Cable Rails Patents (Class 104/112)
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Publication number: 20140020592Abstract: An aerial transport installation with back-and-forth movement includes two carrying-hauling ropes extending in two individual closed loops between two end terminals separated from one another by an intermediate station which is provided with a double pulley. The latter is provided with two grooves having different groove root diameters, such that the ratio of the diameters is equal to the ratio respectively of the axial distance between the first bull-wheel and the double pulley and of the axial distance between the second bull-wheel and the double pulley. The speeds of the vehicles are also different in the two loops.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: POMAGALSKIInventor: Luc Marnas
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Publication number: 20140007788Abstract: A cable transportation system has a pull cable; at least one transportation unit moving along a given path and connectable selectively to the pull cable by a coupling device; at least one passenger station where the transportation unit is detached from the pull cable; and an auxiliary drive device having a linear electric motor extending along a portion of the given path to move the transportation unit along the passenger station.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: Rolic International S.AR.LInventors: Federico Bavaresco, Peter Leimstadtner
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Patent number: 8607710Abstract: A cable-tow system including a skiing surface. A drive tower, including a drive pulley, and a support tower, including a return pulley, are positioned on a periphery of the skiing surface. The cable-tow system further includes a stationary support cable spanning a first distance between the drive tower and the support tower. A movable drive cable spans a second distance between the drive pulley and the return pulley. The movable drive cable travels in an orbital fashion between the drive pulley and the return pulley. A truck is connected to the movable drive cable and includes at least one race pulley. The at least one race pulley engages the stationary support cable. A tow rope is connected to the truck and includes a handle for towing a skier. Movement of the movable drive cable moves the truck along a length of the stationary support cable.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventor: Jack Farr
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Patent number: 8601951Abstract: A self-cooling trolley includes a wheel formed of a non-ferromagnetic material with a groove between two flanges disposed on a circumference. At least one pair of magnets are disposed in proximity to the wheel. Each pair of magnets comprises a north magnet with a north magnetic pole in proximity to the wheel and a south magnet with a south magnetic pole in proximity to the wheel. The at least one pair of magnets generate an eddy current within the rotating wheel opposing an angular motion of the wheel. Self-cooling means is provided on the wheel to generate an air flow toward and/or away from the wheel as the wheel rotates. Related methods are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Inventor: Shawn Lerner
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Publication number: 20130319280Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: Rolic International S.A.R.L.Inventors: Hartmut Wieser, Nikolaus Erharter
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Publication number: 20130312633Abstract: A system of devices facilitate the uninterrupted transport of a payload of persons (110) or cargo along a guide cable (180), or zip line, suspended from at least two support structures (120). Transfer mechanisms (800, 810) allow the cable to loop to a starting location or to transport between discrete endpoints. A trolley (200) carrying the payload may be powered by gravity alone, or a motorized assist may allow the cable course to be traversed without regard to relative elevations of cable supports. A motor may serve as a regenerative speed governor or braking device to charge a power supply for travel against gravity. The system enables one or more riders (110) to travel along the guide cable (180) at velocities desired for recreational purposes while assuming many body positions, such as prone, sitting or standing, to provide the sensation of flying like a bird.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Inventor: Martin C. Tilley
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Patent number: 8578858Abstract: The transport installation with an aerial cable (2) for moving along a path, comprises a maintenance vehicle (1) provided with a gondola (4) mounted on a suspending rod (5) connected to the cable (2) by means of a fastener (9). The maintenance vehicle (1) moreover comprises a gangway (6) mounted on the suspending rod (5). A guiding rod (11) is fixed to the gangway (6) at one of its ends, and is connected to the cable (2) at its opposite end. The gangway (6) has a structure extending in the direction of displacement of the maintenance vehicle (1), and is pivotingly mounted on the suspending rod (5) so as to form an articulated bascule.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: PomagalskiInventors: Jean Philippe Drogo, Philippe Martin, Franckie Tamisier
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Publication number: 20130263756Abstract: The method of independent control of the drum of the load lifting/lowering line or the main line in each carriage in the system of cableway carriages which are driven by an endless line or by a movable line that rotates or moves in an optional direction, so that in each cableway carriage the drum is controlled independently in superimposed time, and the operation of each cableway carriage is independent from the other carriages in the system of the cableway carriages, while the way of the load lifting/lowering line or the main line drum control in the cableway carriage system is assured by the endless line (3) or by the movable line (3), which rotates or moves in the cableway system in the same direction (optional according to the needs); the drive of the drum is actuated, according to the needs, in all carriages through which the endless line (3) or the movable line (3) passes; in each carriage the endless line (3) or the movable line (3) actuates the rotation of the sheave (9) in the direction of the rotatiType: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2011Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Stefan Ilcik, Vladimir Stollmann, Jozef Suchomel
