US1043542A - Conveyer. - Google Patents

Description

U. D. SHEBBRGER.

GONVEYBR. APPLIGMION ULEB MAR. 1o, 1906. RENBWBD MAB. 1,043,542.

4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

Patented Nov. 5, 1912.

l ww w f l/ 1 QQ KW y Y wlmfssfs.-

Ce D. SEEBERGER.

CONVEYER. AYPLIUATION FILED MAR 10, 1906. RENEWED MAR. www@ C. D. SEEBBRGER.

GONVBYER. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 10. 1900. RBNEWED MAR. 16, 1010.

, Patented Nov. 5, '1912.

` 4 SHEETS- SHEET s.

UNTED STATES PATENT OFFICE. y

CHARLES D. SEETBERGER, OF YONKERS, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR T .OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY, A CORPRATION 0F NEV JERSEY.

CONVEYER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 5, 1912.

Application iled March 10, 1906,* Serial No. 305,206. Renewed March 16, 1910. Serial No. 549,738.

To all whom it may concern: y

Be it known that I, CHARLES D. Sannita our, a citizen of the United States, residing at Yonkers, in the count-y of Westchester and State of New York, have 4invented certain new and useful Iniprovcinentsin Conlveyers, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the acconipanying drawings.

y This invention has reference to conveyers, and particularly to that type of conveyers in which a traveling footway, preferably in the forni of a series of connected steps, extends between different levels for transporting freight or passengers therebetween.

The invention has for its objects generally toprovide certain novel and useful improveincnts in this class of machines, and it consists in the organizations and arrangements of parts hereinafter particularly described and then pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings-Figures l and 2 together show diagrainmatically and partially in elevation the general arrangeineiit of a traveling ootway embodying myinvention, Fig. l illustrating the lower end of the machine and Fig. 2 terniediate portion of the incline being broken out for convenience of illustration. Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view on' the line 3--3 of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 isa similar view on the line ll-t ot' Fig. 2, showing the rear -*wheel of one step seating upon the -iront wheel of the following step; Fig. 5 .is a plan view showing' the terminals ofthe tracks for the rear wheels at the upper landing; Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic side' view vshowin the location of the drive and associate' uptlirust, and also an intermediate idler which iiiay-be employedgF ig. 7 is a view in side elevation, and von an enlarged scale, showing `the upthrust and steplinkage cooperating therewith; Fig. 8 is a central transverse sectional view through theJipthi-ust; Fig. 9 it a detail plan viewof the take-up idler einployedwith the upthrust; Fig. 10 -is a detail view/in side, elevation of the intermediate idler sligwn in Fig. 6'; Fig. l1 is a plan view of thefcnstruction shown in Fig. 10; Fig. l2 is a detail: .sectional view of the idler, with its sliding bearing; Fig. 13 is a detail vview of the step-linkage'; Fig. 14- is a sectional view on the line M-ltof Fig. 13

loo-king in the direction of the arrows; and

the upper, the in-` breaking into step-like formation and tiavagain run in a horicling along the incline, Zonta-l plane to form an upper landing" 22. In the presentdisclcsure the machine is assumed to transport Ain an ascending direction, although it is obvious that its direction of movement may be reversed so as to transport in a descending direction. At the lower level a horizontal track 23 is located at each side of the machine, and this track extends at an incline to the upper level where it again assumes a horizontal position. An upper track 2li on each side, originates above itsassociated lower track at a point adjacent the `linner end of the lower landing 21, and gradually curving away from the lower track continues at a suitable elevation above and parallel with the lower track along the incline', terminating at the entrance of the upper landing 22 where it curves toward theV lower trackLthe ends of the track 24t being at the same distance above the track 23. In the resent embodiment of the invention the trac rs overlap in the saine vertical plane, the upper track 24l track 23as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. These tracks, as there shown, may be formed from a single casting and connected 'by aweb or bracket 25 which may be suitably secured to the supporting frame, or they may be separately carried on 4the frame.

