US1025316A - Conveyer. - Google Patents

Description

C. 1D. SEBBBRGER.

commun;

APPLICATION FILED 00T. 18, 1905. BEHBWHD HAR. 2, 1I12.

'Patented May 7, 1912.

WITN ESSES L moRNEYs U. D. SEEBERGER.

GONVBYER.

APPLIUATION FILED 00116, 1905. EBNBWED lun. 2, 1912.

' Patented May 7, 1912.

'1 SHEETS-SHEET 2.'

WITNESSES: f

www.

.; ATTORNEYS G'. SEBBERGER.

GONVBYEB. Arrmon'lox FILED ocmw, 1905. nmsmwn in. 2. 191s.

1,025,31 6. Patented May '7, 1912.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

C. D. SBEBERGER.

CONVEYEB.. APLIUATION FILED 0011.118, 1905. vBENI-SWR1!) HAR. 2, 1912. 1,025,3 1 6.

' Patented May 7, 1912.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

wmvfssss /LO ATTORNEYS G. D. SBBBERGER.

CONVEYBR.

APPLIGATION FILED 00T. la', 1905. BBNBWED In. z, 1912.

'1 sums-snm 1 PatentedMMay 7, 1912.

l QINVENTOR' Charles sger n ATTORNEYS WITN ESSES UNITED sTATEs PATENT oEEIoE.

CHARLES D. SEEBERGER, 0F NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOB T0 OTIS LEVATOR COMPANY,

A CORPORATION 0F NEW JERSEY.

Specification of Letters Patent.

lPatented. May 7, 1912.

` Application file-d October 18, 1905, Serial No. 283,302. Renewed March 2, 1912. Serial No. 681,172.

To all whom 'it may concern: 4

Be it known that l. CHARLES DQv SEE- BERGER, a citizen of the United States, residing at New York, in the county of New York and Stateof New York.; have invented certain new and useful Improvements 1n (lonveyers, of which the'following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing. y

This invention relates to improvements in conveyers, such as traveling stairways, employed for transporting passengers between di'erentfloors or levels.

The features and objects of the invention will be pointed out in the accompanying description.

The invention consists of the organizations and arrangements of parts hereinafter particularly described and then pointed out in the accompanying claims.

ln the accompanying drawings-Figure 1 is a View in side elevation of a conveyer constructed in accordance with my invention; Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating the relative location of the yoke arms, wheels and connectinglinks; nF1g. 3 is a plan View of the conveyer, the central portion thereof being broken away; Fig. 4 is a view in side elevation 0f one of the? steps, and the associated wheel-carrying yokes and links; Fig. 5 isa-sectionalyiew on the lihe 5 5 of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a plan view of the construction shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 7 is a sectional view von the liney'? `7 of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a longitudinai'sectional- `view through "a'portion of the machine at kthe top of the incline; tFig. 9 1s a fragmentary view, partiallyin section, illustrating certain driving connections; Fig. 10 is a detail view,partially in section, ,of one of the bearings of the yoke arms; Fig. 11 v is a detail view in side elevationgshowig the upthrust devicey for the carryifngrun; Fig.

' l2 yis a sectional view illustrating the connection between the steps, yoke arrns and connecting links; Fig. 13 is a detail sectional view of thelioating shunt; Fig: 14- is" `a diagrammatic View of the conveyer showing a modilication of the hand-rail mecha'- nismr; Fig.l 15 is a plan view. ofv Fig. 14; Fig.,16.is a detail view. of the hand-rail drive yshowninFigs. 14 and 15'; 3and Fig. 17

` ,is a fragmentary view. ofthe hand-rail for an ascending', run of the conveyer.

A series of Vconnected sections or steps curve at the@4 top is'longer than the vbottom 14 is adapted to travel upon the tracks' or bearing surfaces 15 and 16, which are illus trated diagrammatically in Fig. 1. These tracks. 'in the present embodiment of the invent-ion, are on different levels on the inclined portion of thefrun of the conveyer, the tracks 16 being above the tracks 15, and -at the upper and lower levels they are in substantially the same horizontalplanes tol form landings. On the incline the sections break into step-.like formation with their tre-ad surfaces in parallel planes, while at the landings the steps have their tread surfaces inthe same horizontal plane., At the end of the upper landing 17- the tracks are curved to form an end-carriage or reverser at 18 forthe steps passing from or to the upper inclined transporting runv of the con.-

veyer, and then sweep upwardly under the., landing 17, as shown by the upper track 19 and lower track 20, to a suitable point sub-4 `stantially under the head or top of the upper run, whence they extend in substantially the same level, as shownin Fig. 7, to provide away for the return run of the conveyer. At the bottom of the incline the tracks 19 and 20 merge with thetracks .15 and 1,6.'- When the conveyer is to be used' for descending. transportation, it is d esirable to Inaket-he: break between the steps as they descend oyer` the curve at the top of the incline there gradual'than is `necessary at the bottom curve; for this reason the curve. 9W'

Throughout the. entire cycle or course in the type ofnachines here disclosed the.l tracks are 'in parallel vertical. planes, and the associated tracks .on 'each sideA of the machine are preferably made in integral castings of convenient lengths. so that they may be readily and accurately assembled.- The tracks are preferably carried by suitable brackets 21, which may be secured by any suitable angle bars to the supporting structure. 'Pet-racks at the opposite sides for both the upper transporting and lower return runs atth'e top. of the incline, which is usually known and designated as the throat of the machine, are preferably mad 22, as shown in gn8. This casting or; seci tion carrying'V all o f the tracks at the throat of the. machine, including the Ycurves cork nectingl the incline and horizontal tracks,

insures accuracy in erecting and assembling" tracks, one to the other on the same side of the machine, is definitely assured. It is obvious that the tracks at the bottom of the incline may also be cast in one Apiece for the same general purposes. l l

Each step is composed of a suitable frame 23 having a tread and riser, and is provided with an axle bar 24, the ends of which extend beyond the ends of the step, as

shown in Fignz.9 Each step has a carriage or yoke, having front and rear arms 25 and 26, mounted on the ends of its axle bar, and thearms provide bearings for the `front and rear wheels 27 and 28, coperating with the tracks 15 and 16, respectively. Links 29 and 30 connect the axle bars of adjacent steps, and these links are in the form of ,l racks having an equal number of teeth, one

end tooth on each link being on the center line of the axle bar, as clearly shown in Fig. 4. Motion is i communicated to the steps through the medium of the links.

A transverse shaft 31 is suitably journaled on the supporting structure, near the bottom of the incline, and this shaft is provided withpinions 32 which mesh with the .links of the return or idle run or. stretch of the conveyer, as shown in Fig. 1. The shaft` 31 may be driven in any suitable manner, as through the medium of a suitable motor 33. At a suitable point between the oppositely moving runs of the conveyer and preferably near the headV of. the incline, a transmission shaft 34 is suita'bl)7 vjournaled andprovided with pinions 35` which engage the links of both runs, as clearly shown in Fig.- 8. The conveyer being driven by the pinions 32 motion is imparted through the medium of the lower run to the pinions 35, which by reason of their engagement with the upper run serve as a transmission drive for that run or line.

