembly to the auxiliary supports and subsequently shifting the axle to free the bearings constitute a method for bearing removal which does not require disassembly of the escalator/walkway conveying run and allows the escalator or walkway to be walked on during the exchange process.

Abstract: A safety device is described for a passenger conveyor system, more particularly an escalator or travelator, that includes a main drive shaft (2) mounting return elements (3) for the transport chains (4) of the steps or pallets, a further shaft containing return elements (3) for the handrails (7) and at least one gear (8, 9, 10) connecting the main drive shaft (2) to the shaft. The drive power of at least one drive unit arranged external to the return elements (3) is translatable via a transport device (12) to the main drive shaft (2).

Abstract: A connecting device for transport chains for the support and entrainment of plates for moving walkways or of steps for escalators of the type having two parallel chain runs to be joined together at a transverse spacing by connecting tubes serves to fasten the chain runs to the connecting tubes in a manner which facilitates subsequent detachment. Axle stubs of chain pins, which are constructed as support roller axles are pushed into the connecting tubes at both ends and are mechanically positively firmly held in an end position by slots in the connecting tube, a circular recess in the axle stub and a spring clip. The mechanically positive coupling is effected after the snapping of the spring clip through the slot into the circular recess of the axle stub, as in the end position of slot and circular recess are aligned with each other.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a hand rail driving apparatus which can easily compensate loss of driving force and tension of a hand rail, which is essential to safety of an escalator without damaging a flat belt or a roller thereof. The hand rail driving apparatus includes an escalator in which a hand rail is contacted with pressure on a hand rail driving pulley, connected through a driving chain to a driving wheel, and in which the hand rail driving apparatus drives the hand rail while exerting pressure on the hand rail by using the driving pulley. A tube, in which air pressure therein is variable, is mounted on a circumferential surface of the hand rail driving pulley to which the hand rail is contacted with pressure.

Abstract: A people mover such as an escalator or moving sidewalk is driven by a motor having a relatively small axial dimension and is configured to fit in available space, avoiding the need for a machine room for these components, thereby simplifying the incorporation of the people mover into a new or existing building design.

Abstract: A drive for an escalator is installed on one or both sides of the escalator at the lower and/or upper end and comprises one to several identically constructed drive units, which are arranged and distributed about the circumference of a main drive wheel. The drive units can be flange-mounted in either a longitudinal or transverse direction to the direction of travel of the escalator on a common main gear housing which can be identical for the support of one or more drive units. The operation of the motors of the drive units are controlled by way of a common frequency-setting device. A control and regulating unit processes input data into control and regulating data for the frequency-setting device, a relay control and optical signals and illumination for the escalator. The individual drive units are switched in or out according to the actual power requirements of the escalator during operation.

Abstract: A driven terminal for a passenger conveyor for transferring passenger or luggage. The driven terminal according to the present invention includes a pair of rotating plates mounted on both ends of a rotating shaft, an outer wheel forcibly contacted with the pallet chains having a smooth contacting surface, and an inner wheel having one surface contacted with a periphery of the rotating plate and the other surface contacted and secured to the outer wheel.

Abstract: A people mover such as an escalator or moving sidewalk is driven by a motor having a relatively small axial dimension and is configured to fit in available space, avoiding the need for a machine room for these components, thereby simplifying the incorporation of the people mover into a new or existing building design.

Abstract: In a drive sprocket of a passenger conveyer, such as an escalator, having a step chain, the sprocket is provided with an overlay attached to the side of the drive sprocket. The overlay cushions the chain as it engages the drive sprocket teeth to thereby minimize the noise generated by the engagement of the drive sprocket and the step chain. In a particular embodiment, a drive sprocket further includes a plate that provides lateral support of the overlay during engagement with the step chain.

Abstract: A drive system for the steps and carriage pallets of escalators and moving idewalks. A conveyor chain is arranged beside the steps or carriage pallets, the conveyor chain having a number of link pins of different axial lengths cooperating with bushes. The link pins are axially longer and respectively fitted with a running roller provided in the region of the steps or carriage pallets and are connected with these, if desired, via further components. Also provided are a plurality of plates cooperating, also by way of running rollers if desired, with the axially shorter link pins and bushes. The plates are connected in a manner fixed against relative rotation as inner plates to the bushes and as outer plates to the link pins. Sealing elements are provided in the region of both faces of the bushes. The link pins are formed by electroplated, case-hardened steel pins and the bushes are made of a case-hardened quenched and tempered steel and electroplated between the link pins.