The lower tracks 23 receive `tie front wheels 26 of each step, assuming the footway to ascend on its transport-ing run, while the rear wheels 2T cooperate with the upper tracks 24. Beyond the upper landing the steps pass through a suitable farriage 2S which is provided with a curved extension 29 of t-he track 23 and which with a track 30 provides a channel for the front wheels ot' the steps. A similar channel, consisting of a. curved track 3l and aguard track 32, is provided for the wheels 2T. The trackage for the return run of the 'footway consists of overlapping tracks 33 and 34, the arrangement ci the tracks being reversed so that the extending outside ofthe side' a curved track 36 tracks 83"'for the rear wheels are below the tracks 34 for the front Wheels to corres ond with the reversal of the steps; the trac s 33 are continuations of the tracks 31, and extend horizontally at 4their ends under lthe upper and lower landings. i The lower end of the track 33 is curved upwardly and terminates slightly beyond its horizontal portion. V

At the lower end of the machine the, steps pass through a carriage lhaving at each or the front wheel 26 and in extension of the track 23, the entrance to suchextension having a. curved guard track 37,-while a curved track 3S serves to carry the rear wheels 27 through the carriage.

From the foregoing it will be observed that at each landing only a single track is employed at each side of the machine, while along the inclines the trackage consists of upper andlower tracks. The terminals of each of the tracks 24 and 34 are reduced in width for a suitable distance andare s0 spaced from the lower tracks 23 and 33 that the upper portions of the lower Wheels come flush with. the treads of the terminals, as shown in `Fig-4. It is obvious' that the terminals ot' the tracks at the entrance and exit of each u/arriage may be arranged inthe same manner. It is also obvious that the form of the tracks may be varied :tor accomvplishing this result without departing front In the present embodiment of the invention each step is provided with an axle bar 39 on the ends of which are pivoted the front wheels 26 adapted to the inner tracks 23 and 34. This axle bar is suitably secured to the step-trame as by pins 40 and is located at the side opposite the riser. A yoke or arm `41 is suitably secured, as by means of a pin'42, to the axle bai-inside of each wheel 26 and is spaced from the step-frame a suitable distance, as shown in Figs. 4`and 5, for the purpose to be hereinafter pointed out. Each arm preferably extends beyond the stepriser and has pivoted at its tree end the outer wheel 2T, the arm being deflected or bent outwardly so as to locate the rear wheel in position to cooperate with its associated track. lach arin'4l is inclined upwardly with reference to the tread of the step, and the,

tracks on the int-,lines are so related that when 'the stepwheelsengage the same the treads will he maintained in horizontal position. The length of each arm is such that the rear wheel 27 thereon is, at the landings on the transporting run, located over the 'front wheel 26v of the followlng step, and on, the return rununder the wheel 26 othe "following step.

With the arrangement of tracks described the tro-nt wheels26 are in engagement'with the lower tracks 28 throughout the trans- Loeaiyea porting run, and on the incline the |rear wh yls 2T travel on the tracks 24.' At the lan linge, however, on the transporting run, the rear wheels 27 of each step scat themselves upon. and are supported hy the front wheels. ot the following step, as shown in Figs. l and 2. IThe structure delineated in these figures being duplicated on the other side of the machine, it will be apparent that,l

each step passes to the lower landing 2l the front wheels 26 thereof come flush with the treads of the tracks 38 so that the inner overlapping edges of the rear wheels 27 ot the step in advance, as the latter wheels leave the track 38, will seat u on the wheels 26. The wheels 27 while t us supported turn freely so as to avoid triction, and they preferably are made without flanges. Adjacent. the curve at the bottom of the incline, the rear wheels pass to the track 24, and the relation ot' the'tracks cause the footway to break into and continue in steplike formation to the upper end-of the incline. At the terminahof the track 24 at the upper landing the rear wheels of each ste again seat upon the front wheels of the fo lowing step and are supported thereby as.

rangement is reversed, and the wheels 26 seatl upon the wheels 27 and are supported thereby until they enter the upper track 34 on the return run. At the bottom of the return run the wheels 26 again seat upon the wheels 2l' and are `supported thereby unt-il the steps enter the lower carriage, by which the steps are presented to the transporting run with their treads uppermost. l

