The tanks of one cabin were refilled at the upper station, allowing its descent under gravity with the combined weight of the passengers and water, enabling the other carriage to ascend. A steam engine situated at the lower station worked the filling pumps at the upper station.
The process involved refilling the tanks of one section at a higher level, which then allowed it to drop down under gravity with the combined weight of passengers and water, while enabling the other carriage to rise. A steam engine located at a lower level powered the filling pumps at the upper level.