Patent Document

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     Not Applicable 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The presently disclosed technologies are directed to an apparatus and method for harnessing the drive power of escalators for auxiliary uses, and more specifically, for regeneratively capturing some of the drive power of escalators and moving walkways to power communications, safety displays, and advertising on board the steps as the escalator is operating. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An escalator is an inherently dangerous machine. In the United States alone, approximately 12,000 accidents occur annually. Many of these incidents could be avoided with improved safety displays and warnings. 
     An escalator is also an ideal venue for advertising to riders who are temporarily unoccupied and undistracted by store displays. The message, whether for safety or for marketing, must be easily viewable by an observer on the escalator or the floor. 
     An escalator must be shut down periodically for preventive maintenance. If a component fails during operation, the machine must be stopped, which is an inconvenience. In a busy retail center, the escalator would be unavailable to elderly and handicapped people. There may also be safety and liability implications. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus capable of displaying indicia and video messages on a moving escalator or walkway. 
     There is a further need for an apparatus of the type described, and that can provide monitoring of important technical parameters to warn of impending failure. 
     There is a yet further need for an apparatus of the type described, and that can recover regenerative power from the moving steps for the messages and monitoring. 
     The present invention is directed toward fulfilling the above-mentioned needs, as well as other needs, and overcoming various disadvantages known in the art. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a regenerative power capture system is provided for endless track escalators and moving walkways. The system comprises a step having a tread extending generally horizontally from a front edge to an opposite rear edge. The step extends between opposite right and left ends. The step is adapted for orbital mounting on the track. A plurality of rollers is attached to the step. The rollers are mounted for movement on the track, and are for supporting the step on the track. 
     A step control is disposed on the step, for processing data. A power supply is mounted on the step and operatively electrically connected to the step control, for supplying electrical power. 
     A central control is located remotely from the step, for programming data to be transferred. A step communicator is operatively electrically connected to the step control for data transfer. A central communicator is operatively electrically connected to the central control for data transfer with the step communicator. 
     In another aspect, a method is disclosed for regeneratively capturing power for endless track escalators and moving walkways. The escalators and moving walkways have a plurality of steps mounted for orbital motion on the track. Each step has a tread, and a plurality of rollers. The method comprises disposing a step control on each step, for processing data. Electrical power is supplied operatively electrically to the step control with a power supply. 
     A central control is located remotely from the step. The central control is used for programming data. A step communicator is connected operatively electrically to the step control. A central communicator is connected operatively electrically to the central control. Data is transferred between the central communicator and the step communicator. 
     These and other aspects and advantages of the disclosed technologies will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top front perspective view of an exemplary step for a regenerative power capture system constructed in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom rear perspective view of the regenerative power capture system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded top front perspective view of the regenerative power capture system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded bottom rear perspective view of the regenerative power capture system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a tread for the regenerative power capture system of  FIG. 1 , showing an LED array displaying a message. 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the tread of  FIG. 5 , showing a video screen displaying a message 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the tread of  FIG. 5 , showing the LED array displaying another message. 
         FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of the tread of  FIG. 7 , showing the video screen displaying another message. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic block diagram of the step control for the regenerative power capture system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic block diagram of the central control for the regenerative power capture system of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     It should be noted that the drawings herein are not to scale. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Describing now in further detail these exemplary embodiments with reference to the Figures as described above, a regenerative power capture system  20  is for use in connection with endless track escalators and moving walkways. The system  20  comprises a plurality of steps, each step  22  having a tread  24  extending generally horizontally from a front edge  26  to an opposite rear edge  28 . The step  22  extends between opposite right  30  and left  32  ends. In the case of an escalator, the step  22  has a riser  34  extending upward from a lower edge  36  to an opposite upper edge  38 . The riser  34  extends between opposite right  35  and left  37  ends. The tread rear  28  is adjacent the riser upper edge  38 . The step  22  is adapted for orbital mounting on the track (not shown). In the case of a moving walkway, the step has no riser but is structurally similar, and is mounted for orbital motion on a track. 
     A plurality of rollers  40  is rotatably attached to the plurality of steps  22  and mounted for rolling movement on the track. The rollers  40  are for supporting the step  22  on the track. Specifically, a right leading roller  42  and a left leading roller  44  are mounted for rotation adjacent the tread front edge right end  30  and left end  32 , respectively. Similarly, a right trailing roller  46  and a left trailing roller  48  are mounted for rotation adjacent the riser lower edge right end  35  and left end  37 , respectively. Each roller  40  has typically two bearings for mounting the roller rotatably to the step. The bearings are not shown because they are internally mounted, a configuration known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     A step control  50  is disposed on at least one of the plurality of steps  22  for processing data. The step control  50  is inside the housing  50 . Details of the circuitry for the step control  50  are not shown, but are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The step control  50  includes a central processor unit  50 A and a memory  50 B inside the housing  50 . Details of the circuitry for the central processor unit  50 A and memory  50 B are not shown, but are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A step communicator  52  inside the housing  50  is operatively electrically connected to the step control  50  for data transfer. Details of the circuitry for the step communicator  52  are not shown, but are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The step communicator  52  is wireless, and typically is an RF transceiver. An antenna  53  is provided for the step communicator  52 . Alternate means for communicating data can be employed, such as for example infrared or microwave. 