These idlers 35 being located near the top of the incline and engaging the transporting run of the/conveyer, serve to pull the steps u-pthe incline, 1n ascending, the pini'ons 32 driving the steps around-the curves at the bottom of .the conveyer. I n other words power is applied, in driving, by'putting the links in compression, the imons 32 pushing the links u the incline w en the conveyer 1s employed or ascending, and the pinions 35 pushing them down when the conveyer 1s driven in the opposite direction.

' By arranging the reverse tracks 19. and4 20 under the upper landing so that they rise in a curve to a point under the top of the incline, the throatof the machine is narrowed at this point so that the tangential run is higher up the incline on the return line and the idlers 35 may be located nearer the top of the incline than woulldotherwise be possible. Furthermore, by1 narrowing the throat of the machine as described I am enabled to employ transmission idlers of minimum diameter, thereby avoiding the use of reduction gearing such as wouldvbe necessary with idlers o f large diameter.

The idler shaft 34, in the present embodiment of the invention, is journaled in bearings .36, on a cross-frame 37 which may be in the form of an integral casting or one assembled piece suitably secured at its ends to the supporting structure between .the tracks, as clearly shown in Figs. 8 and 9. This frame 37 is provided with ffsuitable openings for the idlers 35, which are sufciently wide to engage both the links 29 ande 30, which as shown in Fig. 7 are in parallel lines. By employing an intermediate supporting frame for the transmission shaft, this shaftneed not extend through the girders and so does not interfere with the tracks in any manner. By locating the cross-frame upon the track-section, l the linkage is more readily brought into correct relation to the idlers in assembling the machine to insure the necessary meshing of the parts.

` Referring particularly to Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 12, it will be observed that the yoke is fixed to the step. This may be effected in any suitable manner. In the, present instance each yoke is provided with an inwardly extending hub 38 adapted to receive the end of the associated axle bar, and is located thereon and fixed thereto in any suitable manner,

as by a pin 39. The frame of the step has a. i

boss 40 which receives the axle bar, and any suitablemeans, such as a pin 41 passing through the said boss and axle bar, secures the step to the bar. The links 29 and 30 connect alternate pairs of axle bars, as shown in Fig. 2, and are arranged in the form of male and female links. Each end of the male link 29 is provided with a sleeve 42 extending outwardly therefrom and receiving the hub 38 of the associated yoke, and each female link 30 is provided with a collar 43 at each end pivoted on the sleeves 42 of adjacent male links, the yoke being vconnected with the step through the pivotal center of the links. Suitable washers 44 are provided to reduce friction between the arts. These washers are` preferably in the orm of lubricating bushings. The step-frames, yokes, and axles are tied together for greater security by a tongue 45 on the hub of each goke seated in a suitable recess or slot in the oss- 40 of the associated step-frame; by

4instaan;

this construction the step and yokes are practically a unit, and free to revolve in the sleevesA of the links or allow the links to revolve about this unitary construction in passing the angles or turning through lthe ends of the machine.

While the axle-bar of each step is shown as continuous, that is to say, as extending from one yoke to the other, it is obviousl that, as the chie:` function of the .axle-barns to afford the means of locating the step and yoke, that portion of the axle-bar between the ends of the step-frame might be removed ifdesired, although by employing a continu-l]y ous axle-bar it adds to the general strength of the construction. As clearlyshown in Figs. 2 and 12, the linkage is pivoted between the step-frames and yokes, and the wheels on the yokes are outside of the linkage, the axle extendingV through the step-frame, links and yoke. By having the linkage at the side of the steps, the dimension from the wheelbase to the tread is much smaller than it is where theA links are placed under the steps owing to the clearance usually required for the riser in this latter construction. Furthermore, by this arrangement the steps are left freev to turn over when passing around the ends, so that their treads maybe uppermost on both runsgwhereby the machine may also be used for 'transportation upon its return run ifA desired. .5

The front arm of: each yoke is shorter than the rear arm, whereby the ltrac on the incline may be located nearer together requiring'less depth of girder.

The axle -or linebetween the'joints'of the linkage is in advance -of thecenter of the tread when viewed looking up the stairway, yandthe wheel base is wider than the tread, so that the -passengers weight is practically carried by the wheels onthe long arms, whichextend beyond the riser of the step, and his position within'the area of the carriage is inf' sured so that stability of -the .step is provided and all tendency of the step to tilt is obviated. Also, by making-the rear arms of the yokes longer thanv the front arms, the step may be made wider so' as` t confine the foot-space. more to an. area between the lines of itsv riser and. axle, and bythis construc-` tionthe overhanging nosipg wil-il be prevent, ed from striking the footxof the passenger.

The yoke-arm 26 for the rearwheel `atY each end of s tepv is bent or Lcurved laterally to pass o ver the track of thefront wheel, as clearlya shown in Figs. 5: and 6,.- diverging at its tree end from the vertical plane of the other arm, the inner portion of the arms beiligin substantially a com-mon Y plane and outer or. wheel carrying pox-- tionsor ends being inparallel vertical planes. tBy this a straight yolma'thatv 1s, one its arms in the same horizontal plane can bel employed' whose whbeels coperate with tracks on different levels, instead of employing Pan angular yoke coperating with tracks on the same level.

The carrying wheels may be mountedonthe yoke-arms in any suitablemanner, as for example, vas shownl in Fig. 10'. As there illustrated, the yoke is provided at each end with an outwardly .extending tubular bearing46, the wheels being retained ony such bearings by means of a washerll. This washer is provided with a barrel 48 which is seated' in the tubular bearing, which is pre erably integral with -the yoke, and secured'l therein by suitable means, suchas a cotterpin 49. This cotter pin passes through the yoke, 'which forms the base ofthe bearing, and the barrelbeing thereby located back of the wheel and away from" the free end ofthe bearing. This means for securing the wheels on the bearings provides a positive lock for the wheel-retaining washer, and also enables the wheels to be 'accurately located in'as'sembling the parts; the cotter pin also prevents the washer from turning.

AThe barrel is reduced in diameter between its ends so as to form with the associated bearing a lubricant chamber, the escape. of the lubricant being prevented 'by the enlargements 50 which snugly fit the inner wallj of the bearing. To increase the capacity of the' lubricant chamber the barrel maybe recessed as shown.V The lubricant passes to the .wheel through a suitable aperture fr this purpose.

In linkage of this construction the resist. ance of the transmissionl pinions exerts an ov/erturning action as the end or last tooth l of each link on the return line leaves the ,pinion due te the driving 'tensioni inthe links. This causes a tendency for the other end of the link to rise, and in order to prevent thismotion I employ an upthrust devioein association with the pinions, which consists in the present instance of a suitable ,guide or rail 51 located below the pinions, there being one on each side, with reference to thexdirection of motion of thevsteps. The upthrust is so related tothe pinion that at 'least the leading tooth of each link is beneath the upthrust when the end or last tooth is in engagement with the pinion. lThe rail 51 is shown as continuous, although it might be in sections. By makingit con- `tinuous, however, it Serves to preventv kink- .ing of the links while under compression in case any extraordinary resistance is offered to. their movement.

thrust for the links of the carrying line off` steps in vassociation with' the transmission pinions, as shown in Figs. 7 andll, it being understood that each side may be thus `rovided, and in the present embodiment eseA the ends of the steps, as shown in Fig. 7, although ifwdesired the u thrusts may be placedy over`both sets of links. This upthrust is formed b'ya suitable guide, such as the track 53, which is mounted on anfadjustable bracket 54 secured to the supporting structure and overhanging the tracks Jand 16, as shown in Fig. 7, so as to support the upthrust track directly over the line of 10 movement of the female links. Asshown in Fig. 11, the collars ofthe links 30 are provided with bosses 55 having flat contact surfaces. The upthrust track is held in such position that under normal conditions the 5 lbosses just contact the track. In order to compensate for wear the track is made adjustable, and to thisy end the bracket 54 has ears 56 through which bolts 57 pass `which are in threaded, engagement with the track 53. The track may be provided with suitable elongated slotthrough which bolts 58 pass and by loosening the bolts 58 and tur-n- -ing the bolts 57 the track may be adjusted vertically as desired and then secured in its adjusted position by tightening up the nuts.