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Publication number: 20130239841Abstract: A trolley transport system comprising at least two supports aligned in proximity to the cable, a pulley rotatably mounted to each support, a drive motor in mechanical communication with one of the pulleys, a continuous loop line suspended from the pulleys, an attachment device secured to the line, a connecting line secured to the attachment device; and a transport block slidably mounted on the cable and removably attached to the connecting line.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: Adventure Holdings LLCInventor: Daniel Blair Boren
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Patent number: 8534196Abstract: A cable transportation system has a pull cable; at least one transportation unit moving along a given path and connectable selectively to the pull cable by a coupling device; at least one passenger station where the transportation unit is detached from the pull cable; and an auxiliary drive device having a linear electric motor extending along a portion of the given path to move the transportation unit along the passenger station.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Rolic Invest S.AR.LInventors: Federico Bavaresco, Peter Leimstadtner
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Patent number: 8528179Abstract: A method and a device for exchanging roller batteries on supports of cableway installations, include driving a service vehicle towards the support, lifting a cable which runs on the roller battery from the roller battery, then dismounting the roller battery and installing a new roller battery and finally relaying the cable on the roller battery.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Innova Patent GmbHInventors: Christian Kohler, Stefan Linder, Josef Sutter
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Patent number: 8522689Abstract: A cableway system has a conveying cable that is guided via a head wheel pulleys in the two terminal stations of the system. Vehicles, such as gondolas or chairs, are coupled to the conveying cable between stations, and they are guided through the stations by way of travelling-gear mechanisms. In the stations, the vehicles are moved by way of tire wheels or control tires, and the tire wheels are driven by at least one supporting roller for the conveying cable. The supporting roller is located in the relevant station. The at least one of these supporting rollers for the conveying cable via which the drive power of the control tires is derived from the conveying cable is adjustable in the vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Innova Patent GmbHInventor: Markus Beck
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Patent number: 8511234Abstract: A device and system for towing snow sleds either alone or with one or more riders along the surface of a snow cover slope to a higher position includes a tow cable extending continuously along a closed loop path between the starting position and the arriving position along the slope. Tow cable pulleys are located at the starting position and the arriving position upon which the cable is supported and driven. A drive motor is operatively connected to one of the cable pulleys and operating to rotatingly drive the pulley to drive the cable through the closed loop path. One or more tow hooks are connected in series at spaced intervals to the tow cable for conjoint movement therewith. Additional embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Inventor: Leonard Nelson
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Publication number: 20130206032Abstract: A display system is easily attached to the safety bar of a chair on a chair lift system at the beginning of a season. The display system includes brackets formed of rails holding clamp portions that may be fastened together to clamp the display system to a chair, such as to the safety bar across the lap of a rider. At the end of a season, the display system may be removed from each chair, the clamp portions removed, and the display systems stacked. In one simplified system, adjacent displays may be stacked back to back, and such adjacent pairs may be stacked with the displays in adjacent pairs positioned face-to-face. Thus, metal brackets on the backs need not scratch up the reading faces or surfaces. Meanwhile, the displays may be stored in minimal space, with great stability, while minimizing wear and damage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventor: Christian R. Ahrens
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Patent number: 8505462Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of mechanical engineering and describes an automatically adjustable system of traverse rails with multiple characteristics that extend the useful life of the sustain by a minimum factor of four while providing redundant security backup to the rails allowing human passengers to move from one place to another in and easy and safe manner with a minimum of noise and vibration while providing the owner of the system benefits of lower maintenance cost and less exposure to financial risk. Also the system can be installed in a multitude of natural places without the need to cut or damage the environment. Using the same components this system offers other configuration options to increase the possibilities of installing a system with desirable characteristics over a greater number of inclinations. Combining the various components starting with a smooth rail as in FIG. 1 with the self-equalizing system FIG.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Inventor: Darren W. Mitchell
