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A '''funitel''' is a type of ] consisting of one or two loops of cable strung between two terminals over intermediate towers. The cables are arraged so as to maximize stability of the passenger cabins. The name ''funitel'' is a conjunction between the ] words '']'' and '']''.
]


<div style="float:right; width:300px; margin-right:1em; text-align:center;">
A '''funitel''' is a type of ] used to transport skiers. The name ''funitel'' is a conjunction between the ] words '']'' and '']''. Funitels have not only been used as a means to transport ], there is one used to transport finished cars between different areas of a factory. Recently, more and more funitels have been added to ].
<center>]<br>
<small>''An example of a funitel''</small>
</center>
</div>


⚫ In order to maximize stability of the passenger cabins, the cables are arraged in two pairs moving in spearate directions. Althougth it might appear that there are four cables, most of the time there is actually only one (see diagram below).
==Engineering==
⚫ A funitel consists of one or two loops of cable strung between two terminals over intermediate ]. In order to maximize the stability of the passenger cabins, the ] are arranged in two pairs moving in separate ]. Although it might appear that there are four cables, most of the time there is actually only one.


The passenger cabins are connected to a pair of cables with four spring-loaded grips (two to each cable). Because the cable runs at a speed faster than that at which most people would care to board or disembark, the cabins must be slowed down while in the terminals to allow ] to get on and off. This is accomplished by detaching the cabin from the cable and slowing it down with progressively slower rotating tires mounted on the ceiling of the terminal. Once the cabin has reached a speed at which it is safe to load or unload passengers, the cabin is moved about the end turnaround by tires mounted on the floor. The cabin is then accelerated to line speed with a second set of rotating tires. The passenger cabins are connected to a pair of cables with four spring loaded grips (two to each cable). Because the cable runs faster then most people would care to board or disembark, the cabins must be slowed down while in the terminals to allow skiers to get on and off. This is accomplished by, once the cabin is detached from the cable, slowing down with progressivly slower rotating tires, which are mounted on the ciling of the terminal. Once the cabin has reached a speed at which it is safe to load or offload passengers, the cabins is moved around the end turnaround by tires mounted, unusually, on the floor. The cabin is then accelerated to line speed with yet more rotating tires.


] ]
''A diagram of a funitel's cable setup- a Mobius loop.''

==History==
The first Funitel was constructed in ] by Denis Creissel and enterprises Reel and Städeli-Lift. Two other Funitels are running in ] (] and ]), several others in ] (Val-Thorens, ], ]), in ] (], ], and since December 2006 in ]) and one in the ] (]).

==Squaw Valley Funitel==
The ski resort at ], ], in the ] basin, has a funitel. It holds 28 people and is capable of operating in extreme wind conditions. This funitel is the only one in the world outside of ].

==La Plagne Funitel==
Built by Doppelmayr it runs from Plagne Centre (1970m) up to La Grande Rochette (2505m)

]


== See also == == See also ==
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*] *]
*] (built the QMC funitel - a funitel that actually had four cables) *] (built the QMC funitel - a funitel that actually had four cables)

*] *]

]

]
]
]

Revision as of 07:25, 13 December 2006

A funitel is a type of aerial lift consisting of one or two loops of cable strung between two terminals over intermediate towers. The cables are arraged so as to maximize stability of the passenger cabins. The name funitel is a conjunction between the French words funicular and teleferique.

File:Funitel.jpg

An example of a funitel

In order to maximize stability of the passenger cabins, the cables are arraged in two pairs moving in spearate directions. Althougth it might appear that there are four cables, most of the time there is actually only one (see diagram below).

The passenger cabins are connected to a pair of cables with four spring loaded grips (two to each cable). Because the cable runs faster then most people would care to board or disembark, the cabins must be slowed down while in the terminals to allow skiers to get on and off. This is accomplished by, once the cabin is detached from the cable, slowing down with progressivly slower rotating tires, which are mounted on the ciling of the terminal. Once the cabin has reached a speed at which it is safe to load or offload passengers, the cabins is moved around the end turnaround by tires mounted, unusually, on the floor. The cabin is then accelerated to line speed with yet more rotating tires.

File:Funitelcable.JPG A diagram of a funitel's cable setup- a Mobius loop.

See also