Abstract: Various exemplary drive apparatuses and associated methods are disclosed for driving an elongated member, e.g., a catheter, sheath, or guidewire. An exemplary drive apparatus may include a first component and a moveable component, each configured to selectively grip the elongated member. In some examples, the first and moveable components may each include a gripping device. The moveable component may be configured to selectively move axially and rotationally with respect to a support surface to effect axial movement and rotation movement, respectively, of the elongated member with respect to the support surface within a range of motion of the moveable component. The moveable component may be configured to move the elongated member across a predetermined movement having a magnitude greater than the range of motion.

Abstract: A device for extending a lead according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body, wherein the body is elongated and includes at least two apertures; a first filament loop comprising a filament, the filament extending along the inner surface of the body and through at least one of the at least two apertures, the first filament loop extending outside the outer surface of the body; a second filament loop extending outside the outer surface of the body; the first and second filament loops arranged so as to receive therethrough a lead, the first and second filament loops being tightenable about the lead in a manner that grips the lead between the first and second filament loops and an outer surface of the lead; and a tether coupled to the lead via one or more of the body, the first filament loop, and the second filament loop.

Abstract: Various exemplary drive apparatuses and associated methods are disclosed for driving an elongated member, e.g., a catheter, sheath, or guidewire. An exemplary drive apparatus may include a first component and a moveable component, each configured to selectively grip the elongated member. In some examples, the first and moveable components may each include a gripping device. The moveable component may be configured to selectively move axially and rotationally with respect to a support surface to effect axial movement and rotation movement, respectively, of the elongated member with respect to the support surface within a range of motion of the moveable component. The moveable component may be configured to move the elongated member across a predetermined movement having a magnitude greater than the range of motion.

Abstract: A device for extending a lead according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body, wherein the body is elongated and includes at least two apertures; a first filament loop comprising a filament, the filament extending along the inner surface of the body and through at least one of the at least two apertures, the first filament loop extending outside the outer surface of the body; a second filament loop extending outside the outer surface of the body; the first and second filament loops arranged so as to receive therethrough a lead, the first and second filament loops being tightenable about the lead in a manner that grips the lead between the first and second filament loops and an outer surface of the lead; and a tether coupled to the lead via one or more of the body, the first filament loop, and the second filament loop.

Abstract: A transport installation comprising at least one carrier vehicle moving longitudinally in to-and-fro manner along a single running track being guided by two guiding elements each following one of the lateral branches of the track in a crossing area. The carrier vehicle carries two independent gripping mechanisms respectively associated with the two guiding elements and each able to temporarily secure the carrier vehicle in the lateral direction to the associated guiding elements. Such gripping mechanisms constitute on-board devices for selecting the branch associated with its direction of running on entering a crossing area.

Abstract: A system for conveying persons has a track along which a plurality of vehicles may be moved by way of continuous conveying cables. The cables include at least two mutually successive conveying cables each having a drive for driving them independently of one another. The vehicles may be coupled to the cables by clamping devices and the cables overlap one another in mutually associated end regions. The coupling of the vehicles may be transferred from a first conveying cable to a successive conveying cable in the overlap region. In those regions in which a first conveying cable is adjoined by a further conveying cable, that is, in the overlap region, at least one servo device is provided which allows the cable run of the further conveying cable to which the vehicle is to be coupled to be moved into the clamping device of the vehicle, while the clamping device is in the open position.

Abstract: A system for conveying persons has a track along which a plurality of vehicles may be moved by way of continuous conveying cables. The cables include at least two mutually successive conveying cables each having a drive for driving them independently of one another. The vehicles may be coupled to the cables by clamping devices and the cables overlap one another in mutually associated end regions. The coupling of the vehicles may be transferred from a first conveying cable to a successive conveying cable in the overlap region. In those regions in which a first conveying cable is adjoined by a further conveying cable, that is, in the overlap region, at least one servo device is provided which allows the cable run of the further conveying cable to which the vehicle is to be coupled to be moved into the clamping device of the vehicle, while the clamping device is in the open position.

