Tension release for passenger conveyor

摘要

An escalator or moving walkway passenger conveyor comprising: a handrail (58); a handrail drive assembly including first spring means (26) which applies a compressive force to the handrail; a step chain assembly including a step chain and a step chain sprocket (36); second spring means (26) operatively connected to said sprocket for applying tension to said step chain; and detensioning means (2) connected to one or both of said first and second spring means and operable to disable the same from performing its stated function during periods of time when motive power to the conveyor is interrupted. <IMAGE>