Abstract: A handrail drive for a passenger conveyor includes a drive belt that does not encompass either the main drive shaft or the handrail drive shaft. In a particular embodiment, the drive belt includes a plurality of outwardly extending teeth and is formed from a reinforced elastomeric material. The teeth are engaged with complementary toothed extensions on the main and handrail drive shafts. Two pair of deflection rollers maintain contact between the drive belt and drive shafts and an adjustable spring maintains tension in the drive belt.

Abstract: An endless track conveyor apparatus having steps (1, 2) is driven by a drive chain (6) circulating along an endless travelling track (A, B-M, N, A) made up of an ascending section, a descending section, and U-turn sections connecting these ascending and descending sections. The endless track conveyor apparatus includes a driven medium having a number of piled-up slats (50), each of which is swingably supported on a conveyor frame. The driven medium engages with teeth provided on either the upper or the lower side of a chain link of the drive chain (6) provided at the ascending section (C-D) of the travelling track. The passive medium transmits the drive power of the drive chain (6) to the conveyor frame. Therefore, the endless track conveyor apparatus travels along the travelling track. On the other hand, at the descending section (J-K) of the travelling track, the load acting on the conveyor apparatus is converted into rotational motion.

Abstract: A handrail drive located at a reversal region of a handrail. The handwheel drive has a motor-gear assembly including an electric motor and a multistage planet gear assembly. The handwheel drive further includes a handrail wheel having a drive region connected with the motor-gear assembly. The drive region and the motor-gear assembly are co-axially located.

Abstract: A drive unit of a conveyer having a frame structure extending from one place to another place, a step chain mounting thereon a plurality of step treads and arranged inside the frame structure and a step chain sprocket for driving the step chain, which drive unit comprises a reduction gear and a motor for driving and controlling the step chain sprocket through the reduction gear, and is characterized in that the whole upper side of the reduction gear is of an opening covered with a base plate, and that the base plate is formed by unifying a top cover for the opening of the reduction gear and a motor base through reinforcing ribs disposed therebetween so as to be parallel to each other, the motor being mounted on the base plate so as to be horizontally movable in a direction perpendicular to an output shaft of the motor.

Abstract: In a passenger conveyor, in order to reduce installation dimensions and, more particularly, a height of the passenger conveyor, the passenger conveyor is constructed to be driven by a linear motor, with stators and moving members of the linear motor being formed such that surfaces thereof facing each other are located in horizontal planes and generated magnetic flux of the stators is perpendicular to the facing surfaces. The moving members are mounted on the respective treadboards.

Abstract: A power transmission system is provided for use in a platform drive mechanism of a passenger conveyor which has a conveyor frame and a plurality of laterally extending passenger platforms which are movably supported for driven movement about an endless path on the frame and engaged with a pair of circuitous drive chains disposed on opposite sides of the conveyor frame The transmission system has a multiple stage reduction gear drive positioned outboard of the passenger platforms and directly coupled between the drive chains and a motor for driving the passenger platforms in response to energization of the motor. A sprocket assembly has a drive shaft which extends laterally across the conveyor frame and mounts a pair of axially spaced sprockets.

Abstract: An escalator comprises a plurality of treadboards, coupled with each other in the endless form, for conveying people thereon, a driving device for driving the treadboards, which has a driving mechanism, including an electric motor, for transmitting a driving force from the motor to the treadboards and a power converting unit for supplying electric power to the motor. Component devices of the driving device are categorized into two groups in consideration of heat generated in the respective component devices. Component devices, which are categorized into a group of heat generating devices, are installed in a machine room, and component devices, which are categorized into a group of heat sensitive devices, are installed in another machine room. The two machine rooms are arranged in different locations within an escalator frame, which are remote from each other in the direction of the length of the frame.

Abstract: A drive pulley system is provided for a handrail drive mechanism of a passenger conveyor. The system includes a pulley, with a handrail drive belt wrapped about the pulley for rotation therewith. A pair of disc-like members are disposed on opposite sides of the pulley to sandwich the pulley therebetween. The disc-like members have diameters greater than that of the pulley and are rotatable relative to the pulley, or the disc-like members may be fixed to the pulley and be fabricated of low friction material. The handrail is wrapped about the outer peripheries of the disc-like members, spacing the handrail from the drive belt, and thereby allowing differential linear movement between the handrail drive belt and the handrail due to the relative rotation between the disc-like members and the pulley, or due to slippage between the handrail and the low friction disc-like members.

