Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A running-gear mechanism for the transport assembly of a cableway system has running rollers that roll in guide rails while the coupling assembly is uncoupled from the haulage cable. In the region of the running rollers there is provided at least one downwardly projecting continuation which projects into the guide rails.

Abstract: A vehicle for use on a live line. The vehicle is provided with three coplanar traction wheels mounted on a frame and spaced along a first longitudinal axis parallel to the live line and above therefrom. The vehicle is also provided with two movable coplanar pressure wheels mounted on the frame and spaced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the line and below therefrom. The vehicle has a driving motor mounted on the frame, for driving the traction wheels. The motor has a source of energy, such as batteries. The vehicle has a pressure mechanism mounted on the frame and coupled to the pressure wheels, for maintaining the line squeezed between the traction wheels and the pressure wheels. The vehicle has a control mechanism coupled to the motor for controlling the motor. Thereby, in use, the vehicle is moved along the line. The vehicle can also be provided with a de-icing tool. The de-icing tool has a collar with two parts opening and closing around the line.

Abstract: A running-gear mechanism for the transport assembly of a cableway system has running rollers that roll in guide rails while the coupling assembly is uncoupled from the haulage cable. In the region of the running rollers there is provided at least one downwardly projecting continuation which projects into the guide rails.

Abstract: An aerial cableway system for filming subjects in motion over moderate to long distances. An endless cable is tensioned between two support structures in an elongated loop. A cable carriage is suspended from the endless cable and is in contact with both segments of the endless cable at all times. Each segment of the endless cable passes through the cable carriage in opposite directions by wrapping 180.degree. around two drive sheaves for a total cumulative wrap of 360.degree.. Each drive sheave has associated with it a disc brake assembly. The endless cable is driven by a bull wheel mechanism which is located at the base of one of the support structures. As the endless cable is continuously driven the two segments travel in opposite directions. When the disc brakes on one side of the carriage are engaged, the drive sheaves are immobilized on one segment of the endless cable and the carriage is carried along in the direction that the grasped segment of the endless cable is traveling.

Abstract: An overhead cableway is disclosed, in particular a chair lift, with a cable revolving between stations and with transport devices having a traveling gear and connected with the cable via removable clamps. Travel segments are provided at every station which include driven friction wheels, which act on the transport devices via friction surfaces provided on their traveling gear, and forming at least one deceleration and one acceleration section each, and with guide elements associated with the travel segments, which cooperate with the traveling gear. In accordance with the invention, the friction wheels (6,10) define traveling surfaces (20) and the transport devices (50) are supported by their downwardly oriented friction surfaces (88) directly on the friction wheels, and the guide elements (48) are seated rotatably and fixed in place.

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: A vehicle system has a track along which a cable is driven, preferably at constant speed, to entrain a plurality of vehicles rollingly along the track. The vehicle carries a pair of pinch rollers adapted to grip the cable without slippage and at least one of these rollers is journaled on the vehicle and can entrain a star-shaped member whose spokes or arms have rollers adapted to engage cam surfaces disposed along the track. Depending upon the orientation of the cam surfaces, the vehicle may be displaced at a rate in excess of the linear speed of the cable, at the same rate as the cable or at a slower speed. This allows the vehicle to be slowed down for embarkation and disembarkation but permits the vehicle to be driven at high speeds between such embarkation/disembarkation stations all while the cable is operated at substantially constant speed.

Abstract: A ski lift is provided having cars riding in a track up the slope by means of a rope trained about two wheels at opposite ends of the slope. The cars are manually engaged with the rope but are so designed that they may not be manually disengaged from the rope during their upward travel.