Abstract: A water ride including vehicles that ride on a track and using water for braking. A run-out section of the track is provided after a drop or down chute section, and the track in the run-out section runs through a pool of water at a depth causing at least a portion of a vehicle riding on the rails to contact a depth of the water to achieve vehicle braking. Significantly, the new water ride is adapted to adjust or set a variable height of the rails in the run-out chute or pool to adjust the depth of water providing water drag on a vehicle traveling through the run-out section based on the vehicle weight. A braking force is applied by the water that is proportional to vehicle weight, and the water ride may be thought of as slowing vehicles with a range of weights at about the same deceleration rate.

Abstract: A loading station (10) for loading automatically a primary load carrier (36) of an overhead conveyor (18) with a secondary load carrier (38) for hanging goods, comprising: an accumulation line (12), wherein the accumulation line is configured to accumulate primary load carriers, which are movable along the accumulation line, in the conveying direction one behind the other; a separating device (18), which is arranged laterally to the accumulation line, comprising: first and second stopping elements (68) being respectively supported transversally to the accumulation line in a movable manner, wherein each of the stopping elements, in its stopping position, is moved into a conveying path of the primary load carriers, and, in its release position, is moved out of the conveying path; and a switch (76); a control unit (40); a feeding device (16) arranged laterally to the accumulation line, and configured to guide a hanger-shaped head portion of the secondary load carriers through a transport opening in the primary l

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for conveying a carrier and a system for controlling a carrier having the same, which couples a hoist and a hand using a non-contact damping structure using an eddy current. The apparatus for conveying the carrier conveys a carrier containing a wafer, and includes: a gripper for gripping the carrier; and a lifter for raising and lowering the gripper, in which the gripper and the lifter are connected in a non-contact damping structure, and a relative motion thereof is suppressed.

Abstract: A storage system includes a rack with a plurality of layers, each layer including an aisle and a plurality of rows extending from the aisle defining storage locations for items. A shuttle usable with the rack includes a first cart movable along the aisle and a second cart configured to be carriable by the first cart and to be movable along a row. The second cart is configured to carry an item between the first cart and the storage locations. A conveyor is located on one of the first or second carts to move the item onto or off the first cart. Related methods of storing and/or retrieving items from a rack are also disclosed. A rack system is disclosed and is readily assembled without welding, transferring loading so that the weight of the rack and any item stored therein is supported by the upright elements via support brackets.

Abstract: A bifurcation method and system for a passive continuous belay system that allows for a user to select multiple pathways using intermediate tracks. A main track and the intermediate tracks provide a linear passive continuous belay using an anchor mechanism that is configured to grasp the outside of the structural member track, using rolling elements and/or low-friction sliding. The user may select multiple pathways using intermediate lateral tracks to provide Cartesian movement at designated (e.g., perpendicular) transition or junction points. Desired tracks may be selected by a user via sliding along a support plate or track in a junction box and/or by rotating a portion of the junction box. Amusement attraction activities that include non-harnessed play may be intertwined or located adjacent to activities utilizing harnessed play.

Abstract: A modular shipping apparatus comprising: at least one base for a cargo container; each base having at least two spaces and each of spaces is formed by a left rectangular opening and a right rectangular opening, at least one wheel assembly is attached in one of the spaces, the base has a center portion that forms a first channel between the center portion and one of the openings and forms a second channel between the center portion and another one of the openings, a shipping container with a bottom interior and having at least two tracks attached to the bottom interior, wherein at least a portion of each of the at least one wheel assemblies attached in one of the at least two spaces slides along one of the at least two tracks.

Abstract: A polygon compensation coupling system (30; 40; 60) comprises a first rotatable element (31; 41; 61), a second rotatable element (32; 42; 62a, 62b), and at least one linkage coupling the first rotatable element (31; 41; 61) with the second rotatable element (32; 42; 62a, 62b). The linkage comprises at least one first coupling element (34a; 44a; 64a) pivotably coupled to the first rotatable element (31; 41; 61) and at least one second coupling element (34b; 44b; 64b) pivotably coupled to the second rotatable element (32; 42; 62b). The first and second coupling elements (34a, 34b; 44a, 44b; 64a, 64b) are pivotably coupled to each other at a hinge point, the hinge point is configured to move along a compensation curve varying the coupling between the first rotatable element (34a; 44a; 64a) and the second rotatable element (32; 42; 62b).

