Abstract: A tramway transport system (31) including a flexible belt track (32) which spans between two transport terminals (33,34) and, a belt anchorage at each of the terminals. The belt track (32) is not driven to propel the transport vehicle (36, 36a) but instead is tensioned by a belt tensioning assembly, preferably a belt reel assembly (41), formed to apply a tension force to the belt (32). The transport vehicle (36, 36a) mounted to the belt (32) for movement along the belt (32), and is preferably self-propelled. The belt reel assembly (41) is capable of rapid, substantial, dynamic length adjustments of the belt track (32), which enables application of the transport system (31) to underway ship replenishment applications. A method of transporting loads between terminals (33,34) using a flexible belt track (32), a tensioning reel (41) and load-carrying transport vehicle (36, 36a) also is disclosed.

Abstract: A people mover system (110) comprising an elevated track (112) having a horizontal section (114) and vertical end sections (116, 118) and a passenger car (124) movably carried on track (112). Horizontal track section (114) is elevated above an intersection or roadway (140) a height sufficient to permit vehicular traffic to pass beneath car (124). A drive mechanism is provided extending along track (124) for propelling the passenger car in both vertical and horizontal directions between a first load/unload point (120) and a second load/unload point (122).

Abstract: A transportation system including a vehicle support structure (21), a vehicle (22) supported thereon, and elongated semi-rigid fin (44) attached to the vehicle (22) and a plurality of drive assemblies (45) positioned along the support structure (21) to frictionally engage and drive the fin (44). The fin (44) is sufficiently rigid for support of compressive loads, for example, in braking and acceleration, without lateral buckling, and moreover, the fin (44) is sufficiently rigid to assist in steering of the vehicle (22). The fin (44) preferably is not a continuous or endless member, but extends several vehicle lengths in front of the vehicle (22) for steering and most preferably several vehicle lengths behind the vehicle (22) for propulsion and braking. A flexible traction belt (86) optionally can be coupled in tandem with the fin (44) to provide an endless loop propulsion system.

Abstract: A conveying or transportation system having a haul rope (22) mounted for movement along a path, and a carrier unit (27) coupled to the haul rope (22). The carrier unit (27) is coupled to the haul rope (22) by a rope coupling assembly (51), which preferably includes a tension sensing device (139) and a screw jack tension adjustment assembly (141,142,143,144) formed to respond to sensed tension in the haul rope (22) to adjust the same at the terminals (31). The screw jack tension adjustment assembly (53) preferably includes two screw members (141,142) which are movably mounted in collar assemblies (143,144) and driven by a motor (162) to tension or relax the haul rope (22). A method of automatically maintaining and adjusting the tensioning of the haul rope (22) also is provided.

Abstract: A transit system including a vehicle (21), an elongated flexible traction belt (22) coupled to the vehicle (21) to apply a traction force sufficient to propel the vehicle along a transit path (23), and a drive assembly (24) coupled to displace the traction belt (22). The traction belt (22) is oriented with sides (33) in a substantially vertical plane so that the vehicle (21) can be coupled to one edge (38) of the belt and the other edge (39) used to guide the vertical position of the belt. Intermediate the edges ( 38,39 ) drive assemblies (36,37) can be periodically provided along the length of the transit path (23) to frictionally engage and drive the traction belt without interference from either the guiding surfaces (56,57,58) or the vehicle coupling assembly (51). A method of propelling a vehicle (21) and a traction member-based transit system is provided including a step of applying a traction force to the vehicle ( 21 ) through a traction belt ( 22 ) while the belt is vertically oriented.

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: A conveying or transportation system having a haul rope (22) mounted for movement along a path, a terminal (31) positioned along the path and having a docking surface (52), and a carrier unit (27) coupled to the haul rope (22). The carrier unit (27) is coupled to the haul rope (22) by a rope coupling assembly (51), preferably in the form of a hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly (53) and fluid circuit (54), formed to create and maintain tension in the haul rope (22) during transport of the carrier unit (27) and formed for yieldable displacement of the haul rope (22) relative to the carrier unit (27) upon engagement of the carrier unit (27) with the docking surface (52) at the terminal (31).

