Abstract: A portable snow skier rope towing system comprises: an endless loop of flexible tow rope; a series of pulleys supporting the endless loop of tow rope for driving about an elongated enclosed path, the elongated path having opposed extreme ends, each extreme end being defined by at least one pulley; a supporting frame; a motor operably mounted relative to the supporting frame, the motor having an output drive; and a winch apparatus operably connected with the motor output drive and relative to the supporting frame, the tow rope passing through the winch at a location within the enclosed path which is displaced from each of the extreme end pulleys, the winch apparatus comprising: a drive wheel mounted for rotation and engagement with the output drive, the drive wheel having a circumference with a tapered groove formed thereabout which receives the tow rope; a rope inlet wheel mounted for rotation adjacent the drive wheel, the inlet wheel having a circumferential groove which receives the tow rope; and a rope out

Abstract: The basic component of the device is a bent tube. The included angle between the tube portions on each side of the bend is in a range of 90.degree. to 130.degree. with 110.degree. to 120.degree. preferred. The tube portions on opposite sides of the bend are of unequal lengths, 8 inches and 22 inches being an example. A stop is attached to the longer portion approximately two inches from the bend and extending into the included angle. The stop is triangular in plan form. The end of the stop facing the bend is at an excluded angle to the tube surface in a range of 90.degree. to 150.degree. with 135.degree. preferred. The height of the stop is in a range of 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch. The other sloped face is at an included angle with the tube surface in a range of 10.degree. to 30.degree.. Clamping apparatus is provided which is adjustable to prevent or allow linear relative motion between a line threaded through the tube and the tube. There may be an additional bend in the tube.

Abstract: An aerial cableway system for filming subjects in motion over moderate to long distances. An endless cable is tensioned between two support structures in an elongated loop. A cable carriage is suspended from the endless cable and is in contact with both segments of the endless cable at all times. Each segment of the endless cable passes through the cable carriage in opposite directions by wrapping 180.degree. around two drive sheaves for a total cumulative wrap of 360.degree.. Each drive sheave has associated with it a disc brake assembly. The endless cable is driven by a bull wheel mechanism which is located at the base of one of the support structures. As the endless cable is continuously driven the two segments travel in opposite directions. When the disc brakes on one side of the carriage are engaged, the drive sheaves are immobilized on one segment of the endless cable and the carriage is carried along in the direction that the grasped segment of the endless cable is traveling.

Abstract: A tension station of a detachable chairlift or gondola lift includes a sliding carriage which supports both the return pulley or drive pulley and transfer rail with the associated drive mechanism which drives the cars of the cable transport installation. The carriage is mounted such that it may slide along a longitudinal axis between the tension station and another station.

Abstract: A self-propelled member or carriage runs along a stationary surface-conducting cable formed of alternately disposed conducting and insulating turns. The carriage is provided with a rotor extending around the cable and having contacts in a conductive relation with the conducting turns of the cable. At least two pulleys are rotatably mounted to the carriage with the cable interposed between the pulleys. An electric motor is operatively electrically connected to the contacts of the rotors and is drivingly connected to the pulleys. Electric power is transmitted from the cable by the rotor to the motor whereupon the motor drives the pulleys to propel the carriage along the cable.

Abstract: An ultralight cable car for use in conjunction with a "Steadicam.RTM." support apparatus. The cable car generally takes the form of a trolley adapted for traversal along a cable suspended between two fixed end points, and a shaft and concentric sleeve suspended from the trolley. The shaft suspended from the trolley is fixed against rotation, and has a steering surface fixed to its terminating end. The outer sleeve incorporates a mounting for receiving a conventional "Steadicam.RTM." support apparatus, and an opposing seat for the camera operator. Rotation of the outer sleeve relative to the inner shaft is accomplished by the camera operator, by pressing against the steering surface fixed to the base of the inner shaft, in conjunction with desired operations of the "Steadicam.RTM." support apparatus. A brake mechanism is provided to give the camera operator additional control in regulating movements of the trolley, and the apparatus, along the suspended cable which supports it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shock-absorbing angle-bent coupling rod disposed for the mechanical connection of cableway cars. Preferably, the coupling rod has a bend of approximately 90 degrees and includes at least one shock-absorber and spring mechanism. In one preferred embodiment, the side of the bend in the coupling rod includes a friction vibration absorber. The vibration absorption between the individual cableway cars provided by the present invention allows such vibration to be distributed throughout the entire cableway system so that the cableway speed and traveling comfort can be increased without compromising safety.