Abstract: An anti-rollback apparatus includes a lock arm, a rod, a pawl, a wheel, and a one-way bearing. The rod member is pivotably coupled to the lock arm and the pawl and one-way bearing are coupled to the rod member. The pawl is shaped to selectively engage teeth on a an anti-rollback plate. The wheel is configured to roll on a surface of the anti-rollback plate. The one-way bearing couples the wheel to the pawl. The one-way bearing allows the wheel to rotate freely in a first direction and locks the wheel in relation to the pawl when the wheel rotates in a second direction to force the pawl to engage the teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in-house track-bound transporting system with self-propelling carriages that move on rails. The system has stoppers to prevent said carriages from crossing over open rail ends or track borders, and the system is provided with stops. The stoppers collide with the stops in order to prevent a crossing-over, said stops having first and second fixed stop elements. The stoppers can be moved between a first crossing-over position and a second crossing-over position such that the first stop elements can be crossed over in the first crossing-over position of the stoppers, and the second stop elements can be crossed over in the second crossing-over position of the stoppers, wherein the first stop elements cannot be crossed over in the second crossing-over position of the stoppers, and the second stop elements cannot be crossed over in the first crossing-over position of the stoppers.

Abstract: A track having a stopping means that can stop a puck member from descending an undesired distance. After stopping of the puck member, the user can relocate the puck member within a channel for continued downward movement within the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in-house track-bound transporting system with self-propelling carriages that move on rails. The system has stoppers to prevent said carriages from crossing over open rail ends or track borders, and the system is provided with stops. The stoppers collide with the stops in order to prevent a crossing-over, said stops having first and second fixed stop elements. The stoppers can be moved between a first crossing-over position and a second crossing-over position such that the first stop elements can be crossed over in the first crossing-over position of the stoppers, and the second stop elements can be crossed over in the second crossing-over position of the stoppers, wherein the first stop elements cannot be crossed over in the second crossing-over position of the stoppers, and the second stop elements cannot be crossed over in the first crossing-over position of the stoppers.

Abstract: An emergency stopping system for track mounted movable targets used divergent cables to stop a target trolley which has not been otherwise stopped before coming to the end of a track. As the trolley passes over the diverging cables, the cables are forced together, causing the trolley to dissipate kinetic energy.

Abstract: A device for stopping rail cards includes an articulated member adapted to move between a first raised position in which ait receives a rail car wheel in contacting or abutting relationship to cause effective stopping of the car, and a second retracted position which offers no resistance to movement of the car wheels. A hydraulic or pneumatic ram is provided to move the articulated member between the two positions.

Abstract: Devices and systems for stopping travel of a railcar along rails is provided, the railcar having wheel treads that ride on the rails. A railcar stop is configured to engage at least one wheel tread of the railcar to stop travel of the railcar along the rails. The railcar stop extends above the rails at a first height prior to engagement with a wheel tread and extends above the rails at a second, greater height after engagement with the wheel tread.

Abstract: A device and system for controlling travel of a railcar along a set of rails is provided. In one example, a railcar stop is coupled to the set of rails and is selectively movable between a first position wherein the railcar is free to travel along the set of rails and a second position wherein the railcar stop engages the treads of the wheels to thereby prevent travel of the railcar in at least one direction along the rails.

Abstract: A method for operation of a magnetic levitation railway which contains vehicles with a plurality of supporting magnets (20a . . . 20j) and supporting runners (26) associated with them. In the event of a malfunction, the braking of the vehicle with the drive and braking systems switched off is brought about or assisted until a preselected destination stopping point is reached solely in that, even before the destination stopping point is reached, at least one of the supporting magnets (for example 20f, 20g) is switched off, and the magnetic levitation vehicle is placed on the track path (3) by means of the associated supporting runner (26), and is brought to rest at the destination stopping point by making use of the friction forces that occur as a result. A magnetic levitation vehicle is provided and operated in this way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an end stop bracket for a longitudinal mobile shelving track adapted to moveably support a mobile shelving unit thereabove, the end stop bracket including a main body shaped to cap an end of said longitudinal track, a means of attachment to the end of the longitudinal track, and a means of reducing impact loads resulting from contact between the mobile shelving unit and the end stop bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle for a rail-borne transportation system includes an eddy current brake that contains a large number of magnetic poles and a mechanism for activating the magnetic poles for braking. The magnetic poles are formed by movably supported permanent magnets, and the activation mechanism switches the permanent magnets from an inactive position into an active position.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable relies on a brake to control velocity and net downhill acceleration of the trolley. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. At the downhill end of the ride, the lever actuating the brake is caught and lifted by a capture ring, thus relieving the braking load on the trolley. Also, the trolley engages a comparatively modest, second resistance mechanism, such as, for example, a system of springs, that gradually increases in resistance with distance of motion of the trolley thereagainst, bringing the trolley to a gradual halt.

