In the early 1970’s, inventor Gilbert Luna researched and campaigned to promote his solution for helical escalators. The suggested machine had an helical path for the ascending passengers and a return path that crossed its cylindrical core. In his design a third set of rails was to be deployed in the middle of the steps, enabling the usage of a single multiaxial step chain. During his venture, he constructed at least one scaled model and obtained patents in three countries. His research produced various ideas and solutions, many with notions regarding movement in three-dimensional paths, and their functional and esthetics advantages.
Gilbert Luna and his scaled model, Image – Elevator World