Abstract: A transmission for movement along a track system comprises a frame movably supported on the track system by guides mounted to the frame. At least one endless belt assembly comprising a pair of spaced endless belts engaging associated belt wheels is mounted to the frame. A drive system for rotating the belt wheels and driving the endless belt is provided. A gripping system adapted for holding and releasing the track system is mounted between the pair of spaced endless belt. The gripping system comprises a plurality of posts extending between the spaced endless belts over the length of the endless belt assembly with gripping units slidably mounted on each of the posts. Biasing springs tend to center the gripping units on the posts. An actuating arrangement is provided for activating the gripping system.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracking an overhead line includes a carriage, an arm provided relatively movable on the carriage, a hook assembly provided at both end portions of the arm and for slinging the arm over the overhead line, a vertical/rotational motion shaft provided vertically movable and rotatably on the carriage, a wheel supporting arm provided on the top end portion of the vertical/rotational motion shaft swingably, a pair of wheels provided at both ends of the wheel supporting arm with an extension line of the vertical/rotational motion shaft being between the wheels, and a clamp member for clamping the wheels on the overhead line.

Abstract: An aerial tramway installation has two spaced apart terminals with a transport track interconnecting the terminals. A rescue track extends along the transport track and is elevated with respect thereto. Transport cars having transport cabins are movable along the transport track and a rescue car having a rescue cabin is movable along the rescue track. A rescue vessel can be lowered and lifted between the rescue cabin and a transport car on the transport track. The passenger capacity of the transport cabin and of the rescue cabin are substantially equal, whereas the rescue vessel is supported outside of the rescue cabin and is able to transport two persons at each lifting operation.

Abstract: A skyline-suspended carriage system for transporting a heavy load slopewisely of a hill, comprising: (a) first and second vertically-offset and horizontally spaced mobile anchor points; (b) hoists, mounted to the first and second anchor points; (c) a single skyline, partially wound around the hoists; (d) an elongated carriage having carriage suspending idle pulleys riding on the skyline and an intermediate driving pulley engaging the bottom of the skyline which is wrapped around the top sector of the driving pulley to obtain slipless engagement; and a load-grabbing and retaining dragline, wound on a hoist in the carriage. One idle pulley and the driving pulley are close together at the downhill end of the carriage while the other idle pulley is substantially spaced from the driving pulley being located at the uphill end of the carriage. This arrangement stabilizes the carriage on the skyline.

Abstract: An aerial tramway having a pair of side-by-side, substantially parallel, movable haul ropes and at least one load carrying unit attached between the haul ropes for advancement therewith. A plurality of detachment assemblies are positioned periodically along the course of the haul rope to detach the load carrier from at least one of the haul ropes and thereby relieve torque induced in the load carrier due to differences in haul rope speeds. The load carrying units preferably have grip assemblies which wedge against the haul ropes, and detachment wheels lift the load carrier unit and grip assemblies up off the haul ropes to effect detachment. A method of conveying load carrying units by side-by-side haul ropes which prevents torque build-up in the units also is disclosed.

Abstract: A sheave support system for supporting the sheaves of a multiple sheave assembly relative to a support structure, such as a ski lift tower, which comprises at least two sheave members rotatably mounted on the sheave assembly in spaced parallel relationship for supporting the ski lift cable; at least one main support shaft for movably supporting the sheave assembly relative to the ski lift tower; at least two intermediate support arms mounted on the main support shaft; and at least two intermediate support shafts mounted on opposite ends of the intermediate support arm for rotatably supporting the sheave. The support shaft means comprises a support shaft, a hub member mounted circumjacent the support shaft, and an elastic bushing device mounted between the support shaft and the hub member for connecting the hub member to the shaft member while enabling limited relative rotative movement therebetween of less than approximately 15 degrees and also limiting transmission of vibration therebetween.

Abstract: In an elevator system comprising a machine room and an elevator car, as the elevator car moves along a hoistway between a plurality of floors, a radio system permits wireless communication between the machine room and the elevator car. As the elevator car moves along the hoistway, the distance between the elevator car and the machine room varies. To effect stable signal transmission and avoid receiver saturation when the elevator car is in close proximity to the machine room, the output of the transmitter or the sensitivity of the receiver is varied in accordance with the distance between the elevator car and the machine room.

