Aerial cableway and method for filming subjects in motion

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. A camera dolly hangs from the cable carriage, and bears a camera operator's station and a dolly operator's station. The camera dolly can be raised and lowered relative to the carriage in order to follow the contour of the ground beneath. A remote camera may also be lowered and raised from the underside of the camera dolly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.