Abstract: A method for centering a self-propelled elevator car in an elevator installation, the car having at least two driven friction wheels pressed against each of two opposing guide surfaces of a first and second guide rail strands to drive the car along a travel path, the method including independently adjusting a first rotational speed of the friction wheels acting on the first guide rail strand and a second rotational speed of the friction wheels acting on the second guide rail strand. In a centered state, a center of the car is located on a center plane extending in parallel with the first and second guide rail strands, and when a deviation of the car center from the center plane is detected, the first rotational speed and/or the second rotational speed is changed such that, when the car moves along the travel path, the car center moves toward the center plane.

Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator propulsion device includes at least one drive member configured to engage and climb along a vertical structure, a motor module including at least one motor configured to cause movement of the drive member and corresponding movement of an elevator cab, and a power supply including at least one energy source that is configured to provide power to the motor. The power supply is situated adjacent the motor module such that a mass of the at least one energy source provides a noise barrier to reduce transmission of noise from the motor into the elevator cab.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a lifeline comprises an anchor arranged to support a cable and a shuttle arranged to move along a length of the cable. The anchor comprises a body portion and a cable engaging portion. The body portion comprises a thickness. The shuttle comprises a first end and a second end. A cavity extends from the first end to the second end and a slot extends from the first end to the second end. The cable extends through the cavity. A width of the slot is greater than the thickness of the body portion. The width of the slot is less than a cross-sectional size of the cable.

Abstract: There is provided a gondola apparatus including: a horizontal front scaffold frame facing a back of a blade; first and second side scaffold frames each horizontally movably attached to the front scaffold frame; a stabilizing member attached over both sides of the front scaffold frame such that the stabilizing member is extendable and contractable, the stabilizing member abutting on an outer surface of a tower; a first lifting device provided to the front scaffold frame; second and third lifting devices attached to the first and second side scaffold frames, respectively, such that the second and third lifting devices are rockable; first and second drive devices provided to the front scaffold frame, the first and second drive devices being configured to horizontally drive the first and second side scaffold frames, respectively; and first, second, third traction ropes provided between the first, second, and third lifting devices, and an origin on a side of a nacelle, respectively.

Abstract: A pass-through cable grab system which allows a workman wearing a harness to move up and down a ladder on a tower or similar structure while being protected from falling by a vertically extending safety cable attached to the tower. The system includes at least one standoff bracket having a rear end secured to the tower and a forward end secured to the cable. A cable grab assembly includes a housing that can move vertically up and down the cable and further includes a brake mechanism. A lever extends from the housing and is connected to the workman through a lanyard. In the event of a fall, the lever moves downwardly activating the brake mechanism. The housing includes a vertically extending slot which allows the cable grab assembly to pass over the forward end of the standoff bracket as the cable grab assembly moves up and down.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shuttle device for a height safety system, the device including a first member having an inner wall defining a recess, the inner wall terminating at two sides to define a first opening. The device further includes a second member received in the recess of the first member, the second member being slidable relative to the first member to facilitate movement of the device between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. In the locked condition, the second member and a side of the inner wall define a second opening, the second opening being smaller than the first opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that increase pad efficiency and robustness. These systems and methods balance magnetic flux density in ferrite strips in a WEVC pad to reduce heat produced in high-flux areas of the ferrite strips. Aspects include controlled spacing between ferrite strips of a WEVC pad and intentional gaps located within high-flux areas in the strips. The sizes of the intentional gaps are determined in relation to the size of the spacing between the strips. In addition, ribs are disposed between the strips and connected to a backplate to provide structural rigidity and robustness to the pad.

Abstract: A ropeless elevator system includes a vertically extending first lane, a vertically extending second lane, and a transfer station extending between and in communication with the first and second lanes. An elevator car is disposed in and is constructed and arranged to move through the transfer station and the first and second lanes. A propulsion system of the elevator system propels the elevator car through at least the first and second lanes and carries a supplemental DC energy storage device for providing supplemental energy to the elevator car during normal operation. A wireless power transfer system of the elevator system is configured to periodically charge the DC energy storage device.