Abstract: The revolving cable transport installation, for instance a gondola aerial cableway, has the carriages of the gondolas supported upon two adjacently extending support cables. Between both support cables there is arranged a continuously revolving traction cable. Along the travel path the carriages are coupled with the continuously revolving traction cable by actuatable cable clamps. These cable clamps are connected with the carriages so as to be elevationally movable and they engage the traction cable from below. The traction cable extends at the upper region of the carriages and can support itself within the suspension zones, i.e. between the support masts at the carriages. Thus, the weight of the traction cable does not load the cable clamps and these cable clamps can accommodate themselves to the position of the traction cable independent of the carriages.

Abstract: A cable way for transporting suspended vehicles or cars includes a moving pulling cable and a guide element defining a long travel axis and formed at least in part as a support cable. The cable way at certain locations is adjustable in height and to both sides along the long travel axis. At the certain locations, the support cable is replaced by rigid rails. Each vehicle is supported on the guide element by a roller mechanism including a grip secured to the pulling cable with the grip connected by an articulated rocker member to travel rollers contacting the guide element. The rocker mechanism includes two guiding or steering elements pivotally displaceable relative to the long travel axis for effecting the adjustment at the certain locations. The grip generally engages the pulling cable from below and permits travel over diversion rollers located on both sides of the pulling cable.

Abstract: The switching device which interconnects a substantially linear primary track with a curved branch track, wherein each such track possesses a travel rail and in a plane above each of the travel rails a guide track, comprises two pivotable or swivelable travel rail sections and a curved pivotable or swivelable guide rail section. The pivotable or swivelable travel rail sections are alternatively movable out of rest positions into travel positions in which such are located in recesses formed by stationary travel rail sections. The movable rail sections are mutually interconnected with one another and with an actuation rod by toggle levers or toggle joint structures and thus commonly actuatable. These toggle levers or toggle joint structures coact with abutments and enable locking the movable rail sections in their travel positions. The switching device affords quiet travel of the vehicles of the overhead cable transport installation and prevents derailing thereof.

Abstract: A car travels along a sheathed cable, especially a suspension cable of a bridge, with the cable sheathing being of sheet metal and forming a rabbet projecting radially outwardly and following a helical course in the lengthwise cable direction. The car has at least one drive member engaged in the rabbet grovoe limited on the side by the rabbet. The drive member can be moved by a drive device immovable relative to the car along the lengthwise axis of the cable, but movable on a track concentric with the lengthwise axis of the cable.

Abstract: A portable drive for coaction with a band is provided with a motor driven drive roller for transporting the drive along the band. The drive roller with coacting structure for maintaining operative coaction with the band are settable to two main positions, viz, an operative and a neutral position, the band in the neutral position running freely while the drive roller with coacting structure being cantilevered so that the band can be freely taken aside for disengagement of the band from the drive, or for inserting the band from the side over the drive roller to coact therewith after resetting to the operative position. The inventive drive is primarily intended to be attachable to a skier allowing him to be towed up a hill along a band which is anchored at its upper end to a tree, for example.

Abstract: The cable-car or gondola lift according to the invention comprises two upper cables (10, 12) which laterally frame the upper part of the vehicle (18). The latter bears two support parts (20, 22) articulated on a single horizontal transverse axis of the vehicle (18), each support part being able to be coupled to one of the cables (10, 12). The two cables (10, 12), for example carrier-hauling cables, move in synchronism, the vehicle (18) being able to be detached at the entry to the stations for unloading and loading at a standstill or at reduced speed. The longitudinal stability of the vehicle (18) is ensured by one or more cables staggered in height with respect to the cables (10, 12). According to an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal stability is conferred by the structure of the vehicle (18) itself, in this instance a modular structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspended motorized vehicle traveling on a line consisting, in its straight sections, of rails placed on track cables held by suspender cables tied to main cables and comprising, for the curved sections, rigid shapes supported by brackets or crossbeams making it possible to change the direction of the vehicles. The invention proposes mounting of wheel sets supported independently of one another, comprising load equalizing bars, and independent motorizing of the wheels.

Abstract: The nacelle (3) is characterized in that it includes at least one cable (6) having a top end that leaves the nacelle upwardly and a bottom end that leaves the nacelle downwardly, and a mechanism (11) enabling the nacelle to move up and down the cable when the top end of the cable is hooked to a hook unit (4). A mechanism enables the top portion of the cable to be subjected to a tension greater than the weight of the nacelle while the bottom portion (7) of the cable is fixed to an anchor point, said tensioning mechanism serving to vary the distance between the nacelle (3) and said hook unit at the top end of the cable. Further, mechanism (12, 14) acts on command, on said tensioning mechanism in such a manner as to prevent the distance between the nacelle (3) and the hook unit (4) at the top end of the cable from shortening while not preventing it from lengthening.

