John P Spriggs

US Patent:

54272211, Jun 27, 1995

Filed:

May 12, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/241626

Inventors:

John P. Spriggs - Roswell GA
James F. Evans - Stockbridge GA

Assignee:

Home Elevators, Inc. - Roswell GA

International Classification:

B66B 2304

US Classification:

198335

Abstract:

The present invention is an improved escalator handrail drive system. The system includes a drive wheel with an uphill and downhill side, an escalator handrail wrapped around a portion of the drive wheel, and two pressure rollers. One pressure roller is positioned adjacent to the downhill side of the drive wheel and forms a first nip therebetween and the other pressure roller is positioned adjacent to the uphill side of the drive wheel and forms a second nip therebetween. The escalator handrail is driven by the drive wheel with the assistance of the uphill pressure roller and the downhill pressure roller applying pressure to the handrail as it passes through each of the first and second nips so as to ensure sufficient contact area between the drive wheel and the handrail. There are also at least two guide rollers with at least one positioned adjacent to the downhill side of the drive wheel and at least one positioned adjacent to the uphill side of the drive wheel. The guide rollers provide for a smooth transition for the handrail as it travel around the drive wheel.

US Patent:

55224920, Jun 4, 1996

Filed:

Jun 21, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/492744

Inventors:

John P. Spriggs - Roswell GA
James F. Evans - Stockbridge GA

Assignee:

Home Elevators - Roswell GA

International Classification:

B66B 2304

US Classification:

198331

Abstract:

The present invention comprises an improved escalator handrail drive system. The system is a drive wheel with an uphill and downhill side, an escalator handrail wrapped around a portion of the drive wheel, and two pressure rollers. One pressure roller is positioned adjacent to the downhill side of the drive wheel and forms a first nip therebetween and the other pressure roller is positioned adjacent to the uphill side of the drive wheel and forms a second nip therebetween. The escalator handrail is driven by the drive wheel with the assistance of the uphill pressure roller and the downhill pressure roller applying pressure to the handrail as it passes through each of the first and second nips so as to ensure sufficient contact area between the drive wheel and the handrail. There are also at least two guide rollers with at least one positioned adjacent to the downhill side of the drive wheel and at least one positioned adjacent to the uphill side of the drive wheel. The guide rollers provide for a smooth transition for the handrail as it travel around the drive wheel.