The steps are connected by suitable links 43 which are pivoted to the axle bars bctween the attached ends\of the arms 41 and the step-trames as shown in Fig. 5. Each link as shown in Figs. 13 and 14 is provided with a bifurcated sleeve 44 at one end, and a collar 4,5 at the kopposite end, and a bushing 46 passes through the associated sleeve and collar and is loosely mounted on the axle hai-'between the yoke and end ot' the stepframe. ln assembling the parts the collar ofc-ne link is entered in the bifurcation of another link end the bushing is then inserted nfnd secured to the hifurcated ends or sleeve. W ith this arrangement the collar is free to .turn on the bushing, and as the. bushing t'urnson the axle the other end of the link is capable of pivotal movement. on the axle as the step passies the curves ortravels '-hrough the carriages at the ends of 'the machine. rlhe links are provided with teeth, and in order to prevent interference between the end teeth of the links at the points where the direction of movement is changed, the tooth at the biturcated end of" Ies permits the end teeth to overlap without interference and at the same time preserves the continuity ot the teeth. As shown in Figs. 7 and 1t) the links are provided with bosses -tb over the pivotal points thereof for a purpose hereinafter described, In the present arrangement these bosses are formed on the bi'tureated ends of the links, although they may be located on the collars l?.

The steps may be driven in any suitable manner. as by means of sprockets 4t) tixed. to a suitably drivenV cross-shaft at) and engaging the rack linksof both runs, preferably near the upper end of the incline. sprockets it) may be iu the form of lantern wheels having anti-friction rollers fil (inthe spindles 5,:2 thereof, as shown in Fig. 7.

The action ot' the driving sprockets tends to lift' the steps and also turn the links upon their pivots as they engage the. extreme teeth thereon. To counteract this action, a suitable upthrust is provided. l'his upthrust is located at the side of the linkage opposite the sprocket engaging the associated line of linkage. ln-the present instance this upthrust consists of a'n endless chain 53, which is carried by end idler sprockets 5llocated at opposite sides of the shaft 5t), as shown in Fig. The idlers are fixed to shafts 55 suitably journaled in brackets 5t) supported by the frame work of the machine. The chain 53 is composed of alternate male and female shrouds 57 and 58, respectively. The male shrouds-T are channel shape in cross section, as shown in Fig. 8, and the female shrouds are provided with ears 59 which overlap the male shrou'ds and receive pivot pins t3() passing through suitably alined apertures in the male and female shrouds. rlhese pins are provided with rollers G1. This construction provides a practically continuous surface or face along the under stretch of the chain. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8 the side walls of the male shrouds project beyond the female shr'ouds so as to embrace a guide (32, which in the present .instance is located above the operative stretch of the cihain and parallel with the line of movement of the step linkage. This guide is carried bybraekets (33 suitably secured to the frame work of thermachine, and acts as a bearing surface' or abutment for the chain when the links engage its opposite face. In order to maintain the chain .under proper tension, a tightener sprocket 64 is mounted in a sliding block (fprovided at its ends with ribs (3G engaging suitable guide ways (37 in the brackets G3. Expansion springs (i8 reactingbetween the track and the block serve to press the tightener upwardly thereby automatically taking up the slackin the chain. As the driveslinks connecting the steps come under the action of' the driving pinion any tendencyof thestepsf'to rise or of the links to tilt or turn is counter-acted b v the engagement ot' the. bosses llS with the upt'hrust chain, and as such chain is entirely supported by idlers, it provides a travelingl upthrust which is freely movable in the same direction as and under the action of the drive-links. guide U2 provides a rigid abutment to receive the thrust of the chain` and as the chain is 1no\al1le under the action of the sprockets and the bottom of the incline,

very great, and in long machines it is highly objectionable owing to the great wear on the sprockets. I provide means for reducing` the load on Al i. drive sprockets, and to this end I intl 5e tid-leas 70 between the drive sprockets and the bottom of the ineline. ABy this--arrange1nent, theweight of the steps on each' run between the point' where the idlers are located and the `bottom of the incline 1s carried by such idlers,

