Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable relies on a brake to control velocity and net downhill acceleration of the trolley. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. At the downhill end of the ride, the lever actuating the brake is caught and lifted by a capture ring, thus relieving the braking load on the trolley. Also, the trolley engages a comparatively modest, second resistance mechanism, such as, for example, a system of springs, that gradually increases in resistance with distance of motion of the trolley thereagainst, bringing the trolley to a gradual halt.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable relies on a brake to control velocity and net downhill acceleration of the trolley. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. At the downhill end of the ride, the lever actuating the brake is caught and lifted by a capture ring, thus relieving the braking load on the trolley. Also, the trolley engages a comparatively modest, second resistance mechanism, such as, for example, a system of springs, that gradually increases in resistance with distance of motion of the trolley thereagainst, bringing the trolley to a gradual halt.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. The brake pad may include a plurality of segments contacting the cable. A first such segment may be formed from a first material. A second such segment may be formed from a second material, distinct from the first material. The sequence, composition, gaps, and the like of the plurality of segments may be selected to provide a desired resistance to wear, frictional coefficient, all-weather braking, and the like.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. The brake pad may include a plurality of segments contacting the cable. A first such segment may be formed from a first material. A second such segment may be formed from a second material, distinct from the first material. The sequence, composition, gaps, and the like of the plurality of segments may be selected to provide a desired resistance to wear, frictional coefficient, all-weather braking, and the like.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable relies on a brake to control velocity and net downhill acceleration of the trolley. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. At the downhill end of the ride, the lever actuating the brake is caught and lifted by a capture ring, thus relieving the braking load on the trolley. Also, the trolley engages a comparatively modest, second resistance mechanism, such as, for example, a system of springs, that gradually increases in resistance with distance of motion of the trolley thereagainst, bringing the trolley to a gradual halt.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable relies on a brake to control velocity and limit net downhill acceleration of the trolley. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. At the downhill end of the ride, the lever actuating the brake is caught and lifted by a capture ring, thus relieving the braking load on the trolley. Also, the trolley engages a comparatively modest, second resistance mechanism, such as, for example, a system of springs, that gradually increases in resistance with distance of motion of the trolley thereagainst, bringing the trolley to a gradual halt at a rate to improve comfort of a rider and reduce acceleration forces (loads) on the trolley.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. The brake pad may include a plurality of segments contacting the cable. A first such segment may be formed from a first material. A second such segment may be formed from a second material, distinct from the first material. The sequence, composition, gaps, and the like of the plurality of segments may be selected to provide a desired resistance to wear, frictional coefficient, all-weather braking, and the like.

Abstract: An improved amusement ride provides minimal requirement on supporting structures by suspending a rail system from suspension cables. Individual riders sit in a harness suspended from a trolley traveling along the suspended rail. The rail may turn in substantially any direction and the trolley coasts along it. Parallel rails may be suspended for a race-like format. The suspension cables may be arranged along a hillside, relying on the grade of the hill for elevation change, or may be arranged as a lattice of supporting infrastructure with an arrangement of the coaster rail there below.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable relies on a brake to control velocity and limit net downhill acceleration of the trolley. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. At the downhill end of the ride, the lever actuating the brake is caught and lifted by a capture ring, thus relieving the braking load on the trolley. Also, the trolley engages a comparatively modest, second resistance mechanism, such as, for example, a system of springs, that gradually increases in resistance with distance of motion of the trolley thereagainst, bringing the trolley to a gradual halt at a rate to improve comfort of a rider and reduce acceleration forces (loads) on the trolley.

Abstract: A trolley for traveling along a cable. The trolley may include a frame having a first end, a second end, and a rail positioned between the first and second ends. A brake pad may connect to the frame. A sheave mount may also connect to the frame and include a sheave for rolling along the cable. A carriage may connect to the frame and include a user mount for suspending a user. The carriage may selectively travel along the rail through a continuous range of motion to control a braking force generated by the trolley between the brake pad and the cable.

Abstract: A trolley for traveling along a cable. The trolley may include a frame having a first end, a second end, and a rail positioned between the first and second ends. A brake pad may connect to the frame. A sheave mount may also connect to the frame and include a sheave for rolling along the cable. A carriage may connect to the frame and include a user mount for suspending a user. The carriage may selectively travel along the rail through a continuous range of motion to control a braking force generated by the trolley between the brake pad and the cable.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. The brake pad may include a plurality of segments contacting the cable. A first such segment may be formed from a first material. A second such segment may be formed from a second material, distinct from the first material. The sequence, composition, gaps, and the like of the plurality of segments may be selected to provide a desired resistance to wear, frictional coefficient, all-weather braking, and the like.

Abstract: A trolley retrieval system for transporting or returning trolleys from a finish area back to a start area for traveling along a cable. The systems may include a cable held in suspension between the first and second supports. A retrieval line may be suspended in a closed loop extending from proximate the first support to proximate the second support. A trolley for traveling along the cable may be selectively connectable to the retrieval line. A motivator may selectively circulating the retrieval line around the loop. A controller may control operation of the motivator.