Abstract: A seat assembly (22) for a chairlift or the like in which there is a transversely-extending hollow extruded body (31, 32, 33, 61, 62) having a length dimension sufficient to support a passenger thereon. A pair of side assemblies (34, 63) are mounted to opposite ends of the extruded hollow body, and an elongated transversely-extending securement rod (46, 47, 64) is coupled to both the side members (34, 63) and extends through the hollow body to sandwich the sides against the intermediate hollow body and secure the body members (31, 32, 33, 61, 62) together as a unit. The same system is used for forming the seat (23), as well as the seat back (24). Cushion attachment and tensioning recesses (81, 86, 91, 96) or pockets are provided in the extruded seat and seat back bodies which allow capture of enlarged edges (84, 88, 92, 98) of seat cushion material (85, 89) to effect attachment and tensioning.

Abstract: A chair assembly (20) for chairlift including a seat (22) and enclosure member (43) mounted to the seat (22) for movement between open and closed positions. The chair assembly (20) has a drive (51) for moving the enclosure (43) which includes a rail (52) mounted to the movable enclosure member (43) and drive rollers (56, 57) carried by the frame (26) of the seat assembly (21). The drive rollers (56, 57) are powered by motion of the chair assembly (20) through actuator rollers (82, 83) that engage stationary actuator rails (84, 85) at the chair terminals. The actuator rollers (82, 83) are coupled by flexible drive cables (87, 88) to the drive rollers (56, 57) so that movement of the chair along the actuator rails (84, 85) produces rotation of the actuator rollers (82, 83) and the drive rollers (56, 57), which displaces the rail (52) and movable enclosure member (43).

Abstract: A rope tow system including a haul rope (23, 23a) extending along a path, haul rope mounting assembly (21, 22) mounting the haul rope (23, 23a) for movement in spaced relation above the tow path. Haul rope driving assembly (31, 32) is coupled to the haul rope for advancement thereof, and a plurality of hanger arms (42, 42a) are coupled to the haul rope and depend downwardly therefrom. Each hanger arm (42, 42a) is mounted to the haul rope (23, 23a) by a mounting assembly (43, 43a) substantially preventing rearward deflection of the hanger arms (42, 42a) relative to the haul rope (23, 23a). Finally, a user-grippable tow rope (41, 41a) is coupled to each of the hanger arms (42, 42a) for movement therewith. The tow rope (41, 41a) is secured to the hanger arms (42, 42a) in positions below the haul rope (23, 23a) and at a height above the snow surface (29) suitable for gripping by skiers while being towed along the tow path.

Abstract: As drive shoe assembly (50) for a transportation system in which transport units (31) are propelled along a path by frictional engagement of the drive shoe assembly (50) by a drive assembly (36). The drive shoe assembly (50) includes frame members (54) and a plurality of resiliently flexible traction members (52) disposed therebetween defining a resiliently flexible traction surface (60). The traction surface (60) is coupled to the frame members (54) and, further, is positioned to be frictionally engaged by a plurality of drive wheels (36) in a sequence situated along the path to propel the transport unit (31) forward. Upon engagement between the drive wheels (36) and the traction surface (60), the resilient traction surface (60) is sufficiently deflected such that any ice accumulation on the resilient members (52) will crack and fall away.

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 drive-shoe assembly (30) and method for accelerating/decelerating a carrier unit (14) along a rail (12) or the like. The drive-shoe assembly (30) includes a rigid shoe segment (36) which frictionally engages the adjacent acceleration/deceleration drive wheels (22) operating at different speeds, and a movable segment (38) which supports the weight of the carrier unit (14) yet does not impart any significant velocity to the carrier unit (14). The movable segment (38) includes a plurality of roller elements (35) which are in rolling contact with higher or lower speed drive wheels adjacent to the drive wheels (22) controlling the carrier unit velocity so as to minimize drive wheel wear and insure smooth carrier unit acceleration.