while only the weight from the idlers 70 to the drive .prockets is placed on the latter Sprockets. 1n the present case show Lut a single instance of suchidlers, but it is obvious that these may be'duplicated and located at suitable intervals so that a plurality of such weight-dividing means may be employed. In the present embodiment, these idlers are mounted on a cross-shaft 7l, and engage, the upper and lower lines of links at the adjacent sides! The shaftj't'l is jonrnaled in bearing blocks 72 supported by longitudinal beams 73, which in turn are supported by transverse beams '74. While these idlers may be of any .suitable character l have shown them in the presentinstance -as lantern wheels, the spindles thereof being' 'the providedwith antifrietion rollers 7 The bearing blocks are slidably mounted on guide plates 76 bolted to the beams 73; and each guide plateA is p rovidedwth an ear 77 having an aperture passingtherethrough, and a ro'd 7 8 passes through the aperture and is in` threaded engagement with the bea-ring block; A coil spring 79 is interposed between the ear and the bearing block,

land such spring normally tends to move the bearing block toward the drive sprockets 49, the movement in this direction being limited by a stop nut S0 threaded upon the rod. The Springs 7 9, by pressing the idlers in a. direction opposed to the weight or hang of the stjairwa` hold the teeth thereof against the teeth o the links when then hang thereon,

. the springs act as s. counterbnlence for the-- and such springs are adjusted-'to e resist'- snce corresponding to the nor-melload, due

to the weight of the steps and connections supported thereby. y

vIt'. will be obvious from the foregoing that lood supported. thereby, endvthet when subjected to strains in excess of such load ywill yield,'thus taking Careof inequalities of ingnsion.` i

It will also be lobvious thet instead of'l springs any other suitable means may be employed as e counterbalence, as, for exemple, a. suspended weight.v

In F ig. 15 e cross sectionjof aitrnvelinghand-rail 8i' is shownvwliich may be ernployed with the stairway. vThis bend-rail ispreferebly -C-shape in cross-section and `82, the folds 83 between the plies being located t tle cross-sectionell ends of the rail. in the present/'instance the edges 84 of the strip terminate adjacent the seine cross-sec# tional. end of the rail 'with the lfolds therest located between such edges. A seperate 4weer strip 85`covcrs the internal fecev of the rail and also the olds 83 end edges 84 to protect the seine from weer. The canvas, o r

other fabric may be coated with, cemented together by, or embedded in suitable mete rial, such as rubber, es indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 15, ns is usnel in this class ofl devices.

"Having 'described Ing/,invention what l. cleimyisl. In a device-of the class described, e

wey, and a series of steps each having wheel-V carrying arms copereting with an adjacent step at a certain portion of the wcyJto ineintain tlie tread of the step horizontal. l

2. In` a vdevice of the class described, e

l wey, ende series of wheeled-steps edepted theretothe wheels at one side o each step coperating with en adjacent step to maini tain its tread horizontal.y

3A In 'a device of the clessdescribed, .e ,.wcy, and a series of wheeled-steps trevelin' thereon, one wheel of each step being seated on" thel wheel of en adjacent step at n cer tain portion of the-way.

4. In edevice of the class. described, ey

wey,`nd Verseriesof ste shaving cnrrying wheels` one wheel of ezio i step being loosely scatedon a. wheel of an eid-jacent step et a certain portionof the wey.

5. Info. device of .the 'class described, a'

Wiy, and e series of steps adapted -to the;

wey/and having frontend rear carryingwheels, one pair of Wheels of eachstep being seated on wheels of an edjecentstep et certain portionsof the weyQ s a .6. In` n device of the class descr`b`ed, npper and lower-ways connected bylinclined weys,e series of steps adapted to the ways end having iront sind resr carrying Wheels, the front wheels of each step supporting the rear wheels of en adjacent step on one ywey and the rear wheels supporting the front wheels of en adjacent step on the other wey tolmnintein the treads of the steps horieon.- 'te 7. ln a. device of the class described, in-

clined tracks one of which is provided with s horizontal lending portion, e, series of `steps having Wheels en aging both tracks wey consisting of upper and lower inclined tracks, the lower tinck having horirontsi lending portions and the upper tracks ter mineting beyond che ends of the incline,

series of steps havin@ front and reer wheels, the letter engaging' the lower treclrs throughout the length thereof vend the former. sees d ing on the front wheels etthe lending por tions. i

l0. in n device of the class described, a ,wey consisting of lower inclined tracks .hev- 'ing horizontal end portions end up er tracks parallel with the lower trsclrs et t e incline end terminating beyond the ends of the inelaine, the upper track et erich side overlap-- ping thelower tinck, of 'steps having front upper tracks, respectivel the'reer 'wheels' seating on the front Awhee s et the horizontal portions.

