Abstract: A fall arrest anchor trolley for arresting the fall of a user. In one embodiment, the invention can be a system for arresting movement of a worker after falling from an elevated work surface comprising: a rail; a trolley in rollable contact with the rail, the trolley having a body, a brake sub-system, and a plurality of wheels, the brake sub-system comprising a brake rod, a brake pad connected to the brake rod, a lanyard connector connected to the brake rod, and a resilient element; the brake rod slidably coupled to the body so that the brake sub-system is alterable between: (1) a free state in which the brake pad is spaced a distance above the rail; and (2) an arrest state in which at least a portion of the brake pad frictionally engages the rail; the resilient element biasing the brake sub-system into the free state.

Abstract: An improvement to U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,630 comprising a method and device whereby the extension arm portion is removably attached and to the nail plate portion while attached to the exterior scaffolding portion, thus permitting a single user to take down the scaffolding easily and safely on their own without assistance. Additionally, the scaffold can now be safely lowered to the ground entirely from the building interior via a support line attached to the extension arm while it is attached to the exterior scaffolding. This improvement makes the 630 patent more efficient and much safer to use. Additionally, a spanner bracket for use with cement block or pour in place concrete walls is disclosed herein enabling a non ground-based scaffolding system in use with the 630 patent for such walls types, also permitting single user set up and removal of the scaffolding.

Abstract: An aircraft comprising an opening for accessing a compartment and a ladder. The aircraft comprises at least one support. The ladder comprises at least one fastener element connected to a support by a removable connection comprising a pivot axis.

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically regulating the tensions of the guide ropes of a flexible cable suspension platform. The system includes a guide rope regulator mounted on a flexible cable suspension platform, a hydraulic pump station arranged on the flexible cable suspension platform, and a hydraulic system associated to the hydraulic pump station. The guide rope regulator automatically regulates the tensions of the guide ropes to enable the tensions of all the guide ropes to be consistent, so as to further ensure that the flexible cable suspension platform is in a level condition. The guide rope regulator also can measure the tension states of the guide ropes conveniently so as to ensure that the guide ropes have enough tensions to efficiently limit the swing amplitude of a lilting container. The system is simple, and convenient to operate, and has a good automatic regulating effect.

Abstract: A portable multi-use platform that is capable of providing 360 degree views for multiple persons safely and securely without interfering with each individuals comfort space. The platform can be easily set up and taken down and transported to different locations using a detachable wheeled frame assembly. The applications of this platform are not limited solely to hunting but can be used in numerous activities such as “zip-line” type sports, photography and video applications, utility pole climbing professions, as well as military and police operations. This platform solves the problem of partial views, limited occupants, and the transportation over terrain to and from site. It also addresses the issue of attaching to a plurality of various tree sizes with a sliding floor attachment system as well as a possible problem of tree lean and leveling with the use of a sliding “biter” system.

Abstract: A runner 7 has a housing 21 with two runner wheels 23 attached to the housing. The housing includes a sleeve 25 that can freely turn around the longitudinal axis 27 in a channel 29 present in the housing. The sleeve constitutes an elongated guide opening by which the runner can be moved over the guide cable. Longitudinal slots extending in axial direction are present in the walls 21A, 25A of the channel 29 and of the sleeve 25. Each slot has a middle section 31A, 33A. The width 34 of the middle section 33A of the longitudinal slot in the sleeve is smaller than the width 32 of the middle section 31A of the longitudinal slot in the housing, and, furthermore, the width 34 of the middle section 33A of the slot 33 in the sleeve is smaller than the diameter of the guide cable 3 the runner 7 is suitable for.

Abstract: An escape chute, including: an upper straight chute, a lower straight chute, a turning chute, a first rotating axle, and a second rotating axle. The turning chute includes a front section, a middle section, and a rear section. The upper straight chute and the lower straight chute are connected via the turning chute. Each chute includes: a chute base; a guard rail including a top and a bottom; and a handrail. The chute base of the upper straight chute and the chute base of the lower straight chute are connected through the chute bases of the front, the middle, and the rear sections of the turning chute. Each hinge joint between the chute bases of the corresponding chutes is provided with a hinge roller. Each butt joint is provided with a combined pulley.

Abstract: A tether system for a safety line has an elongate guide track and stay elements arranged to move along the guide track and be carried at spaced positions along the length of a tether line. The system is typically employed in a fall arrest or protection system mounted to a structure, having an ascent/descent ladder fixed to the structure, the system including a self-retracting safety line device including a safety line, mounted at height.

Abstract: Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided. In some embodiments, adjustable stepladders are provided which include locking mechanisms that enable height adjustment of the ladder through application of a force towards the rails of the ladder. In other embodiments, spreader mechanisms are provided with cross bracing located and configured to provide additional stability to the ladder while also incorporating a handle that enables efficient collapsing of the ladder while reducing the potential of pinching ones hands or fingers. In another embodiment, a device is provided for selective coupling with the ladder that includes a support or safety rail and an adjustable tray. The device may be coupled with the ladder in a number of different positions including a stowed position. In another embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided having a magnetic component configured to be magnetically coupled with and temporarily store an object on the ladder.

Abstract: A ladder footing apparatus for supporting the base of a ladder, wherein the ladder is being positioned against a first wall structure at a top end of the ladder. The ladder footing apparatus includes an elongated handle having respective one and other opposed ends, a resilient pad member supported at one end of the elongated handle, the resilient pad member for engaging a second wall structure that is in opposed position to said first wall structure, and a hook member supported at the other opposed end of the elongated handle, said hook member for engaging a lower rung of the ladder.

