Abstract: A first handrail (2) of the travelator, moving ramp or escalator comprises an endless moving first handrail belt (3) formed as a loop and having a first handhold portion (4) that the passenger can grasp with a hand for support. The first handhold portion (4) has a posterior end (5) posterior in the conveying direction. To support and guide the handrail belt (3), the handrail (2) comprises a first handrail frame (6) having a first side (7). A second handrail (8) is placed after the first handrail in the conveying direction and alongside the conveyor on the same side with the first handrail and extending in a direction parallel to the first handrail (2). The second handrail (8) comprises a second moving endless handrail belt (9) formed as a loop and having an upper second handhold portion (10) that the passenger can grasp with a hand for support. The second handhold portion (10) has an anterior end (11) anterior in the conveying direction.

Abstract: A curvature-adjustable handrail length compensation device for an escalator or a moving walkway is provided. The device comprises a frame, handrail support mounted along a length of the frame, and springs mounted to the frame to elastically support the handrail support. Each handrail support includes a supporting rod movably mounted through the frame, a first supporting roller mounted to an end of the supporting rod to support the handrail, and a stopper formed at the other end of the supporting rod. The spring is provided between the frame and the first supporting roller, and biases the first supporting roller away from the frame.

Abstract: A travelator, moving ramp or escalator for transporting people, comprises a people mover; a balustrade extending alongside the people mover throughout its length. The balustrade comprises a handrail belt formed as an endless loop and having an upper handhold portion, which the passenger can grasp with a hand for support, a lower return portion, and a turn-around portion between the handhold portion and the return portion. The balustrade frame comprises a turn-around guide at the end of the balustrade to form a turn-around to support and guide the turn-around portion of the handrail belt. The turn-around guide comprises a number of pressure rollers spaced at a distance from each other and arranged in a sequence in the form of a circular arc. In addition, a drive assembly is arranged to move the handrail belt.

Abstract: An arrangement for a people mover located near a floor surface comprises a transport conveyor structure including a conveyor and a handrail having a casing. A drive machine is operatively arranged at least for moving the conveyor and the handrail. The drive machine is located above the floor surface and is installed in the transport conveyor structure, at least partly inside the casing of the handrail.

Abstract: A method of applying photo-luminescent pigment to a substrate, such as an aluminum or metal strip containing channels or depressions, includes preparing a dry powder formulation including a photo-luminescent pigment and a carrier/fixer, depositing the dry powder formulation onto the substrate surface, and heating to fuse the dry powder formulation to the substrate surface. The photo-luminescent pigment can be applied using an apparatus which includes a hopper adapted to contain a dry powder formulation, one or more orifices adapted to allow transfer of the dry powder formulation from the hopper to a substrate surface and a guide rail system for locating the substrate surface in both a fixed horizontal plane and a fixed vertical plane below the hopper and orifice.

Abstract: A film and a method of applying the film to a handrail of an escalator or moving walkway are provided. The film can be a single or double layered film. Printed matter, e.g. advertising, can be applied to or between the films. An apparatus and related method for applying the film are also included and rely on the motion of the handrail to unroll a supply of the film, with one or more rollers pressing the film onto the handrail. The film is stretched during application to prestretch and reduce tendency for compressive strains in use to cause wrinkling of the film and detachment from the handrail. To retain the ends of the film in relative position, a film cap is fused or bonded to end portions of the film.

Abstract: A wheel for driving a flexible handrail of an escalator or moving walk turns about an axis of rotation, and has a tire with a tire cover that may be filled with pressurized gas and a contact surface that is intended to rest against the handrail. The contact surface is formed on a power transmission element that has a reinforcing insert and is accommodated in a peripheral recess of the tire cover.

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: A handrail for an escalator or moving walk that has a fixed guide device and a handrail body that moves along the guide device when in operation is disclosed. The guide device has a form-giving guide section that contains a lip-guide that extends along a longitudinal direction of the guide section. The handrail body is strip-shaped and has two edge-lips that extend along two longitudinal edges of the strip-shaped handrail body. The edge-lips are formed in such manner that they run parallel to the longitudinal direction when the handrail body moves in the lip guide. The guide section essentially defines the form of the handrail in both the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction and in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway is provided in combination with a device for heating components of the escalator or moving walkway. The device includes at least one pivotably mounted heating element adapted to direct heated air onto a selected component of the escalator or moving walkway.

