How does an S&S Power Tower work?

[nln00b]

I've always wandered.

[BelizeIt]

I've always liked these drop rides.

 

Here's a quick article from Wikipedia.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Tower

[larrygator]

I've always wandered.

 

Some people shouldn't wander unattended.

[PriestofSyrinx]

This gives a better representation:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shot

 

Basically:

 

Air goes in, and you go up!

[themeparkologist]

How do they create a vacuum with an open hole? You know, to get it to move up and down without a total seal? Seeing as the piston and cable are directly connected meaning there must be a hole in the top or bottom of the chamber. This is what has always confused me about S&S's pneumatic systems. This really applies to thrust air coasters too.

[RCFreak]

They don't, the chambers that create the air pressure are different then the ones housing the pistons attached to the cars, it's the reason why there are four little tubes around the central tube inside of the ride structure.