Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a lightning arrester, the method being of the type comprising steps consisting in making a stack of varistors (100), and in forming a cover (300) made of a composite material over the stack of varistors (100), said method being characterized by the fact that the step of forming a cover (300) made of a composite material consists in placing a woven fiber fabric (310) on the outside of the stack of varistors (100) and in contact therewith, in placing a flexible outer cover (400) on the outside of the stack of varistors (100), and in injecting a material (350) suitable for impregnating the fiber fabric (310) into the annular space formed between the stack of varistors (100) and the flexible outer cover (400).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surge arrestor, comprising the following steps: making a stack of varistors and forming a first envelope that is at least semi-rigid thereon and that has an outside section that is constant along its length, thereby serving in particular to compensate for surface irregularities in the stack of varistors due to alignment faults and to dimensional dispersions in the varistors, after which an outer envelope of substantially constant thickness is extruded on the first envelope, and then annular fins are installed on the extruded outer envelope.

Abstract: In a tracked transportation system independent cars are drawn along by a common cable. A car comprises a rolling chassis with a cabin suspended above the chassis by a set of chains. The chains are coupled to a shaft forming apparatus for weighing the cabin and connected to an assembly for gripping the cable. The coupling between the chains and the gripping assembly can be released by a trigger device fixed to the track and operated by remote control to lower the cabin relative to the chassis and so achieve emergency braking.

Abstract: A sensing system for use on a tracked vehicle transporation system forms a sensitive floor beneath the lip of a platform. The floor is made up of a plurality of metal plates mounted on spring supports so that they can be slightly depressed if an abnormal load is applied to them. Such depression changes the state of a switch or like means through the intermediary of a cable and a lever.

Abstract: A tracked transportation system uses an automatic car door opening and closing system. The car door or one panel of a two-panel door carries a lever on which is a rear abutment member designed to roll along an outside surface at the bottom of the car. This member enters a housing when the door is closed. The door is closed by holding it as the car moves slowly along a platform, by means of a hook attached to the lever.

Abstract: A transport installation comprises a guide track and at least one car which moves on the track. A circulating cable is provided near the track and a gripping device on the car grips the cable. Lateral retaining members are fixed to the car and accommodate the cable at least when it is gripped by the gripping devices. There are at least two such lateral retaining members disposed on respective sides of the gripping device. They are adapted to hold the cable betweem them at least substantially in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A transport installation comprises a guide track and at least one car which moves on the track. A circulating cable is provided near the track and a gripping device on the car grips this cable. This device comprises two gripping members movable relative to each other and urged into a closed position by a closing force developed within the car. A force distributor mechanism is disposed between at least one of these gripping members and the point at which the closing force is applied. Two force transmitting branches are coupled to the force distributor mechanism. Each transmits part of the aforementioned closing force. A first pivoting support carries one of the gripping members and has a first of these branches directly articulated to it. The othe branch is articulated to a second privoting support. On the second pivoting support are an engagement device and an abutment member.

Abstract: A transport system comprising cable-drawn non-motorized vehicles guided independently of the cable and coupled to and uncoupled from the cable automatically. The vehicle comprises a progressively engaged clamp gripping a cable, a braked wheel, and support and guide wheels bearing on rails. The clamp is controlled by a cam which is fixed relative to the track and, through the joint action of the respective cable and vehicle guide systems, grips the cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically operating a semi-continuous passenger transport system using non-motorized vehicles. Fault conditions corresponding to passengers or articles carried by passengers projecting beyond a surface limiting access to the vehicles in stations are detected. Detection of such fault conditions initiates progressive implementation of fault condition signalling, and slowing and stopping of the tracks which drive the vehicles. These measures are progressively cancelled on clearance of the fault condition.

Abstract: Each end of a transmission line comprises a lightning protector and a component ensuring a connection under complete electro-insulation with an emitter on one hand and a receiver on the other hand.