Abstract: Two opposite ends of a handrail stock member are joined to form a handrail having a closed-loop configuration for an escalator or the like. A slot is cut into each end, parallel to a longitudinal reinforcement layer of the handrail stock member. A joint reinforcement insert including longitudinally-oriented high-strength high-stiffness fibers is inserted into the two slots and the two ends are butted together. A thermoplastic matrix material of the handrail stock member in the joint area is heated to a softening or melting temperature and is press-molded to penetrate into the reinforcement insert and bond the insert to portions of the reinforcement layer overlapped by the insert. The matrix material is fused across the junction plane. A pressing mold maintains the defined outer contour of the handrail.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway with a handrail and a handrail entryway has a finger contact protection cover, wherein the finger contact protection cover includes corrugated bristles. The corrugated bristles allow the gap between the handrail and the entryway to be minimized. The bristle construction also provides improved tactile feedback when a user's hand contacts the bristles, allowing the hand to be more quickly removed from the handrail and contact with the bristles, avoiding potential injury.

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: In an escalator, a handrail is supported medially and reversed by means of a reversing sheave, which rotates about an axle which has approximately the width of a balustrade. The axle is held by at least one supporting cheek. A handrail-drive, which is integrated in the balustrade base, drives the reversing sheave by means of a drive-wheel, the handrail, which is guided over a diverter roller, being carried along by friction from the reversing sheave.

Abstract: A moving handrail superior in durability includes a linear belt of which two end portions are connected, forming a loop. This linear belt includes a single-layer or multilayer of thermoplastic elastomer having a C-shape in cross section; metallic and web-shaped metal stretch inhibitors disposed along a longitudinal direction of the thermoplastic elastomer, and base members coupled inside of the thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer, metal stretch inhibitor, and base member are integrally molded. In the connection portion, a splice junction between the metal stretch inhibitors and a joint where the base members are connected together at both end portions with an auxiliary backing does not overlap in a direction of thickness of the moving handrail. Further, the metal stretch inhibitors that are spliced are enclosed with a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-rail that can be used for escalators, moving pavements. The inventive hand-rail has a C-shaped cross-section, outer layers in the form of a sliding layer and a rubber top layer for the user, a layer with tractive support elements, especially steel chords that are embedded in rubber and oriented in a longitudinal direction, and at least one respective reinforcing layer extending into the lip areas on both sides of the tractive support elements. At least one of the reinforcing layers consists of a rubber layer with homogeneously distributed short fibers with a preferred orientation, extending at an angle deviating from 0° in relation to the longitudinal direction of the hand-rail.

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: An escalator construction has a framework, steps and a balustrade at both sides of the steps. The balustrade is fastened to balustrade posts. Clamps for profile tubes are provided at the framework and optionally also at the balustrade posts, U-profile members for receiving the profile tubes can be provided at the lower part of the framework Partition walls are fastened to both the inner and outer sides of the profile tubes. In order to cover the fasteners, the outer partition walls are fastened at least at its lower portion from an internal face, while the fasteners at the lower portion of the inner walls are covered by the balustrade. The fasteners for the upper portions of the partition walls may be covered by a cover profile member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a handrail for a people mover, such as an escalator or moving walkway, with a grip for people to grasp and a one-piece structure comprising several layers with structural inserts, with the layers being joined together to form the one-piece structure.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor system includes a handrail adjustment mechanism that automatically adjusts the forces imposed on the handrail. A first length compensation device is positioned on a first side of the handrail drive mechanism. A second length compensation device is positioned on a second side of the handrail drive mechanism. Depending on the direction of handrail movement, one of the two length compensation devices imposes an automatically adjustable amount of tension on the handrail to maintain a desired effective length of the handrail. The length compensation device located on the slack side of the handrail compensates the handrail length by imposing a minimized tension on the handrail. The length compensation device located on the load side of the handrail will be lifted because the traction in the handrail caused by the drive mechanism overcomes any stretch imposed by the length compensation device on the load side.