A11. in e device of thecless described, a. way consisting of upper end lower inclined tracks overleppin in the same vertical plenc and connecting iderent levels, the lower tracks having horizontal landing portions and the u per trac-ks extending beyond the ends ostie incline and beingreduced in width at the terminals, and e series of steps having front sind rear wheels adopted to the lower and upper' tracks, respectively, the rear Wheels of euch step being seated on the front wheels of the following step et the levels and gradually passing to or .from such wheels 'at the reduced terminals of the upper tracks.

12, In a device of the class described, a wey consisting 0I" upper and lower inclined tracks overlapping in the same vertical pleno and connecting di'lerent levels, the lower treclzsvheving horizontal landing portions' rind the upper tracks extending beyondthe iso4 105 and reiir wheelsndepted to the lower and` ends connected by carria lwidth-at the-terminals, A each of' which'is provided with axle bars and being reduced in and a series of steps `ends of the incline andrearwardly and upwardly inclined yoke- .-ar1ns, whe'els on the axle bars and the ends of the yoke 4arnis adapted to the lower and 4upper tracks, respectively, the rear wheels VYof each step-being seated on the front wheels of the following step at the horizontal landing portions, and gradually passing-from or to such wheels at the reduced terminals of thetracks associated therewith.

1'3.In a -device of the class described, trackage vfor vthe upper and lower runs of a traveling stairway connecting different levels, steps having front and rear wheels adapted to the trackage, the front wheels of each step at the levels of the upper run supporting the rear' wheels ot` the preceding step and the rear wheels supporting the front wheels of the' succeeding step at the levels of the lower run:

le. In a device of the class described, trackage for the upper andilower runs of a traveling stairway, the trackage for each run consisting of upper andl'lower inclined tracks, the lower tracksl having horizontal ges for changing the direction ot' movement of the stairway, steps having front and rear wheels adapted re spectively to the lower and upper tracks on the upper run, and to the upper and lower tracks `on the lower run, the frontwheels ot' each. step supporting the rear wheels of an adjacent -step on the horizontal on the upper run and the rear wheels supporting the fronty wheels of an adjacent step on the lower horizontal run.

15. In a device of the class described, ar

series of steps having front and rear wheels,v

a way having inclined and horizontal portions providing'a. track for each wheel at the incline and for the front wheels only at the landings, at which points the rear wheels ot each step are. seated on the front wheels of an adjacent step'.

16. In a device of theF class described, a traveling stairway providing upper and lower runs and consisting ot' a series ot' connected steps having front and rear pairs oi wheels, yoke arms on which the rear wheels are pivoted, and tracks for the runs consistinglof a track for both pairs ot' wheels on the incline and for one pair of wheels only ofeach step at the landings, the other pair of wheels being supported by the wheels ot' an adjacent ste ,A

17. In a device of the class described, a way having upper and lower horizontal portions and an intermediate inclined portion, upper and lower tracks on the inclined portion, a single track on each of the horizon tal portions, and a series ot' sections moving on the tracks and being intel-supporting on the horizontal portions of the Way.

class described, a

way having upper and lower horizontal poi-- tions and. an intermediate inclined portion, upper and lower tracks on the inclined portion, a single track on each of the horizontal portions, and a seriesot' steps moving on the tracks, each step supporting an adjacent step on the horizontal portions ot' the way.

