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: This invention provides a drive system for moving wheeled structures longitudinally along a supporting track. The drive system includes an element extending longitudinally below the track and having an upwardly inclined ramp portion, a main portion extending in parallel with the track and leading from the ramp portion, and a downwardly extending portion leading from the main portion. A drive system is adapted to drive the element such that the main portion moves at a speed equal to that at which the wheeled structure is intended to move and a gripper mechanism is provided for attachment to the wheeled structure to engage with the element.

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 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.

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: There is disclosed a clamp coupling wherein the coupling of the suspension gear of a cable car to the haulage-and-support cable is effected and sustained as a result of the net weight of the suspension gear. The coupling includes a fixed clamp jaw affixed to a rack, a movable clamp jaw mounted on the rack, and a toggle lever mechanism supported on the rack. The mechanism is connected to a suspension gear support bar and a control car. Levers of the toggle lever mechanism are mounted by means of universal joints on the part of the rack that is distant from the clamp jaws and on the movable clamp jaw. The levers are rotatingly hinged to one another about an axis which extends at right angles to the axis of the support bar and also at right angles to imaginary connecting lines between the centers of the universal joints.