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Patent number: 8505461Abstract: The present invention relates to a diverter system to allow a line inspection robot to traverse an object. The diverter system includes a first diverter attached to a shield wire, a second diverter attached to the shield wire at a position spaced from the first diverter, and a bridge having a first end connected to the first diverter and a second end connected to the second diverter. The first diverter disengages the robot from the shield wire and onto the bridge and the second diverter disengages the robot from the bridge and onto the shield wire to allow the robot to traverse the object.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventors: Andrew John Phillips, Mark Major, Glynn R. Bartlett
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Patent number: 8494694Abstract: A mass transportation system for efficiently transporting a plurality of passengers along a predetermined path from a loading station to an unloading station. The transportation system generally includes a support structure, a track positioned above ground level via the support structure, and a carrier vehicle operable along the track. A first control module operable by a passenger is located outside the carrier vehicle upon a loading station for signaling the carrier vehicle to stop along the track at the loading station and a second control module operable by the passenger is located inside the carrier vehicle for signaling the carrier vehicle to stop along the track at an unloading station.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Inventor: Raymond Dueck
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Publication number: 20130098260Abstract: An overhead installation for transporting people in an urban environment includes two carrying cables, which sag in curved manner and are spaced apart from one another, on which the rollers of the vehicle without a hanger arm run. Jacks with vertical displacement, controlled by a central unit, are placed in the connection between the rollers and the vehicle so as to reduce transmission of undesirable movements, resulting from the sag of the cables, to the car of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: CREISSELS TECHNOLOGIESInventors: Denis Creissels, Jerome Richard
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Patent number: 8393276Abstract: A cable transportation system has a pull cable; at least one transportation unit moving along a given path and connectable selectively to the pull cable by a coupling device; at least one passenger station where the transportation unit is detached from the pull cable; and an auxiliary drive device having a linear electric motor extending along a portion of the given path to move the transportation unit along the passenger station.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Rolic Invest S.ar.L.Inventors: Federico Bavaresco, Peter Leimstädtner
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Patent number: 8359980Abstract: A cable railway system has a conveying cable, which in the two end stations of the system is guided over a respective deflection pulley. Transport vehicles, which can be coupled to the conveying cable and are configured with a clamping device and with a running gear. The vehicles are coupled to the conveying cable along the route and are guided in the stations by way of the running gear along guide rails. There, the passengers disembark and board. The movement of the vehicles in the stations is governed by control tires, which are drivingly coupled to one another by gear mechanisms. The drive power of the control tires is taken from at least one support roller for the conveying cable, which support roller is located in the station. The support roller for the conveying cable via which the drive of the control tires is derived from the conveying cable by way of at least one drive belt is elastically mounted on a rigidly fastened axle.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Innova Patent GmbHInventor: Markus Beck
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Patent number: 8336463Abstract: A zipline trolley system comprises a cable, trolley, launcher, and a catch block. The launcher is fixed on the cable and comprises a substantially cylindrical inner body with a rigid outer body adapted to rotate about the inner body. A return spring attaches the inner body with the outer body. The catch block is also fixed on the cable and comprises a block with left and right retaining arms pivotably connected to the block and adapted to clasp onto the front plate of the frame of the trolley.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Skyline Zipline Global, LLCInventor: Kevin G. Smith
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Patent number: 8333155Abstract: A trolley for traveling along a cable may include a frame having a first end, a second end, and a rail extending therebetween. A user may suspend from the frame in a harness, leveraging the user's weight about a fulcrum suspended by a sheave rolling along the cable. Opposite the user, across the fulcrum, a brake shoe or pad pivotably connected to the frame may be controlled by a user shifting weight, a trim brake adjustable by the user, or both to control a braking force generated by the trolley between the brake pad and the cable. Trim braking may be set to stop the trolley on any incline, roll with a constant braking bias, or roll freely. User-weight leveraging may be dynamically adjusted by a user likewise by selectively weighting a harness, weighting a handle and tether to draw the user's weight toward the fulcrum, or both.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Zipholdings, LLC.Inventor: Eric C. Cylvick
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Patent number: 8327770Abstract: A trolley for transporting the rider supported by a harness on a cable or rope, the trolley having a mounting plate configured with a connection point to receive the rider's harness, a pulley rotatably mounted to the mounting plate to support the plate on the cable or rope, and a friction shoe mounted on the plate forward of the pulley to contact the upper portion of the cable or rope, wherein the connection point is located beneath the cable or rope between the centers of the pulley and the friction shoe. The apparatus may also provide a manually operated brake handle to allow the rider to selectively apply braking force to reduce the speed of the trolley on the cable as desired.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Inventors: Daniel Blair Boren, Brett J. Epstein, Jason B. Hickman, David J. W. Lovinger, Gary P. Prus, James R. Wilson, Jr.