The upthrusts being located over the pinions 35, the overturning action ofthe pinionson the enveloped llnks is prevented so that they are held in proper relation to the pinions. Y

The bosses of the female'links are oiset or to'one side of the center of the collars of the links, being located within the space between its pivot centers, to avoid being elevatedabove the Aplane in which they normally move under the upthrust when, for example, the advanced end of the links changes direction of movement or enters the curve at the top of the incline. As a further precaution, 40 however, to accommodate such action and to avoid binding, the end of the upthrust track is made yielding and provided with an exl pansion spring 59, Fig.- 11, which serves to resist anyv pressure exerted against the same by the links. The opposite end of the upthrust .may7A also be'A curved upwardly, as shown in Fig. 11, to guide the bosses under the track inthe event that the links are elevatedou't of their normal position when they reach the track. In order to accommodate the upthrust to a conveyer adapted to transport in either direction, both ends may be .made yielding and turned upwardly, as shown in Fig.V A11. In order to reduce the friction due to the engagement of the bosses 55 lwith the upthrust trackthe contact sur- .faces Lof sch bosses may be provided with` Y lubricant cavities. While in the present instance the ,upthrusts are located over .the female links, such links being provided with the bosses 55, it is obvious that the upthrusts may be located over the male links, in which case the latterlwould be provided with such bosses; `orby locating the upfthrusts over both theV male. and'v female 'links both sets ofsuch links might have the bosses 55, as shown in' Fig. 4. It is also obvious that instead of having a boss at each end of a link each link may be provided with a continuous boss.

Upthrusts of suitable form may be provided in connection with the driving pinions` 32. If short upthrusts are employedv they are suitably located with reference to the direction of movement ofthe steps. If desired the upthrusts may be continuous.

In the present embodiment of the invention, have shown the linkaUe arranged with the teeth of each run towardJ the teeth of the other run, that is,`directed inwardly, and in describing the upthrusts I have treated the links as arranged in this manner. It is obvious, however, that the-linkage may be reversed, having the teeth directed outwardly, and that under such conditions the coperation of the upthrustsfand links would be the same except that'the positionof the upthrusts would merely be reversed.

Suitable balustrades. 60 may be employed andwhere it is desired" to provide narrow steps, in order to economize space, these balustrades maybe widened out above the treads by being arranged in oblique planes `or inclined outwardly, as shown in Fig.` 7,

so as to increasel the appearance of spaciousnesspof the machine having narrow ste s. At the lower ends the balustrades 60 are preferably provided with vertical extensions providlng the curtains 52 which depend'below the tops of the steps, as shown in Fig. 7, where a riser is illustrated, so as to prevent the toot of the passenger slipping oi the ends of the steps, and the male links are located under these curtains. By locatingthe male links 29 under the curtains -52 the width of the machine is reduced thereby adding to the compactness of themachine which 1s important when the available space for installation is limited. One balustrade may be deflected or extended across the landing of the conveyer to provide a stationary shunt, as indicated at 61 in dotted lines in Fig. 3, and this shunt may be of any suitable character, such as ythat to be hereinafter described. I may provide a similar shunt 61 at .the opposite end, so that'which ever way the conveyer is running a shunt will be located at its exit. By this arrangement, that is tosay by providing two side landings, the conveyer is made reversibleso that it maybe used to transport Kin either direction. A hand-rail 62 is also employed, being in thefpresent instance, as shown -in Fig. 7, elliptical in cross section, with the under face cut out to adapt it to fit on the guides, the inturned edges, provided by the cut out portion, being located at the opppsite sides of the balustrade, as shown in ig. 7. The hand-rail, in the arrangement shownlin Figs. 1 and 2, passes parallel with and in front of the upper shunt 61 to. ahorizontal pulley 66, which is fixed to a suitable vertical shaft 67 at the side and end of the vupper landing portion. From the pulley 66 the hand-rail passes around an angularly disposed idle pulley `68 located over the upper landing portion of the conveyer back of the shunt 61, and by which it is deflected to a vertical pulley 69.

' slack of the hand-rail.

From the pulley 69 the return stretch'of the hand-rail passes over an idler70 to a, vertical pulley 71 at the opposite end of themachlne, around such pulley to and over anl angularly disposedu idle pulley 72 which deflects the hand-rall to the pulley 63. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3 the hand-rail' driv-v ing mechanism and deflecting pulleys vat each end ,of the machine are located over the steps at the associated landing and back of the stationaryvshiint thereat.

Means are preferably provided for maintaining the proper tension of the hand-rail. To this end one or both of the pulleys 69 and 71 may be provided 4with any suitable form of tightener, such as an automatic tightenler, as indicated at 73 inFig. 3,' in which a counter weight 74 is employed for sliding the pulley 69 or 71 to take up the By vthis means the hand-rail is automatically tightened witbout changing the direction of fleXure thereof.

The under or inner surface of the hand rail is the tractive surface, and the ellipti calform of the rail admits of deflection by the pulleys on its tractive surface, owing to the fact that one side of the ellipse is cut away. It is obvious that the rail could not be run with its hand-grasp surface against the pulleys without subjecting it to deflections and strains which would impair its "usefulness and render it impossible to. keep it upon its guides, and also give it the appearance of wear.v The hand-grasp ofthe rail should be kept in as perfect condition as possible, v`free from dlrt, etc. Consevquently contact of the hand-grasp surface with the pulleys and otherparts should. be avoided. With the arrangement shown, and the employment Aof the-elliptical formiof hand-rail, the objections pointed out are avoided, the hand-grasp surfacey of 4the rail never coming in contact with the pulleys, guides or other parts. .By locating the handthe proper tension.

rail where it is deflected aeross'the landing in frontof the shunts 61l the deflected portion of the hand-rail will act asa traveling shunt to direct the passenger from the conveyer before 'the body comes into contact withthe associated stationary shunt.