19. In a device of the class described, a way having upper and lower horizontal portions and an intermediate inclined portion, upper and lower tracks on the inclined portion, a single track on each of the horizontal portions, a series of steps nioving on the tracks, and front and rear wheels on each step running on the inclined tracks and one 4set thereof bearing on adjacent steps on the 22. In a device of the class described, a

series of steps having front and rear wheels the latter being below the former in a vertical plane, upper and lower tracks to which the upper and lower wheels, respectively, are adapted, the `lower tracks having inclined portions which extend the ends, and the upper tracks being spaced a greater distance from the lower tracks on the incline than the diameter of the wheels and being reduced in width at the ends andterniinating with the'tread surface thereof a distance tromthe diameter of the Wheels, whereby as the rear wheels of each step leave the upper tracks they seat upon the front wheels of the following step.

23. Ina device of the class described,l a way, a series of connected steps having front and rear wheels, yoke arms on which the rear Wheels are pivoted and which are of such length as to locate the wheels thereof above the lfront Wheels of the following step, and tracks having terminals for seating the rear wheels of a step on the front wheels `of the adjacent step as the steps pass from the incline to the horizontal.

24. In a device of the class described, upper and lower ways connected by end-carriages, a series of connected steps having horizontally at 105 lower tracks equal to the i running on the tracks, the tracks being uni-A way having inclined and horizontal portions providing upper and lower tracks, a series of steps having front and rear wheels formly spaced apart in the incline and at a greater distance apart than the diameter of the wheels, Aand the upper tracks at the horizontal portions approaehingthe lower tracks and terminating in the plane of the upper portions vof the wheels on the lower track.

26. ln' a device of the class described,upper and lower ways connected by end-carriages, a series of connected steps having front and rear wheels, upwardlyinclined yoke arms on which the rear wheels are piv! oted and which are of such length aste locate the rear wheelsof each step above or under the front Wheels of the following step as lthe steps move-in a horizontal direction on the upper Iand lower ways,-respectively, each way consistinv of upper and lower inclined tracks, the front and rear Wheels on one way being adapted to the upper and lower tracks, respectively, and to the lower and upper tracks-on the other way, the lower tracks having horizontal ends and the upper tracks terminating beyond the ends of the inclines in position to lead the. wheels traveling thereon to or to. receive them from the wheels in engagement with the lower track f of each way.

Q7'. In a device of the class described, a series of steps each of which is provided with an axle-bar having wheels fixed thereto, wheel-carrying yoke-arms on the axlebar and spaced from the ends of the steps, and linkage connecting the axle-bars between the yokes and the ends of the steps,

the links having the teeth thereof in line.

Q8. ln a device of the class described` a series of steps, each step having an axle bar and being provided with carrying wheels, and rack-links connecting the axle bars.

each link having a bifurcation at one end re` ceiving the adjacent end of another link to bring the teeth of the links in line.

29. ln a device ofthe class described, a series of steps, each having an axle bar and .being provided with carrying wheels, and

i'aclclinls each of which is provided with a bifurcation at one end receiving the opposite end of the adjacent link.

30.1ln'a device of the class described. va

step having an axle bar and carrying-wheels, a pair of links one of which is provided with 4a bifurcated sleeve and the other with a collar entering the bifurcation to bring the teeth of the links in line, theaxle'bar passing through the said sleeve and collar.

31. In al device of the class described, a series of steps each having an axle bar and carrying-wheels, rackdinks each of which is provided at one end with a bifurcated-sleeve and at-the other with a collar, a bushing# loosely mounted on each axle and to which Leashes the collar of a link is fixedthe bifurcatcd end of the adjacent link being pivoted on the bushing and receiving the collar of the other link.

. `32. In a device of the class described, a series of steps provided with axle bars and carrying-wheels, bushings on the axle bars, and links connecting the axlebars, one of such links having a collar pivoted on the. associated bushing and the other va bifurcatedsleeve fixed on the bushing and receiving the collar, the sleeve havinga tooth disalined from the other teeth whereb)v the continuity of the teeth is' preserved and pivotal movement of the links is permitted without interference of the end teeth of adjacent links.

33. ln a device of the class described, steps having axle bars and links connecting the axle bars, the connection between adja cent links consisting of a collar on one link Aand a bifurcated sleeve on the other receiving the collar, the said sleeve and collar having pivotal movement on the axle bar` and the end tooth of the former link being split andlocated on the sleeve at opposite sides of the collar, whereby the continuity of -the teeth is preserved and pivotal movement the action` of and uniformly7 in the directionl of the conveyer.