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Patent number: 8302537Abstract: A cable transportation system includes a first cable suspended over a ground surface, a vehicle supported above the ground surface by the first cable, wherein the vehicle has one or more grooved wheels for riding along the first cable, a frame supported from above by the one or more grooved wheels, and at least one vehicle guide that extends below the grooved wheels, and a junction bracket that has a ramped section, a mid portion section connected to the ramp section, and a rail portion provided on both the ramped section and the mid portion section, wherein the junction bracket is connected to the first cable so that at least an end portion of the ramped section is parallel to and directly above the first cable and the grooved wheels transition from the first cable onto the rail portion when the vehicle engages the junction bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Eco Adventure Technologies, LLCInventor: Gordon Thomas Quattlebaum
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Publication number: 20120240812Abstract: The transport installation with an aerial cable (2) for moving along a path, comprises a maintenance vehicle (1) provided with a gondola (4) mounted on a suspending rod (5) connected to the cable (2) by means of a fastener (9). The maintenance vehicle (1) moreover comprises a gangway (6) mounted on the suspending rod (5). A guiding rod (11) is fixed to the gangway (6) at one of its ends, and is connected to the cable (2) at its opposite end. The gangway (6) has a structure extending in the direction of displacement of the maintenance vehicle (1), and is pivotingly mounted on the suspending rod (5) so as to form an articulated bascule.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: POMAGALSKIInventors: Jean Philippe DROGO, Philippe MARTIN, Franckie TAMISIER
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Patent number: 8240254Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Eric C. Cylvick
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Patent number: 8234980Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a rider between two points on a cable or rope, having a plurality of supports configured to suspend the cable or rope between two points of unequal elevation and a trolley for transporting the rider supported by a harness on the cable or rope, the trolley having a mounting plate configured with a connection point to receive the rider's harness, a pulley rotatably mounted to the mounting plate to support the plate on the cable or rope, and a friction shoe mounted on the plate forward of the pulley to contact the upper portion of the cable or rope, wherein the connection point is located beneath the cable or rope between the centers of the pulley and the friction shoe.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Adventure Holdings LLCInventors: Daniel Blair Boren, Brett J. Epstein, Joel C. Haas, Jason B. Hickman, Gary P. Prus, David J. W. Lovinger, James R. Wilson, Jr.
