Trenton-Bleichert System of Aerial Tramways - Reversible Aerial Tramways and Aerial Tramways of Special Design #272289

This system of aerial tramways is one whereby the material is carried in receptacles suspended from carriages on stationary track cables of special construction, supported at varying elevations above the ground. The carriers move in a continuous circuit, at definite intervals, determined by the individual loads and the amount of material to be transported in a given time, and at distances apart varying in accordance with the speed; the loaded carriers traveling along a line of cable graduated in size to the weight it has to support, and the empties returning along a lighter line of cable parallel with the loaded line. Motion is imparted to the carriers by means of a comparatively light endless wire rope, of the ordinary or Lang lay, commonly known as the traction rope, to which the carriers are gripped. These Tramways belong to that class of aerial tramways known to many as the "Double-rope," in contradistinction to the "Single-rope" class, wherein one rope performs both the functions of support and propulsion.<br><br>This system is especially adapted to the transportation of ores, coal, crushed stone, slate, clay, sand, and all kinds of raw materials. It is also well adapted to the conveyance of fruits, cereals and other plantation produce, cordwood and sawmill products, manufacturers' supplies, refuse, materials in process of manufacture, merchandise of all kinds, and particularly products requiring careful manipulation, such as explosives, liquids, glassware, and, in fact, all materials that admit of being carried in moderate loads.<br><br>The materials are carried in bee lines, directly from the loading stations to the places of delivery, without rehandling, at costs per mile varying from 2 cents to 5 cents per ton.<br><br>These Tramways are especially adapted to mountainous localities, and are recommended for heavy service. The ruggedness of contour, steepness of grades, and width of valleys or rivers, are no bar to the successful operation of such a line. The costly grading of circuitous routes, and the building of expensive bridges or viaducts, requisite in the construction of mountain railways, are entirely avoided. In fact, this system of tramway often affords a means of communication with points inaccessible by any kind of a surface road.<br><br>More than 3,000 lines have been built, aggregating over 1,800 miles in length, and about 200 million tons annual capacity.