Abstract: The traction system comprises a plurality of substantially parallel tendons (2) movable for pulling a load, the tendons being disposed according to a pattern in a plane perpendicular to the tendons; and at least one deviator (3) for guiding the tendons, the deviator accommodating an angular deflection of the plurality of tendons. The deviator includes a support structure (4) and a plurality of segments (5) each having an inner surface facing a convex surface of the support structure, front and rear surfaces and a plurality of channels extending from the front surface to the rear surface. The channels are disposed according to said pattern in the front and rear surfaces of each segment, each tendon being received in a respective one of the channels. At least some of the segments (5) have their inner surfaces bearing on the convex surface of the support structure (4) in response to tensile forces applied to the tendons.

Abstract: The traction system comprises a plurality of substantially parallel tendons (2) movable for pulling a load, the tendons being disposed according to a pattern in a plane perpendicular to the tendons; and at least one deviator (3) for guiding the tendons, the deviator accommodating an angular deflection of the plurality of tendons. The deviator includes a support structure (4) and a plurality of segments (5) each having an inner surface facing a convex surface of the support structure, front and rear surfaces and a plurality of channels extending from the front surface to the rear surface. The channels are disposed according to said pattern in the front and rear surfaces of each segment, each tendon being received in a respective one of the channels. At least some of the segments (5) have their inner surfaces bearing on the convex surface of the support structure (4) in response to tensile forces applied to the tendons.

Abstract: A fluid-cushion supporting arrangement for horizontal conveyance comprises a supporting platform having a center and a distal portion; a flexible angular sealing element arranged under the platform in the region of the distal portion and forming a sealing piston. The sealing piston has a substantially horizontal leg which extends toward the center and forms together with the supporting platform a fluid chamber, and a substantially vertical leg which forms together with the supporting platform a control pressure chamber. The vertical leg is vertically and adjustably inserted in the control pressure chamber. An inlet valve is provided for supplying fluid into the fluid chamber. A pressure-regulating arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and the control pressure chamber regulates the fluid pressure. The vertical leg comprises a plurality of reinforcement elements including at least one metallic strip.

Abstract: A fluid-cushion supporting arrangement for horizontal conveyance comprises a supporting platform having a center and a distal portion; a flexible angular sealing element arranged under the platform in the region of the distal portion and forming a sealing piston. The sealing piston has a substantially horizontal leg which extends toward the center and forms together with the supporting platform a fluid chamber, and a substantially vertical leg which forms together with the supporting platform a control pressure chamber. The vertical leg is vertically and adjustably inserted in the control pressure chamber. Inlet means are provided for supplying fluid into the fluid chamber. A pressure-regulating arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and the control pressure chamber regulates the fluid pressure. The vertical leg comprises a plurality of reinforcement elements including at least one metallic strip.