Abstract: A sectional door having a door frame, a door panel comprising sections coupled to another in articulated manner, a weight equalization device coupled to the door panel, and an electrical door drive for opening and closing movements of said door panel. The uppermost section in the closed position of the door panel, is guided on running rails as the header section, wherein said rails extend essentially horizontally up to the door frame, and have a vertical end segment on the frame side. The other sections that follow below the header section are guided in guide rails that have a vertical segment along the door frame, a horizontal segment parallel to the running rail that holds the header section, and an arc that joins the two segments. With this device, the door drive is attached to one of the sections connected below the header section, and has at least one power take-off shaft having an impeller at the end. The driven impeller engages in the guide rail and moves the door panel.

Abstract: A pressure device for conduction of the cable in cable traction transportation systems including a pressure-roller (12) of the cable (7) supported elastically on a fixed support (2) and a counter-roller (6) supported on the fixed support (2) is described. In accordance with this invention the counter-roller (6) is supported in a revolving manner on a roller-holder (5) articulated at one end to the fixed support (2) and possesses at the other end guide means (8, 9) that engage as a running guide an arm (10) that bears in a revolving manner at one end the pressure-roller (12) on the side opposite the counter-roller (6) and is articulated at the other end to the fixed support (2) with the arm (10) being pressed by elastic means in the direction of exertion of pressure of the pressure-roller (12) on the cable (7).

Abstract: A public passenger transport installation includes two end stations connected via two tracks for inbound and outbound travels. At each station, both tracks join into a common single connector track section via a switch. Each of the tracks is associated with at least two endless cables, which extend from one of the station to the other one, and more precisely from one of the connector track section to the other. The endless cables associated with one track run in parallel to one another, and are laterally offset with respect to one another by a given distance, which is constant along the track and at the stations. Vehicles provided with releasable clamps can be individually coupled to the cables. Each clamp is movable between at least four indexed lateral positions, each corresponding to one of the cables on the connector track section. Each cable can be individually driven at continuously variable speed between standstill and a cruising speed.

Abstract: A cable transportation system has a pull cable; at least one transportation unit moving along a given path and connectable selectively to the pull cable by a coupling device; at least one passenger station where the transportation unit is detached from the pull cable; and an auxiliary drive device having a linear electric motor extending along a portion of the given path to move the transportation unit along the passenger station.

Abstract: A driving system of a self-driving cableway car includes on both sides of a vertical plane (8), in which the bearing cable (6) is located, driving chains (9, 10) that revolve about chain sprocket wheels (13, 14) with horizontal rotational axes (15, 16) The driving chains carry clamping units (31) with friction linings (35) for contacting the bearing cable (1), and lead rails (36, 37) disposed on opposite sides of the bearing cable. The clamping units (31) are guided during the revolution of the driving chains (9, 10) through a particular interspace (38, 39) between the bearing cable (6) and one of the lead rails (36, 37), and the friction linings (35) of the clamping units (31) are pressed onto the bearing cable (6) by rollers (33) rolling out on running faces (40, 41). Also, a particular lead rail (36, 37) is preloaded by a spring device (46) against clamping units (31) located in the interspace (38, 39) between this lead rail (36, 37) and the bearing cable (6).

Abstract: A clamping device for coupling a transport device, for example a cabin, gondola, or a chair, to the hauling or traction cable of a cableway system. The clamping device contains two clamping jaws that can be moved toward one another or apart for coupling the clamping device to and uncoupling it from the hauling or traction cable. Exchangeable jaws, via which the clamping jaws act on the hauling or traction cable, are fastened to the clamping jaws. A bearing surface on the clamping jaws for the exchangeable jaws is curved concavely, and a counter surface on the exchangeable jaws has a corresponding curvature.

Abstract: A transport installation with a continuous running aerial rope supports chairs and gondola cars coupled by detachable grips. The rope extends in a closed loop between two bull-wheels, with an up-line and a down-line. The installation presents loading/unloading terminals provided at least at the ends of said lines. One of the terminals comprises a transfer circuit connecting the up-line and the down-line, with a slowing-down section equipped with a slowing-down device, a speeding-up section equipped with a propelling device, connected by a run-through section with a low running speed equipped with a driving device of the vehicles. The transfer circuit comprises a continuous running speed regulating section equipped with a speed regulating means that is able to vary the time required by the cars and the chairs to pass through the speed regulating section, to impose a first predetermined running speed of the cars and a second predetermined running speed of the chairs.

