Abstract: A self-erecting suspension platform system having a work platform suspended between a sinistral modular mast and a dextral modular mast by a hoisting system. The modular masts are composed of at least two mast units stacked vertically and attached to one another. Each mast unit has a multifunction rail including a plurality of safety engagement devices and a stabilizer guide device, and a unit interconnection device. The work platform has at least two mast stabilizers that cooperate with the stabilizer guide devices to prevent undesired swaying of the suspended work platform. The work platform has a plurality of platform mast engagers cooperating with at least one of the mast safety engagement devices to releasably lock the platform to the modular masts. The hoisting system includes multiple carriages, hoists, and mast cables. Each carriage engages the associated mast so that the carriage may be conveniently slid up and down the mast.

Abstract: A suspension work platform hoist system for raising and lowering a work platform is provided. The system incorporates at least one hoist attached to the work platform and in electrical communication with a hoist control system that may have a data transmitter to transmit data to a remote location, a data receiver to receive data from the remote location, and/or a monitoring and diagnostic system to monitor and record at least one of a plurality of operating characteristics of the hoist. The hoist control system may also include a GPS tracking device that transmit a hoist location and may prevent operation of the motor if the hoist location is not in an authorized area of operation. The hoist control system may further include a safety lock out system that requires authentication of an operator prior to the hoist control system causing movement of the hoist system.

Abstract: A suspension work platform hoist system for raising and lowering a work platform is provided. The system incorporates at least one hoist attached to the work platform and in electrical communication with a motor control system. The motor control system is attached to the work platform and is in electrical communication with a constant frequency input power source and the hoist motor. The motor control system controls the acceleration of the work platform as it is raised and lowered by controlling the hoist motor. The system may further include a tilt control system to allow the work platform to reach and maintain a tilt angle setpoint as the work platform is raised and lowered, and/or a system to reduce the reactive power associated with its operation.

Abstract: A powered controlled acceleration suspension work platform hoist system for raising and lowering a work platform at a predetermined acceleration. The system incorporates several hoists attached to the work platform and in electrical communication with the motor control system. The motor control system is attached to the work platform and is in electrical communication with a constant frequency input power source and the hoist motors. The motor control system controls the acceleration of the work platform as it is raised and lowered by controlling the hoist motors. The controlled acceleration hoist system also includes a platform control system attached to the work platform that is in electrical communication with the motor control system and the hoist motors. Acceleration control is achieved by converting the constant frequency input power to a variable frequency power supply. This may be accomplished through the use of a variable frequency drive(s).

Abstract: The hoist control cooling system for preferentially cooling components of a variable frequency drive that is controlling a hoist motor. The cooling system includes an inverter temperature sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, a cooling system controller, an inverter cooler, and an ambient cooler. The inverter temperature sensor measures the temperature of the inverter and generates an inverter temperature signal. The ambient temperature sensor measures the temperature of the ambient air in the sealed control enclosure and generates an ambient temperature signal. The cooling system controller communicates with the inverter temperature sensor and the ambient temperature sensor by receiving the inverter temperature signal, the ambient temperature signal, and generating both an inverter cooling signal, and an ambient cooling signal. The inverter cooling signal controls the cooling of the inverter.

Abstract: A powered controlled acceleration suspension work platform hoist system for raising and lowering a work platform at a predetermined acceleration. The system incorporates several hoists attached to the work platform and in electrical communication with the motor control system. The motor control system is attached to the work platform and is in electrical communication with a constant frequency input power source and the hoist motors. The motor control system controls the acceleration of the work platform as it is raised and lowered by controlling the hoist motors. The controlled acceleration hoist system also includes a platform control system attached to the work platform that is in electrical communication with the motor control system and the hoist motors. Acceleration control is achieved by converting the constant frequency input power to a variable frequency power supply. This may be accomplished through the use of a variable frequency drive(s).

Abstract: A self-erecting suspension platform system having a work platform suspended between a sinistral modular mast and a dextral modular mast by a hoisting system. The modular masts are composed of at least two mast units stacked vertically and attached to one another. Each mast unit has a multifunction rail including a plurality of safety engagement devices and a stabilizer guide device, and a unit interconnection device. The work platform has at least two mast stabilizers that cooperate with the stabilizer guide devices to prevent undesired swaying of the suspended work platform. The work platform has a plurality of platform mast engagers cooperating with at least one of the mast safety engagement devices to releasably lock the platform to the modular masts. The hoisting system includes multiple carriages, hoists, and mast cables. Each carriage engages the associated mast so that the carriage may be conveniently slid up and down the mast.

Abstract: A powered controlled acceleration suspension work platform hoist system for raising and lowering a work platform at a predetermined acceleration. The system incorporates several hoists attached to the work platform and in electrical communication with the motor control system. The motor control system is attached to the work platform and is in electrical communication with a constant frequency input power source and the hoist motors. The motor control system controls the acceleration of the work platform as it is raised and lowered by controlling the hoist motors. The controlled acceleration hoist system also includes a platform control system attached to the work platform that is in electrical communication with the motor control system and the hoist motors. Acceleration control is achieved by converting the constant frequency input power to a variable frequency power supply. This may be accomplished through the use of a variable frequency drive(s).

Abstract: The hoist control cooling system for preferentially cooling components of a variable frequency drive that is controlling a hoist motor. The cooling system includes an inverter temperature sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, a cooling system controller, an inverter cooler, and an ambient cooler. The inverter temperature sensor measures the temperature of the inverter and generates an inverter temperature signal. The ambient temperature sensor measures the temperature of the ambient air in the sealed control enclosure and generates an ambient temperature signal. The cooling system controller communicates with the inverter temperature sensor and the ambient temperature sensor by receiving the inverter temperature signal, the ambient temperature signal, and generating both an inverter cooling signal, and an ambient cooling signal. The inverter cooling signal controls the cooling of the inverter.