Abstract: A device for stopping rail cards includes an articulated member adapted to move between a first raised position in which ait receives a rail car wheel in contacting or abutting relationship to cause effective stopping of the car, and a second retracted position which offers no resistance to movement of the car wheels. A hydraulic or pneumatic ram is provided to move the articulated member between the two positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, particularly for safety braking of vehicles on rails having at least one flap unit (1) connected in a rotatable fashion to a rail, wherein the flap unit (1) may be moved into a locking position and a release position by rotation about a rotational axis (D), wherein, in a locking position, the balance point SPK of the flap unit (1) is located above a horizontal plane (E) in which the rotational axis (D) is located.

Abstract: A device and system for controlling travel of a railcar along a set of rails is provided. In one example, a railcar stop is coupled to the set of rails and is selectively movable between a first position wherein the railcar is free to travel along the set of rails and a second position wherein the railcar stop engages the treads of the wheels to thereby prevent travel of the railcar in at least one direction along the rails.

Abstract: An anti-roll back (ARB) assembly for use with vehicles that ride on a track, which has inclined portions that include a set of ARB or lift pins. The assembly includes a linear magnet assembly positioned along the track in the ARB portion, and this assembly includes spaced apart magnet arrays that define a slot or elongated magnetic force zone. The ARB assembly includes an ARB element with a body pivotally supported on a vehicle frame and further includes an electrically conductive reaction plate supported on the vehicle frame, and the plate passes through the magnet assembly slot when the vehicle travels on the track. The reaction plate is connected to the ARB body to pivot it in response to displacement of the reaction plate in response to magnetic forces to rotate it up into a suspended position in which the ARB body is spaced apart from the ARB pins.

Abstract: Devices and systems for stopping travel of a railcar along rails is provided, the railcar having wheel treads that ride on the rails. A railcar stop is configured to engage at least one wheel tread of the railcar to stop travel of the railcar along the rails. The railcar stop extends above the rails at a first height prior to engagement with a wheel tread and extends above the rails at a second, greater height after engagement with the wheel tread.

Abstract: An anti-roll back (ARB) assembly for use with vehicles that ride on a track, which has inclined portions that include a set of ARB or lift pins. The assembly includes a linear magnet assembly positioned along the track in the ARB portion, and this assembly includes spaced apart magnet arrays that define a slot or elongated magnetic force zone. The ARB assembly includes an ARB element with a body pivotally supported on a vehicle frame and further includes an electrically conductive reaction plate supported on the vehicle frame, and the plate passes through the magnet assembly slot when the vehicle travels on the track. The reaction plate is connected to the ARB body to pivot it in response to displacement of the reaction plate in response to magnetic forces to rotate it up into a suspended position in which the ARB body is spaced apart from the ARB pins.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable relies on a brake to control velocity and limit net downhill acceleration of the trolley. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. At the downhill end of the ride, the lever actuating the brake is caught and lifted by a capture ring, thus relieving the braking load on the trolley. Also, the trolley engages a comparatively modest, second resistance mechanism, such as, for example, a system of springs, that gradually increases in resistance with distance of motion of the trolley thereagainst, bringing the trolley to a gradual halt at a rate to improve comfort of a rider and reduce acceleration forces (loads) on the trolley.

