Apparatus for and method of measuring tension in a handrail for an escalator or moving walkway
US8061215B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 22, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2203/0023
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for and a method of measuring tension in a handrail for an escalator or moving walkway provides for three support or contact points on the handrail. Two outer or first and second support points are provided by rollers at either end of the support bar. A centre point is provided by a suction cup or other attachment device that grasps the handrail. The centre point is displaced relative to the first and second points by an amount less than a clearance between the handrail and an underlining guide. This displacement and the load necessary to cause the displacement, together with the overall dimensions of the apparatus enable the tension in the handrail to be provided. The use of a suction cup effectively overcomes the requirement to provide a centre point on the opposite side of the handrail from the two other support points, this other side not otherwise being accessible in use.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.