Automatic Grip Control Patents (Class 104/204)
  • Patent number: 11807283
    Abstract: An emergency arrest device for a zip line is disclosed. The device uses a rope wound around the zip line, e.g., in a double helix, as the “core reactor” that provides stopping force. The device receives the ends of the wound rope and controls the position of the rope and tension within the rope to create and modulate the stopping force. Specifically, the device may comprise a front plate, a rear plate assembly, connecting members connecting the front plate and the rear plate assembly, and a movable carriage. The rear plate assembly includes a first receiving structure adapted to receive and secure one end of the rope. The moveable carriage is mounted within the emergency arrest device between the front plate and the rear plate assembly and carries a second receiving structure adapted to receive and secure the other end of the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventor: Donald Andrew Hackett
  • Patent number: 11772684
    Abstract: For A zip line trolley brake system includes a cable suspended between upper and lower support platforms which, together, function with rider harnessing, loading, and take-off with a passive braking trolley allowing a controlled descent and barrel spring system providing addition braking near the end of a cable termination. The zip line trolley positioned atop a cable includes a frame assembled from a pair of parallel side plates, a four-sided rotational brake pad, and a parabolic groove wheel which is sandwiched between side plates, and a lever. A lever from which a rider is suspended, can be pinned anywhere within the trolley's circular toothed slot instilling a brake force for the cable slope. A trolley brake generally square sides are grooved for cables and fabricated from a durable polymeric material is rotatably within affixed side plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Troy Richardson
  • Patent number: 11754738
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for seismic survey by autonomous seismic nodes (1) at a sea floor (2), comprising: —attaching the seismic nodes (1) to a rope (3); —loading the rope (3) with the seismic nodes into a node deployer (4); —lowering the node deployer (4) into the sea (5); —towing the node deployer (4) above the sea floor (2); —deploying the rope (3) with the seismic nodes (1) at the sea floor (2); —collecting seismic data by the seismic nodes (1); —retrieving the rope (3) with the seismic nodes (1) from the sea floor (2), and —unloading seismic data from the seismic nodes (1). The invention also relates to a node deployer (4) for deploying a rope (3) with seismic nodes (1) at the sea floor (2), comprising a magazine (7) for the rope (3) with the seismic nodes (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: MAGSEIS FAIRFIELD ASA
    Inventors: Karsten Dons, John Emil Halden, Nils Halvor Heieren
  • Patent number: 11376513
    Abstract: A zip track system that is integrally connected to a challenge course so that a user can traverse one portion of the challenge course, and then can slide down the zip track system via a zip track to any other desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: JIMI IP, LLC
    Inventors: James Allen Liggett, Troy Lee Garland, Timothy John Powers
  • Patent number: 11104357
    Abstract: A cable car carriage for transporting goods or passengers has two opposing spaced-apart crawlers. Each of the crawlers has a crawler chain composed of juxtaposed chain links. A support cable can be inserted between the opposing crawlers on the opposing chain links of the crawler chains. A pressing mechanism connects the crawlers with one another, and is designed to adjust the distance between the crawlers as well as the pressing force of the two crawlers relative to each other and/or the pressing force of the two crawlers against the support cable. The crawler chains are driven in a circulating movement by a drive via a crawler running gear, thus moving the cable car carriage along the support cable. A cable crane, a passenger gondola, a cable saddle, and a transport assembly employing the cable car carriage are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: C.D.C. Chain Drive Crane GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Gurndin, Alexander Philippov
  • Patent number: 10478737
    Abstract: A zip track system that is integrally connected to a challenge course so that a user can traverse one portion of the challenge course, and then can slide down the zip track system via a zip track to any other desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: ROPES COURSES, INC.
    Inventors: James Allen Liggett, Troy Lee Garland, Timothy John Powers
  • Patent number: 10213699
    Abstract: A zip track system that is integrally connected to a challenge course so that a user can traverse one portion of the challenge course, and then can slide down the zip track system via a zip track to any other desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ropes Courses, Inc.
    Inventors: James Allen Liggett, Troy Lee Garland, Timothy John Powers
  • Patent number: 9975560
    Abstract: A cable transportation system having a rolling track extending along a designated path; a trolley configured to roll along the rolling track; a haul cable extending along the designated path and selectively connectable to the trolley; and at least one roller assembly having a frame, a plurality of rollers fitted movably to the frame, and elastic members located between the frame and the rollers to enable the rollers to assume a first operating position contacting the haul cable, and a second operating position lower than the first operating position and contacting the trolley as the trolley runs along the roller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: LEITNER S.P.A.
