Escalators (moving stairways) are machines which belong to the group of continuous conveying machines according to their principle of operation, but at the same time they are, together with elevators, classified as the machines for vertical transportation. In their historical evolution they have some points of contact, mostly because the manufactures of both equipment are the same; however, escalators differ substantially from elevators, which basic principles were formulated several centuries ago. The basic design employed has not varied from those patented more than a century ago. All relevant patents as a base for modern escalators have been developed in the second half of the 19 th century. Individuals and engineers, who invented those first patents, are considered as fathers of escalators. In accordance with the sequence of inventions the key persons in the history of escalators are Nathan Ames, Leamon Souder, Jesse Reno, George Wheeler and Charles Seeberger. Brief notes from their life and work and their inventions are presented in chronological order.
KeywordsHistory of MachinesEscalatorsInventorsPatents
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