Abstract: A track for a suspended combined electric current collection and traction system including a base (22) and a resilient shield (26, 28) together defining an elongate space divided into two halves by a resilient beam (32), each of which contains a conductor (33). Spaced contact members in the form of bars (34) forming a rack on each side of the track or two rows of Z shaped contacts (82) extend through the shield and are normally spaced from the conductors. Embedded in the base are two parallel flexible metallic cables (40; 70) connected together by connectors (42; 74) by which the track may be suspended. In use, the reaction wheels (60) of a locomotive engage the tops of the cables (40; 70) thus drawing a current pick-up member (52; 86) into contact with the contact segments pressing them against the conductors (33) to pass electric current to an electric motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous operation gondola lift with twin parallel suspension/haulage cables, between which the gondolas hang, connected to the cables by means of detachable grips. Inside the terminals the gondolas are disconnected from the cables and travel on transfer rails at reduced speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up and laying down pipe is arranged so that pipe movement is directed toward the hole axis or rotary table. When the pipe carrier stops movement toward the hole axis, the end of the pipe joint being delivered toward the hole is positioned above the rotary table and beyond an upstanding support carried by the rig which carries the load of the pipe joint and pipe carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up and laying down drill pipe casing and the like having a single endless line and support means extending axially of the apparatus toward the drilling rig to move the pivot point of the apparatus rearwardly thereof to increase its resistance against tipping under load. The apparatus also comprises a means for safely loading and unloading a trough and a support pole from the unit.

Abstract: A circulating aerial ropeway for conveying material such as loose or bulk goods has individual cars for conveying the material, each car being pivotally borne between two longitudinal carrying beams for swinging movement about a transverse, substantially horizontal axis which is above the center of gravity of the car, the car thereby being free-hanging and arranged always to assume a substantially horizontal position, each carrying beam mounting running wheels, the ropeway also having at least two laterally-spaced, parallel track ropes, a track rope being on each side of each car so that the running wheels run on the track ropes, and at least two laterally-spaced, parallel hauling ropes, a hauling rope being on each side of each car the cars having jaws for coupling the hauling rope to the car.

Abstract: This suspension device for the car of a ropeway comprises a pneumatic balloon tire interposed between the bottom of a carrying strap suspended from the wire rope of the ropeway and an upper frame of the car framework which bears upon the tire.

Abstract: In an aerial transport system in which a carriage approaches a station or other fixed parts of the system, a device for stabilizing the carriage as it approaches the station or the other parts, comprising a pair of outward-facing bumping elements on the carriage, and a pair of bars in a V-shape, open towards the direction of approach of the carriage, in between which the bumping elements enter and are restricted as the carriage approaches the station and the other parts. The bars are supported so that they can be moved apart by the impact of the bumping elements, against a resilient restoring force.

Abstract: A device for adjusting two butt ends of rails to be connected by welding comprises a rigid structure which is formed by two support plates. The support plates are aligned and interconnected by a concave part and which is able to be disposed horizontally so that the two support plates are pressed one against one vertical side of the head of one of the rails and the other against the corresponding vertical side of the head of the other rail. The concave part provides a region for access around the butt ends. Each support plate is provided with a retaining clamp which is provided with a jaw able to bear against the opposite vertical side of the head of the rail. The device can be applied to the welding of rails on a track or on a fixed installation.

Abstract: In an aerial transport system having an aerial track such as a cableway or tramway and one or more carriages travelling along the track, a structure for suspending the carriage from the track comprising a beam, both ends of which are pivotally connected to a plurality of frames supporting wheels, the frames being rotatable in a yaw direction about yaw axes with respect to the beam, and a hanger, the upper end of which is connected to the beam in a pivotable position in a pitch direction about a pitch axis with respect to the beam, the improvement comprising, in combination a plurality of separate beams being positioned apart from one another and linked to respective opposing ends by link members in alignment, a plurality of frames respectively connected to both ends of a respective beam in a pivotal position with respect to the beam about respective yaw axes, one wheel being mounted on each of the frames, and a plurality of hangers, the lower ends of which are connected to a carriage body in a pivotable posit

Abstract: A carriage is provided for guided movement along a skyline and includes guide structure for supporting a dragline for longitudinal shifting relative to the carriage. A skyline stop is provided for coaction with the carriage to limit downward movement of the carriage along the skyline and latch structure is shiftably supported from the carriage for movement between applied and released positions and is spring biased toward the applied position. The latch structure is engageable with the skyline stop to prevent upward movement of the carriage along the skyline from its lower limit position established by the stop upon movement of the latch structure to the applied position. Further, abutment structure is carried by the lower end of the dragline depending downwardly from the carriage and is engageable with the latch structure for swinging the latter to its released position.