' As shown in Figs. 3, 14 and 15, a second 70 hand-rail 75 is located at the opposite side of the conveyer l from the hand-rail 62 and this hand-rail where the shunt is employed at both ends of the machine terminatesat the ends of the incline so as to provide suit- 75 able spaces for passengers to get on and off ofthe conveyer. This hand-rail 75, in the present embodiment of the invention, as

shown in Figs. 14 and 15, passes from an y angularlydisposed pulley 76, located at the bottom of the incline, along the adjacent balustrade, as shownin Fig. 7, to a vertical pulley 77, at the top of the incline. It then travels from the under side ofnthe-pul-A ley -77 back to an angularly disposed idler 85 78, thence'upward to a vertical idler 79 lo-v cated between the` idler 78 and pulley 77, thento a vertical pulley-80, located under the idlers V78. and 79 and from which it passes to the pulley 76. The idler 79-ro 90 4tates in a plane'parallel with the plane of the pulley 77 so as to prevent interference of the oppositely ,moving portions of the hand-rail where they cross, andthe angular idler 78 serves to deflect the hand-rail from 95 the plane of one of such elements t6 the other. The pulley 80 is of course in the 'same plane as theidler 79, the angularity of the pulley 76 serving to return the handrail'to the plane of the pulley 77. The idler 100 78 may be adjustably mounted in the same manner as the idlers 69 and 71 in order to provide for taking up Slack in the hand-rail 7 5 so that the latter may be maint-ained at The hand- rails 62 and 75 are driven at y practically the same speed as the conveyer. The return stretches of both hand-rails may4 lbe guided by'guides 81 suitably carried on the supporting structure. As clearly shown` 110 in Fig. 7 the hand-railsC over-hang theto s of thefbal'ustrades, thereby guardingA t e sides of the transportin run and affording contact surfaces for the y ody of the passenger who being on the conveyer moves at substantially the same speed as the hand-rails` Where the conveyer is employed for ascending only, the drive for the hand-rail may belocated at the upper end of the run,

so as to pull the hand-rail along the guide" and prevent slack at the portion of the rail exposedV to the passenger. 'Where, however,l the conveyeryis designed to be reversible or travel-in either directiomas in the present embodiment of the invention, it is desirable to also drive the hand-rail at the lower end of the machine, as otherwise the part of the -rail exposed to the passenger indescending'would be the s la'ckfrom-the upper` drive and consequently it-couldbe readily held 139 back by any one disposed to do so. The driving connections' may be of any suitable character. .In the present instance, for the top drive, t-he shaft 34 is provided with `a sprocket wheel 82 which communicates motion through the medium of a driving chain 82a (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9) to a sprocket wheel 83 Fixed on the shaft 84 suitably j ournaled on the sides of the supporting frame. The shaft 84 is located at a point where it can extend through the track castings without interfering with the tracks. The shaft 84 at one end is provided with sprocket wheels r85 and 86. The sprocket wheel 85 communicates motion to the pulley 65 through the medium of a chain 87, while the sprocket wheel 86 'drives-a chain 88 (Fig.

, 1) whichengages a sprocket wheel 89 fixed to a cross shaft 90 which in turn communi- Cates mbt-ion to the pulley 66 at the upper landing through the medium of suitable gearing, such as the bevel gearing 91,

as shown in Fig. For the bottom drive for the hand-raih as shown in Figs. 1 and` 3',-^a chain 92 receives motion from a suitable sprocket wheel (not shown) fixed to the shaft 31 and drives a'sprocket wheel 93 on a cross shaft 94 which drives the pulley 63 through the medium of suitable bevel gearing 95. By this arrangement the drives for the upper and lower ends of the hand-rail 62'are separate, and the rotating members or pulleys 63, 65 and 66 which engage the hand-rail to drive'the same are locatedin different planes, theI Apulleys 63 and 66 being in horizontal planes and the pulley 65 being in a different or vertical plane.

Referring to Figs. 9, 14 and 15, illustrating the drive` for the hand-.rail 75, it will be seen that a sprocket wheel 96, fixed to the opposite end of the shaft 84, communicates .motion to the upper pulley 77 through the medium of a suitable connection, such as .a chain 97, while power is applied to the lower end of theQhand-rail 75, through the medium of a suitable connection, which consists in the present instance of a chain 98 receiving motion from the, shaft 31 and transmitting it' to a sprocket wheel 99 fixed with a sprocket wheel lgfwhich communicates'motion to thev pulley80 by means of-a chain 101.` By reason of the arrangement of the drives described each ,handrail is drawn or pulled along the lialustrades in either direction of its movement:

In Figs.- 14 and 15 I have shown a mdiedarrangement ofhand-rail mechanism providing 'travelingshunts crossing the landing portions' of the conveyer, which differs from that shown in Figs-1 and 3 only in the -arrangement and location of the drivigg mechanism. 1'11A the embodiment shown m Figs. 14 -and 15, the hand-rail, designated 102, passes from a horizontal pulley 103,

ley 107 the hand-rail 102 passes, as at 108,

to an angularly disposed pulley 109 which deflect-s it to the plane of a vertical pulley 110 located at the side of the conveyer. From the pulley 110 the rail passes to and over an idler 111, at the top of the incline, then down the incline, as at 112, to and under an idler 113 at the bottom of the incline, and then around a pulley 114 and idler 115, corresponding to the pulley 110 and idler 109, respectively. From the idler 115 the hand-rail passes to the pulley 103. In the construction illustrated both pulleys 103 and 107 are driven. For the upper drive a chain 116 receives motion from the shaft 84 and transmits it to a sprocket wheel 117 to the shaft ofwhich isixed a pinion 118. This pinion drives a gear 119 -on the shaft 120 of which is fixed the pulley 110; and suitable gearing, such as the bevel gearing 121, transmits mot-ion from the shaft 120 to the pulley 107, as more clearly shown in Fig. 1'6. The ,driving connection for the pulley 103 is similar to that for the pulley 107, except that the sprocket wheel for the lower drive, corresponding to the sprocket wheel 117, is

= driven by a chain 122, which receives motion 3 for the purpose of'maintaining the proper tension of the' hand-rail and`to avoid slack. While in the construction shown in Figs.

' 1 and 3 the take-up idlers and deiecting pul- -leys are located over the ends of the' conveyer, in' the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 14 and 15 the driving connections-with theexception of the gearing 121 and including the take-up idlers and guide pulleys are located at the side of the conveyer.

While I have referred to sprocket connections for driving the hand-rails I do not limit myself in this particular as it is obviousthat other forms of driving connectitnrs may be employed with the same resu ts.

`Where the conveyer is designed for ascending only, no exit shunt then being required for the lower end, the hand-'rail at leach side may be arranged as shown in Fig.

17. lAs there illustrated, the hand-rail passes from an idler 123 at the lower landing up the incline-to the upper landing and on its return run passes around pulleys 124,

125, and 126, similar to 78, 79 andl 80,- respectively, in Fig. 14. In order to take up slack one of the pulleys, as 124 may be in the form of an adjustable er take-up pulley similar to the pulley 78.

Referring to Fig. 13, it will be seenthat the shunt consists of an \upper member' or frame, Y which is the stationary shunt 61 heretofore referred to, anda lower member lo. 127. Preferably the member 127, which mayconsist of a suitable plate standing on its edge, bears upon'the steps forming the horizontal landing soas'to lio'at thereon. In the present. instancetlie frame' 61 ispro- 1.5, vided with vertical slots, one vof which is shown and designated '128,' through `which project suitablehheaded pins I129A whieh are l*fixed tothe late. A guard strip 130 secured to the amel overhangs the upper 2.o edge of the plate 12.7. -The slots 128'are of` suiiicient length to permit of the necessary risetand fall of thefloat, due to variation in or unevenness of the tread surfaces of the steps. With this construction thefloat is supported-vertically bythe tread surfaces of. the steps and laterally by theshunt 61 and guard 130. j t In order to guard the leading wheelsof Vthe steps,rthat is to say to -prevent lthem se, from rlsing mp, from thel track, I provide guard rails at suitable points, such as 131, 132 and 133, shown in Fig. '1 in dotted lines. The guard 131 is suitably secured in 'positioii and located at the polnt where the con-n veyer passes from the incline to thehorizontal in descending and over the track 16. This guard-compels the wheel which then, leads, as 28,' to follow through the curve down to the horizontal track.v The guard- 132 is locatedl at the end of the lower horizontallandmg and has the same \func tion fasthe guardl 131.5.The guard. 133, which .is located under .the tangential curved stretch under the upper lan'din andv above the track' 19 to the eiirvatureo .whichit conforms,- serves to retain the .wheels 28 on the track, overcoming .their 'tendency'to leave the same lundergthe tension. in the linkage.