36. ln a device of the class described, a conveyer, andan upthrust adapted to cooperate with and be moved uniformly in the direction of the conveyer.

37. In a device of the class described,- an endless upthrust movabler freely under the action of the co'iiveyej.-

38. In .a device of the class described, an endless uptlirust consisting of a chain having a flatlpontact surface.

39. ln a device of the classdescribed, a se ries of link connecte steps, a driving wheel engaging the links to drive the steps, and an endless upthrust with which the links are adapted to cooperate under the action of the wheel, and idlers for the chain. .I

40.- In a device of the class described, the combination with a series of-linli connected sections, a wheel' engaging the links to drive the sections, and an upthrust to coun teract the lifting and tilting action of the driving wlieeland comprising a rigid abuty nient parallel with'the normal line of movev ment of the links and a friction reducing traveler Abetween the links and .the abut ment.

41. In a device of the class described, the

combination with a series ef link connected.

the conveyor, a rigid 'abutment over and parallel with the line of movement of the' ing and tilting action of the driving Wheel.

and consisting of a freely movable endless chain having the lower stretch thereof parallel with the direction of movement of the links.

43. In a device df the class described, a series of steps, rack `links connecting the steps, a sprocket engaging the links to move the steps, and an upthrust to resist the lifting and tilting action of the sprocket, and consisting of an endless chain having the lower stretch thereof parallel with the directionof movement of the links, and a guide for such stretch of the chain.

44. In a device of the classvdescribed, a series of link connected steps, bosses on the links, a sprocket engaging the links to drive 'the steps, an endless ii`pthrust chain located above the links and normally ont of engagcment with the bosses, idlers for the chain, and a giiide for the stretch of the chain adapted to coperate with 'the bosses.

45. In a device of the class described, a conveyor, an endless iipthrust therefor, and ay tension device for the iipthrust.

46. In a device of .the class described, al conveyer, an iipthrust therefor consisting of an endless chain,'and a tension device for the chain.

47. In a device of the class described. a series of link-connected steps, a. driving sprocket engaging the links, and an npthriist consisting of an endless chain with which thelinks are adapted to coperate iinder the action of the sprocket,I idlers by which the chain is carried,'and a spring pressed take-np idler engaging the,cliain.

48. In a device `ofthe class described, a sei-ics ot' link connected steps, a sprocket engaging the links, and an liptliriist consisting of a chain located over and arallel` with the line ot' movement of the lin is, a giilide track for the stretch of the chain adapted to cooperate with the links, idlers by which the chain is carried, and a tensiondevice for the chain.

49. In a device of the class described, a series of link-connected steps, a sprocket engaging the links, and 'an u thrust consisting of a chain located over and) arallel with the line of movement of the lin s, a. guide track for the stretch of the chain adapted to co operate with the links, idlers by which the chain is carriedjgand a tension device for theA chain consisting of aspring pressed idler.

50. In'a devicof the class described, a

series ot' link-connected steps, a sprocket engaging the links, and an iipthriistconsisting ot' a chain composed of alternating male and female shroiids, pivot pins connecting the linlf` rollers on the pins, and a guide track engaged by the rollers on the iinder stretch of the chain.

51. In a device of the class described, a series of link-connected steps. a sprocket engaging the links, and an iiptliriist to resist. the lifting and tilting action of the pinion and consisting ot' an endless chain composed of male and female shroiids, pivot pins connecting the links, rollers on the pins, and a guide track for the under stretch of the chain, the male shroiids being channel shape in cross-section and embracing the track.

52. A conveyor 'having ascending and de- I'scending riins, a drive for the coiiveyer, and

an upwardly pressed idler engaging both runs to coiintcibalancc the drag or load of the conveyor below the saine.

53. In a device of the class described, n

convevcr having inclined riins. a drive t'or the convcvcr, and a spring pressed idler engaging both rims on the incline.

5- A convcjver having ascending and desccnding rims, a. drive 'for the conveyor, and a spring controlled idler engaging both runs, tlifc tension oit' the respond to the load on the idlcrs and being adapted to vield to strains greater than snch load diie to inequalities ot' motion.