Abstract: This invention relates to a handrail for a people mover, such as an escalator or moving walkway, with a grip for people to grasp and a one-piece structure comprising several layers with structural inserts, with the layers being joined together to form the one-piece structure.

Abstract: A moving handrail construction, for escalators, moving walkways and other transportation apparatus has a handrail having a generally C-shaped cross-section and defining an internal generally T-shaped slot. The handrail is formed by extrusion and comprises a first layer of thermoplastic material extending around the T-shaped slot. A second layer of thermoplastic material extends around the outside of the first layer and defines the exterior profile of the handrail. A slider layer lines the T-shaped slot and is bonded to the first layer. A stretch inhibitor extends within the first layer. The first layer is formed from a harder thermoplastic than the second layer, and this has been found to give improved properties to the lip and improved drive characteristics on linear drives.

Abstract: An escalator or travelling walkway has a handrail at the top of a balustrade which is centrally supported and deflected by means of a support wheel which rotates about an axle and which has approximately the width of the balustrade. The axle is held by at least one carrier cheek which is connected to either a support construction for the handrail or the balustrade.

Abstract: Method of displaying information material on a moving sidewalk or an escalator is disclosed. A handrail (2) is covered with a transparent plastic sheet(7), and a material (10) carrying information is inserted between the transparent plastic sheet and a top surface of the handrail so that the information can easily be replaced and displayed through the transparent plastic sheet. The transparent plastic sheet may be fastened to the handrail at a bottom end thereof by either a fastener (8,9) provided at the bottom end or by making a thickness larger at a bottom part (11) of the transparent plastic sheet, than that of other part of the transparent plastic sheet. The mater is carrying information may be glued to the handrail by adhesive having a character that no gluing marks are left after a removal of the material from the handrail.

Abstract: An escalator or travelling walkway has a handrail at the top of a balustrade which is centrally supported and deflected by means of a support wheel which rotates about an axle and which has approximately the width of the balustrade. The axle is held by at least one carrier cheek which is connected to either a support construction for the handrail or the balustrade.

Abstract: A handrail with or without a wedge for escalators and speedwalks involves a number of permanently connected molded layers wherein the lower outer layer of the handrail, in part, constitutes a slide layer and, in part, constitutes a conveyor layer, an inner layer having increased longitudinal strength constitutes a traction carrier, and the upper outer layer constitutes an uppermost elastic coating of said handrail, wherein said lower outer layer has at least two symmetrically arranged longitudinal grooves whose spacing is somewhat larger than the width of said inner layer having increased longitudinal strength. The tractor carrier of the handrail is always accurately centered so that it does not tend to lateral movement.

Abstract: A balustrade assembly is provided having a shaped panel holder for supporting a balustrade panel, an outer decking and an inner profile. The inner profile, outer decking and panel holder include a clip apparatus which enable the outer decking and inner profile to be attached to the panel holder in a constant aligned position, independent of the balustrade panel. A method for assembling a balustrade assembly is also provided including the steps of providing a balustrade panel for supporting a handrail, a shaped panel holder, an inner profile, an outer decking, and apparatus for clipping the panel holder, the inner profile, and the outer decking together.

Abstract: The glass balustrade of an escalator or moving walkway passenger conveyor is provided with an internally illuminated rail on its side surface. The rail is illuminated by a light beam which is piped up through the interior of the balustrade panels from a light source disposed beneath the outer deck of the passenger conveyor. The light source includes a neon emitter disposed at the focal point of a parabolic mirror so as to provide a parallel band of light which is projected into a lens set. One lens narrows the band of light and the second lens produces a collimated beam from the narrowed light band. The collimated light beam is projected into the bottom of the balustrade panels. The light beam is then serially reflected up through the glass panels to the illuminated rail. The stripe is a semi-circular rod of glass which is glued onto the side of the balustrade, and is formed from a glass having substantially the same index of refraction as the balustrade panel glass.

