Importance

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Abstract

A funicular system including a passenger carriage or vehicle (21) supported for movement along a path relative to a support surface (22) , an endless haul rope (23) mounted in a loop-like plurality of support sheaves (26, 27, 28) for guided movement along the path, and grip assembly (24) coupled to the carriage (21) and coupled to the haul rope (23) and formed for passage of the grip assembly (24) over the support sheaves (26, 27, 28) without significant relative displacement between the haul rope (23) and support sheaves (26, 27, 28). The grip assembly (24) preferably is comprised of a linear array of band assemblies (41a-41n) which encircle the haul rope (23) and have a relatively thin thickness dimension. The band assemblies (41a-41n) are clamped to the haul rope by a clamp (32) and coupled by a flexible link (56) to the undercarriage (59) of the vehicle (21). The grip (24 ) allows the haul rope (23) to be positively contained between support sheaves (26, 27, 28) with the grip (24) passing therebetween so that the haul rope position can be used to control and guide the position of the vehicle or carriage (21). Reduction of splice length and splice fatigue also is effected by the haul rope grip assembly (21).

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First Claim