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Patent number: 8192127Abstract: A cableway transport system for moving tubulars between a supply of tubulars and a rig mast implements a gondola suspended and movable along load cables. The gondola is fit with grippers for carrying tubulars between the rack and mast. The gondola has a first landing coupler which is received and releasably couples to a second landing coupler on the mast for forming a landing connection. The landing connection enables rotation of the gondola to align the carried tubular with the wellhead. The grippers can be individually actuable to allow finer alignment of the tubular above the wellhead.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Inventor: Per Angman
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Patent number: 8171857Abstract: An installation for carrying individuals down from a mountain station into a valley station has a running rail which is fastened on a supporting cable at a distance from the ground. The running rail contains a multiplicity of sub-rails connected to one another at joints and along which carriages can be displaced. In the region of the joints, the sub-rails are elevated in relation to their central region, and are preferably curved such that their curvature profile creates the elevation.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Innova Patent GmbHInventor: Markus Bischofberger
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Publication number: 20120103225Abstract: An aerial cable car system including transportation operating equipment for passenger and/or freight transport, wherein electrical consumers are connected for operation thereof to a rechargeable electrical energy store of a transportation operating equipment by a respective power circuit. The transportation operating equipment includes an operating control device connected to measuring devices for dynamically capturing measurement values based on available quantity of energy in the energy store. The operating control device includes a storage module having at least one stored measurement control value and an associated control parameter. The operating control device includes a filter module comparing a captured measurement value to the at least one stored measurement control value and reading out corresponding stored control parameter, based on which power circuits can be selectively coupled or decoupled to the energy store by the operating control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: CWA Constructions SAInventor: Daniel Gubler
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Patent number: 8166886Abstract: A wear monitoring system is provided for monitoring the wear and/or abrasion of at least one system component of a cable operated transportation system, where the system component is subjected to wear and/or abrasion and is mounted in rotating and/or circulating manner. A parameter measuring device is provided for measuring an actual value and/or a time-dependent actual value function of at least one electrical and/or mechanical parameter of the at least one system component and/or the drive unit. An evaluating device is provided for determining a parameter deviation of the actual value from a desired value in dependence on time or a time interval and/or of the actual value function from a time-dependent desired value function of the at least one parameter. The parameter deviation corresponds to the state of abrasion and/or the state of wear of the at least one system component.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: HIMA Paul Hildebrandt GmbH + Co KGInventor: Richard Thum
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Patent number: 8147344Abstract: A ride system for moving a passenger vehicle through a dynamically-defined work space. The system includes a track structure that guides one or more motorized or driven carriers on the track structure. The system includes winches on the carrier(s) that are independently operable to set lengths of the vehicle supporting cables, which extend outward from the winches to the vehicle. During operation, the winch systems provide upper anchor points for suspending the passenger vehicle such that these anchor points are selectively positioned. The winches may be independently operated as the carrier(s) travels from a first position to a second position, such that the vehicle body pitches, rolls, or yaws and moves transversely relative to the track. The winches may be operated concurrently to drop or raise the vehicle to define the work space for the vehicle in the vertical direction. Passenger input may interactively control motion of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: David W. Crawford, Edward A. Nemeth
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Publication number: 20120042803Abstract: A cableway system has a conveying cable that is guided via a head wheel pulleys in the two terminal stations of the system. Vehicles, such as gondolas or chairs, are coupled to the conveying cable between stations, and they are guided through the stations by way of travelling-gear mechanisms. In the stations, the vehicles are moved by way of tire wheels or control tires, and the tire wheels are driven by at least one supporting roller for the conveying cable. The supporting roller is located in the relevant station. The at least one of these supporting rollers for the conveying cable via which the drive power of the control tires is derived from the conveying cable is adjustable in the vertical direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: INNOVA PATENT GMBHInventor: MARKUS BECK
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Patent number: 8087360Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Zipholdings, LLCInventor: Eric S. Cylvick
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Publication number: 20110315039Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventor: Eric S. Cylvick
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Patent number: 8082853Abstract: A pressure device for conduction of the cable in cable traction transportation systems including a pressure-roller (12) of the cable (7) supported elastically on a fixed support (2) and a counter-roller (6) supported on the fixed support (2) is described. In accordance with this invention the counter-roller (6) is supported in a revolving manner on a roller-holder (5) articulated at one end to the fixed support (2) and possesses at the other end guide means (8, 9) that engage as a running guide an arm (10) that bears in a revolving manner at one end the pressure-roller (12) on the side opposite the counter-roller (6) and is articulated at the other end to the fixed support (2) with the arm (10) being pressed by elastic means in the direction of exertion of pressure of the pressure-roller (12) on the cable (7).Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: High Technology Investments B.V.Inventors: Ernst Heil, Herbert Willim, Lothar Busemann