Abstract: A glass escalator balustrade is mounted in an extruded metal channel which is secured to the escalator truss. Closed cell foam strips are disposed in contact with the balustrade panels. The strips insulate the balustrade from noises produced by the operating components of the escalator thereby rendering the escalator quieter for passengers. A layer of the sound insulating fiberglass nylon insulation is also adhered to the underside of the inner deck panels to insulate the latter from noise produced by the step rollers and step roller tracks.

Abstract: Handrails for escalators, moving walkways and the like consist of an endless, flexible strip (1) with a gripping region (2) and guiding regions (4) which, in operation, slide on a fixed guideway, and steel cables which are embedded in the strip (1) and serve as tensile supports. In order to be able to produce the handrails more simply and with less outlay, the strip (1) is divided in its longitudinal direction into individual segments (5, 6, 7) which follow closely upon one another, the segments being molded firmly around the steel cable (3). The segments can be injection molded around the steel cables (3), a thermoplastic elastomer being used.

Abstract: An improved handrail construction is provided. Normal handrail for use on escalators moving walkways and the like have a C-shaped cross-section with a stretch inhibitor extending longitudinally of the handrail to maintain dimensional stability of the handrail during use. Multiple plies of reinforcing fabric are also located in the handrail where both the stretch inhibitor and multiple plies are molded in a rubber composition to provide the completed handrail. The improvement which provides increased lateral stiffness, dimensional stability and greater lip strength, comprises two spaced apart plies of reinforcing woven fabric orientated to have stiff principal yarns extending perpendicular to the stretch inhibitor. The two spaced apart plies are interconnected by a rubber composition which has a higher strength in terms of stiffness, hardness and viscosity than the normal rubber composition used to encase the fabric plies and stretch inhibitors.

Abstract: The guide rail for a moving handrail on an escalator or moving walkway is mounted on a glass balustrade by a mount assembly which includes a vibration-isolating gasket between the balustrade and the guide rail. The gasket is preferably formed from a closed cell foam material which isolates vibrations so that vibrations of the guide rail and handrail engendered by operation of the handrail do not cause the glass balustrade to vibrate. Controlling vibration of the glass balustrade quiets the escalator since the glass, if allowed to vibrate, will act as a loudspeaker which magnifies and broadcasts escalator handrail noise.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor comprises a moving handrail mounted on a guide rail provided around a balustrade and a handrail driving device for driving the moving handrail to move circulatively. The moving handrail is constituted by a core member and a surface decorative member which is removably attached, i.e. removably engaged, to the core member, and the core member is driven by the handrail driving device. The moving handrail may be constituted by a core member and a surface decorative member which are formed separately and joined together.

Abstract: With this illumination device for the illumination of a transport system, such as escalators and passenger walkways, light sources are provided in the balustrade skirting. The light of the light source is reflected by lenses upon intermediate legs of a support device which carries the handrail of the transport system. By ascribing a suitable configuration and surface properties to the intermediate legs the light is deflected in a desired direction. This illumination device serves not only for illumination purposes but also for the decorative or aesthetic appearance of escalators and passenger walkways.

Abstract: The escalator handrail is provided with increased lateral flexibility by forming it with a guide rail spanning web which is elliptical in cross-section. Adjacent internal reinforcement cables are positioned in slightly vertically offset horiozntal planes so as not to unduly hinder lateral flexure of the handrail. The handrail's increased flexibility results in less frictional drag on the guide rail, and adapts the handrail for use with helical escalator assemblies and provides improved performance in conventional rectilinear escalators as well.

Abstract: The handrail guide rail has a base part which is preferably extruded metal, and can be rectilinear or curvilinear. The base telescopes over the top of the escalator balustrade which is a relatively thin glass or metal component of the escalator. Spring clamps are trapped between the balustrade and the guide rail base to clamp the base onto the balustrade.

Abstract: A reinforced "C" shaped hand-rail for use with escalators, moving pavements and the likes made of elastic material. The invented hand-rail is injection moulded from polyurethane, foamed polyurethane or other synthetic material possessing similar physical characteristics, so that at least one of its outside and inside is lamellated, the external or internal surface of the side opposite the lamellated surface is wavy conforming to the lamellae. The hand-rail is provided with reinforcing steel wire insert (1).