Abstract: An aerial tramway (21) having an endless loop haul rope (41,42,43,44) supported for movement between end terminals (27,36) and preferably for movement over at least one intermediate support tower (75) with the haul rope oriented in a substantially vertical plane. The haul rope (41,42,43,44) has an upper rope portion (57) moving in one direction and a lower rope portion (56) moving in an opposite direction, and at least one carrier unit (46) is coupled for movement by a grip assembly (55) to the upper or lower rope portion. The carrier unit (46) further includes a sheave assembly (66) positioned to be in rolling engagement with the rope portion that is not gripped. In the preferred form, the grip assembly (55) grips the upper rope portion (57) while the sheave assembly (66) rollingly engages the lower rope portion (56).

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).

Abstract: An aerial tramway system and method are disclosed in which pairs of haul ropes are mounted to vertically oriented bull wheels. The drive bull wheels are preferably mounted to a common drive shaft to help synchronize haul rope advancement. An adjustment assembly is provided on one of the pair of drive bull wheels to enable dynamic adjustment of the effective radius of the bull wheel without changing the bull wheel rotation rate. Adjustment is based upon sensor feedback to previsely synchronize the haul rope advancement. The aerial tramway system further includes a first pair of endless loop haul ropes operating in one direction and a second pair of endless loop haul ropes operating in an opposite direction. The passenger carrier units are demountably attached to the haul ropes and transferred along transfer paths between stations at the end of the haul ropes so as to provide a system in which the passenger carrier units can be continuously cycled around the loop formed by the two pairs of haul ropes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of spacing detachable passenger carrier units along the length of a moving haul rope in an aerial tramway system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor system which has a spacing section that is operated at a speed which is reduced by a speed factor determined by the geometry of the passenger carrier units and the geometry and operating parameters of the particular tramway line on which the units are to be spaced. Additionally, the speed of the spacing section is varied in accordance with the number of units which are selected to be spaced along the length of the line as compared to the maximum capacity of the tramway. Input of the selected number of units to a controller programmed with the particular tramway operating parameters and geometry will automatically slave the spacing section so as to discharge units to a launching system at an interval which insures even spacing.

Abstract: An automatic, rail-based passenger and cargo transportation system which is particularly well suited for use as a moderate speed people mover is disclosed. The system includes a rail structure on which passive carrier cars are movably supported from opposite sides of the rail. In one aspect a plurality of drive wheels are rotatably mounted to the rail assembly and span across the width of the rail structure so as to drive the carrier cars along the rail in opposite directions on opposite sides of the rail. In another aspect of the invention, the carrier cars are cantilever supported from the sides of the rail so as to cause gravity biasing of the cars inwardly such that a shoe is forced into driving engagement with alternating toothed and smooth drive wheels mounted in the rail framework and sufficiently spaced so that only one toothed drive wheel interengages with the shoe assembly at any time.

Abstract: To detect impending deropement of a wire haul rope from supporting sheaves in an aerial tramway system, there is provided a magnetic assembly having sufficient field strength to support itself in a predetermined position by reason of attraction to the wire haul rope when running normally in the sheaves. When the wire haul rope begins to run off one of the sheaves toward an impending deropement, the magnetic assembly will fall from its armed position to a substantially moved position. The magnetic assembly carries at least one position-responsive switch which interrupts a detection circuit when the magnet moves to the moved position. The interruption of the detection circuit is utilized to detect the location of the potential deropement and to terminate tramway operation.

Abstract: A haul rope grip assembly for an aerial tramway is disclosed which is suitable for both detachable and permanent gripping of the tramway haul rope. The assembly includes a gripping head having a pair of relatively spaced apart converging haul rope gripping surfaces oriented for gravity biasing of the surfaces into wedging engagement with the haul rope under loading of the grip. Additionally, the assembly includes a jaw positioned proximate the surfaces and formed to apply supplemental force to the haul rope in a direction tending to further wedge the haul rope between the gripping surfaces. The jaws are also formed to unwedge the haul rope upon movement from a closed to an open position. In the detachable grip assembly, a pair of independently movable jaws pivotally mounted and actuated by levers are biased closed with leaf springs that are spaced apart to allow for a hold down sheave.