Rethinking the design of escalators

Levytator, escalator

Architects can now create escalators in any shape they want, even freeform curves, following the development of a system known as the Levytator by Jack Levy, an Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering at City University in London. The concept can also carry twice as many people as a traditional escalator, at a comparable price.

Unlike traditional designs, where redundant steps move underneath those in use, the Levytator uses a continuous loop of curved modules that can follow any path upward, flatten and straighten out and descend again — all with passengers on board.

All the steps can be accessed from above, making maintenance much easier.

The technology has been patented in the UK, Europe, the USA and China. City University is seeking strategic partnerships with architects and manufacturers to take the Levytator to market.

For more information on this story, click here:  Oct 2010, 170
Related links:
Related articles:



modbs tv logo

Industry leaders gather at CIBSE’s Measuring Performance and Facilities Management conference

CIBSE’s Measuring Performance and Facilities Management conference recently brought together leading voices from across the built environment
to explore the evolving landscape of building performance and operational excellence.

Independent testing crucial to bridge retrofit confidence gap, BSRIA study reveals

New research from the Building Services Research and Intelligence Association (BSRIA) highlights a significant confidence gap between construction professionals and the general public regarding the effectiveness of building retrofits.