Abstract: An anti-roll back (ARB) assembly for use with vehicles that ride on a track, which has inclined portions that include a set of ARB or lift pins. The assembly includes a linear magnet assembly positioned along the track in the ARB portion, and this assembly includes spaced apart magnet arrays that define a slot or elongated magnetic force zone. The ARB assembly includes an ARB element with a body pivotally supported on a vehicle frame and further includes an electrically conductive reaction plate supported on the vehicle frame, and the plate passes through the magnet assembly slot when the vehicle travels on the track. The reaction plate is connected to the ARB body to pivot it in response to displacement of the reaction plate in response to magnetic forces to rotate it up into a suspended position in which the ARB body is spaced apart from the ARB pins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rail-bound vehicle for an amusement park ride. The vehicle has an upper part 10 with vehicle seats 12, as well as a carriage 20 whose running wheels 22 and lateral wheels 23 run on rail-tubes, as do its lift-off rollers 24. The upper part 10 can rotate freely around a vertical axis 16 relative to the carriage 20. A brake disk 14? made of a metallic material is provided on the underside of the upper part 10. Permanent magnets 31 connected to the rail system are assigned to this brake disk 14?. The brake disk 14, upon passing these permanent magnets 31, enters the latter's magnet field, with the result that the upper part 10 of the vehicle is braked and set into rotational motion due to the continued linear movement of the carriage 20.

Abstract: A docking station for a monorail carrier system is provided. The carrier system includes a trolley that is configured to repositionably support a payload, and is adapted for interactive movement along a transfer bridge. The docking station includes a receiver plate having a rail-side portion perpendicularly oriented with a first interface portion that has one or more magnets attached thereto. A clamp assembly is attached to the rail-side portion, and operates to fasten the receiver plate to the transfer bridge at a predetermined location. The docking station also includes a docking plate having a trolley-side portion configured to securely attach to the trolley, and a second interface portion perpendicularly oriented with the trolley-side portion. The second interface portion is configured to magnetically cooperate with the first interface portion and thereby temporarily suspend the trolley at the predetermined location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decelerating a train are provided. The method including: disposing a movable surface configured to be moved by the train as the train passes the movable surface; and converting a kinetic energy of the train into potential energy upon movement of the movable surface by the train to thereby decelerate the train. The apparatus including a railway upon which a train travels. The railway including: a movable surface extending in a direction of the train's travel; and potential energy storage device operatively connected to the movable surface for converting a kinetic energy of the train into potential energy upon movement of the movable surface thereby slowing the train.

Abstract: A device and system for controlling travel of a railcar along a set of rails is provided. In one example, a railcar stop is coupled to the set of rails and is selectively movable between a first position wherein the railcar is free to travel along the set of rails and a second position wherein the railcar stop engages the treads of the wheels to thereby prevent travel of the railcar in at least one direction along the rails.

Abstract: A method and system for stopping an unmanned mine vehicle in a predetermined position. The mine vehicle is driven at a low speed towards a physical. When the mine vehicle encounters the obstacle (7, 7a, 7b), a speed difference greater than a predetermined limit value is generated between the speed of the mine vehicle and the driving power transmission. The control system of the mine vehicle detects the exceeding of the limit value and stops the vehicle.

Abstract: A backward motion stop for a car to be pulled up in a guiding device is provided and consists of a catch lever engaging in a catch rail such that it operates noiselessly. For this purpose, an induction strut is laid parallel to the catch rail and the catch lever is equipped with a magnet interacting with the induction strut so that a linear eddy current brake is formed, which exercises a slight braking force counteracting the upward motion of the car upon the catch lever, which, because of the torque linked therewith, is moved out of the catch rail, so that it essentially floats over the catch rail.

Abstract: A roller coaster installation comprising a stretch of water, along which runs a train of vehicles (104) provided laterally with hydrodynamic brakes comprising a fin (102) or a nozzle, becoming immersed in the mass of water (A) and discharging this in the form of rising sprays (B).

Abstract: An offshore wind farm comprises a plurality of wind turbines. In order to provide such a wind farm with transport between separate wind turbines that can be effected more safely and with less dependence on weather, cable connection is provided between the wind turbines of the wind farm, and a gondola is disposed on the cable connection to carry cargo or personnel from one wind turbine to another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material handling system (100) and method (200) for isolating a carrier mechanism (110) from the system. The system (100) comprises a track (103) having a channel (105), a turntable (115), and a carrier mechanism (110) coupled to the track structure via the channel. The system (100) further comprises a maintenance station (125), comprising a stub track (130), wherein the stub track is operably coupled to the track structure (103) via the turntable (115). The maintenance station (125) further comprises a power supply (135) and one or more connectors (140) operable to electrically couple the carrier (110) to the power supply (135). One or more stop blocks (145) are provided which are removably coupled to the stub track (130), wherein the stop blocks each comprise a body (155) having a rod (160) extending therefrom.