Abstract: A sectional door having a door frame, a door panel comprising sections coupled to another in articulated manner, a weight equalization device coupled to the door panel, and an electrical door drive for opening and closing movements of said door panel. The uppermost section in the closed position of the door panel, is guided on running rails as the header section, wherein said rails extend essentially horizontally up to the door frame, and have a vertical end segment on the frame side. The other sections that follow below the header section are guided in guide rails that have a vertical segment along the door frame, a horizontal segment parallel to the running rail that holds the header section, and an arc that joins the two segments. With this device, the door drive is attached to one of the sections connected below the header section, and has at least one power take-off shaft having an impeller at the end. The driven impeller engages in the guide rail and moves the door panel.

Abstract: A continuously moving cable traction haulage system with vehicles equipped with coupling clamps disengageable from the cable comprising in the stations an uncoupling rail and one for coupling the clamp to the rail is described. In accordance with the present invention the coupling rail (1) is supported in a sprung manner and therewith is associated a sprung roller (23) bearing the traction cable (7) between two fixed guide rollers.

Abstract: A mobile jaw (11,12) vice (10) for clamping and unclamping vehicles (19) to and from a traction cable (13) of a single-cable or two-cable transport system, such as a chair lift, a funicular cableway and a city transport system or a telpher, comprising a lever system (14, 15, 16) for arm (17, 18) and jaw (11, 12) handling, adapted to guarantee a suitable opening and an effective grip of the vice (10) onto the cable (13) also in case of wide oscillations of the vehicle (19).

Abstract: A traction cable-type vehicle for a reserved lane conveyor is equipped with a disengageable clamp secured below the vehicle. A mobile jaw of the clamp is designed as an elbow lever mounted in a swiveling manner on a fixed pin, and is arranged above the cable housing between the fixed and mobile jaws of the clamp. The elbow lever cooperates with a toggle lever having a spring-loaded telescopic link and an actuator for extending and folding of the toggle lever to close and open the clamp. The fixed and movable jaws are removable.

Abstract: An underground, on-ground or over-ground public transportation train-like vehicle that can move both on steep-slope terrain and horizontal or semi-horizontal terrain along a straight line or almost straight line route when seen from above, while remaining always in the same train configuration, enabling so the passengers to stay all the time in the same vehicle while moving between any two points at the same or different levels of a hilly city using the shortest in distance and time route, independently of weather conditions. A mobile cabin-to-cabin attachment enables the cabins of said train-like vehicle to vertically displace each with respect to the other and to horizontally rotate each with respect to the other, making thus possible for the passengers to remain in always-upright position and for the vehicle to move on a terrain with constantly changing slope, even when this change is abrupt, and not only along an ideally straight line. A 45.degree.

Abstract: A funicular system including a passenger carriage or vehicle (21) supported for movement along a path relative to a support surface (22) , an endless haul rope (23) mounted in a loop-like plurality of support sheaves (26, 27, 28) for guided movement along the path, and grip assembly (24) coupled to the carriage (21) and coupled to the haul rope (23) and formed for passage of the grip assembly (24) over the support sheaves (26, 27, 28) without significant relative displacement between the haul rope (23) and support sheaves (26, 27, 28). The grip assembly (24) preferably is comprised of a linear array of band assemblies (41a-41n) which encircle the haul rope (23) and have a relatively thin thickness dimension. The band assemblies (41a-41n) are clamped to the haul rope by a clamp (32) and coupled by a flexible link (56) to the undercarriage (59) of the vehicle (21).

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: Track (2) serves the stations of a line. A plurality of pallets (1) travel on track (2). The track and the pallets have guide elements (4, 54, 55) working with one another. The track is bordered by at least one marginal driving belt (7). The pallet (1) has on at least one of its sides an element for gripping the belt (7). The gripping element has at least one heavy element (8, 18, 20) resting by gravity on belt (7) so that a movement of this belt (7) relative to pallet (1) produces by friction a movement of this heavy element (8, 18, 20), triggering the engagement of the gripping element of pallet (1) with belt (7).

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: An aerial cable transportation system is disclosed that includes at least one vehicle supported on a carriage through a suspension with a plurality of clamps for disengageably securing the carriage to a pair of endless carrier and traction cables that are parallel to and alongside each other in a horizontal direction. The parallel cables are driven continuously at the same speed and supported by intermediate support and/or compression towers, each of which has a base, a shaft, a horizontal transverse cross arm, and two series of support and/or compression rollers for the cables. The clamps consist of two pairs of clamps, with each of the pairs of clamps being associated with one of the cables. The clamps define a rigid quadrilateral in the form of a parallelogram which is not a rectangle and which, in the engaged state, favors the synchronous passage of the two cables.