Abstract: A balustrade comprises a deck cover disposed on the opposite side to a plurality of steps, a transparent balustrade panel supported by the deck cover, a handrail, a handrail guide frame, secured to an upper edge of the balustrade panel for guiding the handrail moving in synchronism with the plurality of steps, and an illumination device attached directly to the outside surface of the balustrade panel so as to be spaced from the handrail to leave transparent between the handrail and the illumination device. The balustrade further is provided with a supporting pole for supporting the illumination device and containing therein lead wires of the illumination device. The supporting pole has an U-shaped opening and secures an entrance prevention fence with the edge being inserted in the U-shaped opening.

Abstract: A handrail for transportation apparatus, such as escalators and moving walks, which includes an elongated, extruded elastomeric member having first and second wear strips fixed to inner surfaces of the elastomeric member for contacting a handrail guide. Each wear strip has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, including a bight and spaced leg portions, and , in addition to providing low friction wear surfaces, the configuration aids the handrail in resisting derailment from a handrail guide. At least one leg portion of each wear strip has a plurality of spaced slots, or thin webs, which extend inwardly from the end of the leg to facilitate flexing of the elastomeric body member while traversing curved portions of a handrail guide. In another embodiment, a plurality of relatively short, discrete wear strips are spaced apart to collectively define an elongated wear strip, with the spacings being selected to function as flexiblity imparting slots.

Abstract: The guide rail is one which is adapted to be mounted on a glass balustrade on an escalator. The mounting is accomplished without the need to drill holes in the balustrade or to apply any adhesive to the balustrade. The guide is formed with a groove in its lower surface which receives the top edge of the balustrade. The groove is flanked by gripping legs, one of which can be tightened against the balustrade by means of set screws, in the manner of a vise. The set screws are threaded into a handrail slide portion of the guide and are completely recessed therein so as not to interfere with the handrail.

Abstract: The balustrade decking profile (14), or handrail guide, for an escalator clips, or "self-fastens" to the top edge of a glass balustrade (10), and presents a minimal yet sufficient sliding area to the handrail (12). This is accomplished by folding or molding a single rigid strip of material (20) as disclosed herein. The profile (14) itself and a method of forming it are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of splicing a length of extruded handrail having a C-shaped cross-sectional configuration, a substantially flat inner drive surface, and a plurality of spaced, longitudinally extending inextensible members embedded in the body of the handrail. The ends of the handrail are squared, aligned, and butted. Longitudinally extending grooves are cut into the flat drive surface, through and on both sides of the butt joint, in the spaces between the embedded inextensible members. Predetermined lengths of inextensible members and elastomeric material are placed in the grooves, and bonded to the surfaces which define the grooves. In another embodiment, the grooves are extruded into the flat drive surface at the same time the handrail is extruded. In either embodiment, the ends of the handrail may be bonded together prior to, or simultaneously with, the bonding of the inextensible members and elastomeric material with the groove surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible article comprising rubberlike body having a surface hard film, e.g., a hose, a handrail, a belt or a diaphragm, wherein a fiber layer comprising non-woven or woven fabrics is positioned between the surface hard film and the rubberlike body by use of an adhesive to eliminate generation of the so-called joint cracking phenomenon, i.e., extension of cracking to the rubberlike body accompanying cracking at the hard film caused by any shock.

Abstract: A balustrade for use with passenger conveyors including a second deck member bent to assume an arcuate shape at landings, and having a U-shaped cross-section adapted to be opened facing the center of the arc, and deformation preventing strips formed by bending the second deck member adjacent its opening which defines an inner periphery of the arcuate-shaped sections of the second deck member.

Abstract: A variable speed walkway system capable of receiving passengers, accelerating them to above walking speed conveying them over a selected distance at a constant speed, and decelerating them for comfortable exiting is provided. In the preferred form, the system comprises a plurality of rollers driven by a prime mover through individual polyurethane belts to obtain acceleration and deceleration. In a second preferred form, the system comprises a variable speed drive employing one or more belts each of which drives a plurality of rollers. All rollers driven by a single belt accelerate or decelerate in unison. Acceleration and deceleration in this second embodiment is preferably computer controlled. A handrail which accelerates and decelerates with the walkway is provided for both embodiments.