Abstract: An elevating cage apparatus includes a support structure and a carriage that is operable to move vertically with respect to the support structure. The carriage is configured to be alternatively raised and lowered via a first driver and a second driver. The first driver may comprise a powered (electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic) motor, and the second driver may comprise a manual actuation mechanism including a hand crank. Both input drivers may be operable to move the carriage through a dual input worm drive gear box.

Abstract: A modular platform system utilizing a number of components including a platform. The platform is configured so that each of the components may interchangeably connect to any side of the platform. The components include, for example, handrails and stairways, as well as other platforms. The platform and most of the components are formed from single, continuous pieces of metal.

Abstract: A container tarping assembly comprises a frame structure. A left spreader assembly and a right spreader assembly adapted to carry a tarp are also provided. The left spreader assembly includes first and second left travelers. The right spreader assembly includes first and second right travelers. The travelers are each movable in reciprocating fashion along a predetermined path between a first limit and a second limit. A plurality of drive mechanisms are respectively associated with the travelers to move the traveler in the reciprocating fashion, each of the drive mechanisms having a bidirectional motor.

Abstract: A gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. A self-raising assembly is operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position. The self-raising assembly includes at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure. A raising actuator is usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position.

Abstract: A modular platform system utilizing a number of components including a platform. The platform is configured so that each of the components may interchangeably connect to any side of the platform. The components include, for example, handrails and stairways, as well as other platforms. The platform and most of the components are formed from single, continuous pieces of metal.

Abstract: An elevating cage system includes floor panels for a walk surface that can pivot upward to expose a portion of a container disposed below the platform. Each floor panel has a latch that pivots to engage a cage railing surrounding the platform and hold the floor panel in an open position. The latch is weighted about a pivot so that when the panel is pivoted to a completely open position, the latch pivots under its own weight to engage a stop so that the latch is disposed in an orientation to engage the handrail and hold the panel in the open position until an operator releases the latch. When the panel pivots to its closed position, the latch's weight balance about its pivot causes the latch to rotate until the latch engages the stop and is held in a stowed orientation in which the latch is entirely below a plane of an upper surface of the panel.

Abstract: A gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. A self-raising assembly is operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position. The self-raising assembly includes at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure. A raising actuator is usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a gangway having a proximal end and a distal end. A cage assembly is connected to the distal end of the gangway. The apparatus further comprises a container spotting system including a camera mounted such that its field of view will show a hatch cover of a container when the hatch cover is in a predetermined location. Video electronics are in electrical communication with the camera. The container spotting system further includes a display device in electrical communication with the video electronics, the display device being operative to show at least a selected portion of the field of view of the camera. The camera may comprise an outdoor dome camera mounted to an underside of the gangway.

Abstract: A cage assembly configured to raise and lower with respect to a container which has an opening closed by a hatch cover. The cage assembly comprises a rail structure having a proximal side, a distal side, and first and second ends defining a generally rectangular enclosed area in which a worker can stand. The rail structure further defines an opening in the proximal side so that a worker can access the enclosed area. Moreover, the rail structure further comprises a plurality of parallel rails including a top rail and a lower rail, with the top rail having a generally rectangular configuration to define the enclosed area. A respective bump out is defined by the rail structure on at least one of the proximal and distal sides thereof to facilitate opening of the hatch cover. The bump out is formed at least in part by a configuration of the lower rail.

Abstract: A traffic gate apparatus comprises an upstanding pedestal. A first elongate arm is also provided having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the first elongate arm being pivotally connected to the pedestal at a first pivot axis. A second elongate arm has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the lower elongate arm being pivotally connected to the pedestal at a second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is below the first pivot axis such that the first and second elongate arms are movable between a lowered position, in which the first and second elongate arms are generally horizontal and parallel with the first elongate arm being above said second elongate arm, and a raised position. The first and second elongate arms each have an adjustment mechanism such that a length thereof can be varied.

Abstract: A gangway comprising a fixed platform. A support structure is connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform. A releasable position locking assembly that inhibits rotation of the support structure in a raising direction is also provided. The releasable locking assembly includes a closed-loop fluid arrangement.

Abstract: A platform system comprising a platform structure having at least one modular platform unit with platform connection features on a side surface thereof to which other components can be connected, the other components including at least two of the following: another modular platform unit, a stair unit, a tower unit, a handrail unit, and a ladder unit. A stair assembly is connected to the platform structure via said connection features, the stair assembly comprising a plurality of stair units connected together to provide a number of steps equal to the sum of steps of the stair units.

Abstract: A gate comprises a spring-loaded hinge arrangement defining a rotational axis. A gate structure having a first support arm connected to a first end of the hinge arrangement is also provided. The gate structure is rotatable about the rotational axis. A spring-loaded hinge arrangement includes an outer hinge tube fixedly connectable to an adjacent structure and an inner hinge tube received in the outer hinge tube. The inner hinge tube has a first portion and a second portion movable with respect to each other, the second portion of the inner hinge tube being fixed with respect to the outer hinge tube and the first portion of the inner hinge tube being fixed with respect to the support arm.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of attaching a tread assembly of a spiral staircase to a vertical support column. One step of the method involves providing a tread assembly having a tread portion attached to an arcuate mounting plate defining at least one hole through which extends a fastener defining external threads, the mounting plate having a first face defining a first radius of curvature. Another step involves providing a support column extending along an axis, the support column having a plurality of axially and angularly spaced apart tread attachment locations, each of the tread attachment locations having an arcuate outer surface defining a corresponding aperture for receipt of the fastener, the arcuate outer surface defining a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature. According to another step of the method, the tread assembly is loosely connected to one of the tread attachment locations of the support column.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a gangway having a proximal end and a distal end. A cage assembly is connected to the distal end of the gangway. The apparatus further comprises a container spotting system including a camera mounted such that its field of view will show a hatch cover of a container when the hatch cover is in a predetermined location. Video electronics are in electrical communication with the camera. The container spotting system further includes a display device in electrical communication with the video electronics, the display device being operative to show at least a selected portion of the field of view of the camera. The camera may comprise an outdoor dome camera mounted to an underside of the gangway.

Abstract: A gangway comprising a fixed platform. A support structure is connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform. A releasable position locking assembly that inhibits rotation of the support structure in a raising direction is also provided. The releasable locking assembly includes a closed-loop fluid arrangement.

Abstract: Fall restraint equipment comprising a mobile access unit having a mobile platform portion, a ladder portion, and a cage portion. The components of the fall restraint equipment are formed from butterflying, lasering, cutting, bending, and/or stamping continuous pieces of tubular and sheet metal. The components of the mobile access unit are modular and include adapters of varying height that cause the mobile access unit to exhibit varying height. Also, the mobile access unit is adaptable so that it can roll in a first direction of orientation of the ladder or a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.