Atfhe upper landing, as each'step pass from the' horizontal to enterrthe end: car-r riage, or, vice versa,the. back nosing of the.A step4 rises slightly above the" licor. vof the l landing. This isin harmony withthe de $5- end of the landing ,where this rising occurs .isrinclosed or covered byt-heshunt. y

' aving describedmy invention', what I- iv-1, In adevice of the-class described, an

.ipgrunsa Vdrive appliedjto/onelrun, and

connections between t e runs to utilize one' runas a medium for applying. power 'to the.

vendless conveyer having ascending and ldejscendmg inclined runs and comprising an' `of the lower run, and -an idler shaft prosign, as the shunt is .So located that the free 'other run. 2. In'a device of the dass described, n

linclined conveyer having oppositely movtransmit motion to the transporting run.

4;In a device of the class described, an

endless incliped conveyer having oppositely Amoving runs and comprising a series of lsteps and links connecting the steps, and =driving means consisting of driven pinions engaging the links' of one run and idler pinions engaging the links of both runs.

5. In a device ofthe class described, an

endless series of steps land links connecting :the steps, driving pinions engaging the ,links near the lower end of the descending run, and idler vpinions driven by such run -and engaging the links o'fft-he other run near the top of the incline.`

6. In a device of the class described, an endless conveyer "consisting of an endless n series of steps connected by rack links, and comprising upper and lowerinclined runs, the 'upper' run having horizontal landing portions, a driven shaft having pinions engaging the rack links near the lower end vided wit pin-ions driven by the upper run and engaging the rack links of the upper run near the top of the incline. 7. 'In a device of the class described. the combination with inner and outer tracks forming a way, of a series of connected steps eachghaving a wheel-base the arms of which are of' uneven length and in the same horizontal plaine, the -wheels on the outer traks being on the longer arms and such A arms being bent laterally to pass over the' 'inner trac l s 8. In a device of the class described, a

"A step unit comprising a step, an axle bar lixed thereto in advance off the center lin`e ofthe tread, and 4va wheel-base wider than the tread and comprisin oppositely extending. arms' fixed to the ax e bar.

9. In a 'device of the' class described, a series fof steps provided with axle bars in advance'of the centers .of the treads, links connecting. the axle bars, andv oppositely ex'- tending arms fixedto each axle bar and prol viding a wheel-base.' 601nclined conveyer having -opposltely mov-.

l.'1 0.-. In` a de vice of the class described, a. 125. step',\and .a wheel base 'therefor comprising Oppositely extending arms fixed to the step in advance'of the centerline of the tread. 311. In a device of the class described, an envelopedfrack. 13

' thrust With which the racks cooperate under the action of the pinion.

' 15. In a device of the class described, a conveyer, pinions for driving the conveyer. and an adjustable guide with Which the conveyer coperates under the action of the pinionr 16. In a device of the class described, a

, conveyer, pinions for driving the conveyer,

i yieldinglymounted means coperating 'with and an automatically adjustable guide with which the conveyer cooperatesV underthe action of the pinion.

17. Inca device of the class described, la conveyer provided With driving racks, and a guide cooperating with the racks and permitting change of movement thereof.

18. In a device of the class described, a s ries of rack-connected steps, and a guide With Which the 'back of tlfe racks Contact.

19. In a device of the class described, a conveyer provided With yracks through which motion is communicated t the conveyer, and a guide contacting with the backs of the racks.

20. In a device of the class-described, sections, a guide, and racks pivoted to the sections and provided with contact surfaces cooperating With the guide and located Within the space between the pivot centers.

21. In a device of the class described, sections, and rack links pivoted to the sections,

and each having o-ne of the teeth thereofv located in the line of the pivot center, and

an upthrust to `prevent tilting of the links.

22. In a device of the classdescribed, a series of sections, rack links pivoted to the sections and having the same number of teeth, onetooth of each link being located lin the line of the pivot center,N and an'upthrust to prevent tilting of the links.

23. In a device of, the class described, sections, linkage connecting the sections and composed 'of male vand female rack links having the'same number of teeth, one tooth of each link being located in the line of its pivot center, and an upthrust to prevent tilting of the links.

241. In la device of the class described, a conveyer, ,drivingmeans thereforf and the conveyer for resisting the thrustof the driving means.

25; In a devlce ofthe class described, a"

' lfast tooth of such link.

32.@ In a device of the class described, .i

, lifting action of the pinions.

.conveyer consisting of a series of link connected steps, driving means therefor, anda guide coperat'ing with the links for resistlng the thrust of the driving means.

26. In a device of the class described, a series of' steps, connecting links pivoted to the steps, a pinion engaging the links, and a guide coperating with the links for preventing pivotal movement of the links under the action of the pinion.

27. In a device of the class described, a conveyer consisting of'a series of link connected steps, driving means engaging the links, and an upthrust device cooperating with the links for resisting the thrust of the driving means.

28. In a device of the classdescribed, link .connected steps, a pinion engaging the links,

and connected by toothed links, a pinion enl gaging the links, and an upthrust track with which each link coperates as its end tooth is engaged by the pinion.

31. In la device of the class described, tracks forming a way, steps connected by toothed'links and adapted to the tracks, and a guide located in advance of each pinion With reference to the direction of movement of the links and with which each link isin engagement as the pinion engages the an endless conveyer consisting of a series of link connected steps, driving pinions engaging the links, and a track adapted to cooperate Witl the links for counteracting the overturning action of the pinions.

33. In a device of the class described, an y endless conveyer consisting of a series of steps and rack links connecting the steps, driving 4pinions engaging the links, and a track cooperating with the links to counteract the tendency .of the pinions to lift the links.

34. -In a dev-ice of the class described, a .series of. steps and .rack links connecting the' steps, driving pinions engaging the links, and a guide engaging the opposite side of the rack links for counteracting the 35. Ina device of the class described, a series of steps and rack links connectin the steps, driving pinionslengaging thelmks, and a track coperating with the links for counteracting the lifting action of the pinions, such track bein turned upwardly to guide the advancing .inks under the track.

Y action@ of the pinion.