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Publication number: 20110259235Abstract: The invention relates to a ski lift facility including, in particular, means for guiding and driving an overhead carrying and traction cable (5) from which vehicles are suspended, and including at least one boarding area and at least one disembarking area. According to the invention, the facility also includes a device for sequentially powering a vehicle including a stationary electrical conductor (20) connected to a low-voltage power supply, including a plurality of flexible conductor contact wires arranged on at least one of the means for guiding and driving the overhead cable and a mobile conductor on board the vehicle making it possible to establish electrical contact when the mobile conductor (20) comes into contact with the contact wires of the stationary electrical conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2009Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: SOMMITALInventors: Noel Blandon, Christophe Tambourin
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Patent number: 8042474Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for the suspension and displacement of an object or a person, this device including at least two unaligned cables, a profile borne by the cables and a trolley mobile over the length of this profile, characterized in that the profile links said cables together, in that the profile located between the two unaligned cables defines a curved zone, in that the profile includes at least one rectilinear zone in which the cable is kept in the profile and in that the cable is located outside of the profile in the curved zone and close to this curved zone. This device can be used as a Tyrolean traverse.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Inventor: Philippe Perakis
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Publication number: 20110239894Abstract: A cable transport device includes at least one vehicle that is suspended from at least one cable. The at least one vehicle is provided with a shock-absorbing device. The system is suitable for any type of cable transport device with rolling or suspended vehicles, such as cable cars, gondolas or chairlifts, either for passengers or for materials transport.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2009Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: INNOVA PATENT GMBHInventor: Alain Croses
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Patent number: 8001904Abstract: A fall arrest assembly having belay lines and anchor stations extending between support structures and which slidably receive a shuttle mounted to a person traversing the belay lines, the assembly including a mounting plate having a plurality of openings therethrough and a supporting extension fixed rigidly thereto and wherein the support extension carries a shuttle guide coupled to the belay lines and configured for slidable passage of a shuttle there over, and a plurality of anchor elements having a section configured to extend through the plurality of openings in the mounting plate and clamps for securing the anchor elements to the support structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Exponent Challenge TechnologyInventors: Koen Maes, Bart Maes
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Publication number: 20110192315Abstract: The present invention relates to a diverter system to allow a line inspection robot to traverse an object. The diverter system includes a first diverter attached to a shield wire, a second diverter attached to the shield wire at a position spaced from the first diverter, and a bridge having a first end connected to the first diverter and a second end connected to the second diverter. The first diverter disengages the robot from the shield wire and onto the bridge and the second diverter disengages the robot from the bridge and onto the shield wire to allow the robot to traverse the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Andrew John Phillips, J. Mark Major, Glynn R. Bartlett
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Publication number: 20110162551Abstract: A cable transportation system includes a first cable suspended over a ground surface, a vehicle supported above the ground surface by the first cable, wherein the vehicle has one or more grooved wheels for riding along the first cable, a frame supported from above by the one or more grooved wheels, and at least one vehicle guide that extends below the grooved wheels, and a junction bracket that has a ramped section, a mid portion section connected to the ramp section, and a rail portion provided on both the ramped section and the mid portion section, wherein the junction bracket is connected to the first cable so that at least an end portion of the ramped section is parallel to and directly above the first cable and the grooved wheels transition from the first cable onto the rail portion when the vehicle engages the junction bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2011Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventor: Gordon Thomas QUATTLEBAUM
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Patent number: 7966941Abstract: An improved zip line trolley allowing a rider control of his or her speed while traversing along a suspended cable (8) as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The trolley comprises front and rear pulleys (44F) and (44R) conjoined via pulley housing (16) with left and right horizontal handles (10L) and (10R) attached to vertical shaft (12). Front and rear hand brake levers (20F) and (20R) are mounted onto left and right horizontal handles (10L) and (10R). When front and rear hand brake levers (20F) and (20R) are squeezed by the rider, they create a constricting force on front left and right calipers (32FL) and (32FR) along with rear left and right calipers (32RL) and (32RR) of FIGS. 2A and 3A. Thus, friction is applied to front and rear pulleys (44F) and (44R) via front left and right brake pads (34FL) and (34FR) along with rear left and right brake pads (34RL) and (34RR).Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Inventor: Kenton Michael Brannan