In a device of the class described, a crtfnvevcr having inclined ri'lns. a drive engtiging both rims. an idler engaging both rll'iis between the drivc and the end ofthe inclino. and a spring tor pressing the idler np thc incline so that the weight of' the conh vcvcr hclow thc sanic will hang` thereon.

56. In aA device ot the class described, a way having an inclined and horizontal runs,

5ing being` set to corand a series of steps having hearings travel ing on the way and cach step being partially supported by an adjacent step on the horizontal rims.

57. In a device oi' the class described, a way having an inclined and horiisontal rims, a series c i steps'cach having 'front and reai carri ing-wheels at each cnil. and the wheels of cach step tra vcling` on thc wav on the inclined riin and one whccl on lcach cnd of each step being` carried b v a wheel of an adjacent step on .the horizontal riins.

538. Ii. a device of thi class describeil., a donveycr consisting o't .in cndless series of linl -connectedsteps providing ascending and descending inclined rims. drive sprockets engagingthe links ot' bolli runs on the. incline, idler sprocketsI located at the incline and` engaging the linkscn hoth runs, and springs tor moving the idlcrsl in opposition to the hang ol thi` ft-.ps down' the incline.

59. In a device :.i thc 'class ,dcscribed, a

convener consisting of .ein endless series of' linlnconnected steps providing asoending 'and descending inclined runs, a' drive shaft located neer the upper end of the incline 5 having sprcekets engnging the links of both runs, :in idler located 4.between the drive slnilt and the bottoni of the incline and enf singing the links of both runs, a slidiiigloearing for the idler, und en' adjustable spring reacting' against: the `hearing; to hold the idlerin engage'inentwith the linlc teeth in t opposition to the hang of. the steps.

- 60,1n s, .device of the class described,

yWays, s. moving; Steinway consisting 'o'lg wheeled stepstreveling on. the ways and providing ascending and descending in- @lined runs, rnckdinks connecting the steps 'at each end thereof, a drive shaft having' sprockets engaging the links of both runs ,y 2.0 si: enchend of the steps, s. shaft located hetween the drivesh'sft and one end of the incline and having idler sproeletsengs'ging the links: of both runs, springs for iiioving the' idlers in opposition to the weight of the .steps hanging thereon, suchv springs being set et e tension corresponding to the load on t-lie'idler sprockets, and means to vary the "tension of the springs.

6l; In n ,device of the class described, e Way, s, `snoring stairway consistingrl of wheeled steps irsveling oiithe Way, nnd providing ascending and descending inclined runs, rack links et the sides of the stairway connecting the steps, a'drive shaft adjacent Athe upper end of Athe incl-ine' :ind having sprooliets'engaging the links of both runs, e cross shaft between the drive shaft sind. the bottoni si the incline and' having idlers eiigsiii'iiiig the links vof both rims, sliding messes blocks in which the said shaft is mounted,

Fears rigid with the frame having openings,

ymateriel folded into n pliirnlit)y of plies` :ind having its edges teiiiiinzitiiig :it the sziinecross-seetionzil end of the ruil, :ind ai separate weer strip crossing both of suoli ends. I

- G3. .fi hand-rail substantially Cslnipe in cross-section and vonsisting of a single strip of nizitei'inl folded brick :ind forth to provide :i plurality ot plies having the folds at `'the cross-sectional ends of the rail, llie edges of the strip terminating at one of such ends, n' separate weer strip covering the interior o the iziil und also the siiid ends, :ind

`:i coating for the iiiil.

G4. A lnind-riiil substantially C-slizipe in eross-seetioii land consisting' of a strip of iiinterinl folded hunk and toi-th to provide ai plurality` of plies :ind having the folds :it

one of the Cross-sectional ends between the edges oi the strip.: n separate wear-strip vcoi'eiiiip: liotli ofsueliends und the interior of t'lie iiiil,'and :i body, such as riiblieiycon` rnec-ting the strips. l

ln testimony whereof l :Ulis my signature in presence of two Witnesses. Cl-IAHLESD. SEEBERGER.

ll'itnesses G. ll.` C. lViLLimfs 7 ...TniiN (l, Hiiommx.

Images