     A power supply  54  is mounted on at least one of the plurality of steps  22  for supplying electrical power. The power supply  54  has at least one electrical generator  56  operatively connected to at least one of the rollers  40 . The generator  56  generates electrical power as the step  22  orbits the track. The generator  56  is typically integral with the roller  40 . Preferably, a first generator  56 A is integral with a first roller, for example left leading roller  44 , and a second generator  56 B is integral with a second roller, for example right leading roller  42 . Alternatively, the generator  56  can be external to the roller  40  and connected by shaft, belt, gears, or other means (not shown). 
     Another configuration would be to connect two collinear rollers to one generator. Yet another configuration would be to mount a fifth roller rotatably attached to the step  22  and mounted for rolling movement on the track. The fifth roller (not shown) would be dedicated to the generator. Still another configuration would be to connect several steps together with flexible wiring. Only one step need be equipped with a generator to power all the connected steps. The generator  56  has a connection  56 C shown in  FIG. 2 . Wiring is not shown in the drawing Figures, but is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The power supply  54  has a power converter  54 B operatively electrically connected to the generator  56  for regulating power. The power supply  54  has a rechargeable battery  54 A operatively electrically connected to the power converter  54 B. The battery  54 A is for backup power in the event of power failure, such as a generator malfunction. In this application, “operatively electrically connected,” means either hard-wired or wireless. Alternatively, the power supply  54  can include a generator  56  but no battery. 
     A central control  58  is located remotely from the step  22 , as for example in a room distant from the escalator. The central control  58  is for programming data to be transferred to and received from the step control  50 . The central control  58  includes a central processor unit  60 , a memory  62 , an interface  64  which is typically a keyboard and a mouse and a monitor, and a data input unit  66 . The data input unit  66  can be an optical drive for reading a DVD, or it can be a live feed from a television camera. The data input unit  66  can be any device capable of conveying data to the central control  58 . A central communicator  68  is operatively electrically connected to the central control  58  and is used for data transfer with the step communicator  52 . The central communicator  68  is wireless, and typically is an RF transceiver. 
     A visual display  70  is provided, and includes a plurality of LEDs  72  disposed in an LED array on the step  22  and connected to the step control  50 . The LEDs  72  are typically for displaying data and for safety. The LEDs  72  can also be used for purely aesthetic display, with no particular message. The data can include text spelled out, or other images, in a pattern of LED lamps. The text can convey messages regarding sales events, advertising, store location, public presentations, or other information. Safety uses include emergency instructions in the event of building power failure, or fire, and can inform observers of exit locations. Safety uses can also include illuminating the boundary of the escalator and the edges of the step tread, so that riders are less likely to trip. 
     In the case of an escalator, a visual display  70  can also include a digital video screen  74  mounted on the step  22  and juxtaposed with the riser  34  behind a transparent and rugged protective cover  76 . The digital video screen  74  is connected to the step control  50  for displaying of data. Digital video data can include advertising with either static displays or dynamic motion picture commercials. Video data can also include messages or aesthetic presentations. Video data can be presented from a recorded source such as a DVD or tape recording fed into the central control data input unit  66 . The recorded presentation can be programmed to repeat, or to switch to another recording. Video data can be from a live feed, such as a television camera (not shown) covering a live demonstration of cooking, fashion, sports, news, and the like. 
     Observers who are not riding the escalator, but are standing or walking on the floor near the lower landing will be able to observe the visual display  70 . The same message can be displayed on every step. Alternatively, a different message can be displayed on every step. Another alternative is to spread a single message over several steps, for example three steps. In this embodiment, in a first mode, the message can move with the steps. In a second mode, the message can continuously transfer to the next upper or lower step as the steps move, so that the message appears to be generally stationary as the steps move downward or upward, respectively. 
     In the case of a moving walkway, a visual display  70  can also include a digital video screen mounted on the step  22  and juxtaposed with the tread  24  behind a transparent and rugged protective cover (not shown). As described above, the digital video screen is connected to the step control  50  for displaying of data. The visual display in this case would most likely not be used for advertising, but for safety illumination or for aesthetic displays. 
     The housing  50 , which contains the step control  50  and step communicator  52 , is attached to the front of mounting plate  55 . The digital video screen  74  is attached to the rear of mounting plate  55 , facing the riser  34 . 
     Performance parameters can be fed back to the central control  58  to be monitored. Parameters of the step control can include CPU activity and memory use. The visual display  70  can be monitored for color, contrast, pixel failure, and many other graphic parameters. The power converter  54 B, the battery  54 A, and the generator  56  can be monitored for voltage, current, battery charge, and failure of any components. All performance parameters are constantly monitored. Any problem detected is telemetered back to the central control  58  and displayed. 