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Publication number: 20110100250Abstract: An automatic carriage return for an exhaust removal system having a carriage that is configured to translate along a track tube, the carriage being coupled at a first end to an exhaust extraction hose, the second end of the exhaust extraction hose being coupled to a vehicle exhaust for directing exhaust from the vehicle out the track tube. The automatic carriage return includes a drive cable spanning along the track tube, and an engagement assembly coupled to the carriage. The engagement assembly has an engaged configuration and a non-engaged configuration with respect to the drive cable. A drive motor is coupled to the engagement assembly, and drives motion of the carriage along the drive cable when the engagement assembly is in the engaged configuration. In the disengaged configuration, the engagement assembly is configured to be disengaged from the drive cable while the exhaust extraction hose is attached to the exhaust of a vehicle to allow the carriage to freely follow the path of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: John Johnston, Brian Roe
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Publication number: 20110083577Abstract: A method and system of devices facilitate the uninterrupted transport of a payload of persons (110) or cargo along a multi-segmented guide cable (180), or zip line, suspended from a series of support structures (120). Transfer mechanisms (800, 810) allow the cable to loop to a starting location or to transport between discrete endpoints. A trolley (200) carrying the payload may be powered by gravity alone, or a motorized assist may allow the cable course to be traversed without regard to relative elevations of cable supports. Safety mechanisms (300) prevent the trolley from leaving the cable (180) unintentionally. The system enables one or more riders (110) to travel along the guide cable (180) at velocities desired for recreational purposes while assuming many body positions, such as prone, sitting or standing, to provide the sensation of flying like a bird.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: Martin C. Tilley
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Publication number: 20110073000Abstract: In order to increase the operational reliability of a cable operated transportation system, there is proposed a wear monitoring system for monitoring the wear and/or abrasion of at least one system component of a cable operated transportation system comprising a support cable and/or a traction cable and/or a hoisting cable and also at least one drive unit wherein said system component is subjected to wear and/or abrasion and is mounted in rotating and/or circulating manner, including a parameter measuring device for measuring an actual value and/or a time-dependent actual value function of at least one electrical and/or mechanical parameter of the at least one system component and/or the drive unit and also including an evaluating device for determining a parameter deviation of the actual value from a desired value in dependence on time or a time interval and/or of the actual value function from a time-dependent desired value function of the at least one parameter, which parameter deviation corresponds to theType: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: HIMA Paul Hildebrandt GmbH + Co KGInventor: Richard Thum
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Publication number: 20100300322Abstract: A trolley for traveling along a cable may include a frame having a first end, a second end, and a rail extending therebetween. A user may suspend from the frame in a harness, leveraging the user's weight about a fulcrum suspended by a sheave rolling along the cable. Opposite the user, across the fulcrum, a brake shoe or pad pivotably connected to the frame may be controlled by a user shifting weight, a trim brake adjustable by the user, or both to control a braking force generated by the trolley between the brake pad and the cable. Trim braking may be set to stop the trolley on any incline, roll with a constant braking bias, or roll freely. User-weight leveraging may be dynamically adjusted by a user likewise by selectively weighting a harness, weighting a handle and tether to draw the user's weight toward the fulcrum, or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventor: Eric C. Cylvick
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Publication number: 20100282121Abstract: In order to facilitate entering or exiting in a cable railway system, at least one part of the floor of the passenger region adjoining the passenger gondolas is formed by a transport device, which is configured to transport the passengers located thereon in the direction of movement of the passenger gondolas. The transport device can be formed by one or more conveyor belts, which follow the path of the passenger gondolas for a distance such that the passenger can comfortably change over from the transport device to the gondolas.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2008Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: INNOVA PATENT GMBHInventor: Kurt Switzeny
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Patent number: 7819066Abstract: The present invention discloses a zipline trolley comprising of two substantially flat side flanges arranged in a parallel configuration, a substantially flat front face attached perpendicularly to the front edges of the side flanges, and a substantially flat back face attached perpendicularly to the rear edges of the side flanges. There are also provided two axles for bearing wheels and four lines for attaching the side flanges to the two spreaders. One set of two lines is attached to the bottom of each of the side flanges. The lines are connected to two spreaders, which are attached to the ends of a handlebar.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Inventor: Kevin Geoffrey Smith
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Patent number: 7800509Abstract: A ropeway may include at least one cable. A first sensor and a second sensor may be provided. The second sensor may be located between the first sensor and the cable. Related methodology is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Leitner-Poma of America, Inc.Inventors: Jeremiah Daniel Frazier, Brian Christopher Kelly