' 'the links,

s link oifset- ='from mensile 36, In a device'of thev class described; ia. way; steps Yadapted to the way4 and -connected by rack links having bossesha pinionengag;

ing the. links, and. av guide with whichv the bosses are adapted tofcontact under thev 37.111. afde'vice of the classl described,^a way,- steps adapted to -the Way, rack links pivotally connecting the lstepsand having bosses, 'pinions-engagino'l the links, and a track with which the bosses coperate-` to counteraetjthef tiltingof the links under the action ofthe pinions,` the rear boss with ref# erenceto the direction of movement beingv `offset from the pivot of the link to avoid e1ey vation of Vthe linkA out of normal as' the advancing-mid -of-thelink enters acurvBe of the Way. f A

38. In af'd'evicefof the-'class- ;l iscribed,l the combination vwia- Way' havin angularly l disposed-portions, a serieslof--lingkconnected steps*l adaptedfto `the way,v pinionsengaging the-links; and a guideforcounteractin' the tilting "othe link under the-acticu'i o theV 'to compensateffor the movementnf the-link 1n7 cpassing fnom one pertian: of--thefV vvay to anothr- 40. In: 'a device of the classdescribedifthe combination' with a way havingan'inclined and' a horizental portion, i steps adaptedto the yay, links-connecting the-steps andiir` vided with-bossesfpinions en .aging the @is nea-r the-end of th'e.- incline, anda k1 located over each `pinion and` with thereof-under the' action; oi. the 1 pinion,` the bossthe rear end .of the avoidi'elevationof. the linkbutgyngrnnal as theadvancingsend of "the linkj passes from plane, a drive'for the links, and .anl upth-rust engaging,alternatelinks. v

thencl-inefto .the horizontal.

4 1. In a-vdevice-of thefclassff le-SeiibedLav series of movable. steps, linkszconnecting-the steps and alternately arranged'intheisame daggien otallyl connecting the steps,the j"outerluiken being. .provided with v. bosses o iset freni vthe j endsv thereof, vdrivinpinione"-engeging:the

p inions-and .withwhich the lbsses. cnperte counteract fthe itiltinggactionfofthe-pim the pivot` center 'toa series of steps providedwith axlebarsyfaltn nately. arranged inner and-outer links-'f 'iv-r'. ffinedftbthe .axle-bers.

:located` opposite .the

'ms isehavqingyielding upwardly. turned en S iena-device of theclassidseribed, 8' Y seriesof steps connected by rack links, driv- 1n pinionsen agingl therack links and an adustable uptrusty track associated with each pinion Parallel with vthe-line of movement of the links andV coperatingtherewith to counteract tltie.'v tilting-'action of the pinlons. y Y

44. In.- adevioe of the class.descr1bed, a series of stepsconnected'by. racklinks, dmv-- ing pinion's engaging therack links, and

an upthrnst trackrassociatedvwitheach pinion` andc'o Aretingwith` the links to coun# teract theti ting; o the latter under. the ae 4tioirofthe'p inions, such track beingadjustgable fto''andl from` the -pinions to provide a norma-l clearance. between. the track Vand 45. In; a device, off the classl described, the combination. amovin stairway conexistingofas'eriesof `Wheele steps provided with axle fba'rsjraekllinks connecting' the steps, afpinion`engaging. the links to move thesteps, andan-1 n pthrust device adapted to coperatewiththe links to counteract the liftingfectionof the-piniens. v 46." Ina' device of the class' described, aseries fof -linkfcnnected VSte s, a. pinion; en-r gagingthe linksto move' t je. stepsfv ennp- {qxlrust with which theflinks under t flae'tionfof thepinion, endfniean's to-lubri- 47:. :In-7 'a' device of the class;desc)'.iltedz 'a conveyr provided with'linksfandgto Vwhich fmotoxejsgim arfted-,by nshigthe links.

tenia? esce of tescnadesribee, a] conveyer-to whichpovver" is appliedv in driv- .ing'fby, .putting vthe .links incompression.-

4&9k In a device of -the class ldescribed, an-

.'endless f stairway.. consisting; of steps, and rack-.li nks pvctellvlkconnectingr the fsteps, and plnlons' enga gin'g' theP raekflinks and putting.. them` in complessi@ fo drive. ,the n F1 .i

50.' agdevice of thjcless. described,-a step having .it's wheel-basezlwder 'than the 51.111 a. device of the step,.and wheel-carrying. yokes-xed tofthe 'step at one side of-thecenter of the tread'.l

52:1; Ina device' of-:the 8 seriesrofconnected steps hevingaxle-bars, gfiedltheretorinl. advance of the eenterof .fthereoantl Wheel-.carrying'yokes series .of stepsprovidedwithaxlebarg'links connectinggthe 'axle-bars, .fand wheel-carry;

54. In ai device of the class described, the combination with the tracks forming a Way, of a series of steps having axle-bars in advance of the center of the tread yokes provided With carrying-wheels adapted to the tracks, and connections bet-Ween the steps located between the yokes and steps.

55. In a device of the class described, a' step provided with a Wheel-carrying yoke having arms in the same horizontal plane, one arm of'which curves from the vertical plane of the other arm to a parallel vertical plane. i l56. In a device of the class described, astep, and a Wheel-carrying yoke therefor 'havingl arms in the same horizontal plane, of which the inner Iportion of the arms are substantially in a common vertical plane, and the outer ends of the arms are in par-- allel vertical planes.

57. In a device ofthe class described, the combination with inner and outer tracks forming a Way, of a series of steps having yokes the arms of which are in the same, horizontal planel and are provided with Wheels adapted to the tracks, the arms carryingthe Wheels for the outer tracks crossing the inner tracks, and links connecting the steps.

58. In a device of the class described. a step (having a wheel-carrying yoke with k arms' of unequal length.

\`\59. In a device of the class described, a steI'pmvideiWith a wheel-carrying yoke the arms of whielareof unequallength, the` longer arm being associated with the riser of the step. i

' 60.- In a device of the class described-, at step, and 4ansaheal-carrying yol'vlh arms of-u1efutl length, the longer arm extending beyond the riser.

y61. In a device of the class described, he/ combination with upper and lower/tracks forming an inclined way, of/alsies' of con- MrAnnected steps, and Wheeleear'rying yokes the arms of which are-"fruneven/length, the

p wheelrrtheuper track/heilig on the longer `r`/afrn "v' M 62 Illa dgvice of the class described, the

Y c mbilgtici with inner and outer tracks/ofw igt/Series of connected. steps, andfwleel-carryl lng yokes the arms ofwhieh are of uneven length` the wheel 'on the outer track being'i fi/f on the longer farm.

63. In jafdevice of lthe class described, the combination with tracks, of a series of connect'e'd steps, and Wheel-carrying yokesthe. anms of ,which are of uneven `length, the following wheel being on the longer arm.

64. In a device of the class described', the combination with tracks forming a way, of a series .of connected steps provided with yokes the arms of which are of unequalv length and provided with. front and rear carrying-wheelsadapted to the tracks, the

rear wheel arms being the longer and bentor curved to cross the tracks. of the front wheels.

combination with tracks forming a way, of a series of connected steps each of which is provided With a Wheel-carrying yoke, one arm of which is bent over the track for th(` wheel on the other arm.

66. In a device of the class described, the combination with inner and outer tracks, of a series of connected steps having axlebars located in advance of the center of the tread of each step, yokes fixed to the axlebars and the front arms 'oi' which are provided With Wheels adapted to the inner than the Y other ams and provided with wheels adapted to the outer tracks.

67. In a device of the class described, tht` combination with inner and outer tracks forming a way, of-a series of steps having axle-bars located in advance of the center of the tread of each step, yokes fixed to the axle-bars and the front arms of which are provided with Wheels adapted to the inner tracks and the rear arms of which are longer than the other arms and provided with wheels adapted to the outer tracks, the said located at the inner side of the yokes and connecting the steps.

68. In a device of the class described, the combinationvvith tracks `forming a way, oi' steps having VVextendedKaxlgbars, Whccl- .otirgngihevlmbsmenlhe yokes and steps.