Abstract: A rail car supplementary brake and energy reclamation and power generating system is disclosed to include a motion unit, the motion unit having a pulley block connectable to the rail car and movable along a track in the rail of the rail car, an energy accumulator unit formed of a spiral power spring mechanism and a pull rope and connected to the pulley block and adapted to reserve elastic energy when the pulley block is pulled by the rail car, a power generator, and a transmission mechanism coupling the pull rope and the spiral power spring mechanism to the power generator for driving the power generator to generate electricity when the pull rope is pulling the spiral power spring to reserve elastic energy as well as when the spiral power spring is the reserved elastic energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for clearing an immobilized and or derailed suspended coach is described. The suspended coach forms part of a suspended coach transportation system in which suspended coaches suspended from a suspender beam fitted to a conventional rail bogie with wheel sets moves on rail fitted in a concrete box guide way. The method and apparatus involves extending the suspender beam to make it longer than the coach body and providing the ends of the suspender beams with n extensor and lifting mechanism for permitting an assisting mobile coach to use its suspender beam to lift an immobilized coach at its suspender beam and carry or push the immobilized coach for clearance. A method of clearing an immobile or derailed suspended coach in a suspended coach transportation system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pallet conveyor system includes a rail assembly and a pallet assembly. The rail assembly including parallel and spaced-apart rail supports that each has a cylindrical rail disposed thereon. An intermediate support is positioned between the rails and includes a removable stop bar. The pallet assembly engages the rails and is adapted for forward or reverse motion along the rails. A first and second sensor are secured to the pallet assembly and adapted to detect the stop bar as the pallet moves along the rails. When the first sensor detects the stop bar, the pallet assembly is slowed. Thereafter, as the second sensor detects the stop bar, the pallet assembly is stopped. Therefore, by simple movement of the stop bar, a pallet assembly may be easily and precisely positioned at any location along, a conveyor line without the need to reprogram the pallet assembly.

Abstract: The installation enables the downhill transportation of passengers from a higher station to a lower station along a rail. Cars that are guided along the rail are equipped with the first of two interacting elements of an electromagnetic braking device, in particular with one or more permanent magnets, and the guide rail being equipped with the second elements, in particular braking strips made from an electrically conductive nonmagnetizable material, such as copper or aluminum, which interact with said first elements of the braking device. Each car is equipped with one or more first elements with an operating brake that is adjustable as a function of its load, and with one or more first elements of a safety brake that is activatable during downhill travel.

Abstract: A method for positioning railroad freight cars at specified positions while using robust positioning devices. One end of a train is prepositioned inside a comparatively wide area and a buffer device is activated. The locomotive pulls the train in a direction of travel until the activated buffer engages with a counter-buffer. The locomotive then exerts an additional tractive force so that the train is lengthened, whereby the front end of the first car, thus of the car coupled to the locomotive, is arranged in the area of a second counter-buffer device. A second buffer device is subsequently activated in a similar manner. The locomotive now decreases the tractive force so that the train is drawn together and so that the second buffer engages the second counter-buffer. The described positioning can be effected in the same manner by applying a pressure pretension onto the train.

Abstract: A railroad bumping post with coupling mechanisms which form a box about each rail and permit wedging of the rail within the box to secure the bumping post to the rails.

Abstract: Stopping device for a transport trolley which can be moved along guidances or rails (2-3), whereby the transport trolley (4) is provided with driving wheels (7) which cooperate with a driving axle (6) and which, by means of a lever (14) with a contact wheel (17), can be set at different angles in respect to said driving axle (6), characterized in that this stopping device (1) consists of at least a lever (20) with an ascending edge (40) and a descending lateral edge (41), prolonged by an acceleration lever (24), the transition of which is formed by a tip (T), and a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric drive which can position said levers (20) and (24) in three positions, namely, with said tip (T) outside the path of said contact wheel (17) and out of contact with levers (20) and (24); with lever (20) and tip (T) entirely in the path of the contact wheel (17); and with the tip (T) outside of the path of the contact wheel (17), however, with the contact wheel (17) in contact with the acceleration lever (24).