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 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 treadmill having a walking belt with a constant speed drive motor and a transmission for adjusting the speed of the walking belt. The transmission employs input and output variable pitch pulleys to effect the belt speed change. The pulleys employ adjustably spaced sheaves to accomplish the change in speed ratio. The input pulley sheaves are adjusted by a speed change motor while the output pulley sheaves employ internal springs to adjust the sheave separation to the main drive belt joining the two pulleys. A speed reset motor is employed to keep the output pulley rotating while the sheave separation in the input pulley is adjusted for minimum walking belt speed after the main drive motor is shut down to insure that the main drive belt adjusts properly on the output pulley.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a passenger conveyor including a plurality of steps connected to each other by a step chain for moving the steps comprises a motor, a reduction gear driven by the motor, a chain gearing device, driven by the reduction gear, for driving the step chain, and a stepless change gear for connecting the rotary output shaft of the motor to an input shaft of the reduction gear. The stepless change gear steplessly changes the relative rotational speeds of the motor and the reduction gear.

Abstract: A parallel drive for escalators or moving sidewalks is located within the region of reversal and inside the rotating step or pallet belt, the drive including with electric motor, gearing, step or pallet drive apparatus and handrail drive apparatus. The apparati are driven by the drive shafts of a drive unit comprising electric motor and planetary gearing arranged with their axes parallel to the axes of driven shafts of the step or pallet drive and the handrail drive.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an escalator wherein a low speed operation is performed in the absence of passengers at the escalator, and a high speed operation is performed in the presence of passengers at the escalator the alternating current of a three-phase A-C power source is converted by frequency conversion means into a three-phase alternating current of low frequency, with which an induction motor is energized to perform the low speed operation, so that the induction motor is rotated near a synchronous speed corresponding to the low frequency, to realize the low speed operation of high efficiency.Moreover, when passengers have been detected, the frequency of the alternating current from the conversion means is gradually raised, and the conversion means is thereafter switched to the three-phase A-C power source upon detecting the synchronism of this alternating current with the alternating current of the three-phase A-C power source, so that smooth switching free from shocks becomes possible.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor system is provided with a driving unit disposed at an upper horizontal portion of the system and a linear motor disposed at a midway portion of the system for driving the passenger conveyor, thereby not requiring the provision of expensive linear motors over a full rise of the system, and adding a linear motor to only a portion of the conventional system, while the comfort of the passengers is considerably improved.

Abstract: A variable-frequency, variable-voltage (VVVF) converter is interposed in the line between an AC source and an asynchronous escalator motor. Current to the motor is sensed to determine load in conjunction with a passenger detector and load simulating electronic system and the frequency and voltage of the converter are automatically adjusted in response thereto to control escalator speed. The system includes a converter to supply the asynchronous drive motor of the escalator with variable frequency and an appropriate control circuit for manual or automatic operation of the escalator at different speeds, which is equivalent to different motor frequencies.

Abstract: An escalator having a drive unit mounted in a supporting truss via a deflection beam. Load forces developed in the drive unit are transmitted from the drive unit to the ends of the deflection beam via elongated mounting base members which are not subjected to bending moments sufficient to cause harmful deflection and misalignment of the driving and rotating elements of the drive unit. The midpoint of a deflection beam is attached to the truss. Positioning devices adjustably orient the drive unit in the truss, and the midpoint connection of the drive unit to the truss adjustably selects the position of the drive unit along the longitudinal axis of the truss.

Abstract: A multiple strand drive chain for transmitting power from toothed sprockets to an endless belt constructed of toothed links. The strand which cooperates with the toothed links has a plurality of spaced rollers, with alternate rollers, which have a first predetermined diameter, being constructed of a deformable, resilient material. The intervening rollers, which have a smaller diameter than the first predetermined diameter, are constructed of a substantially non-deformable, rigid material. The deformable rollers normally share the driving load in a substantially uniform manner, but as the chain wears the sharing becomes disproportionate. The non-deformable rollers greatly extend chain life by limiting the maximum driving load placed on any one deformable roller.