Cable grip

Given that the cable runs at a relatively constant speed, accelerating the vehicle to match the speed of the cable presents a technical difficulty; possible methods are to apply the grip gradually, to accelerate the vehicle (e.g. by guiding wheels) prior to applying the grip, or to use a sprung linkage between the grip and the vehicle.

The cable must also be able to handle friction from the grip and increased load while the vehicle is accelerating.

With the cable lifted into the jaws, the operating lever is pulled back, forcing the jaws between two fixed rollers, and capturing the cable between the grip's replaceable mild-steel dies, but without applying pressure.

To start moving the car, the operating lever is pulled back further, squeezing the cable between the dies.

The grip was designed by the German railway mechanical engineer William Eppelsheimer in around 1880.