    Inventors: Hartmut Wieser, Nikolaus Erharter
  • Patent number: 8418625
    Abstract: A system for conveying persons has at least one track along which a plurality of vehicles or groups of vehicles are moved by continuous conveying cables. At least two mutually successive conveying cables are arranged in line with one another and each has a drive so that they may be driven independently of one another. The vehicles are coupled to the cables with clamping devices. The clamping devices arranged on the vehicles spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the system. When there is a transfer of a vehicle from a first to the successive conveying cable, a control device uncouples at least the first clamping device, from the first conveying cable and thereupon couples it to the successive conveying cable. Then, a further clamping device is uncoupled from the first conveying cable and coupled to the successive conveying cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Innova Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Johann Czaloun
  • Patent number: 8375866
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Innova Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Florian Heinzle, Peter Wilhelm
  • Publication number: 20120125223
    Abstract: A system for conveying persons has at least one track along which a plurality of vehicles or groups of vehicles are moved by continuous conveying cables. At least two mutually successive conveying cables are arranged in line with one another and each has a drive so that they may be driven independently of one another. The vehicles are coupled to the cables with clamping devices. The clamping devices arranged on the vehicles spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the system. When there is a transfer of a vehicle from a first to the successive conveying cable, a control device uncouples at least the first clamping device, from the first conveying cable and thereupon couples it to the successive conveying cable. Then, a further clamping device is uncoupled from the first conveying cable and coupled to the successive conveying cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: INNOVA PATENT GMBH
    Inventor: JOHANN CZALOUN
  • Patent number: 6666773
    Abstract: A zip line thrill ride system includes a cable suspended between a upper cable support tower and platform which, together, function as the harnessing, loading, and take-off point for the ride, and a lower cable support tower and platform which, together, function as the landing, unloading and unharnessing point of the ride. Multiple, substantially identical trolleys are designed to quickly engage and disengage the cable. The trolley includes a frame of generally I-beam cross section, a generally tubular brake retainer, having a longitudinal slit therein, is welded to an upper rear portion of the frame. A grooved, generally cylindrical brake fabricated from a durable polymeric material is rotatably affixed within the tubular brake retainer. When the trolley is affixed to the suspended cable by sliding the cable into the slit and rotating the brake, the grooved insert rides against the suspended cable and generates friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Troy Richardson
  • Patent number: 6543366
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: High Technology Investments BV
    Inventors: Otto Pabst, Andreas Mair
  • Patent number: 5103738
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Jan Claussen
  • Patent number: 4957047
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Von Roll Transportsysteme AG
    Inventors: Fritz Feuz, Walter Brawand
  • Patent number: 4860664
    Abstract: An aerial tramway grip assembly (21) including a gripping head (24) carrying a pair of opposed movable jaws (26, 27) for gripping a haul rope (23) and a resilient biasing assembly (37) biasing the jaws (26, 27) towards a closed position. The improvement in the grip assembly (21) is comprised of two pairs of opposed stationary gripping surfaces (41,42,43,44) positioned proximate the jaws (26,27) and positioned to cooperate with an opposed one of the jaws (26,27) to grip the haul rope (23) therebetween in the event of release of the gripping force provided by the other jaw. Additionally, resilient biasing is provided by two independent rubber blocks or cylinders (38,39) which bias each jaw (26,27) toward an opposed jaw and toward the opposed stationary gripping surface (41-44). The stationary gripping surfaces (41-44) additionally are oriented to be gravity biased into wedging engagement with the haul rope (23) so as to grip the haul rope (23) even in the event of failure of the movable jaws (26,27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignees: Zygmunt A. Kunczynski, Alexander J. Kunczynski
    Inventor: Jan K. Kunczynski
  • Patent number: 4846075
    Abstract: A load attachment device attaching a person to a safety line to provide a fall-arrest facility, comprises a slipper member for engaging an elongate member for sliding movement therealong, and load sensitive locking member having an unlocked condition perimitting free sliding movement of the device and a locked condition in which a grip portion of the locking member engages and grips an elongate member slidably engaged, in use, with the slipper member, the locking member including biassing member to cause the locking member to be brought automatically into its locked condition when an applied loading, which is required to maintain the locking member in its unlocked condition on an inclined, or a vertical or near vertical elongate member, or portions of an elongate member, is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Latchways Limited
    Inventor: Alan W. Tupper
  • Patent number: 4691643
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Pomagalski
    Inventor: Max Brochand
  • Patent number: 4686906
    Abstract: Device for continuously controlling the clamping force in monocable ropew, comprising a test spring which acts against the pressure spring and which is arranged with the latter-mentioned in the pressure mechanism. A signal and/or stop device is responsive to a deformation of the test spring when a predetermined threshold magnitude of deformation has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Konrad Doppelmayr & Sohn Maschinefabrik Gesellschaft m.b.H & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Bernd Meindl
  • Patent number: 4403552
    Abstract: A grip assembly and method for detachably mounting a chair, gondola or the like to a movable cable is disclosed. The grip assembly includes a movable jaw, spring biasing means coupled to bias the jaw to a closed position, and jaw actuating means in the form of opposed toggle joints coupled to move the jaw between open and closed positions upon the application of equal, opposite and aligned forces to knee portions of the toggle joints. A mechanism for applying the actuating forces to the grip assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1983
    Inventor: Jan K. Kunczynski
  • Patent number: 4092929
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Assignee: POMA 2000 S.A.
    Inventor: Roger Laurent