Abstract: A carriage is provided for guided movement along a skyline and includes guide structure for supporting a dragline for longitudinal shifting relative to the carriage. A skyline stop is provided for coaction with the carriage, a dragline abutment is provided for coaction with the carriage and the carriage includes a stop with which the abutment is engageable to limit movement of the dragline in one direction relative to the carriage. The carriage is engageable with the skyline stop to limit movement of the carriage downwardly along the skyline and the abutment is provided for engagement with the carriage stop to limit upward movement of the dragline relative to the carriage. Latch structure is shiftably supported from the carriage for movement between first and second positions and is latchingly engageable with the skyline stop and engageable with the dragline abutment when in one position and inoperative to latchingly engage the skyline stop and engage the dragline abutment when in the second position.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for lifting and/or lowering heavy objects such as drill pipe, drill collars and the like to and from the elevated floor of a drilling rig from a lower storage position including an endless loop cable rove in a single layer in wide spaced grooves on a pivotably mounted rotatable drum and a deep, wide grooved sheave mounted substantially vertically on a load aligning floor pole with means for pivoting the rotatable drum to slacken or tension the cable to vary the elevation of the object being carried on free running trolly means and means for automatically preventing overloading of the cable.

Abstract: A vehicle suspended from a trackway of an aerial trackway system is provided. The vehicle comprises a front traction unit having a supporting wheel and a rear traction unit having a supporting wheel. These traction units support a vehicle body of the vehicle and are rotatable relative to the vehicle body such that the supporting wheels may follow the trackway without slip. Apparatus is provided for linking the front and rear traction units such that a moment at the center of gravity of the front traction unit about its axis of rotation relative to the vehicle body and a moment at the center of gravity of the rear traction unit about its center of rotation relative to the vehicle body are balanced.

Abstract: A carriage has pulleys adjacent opposite ends thereof for riding on a pair of line cables which have obstructions thereon, such as hangers and spacers. The carriage has brakes associated therewith for engaging the line cables. These brakes are such that they permit the carriage to move in one direction but automatically grip the line cables when the carriage moves in the opposite direction. These brakes are releasable to allow the carriage to be moved in either direction. Lifting apparatus is provided for each end of the carriage in the form of hooks that can be placed on the line cables and lifter lines extending between the hooks and the carriage. The lifter cables are connected to a foot pedal in the carriage which can be manipulated to transfer the weight of the adjacent end of the carriage through the hooks to the line cables thereby allowing the pulleys at that end of the carriage to be lifted off the line cables and shifted around an obstruction thereon.

Abstract: A steel cable is stretched overhead between a starting platform and a terminal tower and equipped with a passenger pulley having a handle from which a child can hang while rolling along the cable. Only difficultly negotiable ladder means e.g., a chain or tire ladder, are provided for climbing to the starting platform to limit access to the starting platform to children having motor skills that are sufficiently developed to ensure safe use of the cable slide. An impact cushion may be mounted upon the terminal tower below the cable. Auxiliary recreational facilities are provided in the same structures to entertain children awaiting their turns and those who are interested observers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transporting pipe between spaced locations comprising a cable disposed in proximity of the two locations which supports a pipe receiving trough so that the trough can be moved by the cable to enable a pipe supported therein to be transported between the two locations. The tension in the cable is adjusted to enable the trough to be moved in a vertical plane. In one of the embodiments, the trough is directly attached to and moved with the cable. Longitudinal motion imparted into the cable causes the trough to move from one location to the other carrying the pipe therewith. The cable is slackened to vertically move the trough so as to enable the pipe to be placed within or removed from the trough. In another of the embodiments, the trough is attached to spaced carriages which are slidably supported from the cable. A pilot cable attached to the trough enables the trough to be moved longitudinally of the cable to enable transportation of the pipe between the spaced locations.