Abstract: Various lifting systems are described that use one or more of the following features. A method for setting an adjustable height upper pulley on a tall structure; load transfer from a suspended load to a tall structure; fan-based stabilizer; stabilizer or horizontal load position control mechanism using a closed loop of cable and taction winch for a crane application; crane-based lifting system that uses a closed loop of lifting cable looped around a traction winch; and a stabilizer or horizontal load position control mechanism that does not need a closed loop of cable. Other embodiments are also described and claims. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A vertical raising safety rail having a moveable top rail, a base, a movable center rail assembly positioned above the base and below the top rail, a drive shaft, and a motor that provides rotational power to the drive shaft. The safety rail further includes a pair of spaced apart lower linkage arm assemblies that is operatively connected to the base and to the center rail assembly and configured to raise or lower the center rail assembly relative to the base when a rotational force is applied to the drive shaft. The safety rail also includes a pair of spaced apart upper linkage arm assemblies that is operably connected to the center rail assembly and to the top rail. The upper linkage arm assemblies are operably connected to corresponding lower linkage assemblies and are configured to move the upper rail relative to the center rail assembly. When the rotational force is reversed, the safety rail collapses into a compact footprint.

Abstract: A climbing stick connector system includes first and second climbing sticks releasably secured to one another with first and second posts extending parallel to one another. In one implementation, the first climbing stick has a stopper having a shelf and a projection received within an aperture in one of the posts, wherein a step is pivotally secured to the post above the shelf by a fastener extending through the stopper. The first climbing stick has a V-shaped claw having spaced ears receiving the post therebetween, and the step has opposite upwardly facing concave edges.

Abstract: Rescue elevator system, comprising a rescue ladder and an elevator running on rails on a top side of the rescue ladder up to an end position at one end of the rescue ladder, and an elevator drive comprising a rope, a rope winch for pulling the rope and a deflection roller over which the rope is guided from the rope winch to a suspension point at the elevator, wherein the deflection roller is disposed below the rails at or near the one end of the rescue ladder, characterized in that the suspension point is displaced towards a trailing end of the elevator averted from the one end of the rescue ladder such that in the end position of the elevator, the suspension point is located in a distance from the deflection roller in the extension direction of the rails, and the elevator comprises a passage ladder to bridge the distance between the suspension point and the deflection roller in the end position of the elevator, said passage ladder lying on top of the rope and being mounted between the rails at a hinge axis p

Abstract: A cover for an energy absorber comprises front and rear sides having first and second legs extending downward forming an upside down V-shape. The front and rear sides define a cavity therebetween and an opening provides access to the cavity proximate a top portion of the front side and a top of the rear side. The top portion is configured and arranged to engage a connector. The top portion includes a first portion of a fastener, and the top includes a second portion of the fastener. The first and second portions releasably interconnect the top portion and the top. A first strap is operatively connected to the first leg and is configured and arranged to engage a first shoulder strap of the safety harness. A second strap is operatively connected to the second leg and is configured and arranged to engage a second shoulder strap of the safety harness.

Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes an aerial ladder and at least one of a rung alignment status indicator and a load status indicator. The rung alignment status indicator can include a lighting strip having multiple lighting elements on the ladder that are selectively illuminated depending on whether first rungs of one section of the ladder and second rungs of another section of the ladder are aligned or misaligned. The load status indicator can include a lighting strip including multiple lighting elements on the ladder and/or at a control console that are selectively illuminated depending on whether the ladder is overloaded beyond an aerial ladder capacity rating or other value. A user on the aerial ladder and/or at a control console can view the indicators to evaluate rung alignment and load status.

Abstract: A weather shelter for providing protection during assembly of a column at a remote manufacturing yard is provided. The weather shelter can include a frame mounted to a hanging platform, and extending upwards from the hanging platform, the hanging platform supported by the column; and a protective covering mounted on the frame having a side covering and a top covering, the protective covering configured to provide an inner atmosphere within the protective covering protected from external elements when the protective covering is secured to the column.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an emergency descent system according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a cable connector non-slidably connected to an emergency escape cable and a housing connected to the cable connector and configured to enclose a controlled descent system and at least a portion of a length of rope. The housing may comprise an outer protective layer, an inner wall section substantially enclosed by the outer protective layer forming an open interior portion, and a cover configured to be selectively attached to an upper portion of the outer protective layer. The cover may be configured to be selectively attached to an upper portion of the outer protective layer. The cover may be configured to cover at least a portion of the controlled descent system and protect the open interior portion from environmental conditions.

Abstract: A fastening element for a climbing device configured for fastening to a tree, pole, mast, column, pillar, or like climbing surface includes an outer shell, a concave contact surface formed within the outer shell and a plurality of anchoring nubs. A lattice structure including a plurality of raised ribs may form the contact surface. Each of the plurality of anchoring nubs protrudes from the raised ribs, and one or more may be formed at least partially at an intersection of the lattice structure. The nubs may have a rounded profile and are preferably symmetrically aligned around a longitudinal axis of the fastening element. The plurality of anchoring nubs and the concave contact surface, e.g., a plurality of raised ribs, form an anchoring surface configured to contact a climbing surface, and to anchor the fastening element to the climbing surface, a tree, for example, without damage thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is a restraint system for a vehicle. A crewmember or occupant is interconnected to the restraint system by way of a strap. The strap has two separate and independently operable release mechanisms. The strap permits the occupant to be either manually or automatically released from the associated restraint. The restraint can be mounted within any of a variety of land, sea, air, or space based vehicles. In one non-limiting embodiment, the first release mechanism is automatically activated in response to a triggering event and the second release mechanism is manually activated by the occupant pulling on a lanyard.