     The rollers  40  typically have two bearings (not shown) mounted internally. The function of the bearings for the rollers can also be monitored. Vibration sensors  78  mounted on the step  22  adjacent each bearing, as shown in  FIG. 2 , can detect abnormal vibrations that presage a bearing failure. Such a failure can result in a shutdown and expensive repair, and possibly can have safety implications for the riders. One possible mode would be to monitor each bearing for a predetermined time period, for example, 15 seconds. Each roller would then be checked once per minute. Each step would telemeter data on a separate channel. The bearings will exhibit a characteristic “signature” vibration of frequency, amplitude, and other parameters of normal operation. The monitored readings will be compared to normal values, and any deviation will suggest an impending failure. Corrective maintenance can then be carried out with little or no disruption of service. 
     Escalators typically utilize a comb (not shown) at the entrance and exit platforms. The comb is a serrated strip having projecting fingers that engage the grooves in the step. The step  22  of the invention includes a comb sensor  80  operatively electrically connected to the step control  50 . The comb sensor  80  will detect operating conditions of a comb, such as for example, a shoelace caught in the fingers. The comb sensor  80  will detect malfunction of a comb, such as for example a broken finger or debris stuck between fingers. The comb sensor  80  typically will utilize a linear array of photo sensitive detectors  80  disposed between grooves underneath the front edge of each step. The detectors  80  respond to ambient light directed downward. The detector circuitry is timed to sense the light or absence of light as the detector array is juxtaposed with each comb. The combs are constantly monitored. Any problem detected is telemetered back to the central control and displayed. The comb sensor  80  can employ alternative sensors, for example, proximity sensors. 
     A vibrating transducer  82  can be attached to the underside of the step  22 . The transducer is adapted for generating an acoustic signal. In one mode, the transducer  82  will vibrate the step  22  when approaching a landing platform to warn of the approaching landing. The vibration will travel through the rider&#39;s feet. This safety feature will warn riders to anticipate stepping off. In another mode, the transducer  82  will reproduce sound to accompany the video display. Typically, the sound from a particular step will be directed upward to be heard by the rider on that step. 
     A method is disclosed for regeneratively capturing power for endless track escalators and moving walkways. A plurality of steps  22  is mounted for orbital motion on the track. Each step  22  has a tread  24  and a plurality of rollers  40 . The method comprises disposing a step control  50  on at least one of the plurality of steps, for processing data. Electrical power is supplied operatively electrically to the step control with a power supply  54 . A step communicator  52  is operatively electrically connected to the step control  50 . 
     A central control  58  is located remotely from the step  22 , and is used to program data. A central communicator  68  is operatively electrically connected to the central control  58 . Data is transferred between the central communicator  68  and the step communicator  52 . 
     The method further comprises connecting an electrical generator  56  operatively to at least one of the rollers  40 . Electrical power is generated with the generator  56  as the step orbits the track. A power converter  54 B is operatively electrically connected to the generator  56  and the step control  50 . Power is regulated with the power converter  54 B. A battery  54 A is operatively electrically connected to the power converter  54 B for backing up power in the event of power failure. The generator  56  is integrated with the roller  40 . 
     The step control  50  is provided with a central processor unit  50 A and a memory  50 B. The central control  58  is provided with a central processor unit  60 , a memory  62 , an interface  64 , and a data input unit  66 . Data is transferred wirelessly between the central communicator  68  and the step communicator  52 . The central communicator  68  uses an RF signal for transmitting and receiving. The step communicator  52  also uses an RF signal for transmitting and receiving. Parameters of the step control  50 ; the power converter  54 B; the battery  54 A; and the generator  56  are monitored with the central control  58 . 
     The method further comprises extending a riser  34  upward from a lower edge  36  of the step to an opposite upper edge  38 . A visual display  70  including a digital video screen  74  is juxtaposed with the riser  34 . The visual display  70  is operatively electrically connected to the step control  50  for displaying data. 
     Another aspect of the visual display  70  includes arraying a plurality of LEDs  72  on the step in an LED array. The LED array is operatively electrically connected to the step control. The LED array is for displaying data and safety lighting. 
     A comb sensor  80  is connected operatively electrically to the step control  50 . The comb sensor  80  is used for detecting malfunction of a comb. 
     The method further comprises encoding the data so as to preclude hacking into the step control  50  and the central control  58 . 
     A plurality of bearings is provided for mounting the rollers to the step. Vibration sensors  78  are provided adjacent each bearing. The vibration sensors  78  are connected to the step control  50 . Bearing vibrations are detected with the vibration sensors. Vibration data is communicated to the central control, so as to predict a bearing failure. 
     A transducer  82  is mounted to the step  22 . The transducer  82  is adapted for generating an acoustic signal. The transducer  82  vibrates the step  22  when approaching a landing, so as to warn riders of the approaching landing. The transducer  82  can also be used to reproduce sound to accompany the video display. 
     It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. t,?

Technology Category: 7