Abstract: A rigging arrangement and yarder are disclosed for yarding in which a single cable is used. This cable is anchored at a main storage drum on a yarder and preferably at an anchor in the vicinity of the tail block. The single line serves as a running skyline for supporting a carriage and includes several loops around a tram drum and an idler drum (but only one layer on said drums) which operate to hold cable or to reel equal amounts of cable in or out to both the yarder side and the anchor side of the carriage to move the carriage without introducing slack into either side. Since only a single layer of cable is wound on the tram and idler drums, no energy is lost dealing with varying speeds and torques caused by changing effective diameters, thus saving energy and weight of equipment.

Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus for transporting pipe between a derrick floor and a pipe rack by a cable-way. A portion of the cable overhangs the derrick floor and the pipe rack. Spaced apart pipe receiving carriages are supported by the cable and are provided with means for being moved from a location adjacent to the derrick floor to a location which overhangs the pipe rack. The tension of the cable is controlled in a manner which enables the pipe receiving carriages to be vertically positioned with respect to the pipe rack.

Abstract: As a preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, a winch is stationed to one side of an oil field derrick and a cable spooled on the winch extended over a pipe rack and secured at a convenient location above the derrick floor. A pair of spaced pulleys or carriages are independently pulled along the extended portion of the taut cable by a pair of selectively-controlled winches respectively carrying a cable or wire coupled to the carriages. Pipe carriers are dependently coupled to the carriages and operatively arranged for carrying a pipe laid between the carriers in a nearly-horizontal position as the selectively-controlled winches move the carriages along the extended cable between the derrick floor and the pipe rack. The pipe section is selectively raised or lowered over the pipe rack by operating the first winch to either tighten or slack off on the extended cable.

Abstract: A machine for laying down or picking up pipe sections, casing sections and the like during a well drilling operation and includes a draw works associated with a catwalk alongside of a pipe rack and oriented in normal relationship to a drill rig with cable arrangements extending from the draw works to a sheave supporting post assembly anchored in the rathole pipe in the drill rig floor. Carriages are mounted on the cable assembly for picking up a pipe section or laying down a pipe section in relation to the catwalk and conveying the pipe section to and from a position adjacent the sheave supporting post assembly in the rathole pipe thereby enabling the pipe section to be picked up by the structure in the drill rig in order to assemble the pipe section with sections already in the drill rig and to facilitate removal of the pipe sections when breaking down or disassembling a pipe string.

Abstract: To prevent longitudinal displacement of the support or catenary cable and the load carrying, tensioned cable of the suspension system, the spacers or hangers between the catenary or support cable and the carrier cable, as well as the suspension and tension of these cables, are so arranged that, in side view, the two cables touch each other at the midpoint between the pylon to provide for equalization of tension in the cables. At that position, a tension or force equalization plate is clamped to both the support cable as well as to the carrier cable, thereby preventing relative longitudinal displacement of the cables with respect to each other.

Abstract: A cable holder device for holding current-carrying cables spaced apart but biased to maintain contact with two current-collecting shoes. The shoes are mounted on a self-propelled cable car having an electric drive motor connected to the shoes and driven apparatus constructed as a driven pulley for suspending the cable car on a suspension cable from which the cable car is suspended and on which it travels. The holder maintains positive contact between the current-carrying shoes and the current-carrying cables regardless of the swaying of the cables and the cable car.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for transporting pipe, drill collars, or similar elongate members between the elevated drilling floor of a well derrick and a lower storage area is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pair of support cables forming a cable track extending between the rig floor and the storage area with a rear bucket that receives and holds the lower end of the pipe riding on the support cables. The rear bucket is movable along the cable track by a third cable which controls the transporting of the pipe from the rig to the storage area in a pipe lay-down operation. A series of support buckets is anchored proximate the rig floor and is extendable along the cable track as the pipe is being transported, providing support to the intermediate portion of the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe handling device for transporting pipe, drill collars, or like tubular members between the elevated drilling floor of a well derrick and a lower storage area has a pair of support cables extending between the rig floor and the storage area. A pipe trolley means rides the support cables and is movable along the support cables by a third cable to transport pipe from the storage area to the rig or to lay pipe down from the rig to storage. A cable draw works, typically in the vicinity of the storage area, anchors one end of the support cables and is provided with a take-up mechanism for the support cables to enable them to be slackened to enable a pipe to be loaded into or unloaded from the pipe trolley means in the storage area and thence tensioned to facilitate the travel of the trolley to the elevated rig floor.

Abstract: Electric power is provided to the motor of a self-propelled carriage of an aerial ropeway through two cables by which the carriage is supported.