/track/s forming an inclined Way, a series of steps, Wheel-'carrying yokes having hubs,

such steps and yokes being fixedl together to links, the length.

72. In a device oi the class described, the combination with tracks forming a way, of a series of steps, Wheel-carryinr yokes rigid with'the steps, and having hu s. and male yokes having rarms ofV unequal and female links pivoted on the hubs of th tracks andthe rear arms ot whiehaarelongcr rear arms crossing the inner tracks, and links carrying yokes having inwardlyitend-ing` hubs, and links connecting the steps and pivprovide units, and rack links pivotally con-/f necting the hubs of/such units whereby the movement of the steps independently of the 65. In a device of the class described, the i l v00A entering the bearing yokes A"and connecting the 'ste s, the yokes having arms of 'unequal lengt 7 3: In a Vdevice of the class described, the.

combination with tracks forming a way, of

'steps having extending axle-bals, 'wheel-canrying yokes having hubs, inks connecting, alternatepars vo`steps and having sleeves pivoted on the yoke hubs of such steps, and alternating links pivoted on the' sleeves of the other links.

74. In 'a device of the class described, the

combination with 'tracks'forming a way,'of

steps having extended axle=bars, wheeloarrying 'yokes having hubs '.int'erlocked with the steps, linksV connecting alternate pairs of vsteps and having end sleeves pivoted oi'it-he yoke hubs of such steps, and alternating inks havingnnd @um pivo'wa 1-1 the sleeves' of the other'links.

" -combination withtracks"formin'g a; way, o'f-A steps having fixed axle-.bars provided with Y extended ends, wheel-carrying yokes, fixed' to I the axle-'bars and having-inwardly extending hubs, such hubs having'tongues interlocked with the steps, inner links'connectjng alternate pairsA of steps andhaving eid sleeves -lpivoted on the yoke hubs of such steps, and' outer links alternating -with the' other links andhaving end collars on Athe sleeves of the latter links` 76. In a device of tel "lass described, tracks forminga Way,.step's.adapted to the l way, andljnksconnecting the steps and havlubricating bushings. 77s I n a device of theclass described, tracks forming' a wey, steps adaptedfto theY Way,- and .male and female links connecting the steps-and providing with lubricating bushings. Y

Y78. Iiia device of the class i/escribedjTJ 'wheeljs carrying yoke having Yarms 'and a AJvvhcl-lfiearing onneach arm integraltheie VWit..

9. In a device Lof the step yoke provided with a ink bearin '80. I'n a device of the class des'cri d, a "pNyoke provided with a'link bearing and Astep cnnectoils. 81.V In a' devic"`o-.the class described, steps, links pivoted to the ste ,1 and yokes connected to the steps fthroug V the :pivotal .center's'of the links. 82.111 ade'vice of theclss described, a; yoke consisting of a single unit providing 'link-bearing arms -and"wheel' .bearings.

83.151111 adeviceof tie class describes, a. step avin' ga'bearing or acarrymg' -iv ee, .and a retaining washer having an extension andsecuredthereiii. 84,111' device 0f the claw described, a step having a bearing for a cai-living-vvheel,

and-@retaining washer havingfan extension 7 5. In'a device of the class described, the

85. In a device of the class described, a series of connected steps having bearingsfor carrying Wheels, a retaining washer for each wheel having 'an `extension entering the bea-ring, and a cot-ter pin securing the exten- "sion-and located at the opposite lside of the 86.' In a device of 'the class described, a se ries of connected steps having tubular bearings, Wheels on such bearings, va, retaining 7'5 Washer having areduced barrel extending into each bearing, and means for securing the barrel in the bearing.

87. In a devicevof the c1as's.described, a step having Wheel-carryin'gyokes provided at the ends `with tubular bearings, wheels onthe bearings, retaining Washers having reduced barrels entering 4the bearings, `and pins for securing the barrelsin thbe bearings.'A

88, In a device of the class" described, a `step having yokes provided atth'e ends with tubular bearings, Wheels on the bearings, retaining washers` entering the bearings and- -v fforming. 'with the lattera lubricant contain il'igchamber.l 90 89.' In a' device of the class describe -a' stepihaving yokes provided at the ends Vwith tubiilar'bearings, wheelsfon the bearings, a "fj retaining washer having a, barrel in *each bearing and closing the opposite endtheeof such barrel being reduced withinthe bea" ing to provide with. the bearing a lubrica containingcharnber, and the bearing haV iii an opening leading froinj-siich'chani 'theWheeL 1 -"1 90. In a device `of-'tl'ie` class step provided with shearing lafste'p Secured on tbe v'beari'Iigjijnlamv'tiSher;

tl'oi'gh-tle ofthe cotter p bearing' to secure' the washer. VIna device of the 'ein step provided with' a bearing,- bearing, and -a cotter pin; b ag,lr`A

92. In a deviceof the class" describedia',

washer, and .a cotteipn the washer'ff. and located away .i'rnil the free jen bearing- 93. Ina deviceof theclasse'scri step 'providedwit-li apwhel L I retaining .washer Wheel and locked against t 94. ifn 'devdef incense@ es@ -step provided f witlijn and gafivlieel etainingwashersecnrednvay frdxn-thefree .endof vthe bearing agillliliiv ing. M" i .:.\1-f.1 95 in. Jdevi of the .class descritta a step provided Withawheel bea-ring, a v iheel 125 retaining washer, and a cotterfpin l:he washeialw1n caring an oc it 'nstinirni 5Y 96. In a devicdlgof tillbla'ss aentering the bearingandse'cured therein by ac'otterpm. ..1 W

and *a .f Y

ay Vfunn the-free end' offsite iso moving hand-rail, a guide therefor, and

means vfor automatically tightening the handfrai'l.

99. In a device of theclass described, the combinationwith a conveyer, of a movmg 4hand-rail therefor, and means for automatiffcally tightening the same.

100. In a device of the class described, the

co'mbiiiation with a conveyer, of a moving lhand-rail therefor, and means for automatically tightening .the hand-rail Without changing the direction of lexure thereof.

101. InaI device of the class described, a

' moving hand-rail, and a tightener therefor contacting the rail withoutV changing the normal direction of fleXure thereof.

102. In a device of the class described, a moving hand-rail, and an automatic tightener therefor located between the terminals.

103. In a device of the class described, a

moving 4hand-rail, and a tightener therefor located between the upper and lower terminals of the moving circuit.

104. In a device of the class described, the

combination with a conveyer, of a moving hand-rail therefor, and a pulley for automatically tightening the hand-rail.

105. In a. device of the class described,

v,vs agn/isgving hand-rail, and a tightener there 40 for ccistingsofijley under tension and' located between the ends`\\ 106.,.In` a device of the class dR'betLt moving hand-rail, and an automatic tighteuenconsisting of a mora-bly mounted pulley hand-rail and movable longitudinallvofthe //ra'1.l, and a ,counter-weight for'moving the pulley totighten the hand-rail. A

10S. In a device of the classfdescribed, a moving hand-rail having an under-cubpor/ tion adapted to engage a guide, ad means for automatically vtightening the hand-rail.

109. In a device of the class described, a moving handrail elliptical in cross section, and .means for 'automatically rtightening the same.-

110. In a device of the class described, a reversible conveyer a balustrade crossing the colveyer to provide a side landing ht each 'en reversible traveling stairway with horizontal landing portions at each end, and a balustrade pa 'allel with the stairway and crossing each landing.