Abstract: A disconnectable locking clamp disconnectable from an overhead cable onto which it is locked, the clamp having a body with a fixed jaw and a movable jaw and in which the support surface (11) of the fixed jaw (3) has, on the one hand, a first cylindrical surface (14) complementary to a corresponding surface (15) of the cable, and, on the other hand, the end (6) of the fixed jaw (3) has a second surface (16) which is an extension of the first surface (14) and which is spaced from a corresponding surface (17) of the cable.The invention also covers methods of disconnection, connection, and uncoupling of such a clamp, and a transport or towing installation using such a clamp.

Abstract: A carriage coupling cars to a carrier-hauling rope of a cable-car comprises two grips having protruding parts above the upper face of the rope. A connecting part with a concave running face facilitating the passage of the grips under the compression sheaves extends between the protruding parts.

Abstract: A cableway-type transportation system has an endless cable looped under tension about two reversing pulleys between which its two substantially parallel runs are supported by sustaining rollers yieldably overlain by retaining rollers. At an intermediate point the two runs are laterally bent in the same direction by respective deflectors lying within the loop plane, namely a first deflector comprising a relatively large pulley inside the loop and a second deflector including an array of relatively small pulleys outside the loop. The latter pulleys are partly overlain by a curved shelf rigid with a vertical web of a guard rail, the corresponding cable run passing normally under that web.

Abstract: Device (1) for fixing a telpher chair or a telpher car to a cable (2), of the type comprising a part (5,6,8) extending along the cable and forming a travelling surface (12) on which rollers (13) are made to travel, the part having at each of its ends an extension (14,15) comprising an arm (16) which extends laterally relative to the cable and along the latter and which forms a travelling surface (22) or ramp which extends the travelling surface (12) of the part in such a way that the rollers (13) mount or leave by means of tangential contact the travelling surface of the extension (14) at its end or in the vicinity thereof.

Abstract: An improved cable following apparatus especially suitable for use in replacing an existing underground cable is disclosed herein. This apparatus utilizes a telescopically configured main body disposed around a cable in question and front and rear cable gripping mechanisms which alternatively grip the cable so as to cause the telescopic body to slide along the latter in a forward direction. The cable following apparatus also includes a technique for releasing both of the gripping mechanisms from the cable at the same time in order to be able to pull the entire apparatus rearwardly in the event it becomes necessary or desirable to do so.

Abstract: Single rope aerial cableway having a load-carrying head carriage with two clips of inverted-V form for gripping the rope by the action of the weight of the load. Each clip is provided with a rearwards extending fork and is rotatably mounted to move the fork in a downward direction upon upward movements of the clip relatively to the rope so that the rope is engaged and guided by the fork. A finger engaging the rope is slidably mounted on the front side of the clip and the support sheave is provided with two side grooves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detachable grip of a mono-cable transport installation. The grip has a pair of jaws which is both pivotally mounted on a spindle and urged into a clamping position by means of a compression spring which acts on a piston connected by link-rods to the operating shanks of the jaws. In the clamping position the gauge of the grip is not increased.

Abstract: Transport installation comprising individual passive vehicles each equipped with a triple grip for coupling the vehicle to a main haulage cable extending along the track or to auxiliary haulage cables for instance acceleration and deceleration cables in a station. One pair of jaws of the grip is open when the two other pairs of jaws are in the coupling position and inversely. A change of cable operation is effected by a single control and the gauge of the grip is maintained small to permit its passing between the guide sheaves of the cables.

Abstract: A safety clamping device for a pull-cable arrangement for use in an aerial cableway comprising a pair of clamping jaws provided with cable-clamping cups disposed internally thereof, a plurality of synthetic-resin strips interposed between the cable-clamping cups and the clamping jaws and a spring storage device disposed in pressure relationship between one of the clamping jaws and a pressure plate whereby a frictional coupling is provided for a pull-cable and a trolley under normal operation, but being effective to drop the synthetic-resin strips and release the pull-cable, to detension the spring device in reaction to increase in friction and/or heat as a protection against development of excessive friction and/or heat.