Abstract: A highway-vehicle system for high speed travel which comprises a below-ground structure defining a cavity and a narrow slot extending upwardly therefrom to the roadway surface. Each vehicle in the system is equipped with a projecting member which, in its folded configuration, can be lowered into the slot. The projecting member includes a pair of stabilization wheels and a pair of hydraulically or pneumatically-actuated brake shoes. Once the projecting member has been lowered into the cavity, the wheels automatically unfold, so that they assume horizontal positions and press against opposing sidewalls of the cavity. With the wheels so deployed, the vehicle can be safely driven during high speed cornering and under windy conditions. The wheels can also be used to automatically steer each vehicle. In addition, the wheels are used to conduct electricity in the cavity sidewalls as part of the power takeoff for an electric vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for limiting a travel path of running gears, in particular hoists, traveling along a running rail of a type having at least one flange and a web, includes a pair of side elements which are securable to opposite sides of the flange and provided with at least one buffer, and a clamping unit in the form of a tie element, for bracing the side elements together and pressing the side elements against the sides of the flange.

Abstract: A proximity sensor (22), which generates an alternating current magnetic field in the direction of a guide rail (B) and detects a detection object by a loss of energy caused by a current which this alternating current magnetic field generates to flow to the detection object, is provided at the front end of each transport mover (V); a rear-end collision prevention detection plate (23), which enters between the guide rail (B) and the proximity sensor (22), is provided at the rear end of each transport mover (V); and a stopping device (W), which faces toward the proximity sensor (22) and forms a resonant circuit resonating at the generation frequency of the proximity sensor (22), is provided at a mover stopping location on the guide rail (B).

Abstract: A railcar retarder assembly for use in a railroad trackwork such as a railcar classification yard is provided with a fixed base plate, a vertically-oriented pivot shaft secured to the base plate, an elongated and curved cam member mounted on the pivot shaft, and a horizontally-oriented hydraulic subsystem piston element that induces reaction hydraulic damping forces which are transmitted horizontally to the wheel flanges of a passing railcar to thereby reduce the rolling velocity of the railcar.

Abstract: A recoil blocking device for vehicles (1) for roller-coasters, monorails or the like. To avoid the ratchet noises occurring in the case of prior-art ratchet-type blocking mechanisms of such recoil blocking devices, the present invention provides a catch drive (21), which is designed as an eddy current drive and spaces the catch (2) from the countercatch (5) when the vehicle (1) is moving forward and allows the catch (2) to engage the countercatch (5) when the vehicle (1) is standing or moving backward. The catch (2) is mounted rotatably at the vehicle, whereas the countercatch (5) is arranged stationarily in the form of a toothed rack in the area of the rail arrangement (4) of an uphill section.

Abstract: A cushioned braking system for cushioning the impact of a moving vehicle for amusement for children. The braking system comprises a double ended air cylinder having a first cylinder end and a second cylinder end. A first head member and a second head member close the first and second cylinder ends, respectively. A first piston rod extends axially outward from the cylinder through the first head member. A first piston is on the first piston rod within the cylinder. A second piston rod extends axially outward from the cylinder through the second head member. A second piston is on the second piston rod within the cylinder. A spring assembly resiliently connects the first piston to the second piston within the cylinder. The spring assembly serves to bias the first and second pistons toward a reference position. The cylinder also has a vent for controlling air flow within the cylinder.

Abstract: Persons and/or goods are transported in vehicles which are each equipped with running wheels. The vehicles are connectable to a continuously driven traction cable by which they are driven along a track, such as on rails. A plurality of deceleration wheels and a plurality of acceleration wheels disposed in stations of the system where the vehicles may be loaded and unloaded. In the stations, the vehicles are disconnectable from the traction cable. The vehicles are slowed down by bringing the deceleration wheels into contact therewith and they are accelerated by bringing the acceleration wheels into contact therewith. The deceleration wheels are divided into a plurality of groups and the wheels within each group are driven at the same peripheral speed. Upon transfer of the vehicle from one group of wheels to an adjacent group, the wheels of the two groups are driven at the same speed as well.