112. In a device of the class described, a conveyor having a portion with bearing surfaces in the same plane, a portion with bearing surfaces in parallel planes, and a portion with bearing surfaces in the same plane, the portions in the same plane having side landings, a'balustrade parallel with the conveyer and crossing its parallel planes.

113. In a device of the class described, a conveyer having a portion with bearing surfaces in parallel planes, and portions at the ends with bearing surfaces in the same plane but at different levels, and a side landing at each level, a balustrade parallel with the conveyer and crossing its parallel planes.A L

114. In a device of the class described, a carrying rung with tread surfaces in the same plane, in parallel planes, and again in the same plane, reversibly operated in either direction, a balustrade parallel with the conveyer and crossing its parallel planes.

115. In a device of the class described, a carrying run with tread surfaces in the same plane, in parallel planes, and again in the same plane, reversibly operated in either direction and with similar end landings, and a balustrade parallel with the stairway and crossing each landing.

11'0. In 'adevice of the class described, a carrying run with tread surfaces in the same plane, in parallel planes, and again in the same plane reversibly operated in either direction, with entrance and egress at the `sidearbalustra de parallel with the conveyor and crossingts parallel planes.

117 In a device'of the class described, a arrying run with tread surfacesin'the same plneingpwelplanewd agannrthe same plane, r versibly operated-in either crossing its parallel planes. 1,18'. A reversible conveyer having a shunt at each end, such shunts leadingr to the same side.

119,'A conveyer consisting of'a''in'clined run and a horizontal/landing portion atA eachwendfai/d a shunt crossing each landing portion, such shunts leading t6 the same side of the eonveyer. A

120. In a devigefof the class described, a conveyer, a shunt crossing the conveyer,-and a travelinglhand-rail also crossingthe con- Iv-eyer infront of the shunt.

l121. In a device of the class described, a conveyer having a horizontal landing portion, a shunt crossing the landing portion, and a traveling hand-rail passing along the side of the conveyer and extending across "direction and providdpvlitlr side/landingshlliL aY-balustradpall'el with the conveyer and @i In a deviceof the class described, a the landing portion in front of the shunt.

idlers with which thehand-railcoperaties in passing' from one ulley to the other.

4130. In a device'o the class described, anA endless conveyerhaving an inclined carry-'- portion and horizontal landingportiensl at the ends ofthe incline, means for driving` the conveyer, a shaft having idlers engaging v both runs, an endless hand-rail extending` along one side of the incline and crossing one or both'landing portions-,pulleys at 'the 7l Vends of the landing portions coperating. with theiha'ndrail, and Aa vdriving connec-` tion between the `idler shatand one of such .y pulleys. 131. In a device. of the class described, an' 80 endless conveyerfhaving oppositely movingruns-one of which consists V of anV inclined carrying portion and horizontal landing portions at lthe ends ofthe incline, means' for driving the conveyer, a shaft'having idlers 85 engaging both runs-an endless hand-rail ex- 122.- 'In adevice of the class described, a conveyer having an inclined carrying-portionand a horizontal landing portion, a sta- ,tionary shunt at the landing portion, and a traveling hand-rail passing along one 'side of the conveyer and crossing the landing prtionin front of and substantially parallelA with the shunt. Y 123. In a device ofthe' class described, a conveyer having an inclined run and horizontal landing portions at the' ends of the incline, a stationary shunt :rossingv each llanding portion, and a traveling hand-rail passing along one side of the conveyer and crossing each landing portion in front of its associatedstationary shunt. f Y

124. In a device of the .class described, ai conveyer having an inclined carrying por; .tion and a horizontal landing portion 'at' each end, and a traveling hand-rail having portions crossing both landingportions.V

.125.- I n a device of the class described, Va conveyer, a 1traveling hand-rail havinga tractive surface and providing a shunt for each end of the conveyer, and driving and dellecting \pu1leys gwithwhich the tractive surface only comes infcontact. 126. In a device of the class described, a

conveyer, a traveling hand-raill havin a hand-grasp surfaceyand -a traotive sur ace and crossm the :conveyer at. each v end to I provide as luitfandfdrivingandsupport;A

. `ingpulleys withwhicla'the tractive surfaceV only comes in contact.

127. Indevicel ofthe cl'ass described, a conveyer', an endless hand-rail substantially elliptical in Vcross section cut outatone side, the said hand-rail crossingv the conveyeraty each end lto provide ashnnt, a drive pulley,

-tendmgalongone side of theincline and vcrossing both landing portions, pulleys at the ends of thelanding portions coperating Y f with the hand-rail, and drivmg connections between the idler shaft and both-pulleys. V13 2. In a; device of the vclass described, an

endless conveyer 'having' oppositely moving one of which consists o'an inclinedv transportingporticn and horizontal-land- 95 ving portions at the ends of the incline, driven pinions engaging one run, a shaftfV having lidlers engaging both runs,; an endfV less hand-rail extending along' one sidefoi Athe incline and crossin .both landingp'or- 100 tions tothe o posite side of the conveyer, horizontal p ey'sat the ends of the landing portions wlth which the handrail coperaates, sprocketV wheels, connections between 40' `the: sprocket wheels and the pulleys, chains 105 engaging bothsprocket wheels, a cross shaft having sprocket wheels engagin the chains, .v "tfpor; land acnnection'betw v'n such s aft and the' engaging thesalneat smch'lportionv and pulleys vfor Vdcilctingthe handrail from-.the drive pulle `ts`ifretu`rn 'tretchg' and 'vic-versa, all ci th said pulle ing. the hand-.rail throiighfthe out? may. 1 13a-,In a deviefbftheiass, destibeafno 128. In a e ofthe class des ribed, a" Z the combination wit'l a conveyer adapted to; conveyer h vinga-n inclined carrying por- ,be driverin eitherf rection and having an vtion fand a'h ol'iontal anding p'ortlonat l each end ofthe-incline, pulleys atV the lends@ 59 and at the Asame sid'eof the landing portions;

, an endlesshand-rail passing along one side of the incline andlcrossing the lgpiing O'# tions'to the pulleys, andidlers er w fchg the ha d-railjpa s`ses. from -oriejpulley to the .(Jlhel@A I 129.='In a device.of the class described, conveyer having anjinclin/ed carrying .tionanda hoylzontal landing portion' at e'aclien`-v of the incline, pulleys atthe ends. and att e same side of the landing portions, a continuous handrail 'engaging one pulleygf and crossing the adjacent'landing 'to the- `other'side citha conveyer and extending alon thefinelinetoftheother landing acrossfl whic it` passestdjthe other; pulley, and..

runfand-"horizontal,landing ;por# y tions Aat thofendsof-the'incline, of anendless hand+rail Vhaving .jportions cross- 1115 "ing'fan formingmoving shunts lfor both :traveli .landing portions'.

g handraillpassing along nejside 9i theincline Vand crossing both landingportions, liorizontal pulleys at the ends otthe landing. Yportions. and lat the I opposite/side f the conveyer around which j thehand-rail passes, and a vertical and an ythe other.

'ce ,ofvv the l class described, la

v.conveyer- V having an inclined run` and^ hori.

lital iandin .portions at the ends of the 12o ine, a travin jangularlydisposed idler at each enjd ofthe conveyer-:around which thereturn stretch ofthe hand-rail passes from vone pulley to

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