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: Systems and methods for providing lifting workers up cell towers are disclosed. The system is useful on “stealth” cellular towers that do not have external ladders or climbing pegs for aesthetic reasons. The system can include a cable, a system of pulleys, and an internal or external winch. The cable can include a counterweight to enable the cable to be paid out from a storage position at the top of the tower down to the ground under its own weight. Workers can attach a harness or a basket to the cable. The winch can then pull the cable, worker, and/or basket to the top of the tower. The winch can be installed on site or can be provided by an on-site service vehicle. The system can also include a fall arrest system to prevent falls in the event of a component failure.

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: A wall cleaner hanging structure for hanging a wall cleaner includes a frame; at least a fastening unit for fastening the wall cleaner hanging structure in place; a liquid storage device for storing and conveying a liquid for washing a wall surface; a cable elevation device for controlling vertical movement of the wall cleaner; a tube and wire elevation device for controlling the length of a wire and a delivery tube; a plurality of guiding wheels for guiding the wire and the delivery tube to the wall cleaner; and a wall cleaner moving device for adjusting the distance between the wall cleaner and the wall surface. The wall cleaner hanging structure is freely moved and stored, works in conjunction with the wall cleaner to wash the wall surface in an automated manner, such that wall cleaning workers are less likely to get injured and fall victim to work accidents.

Abstract: A system for constructing a tank is made up of a plurality of generally rectangular prism sections, which are hinged together on the back side to form a platform, having an end section hinged to a frame section, a cantilever frame extending from the end section, a counterbalance frame attached to said cantilever and extending parallel to the platform and opposed to the end section, with the end section and said counterbalance frame being separated by a pair of saddle wheels mounted to the cantilever frame. At least one additional saddle wheel is mounted on a frame section for cooperative operation with saddle wheels on the cantilever to support the system on the tank wall and to move the platform within the tank wall as it is constructed. The hinge connections between the sections allow the platform to be adjusted to the arc of the internal wall of the tank under construction.

Abstract: A sliding step stool that can be mounted within a cabinet and extended for use. The step stool includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall that are parallel to one another and are connected by a flat panel. The flat panel provides an elevated surface on which a user can stand in order to access items stored in elevated areas, such as on or within high shelves or cabinets. The step stool includes a pair of sliding mechanisms on the sides or bottom thereof wherein the sliding mechanisms can be installed inside of a conventional cabinet. In a stored configuration, the step stool is enclosed within the cabinet, and in an extended configuration the step stool extends outward therefrom.

Abstract: A mobile platform has a separate and independent linear actuator pivotally connected near each opposite end of the platform where there is a contact limit switch that when triggered by contact with the side of a flatbed, stops movement of the actuator, and thus stops movement of the platform, toward the side of the flatbed. Because each of the two actuators is pivotally connected to its respective end of the platform and moves independently of the other, each end of the platform can stop moving toward the flatbed before or after, depending on how the flatbed is misaligned, the other end of the platform stops moving toward the flatbed. In this way the platform self-aligns to the alignment of the flatbed and avoids the need to reposition a flatbed that is not precisely aligned parallel to the central axis of the loading bay.

Abstract: A fall arrest anchor trolley for arresting the fall of a user. In one embodiment, the invention can be a fall arrest trolley comprising: a body a brake sub-system, and a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the body, wherein bottoms of the plurality of wheels collectively define a rolling plane; 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 rolling plane; and (2) an arrest state in which at least a portion of the brake pad is located within the rolling plane; the resilient element biasing the brake sub-system into the free state.

Abstract: A tree stand includes an upper support ring formed of a pair of separable, semicircular sections, each having a plurality of brackets depending therefrom. Each bracket includes a slot for receiving an adjustable strap, and a tooth on an inner surface for penetrating a tree trunk. The stand further includes a lower platform likewise formed of a pair of separable, semicircular sections that are fastened to a tree trunk, beneath the support ring. A chair includes pulleys that roll on both the upper ring and the platform to allow a hunter to move the chair a desired position.

Abstract: Mobile scaffolding units include a vehicle for movement across ground surface, a stationary platform rigidly fixed to the vehicle at a predetermined immovable height above the ground surface, and a gantry platform operatively connected to the stationary platform for movements between a retracted position where the gantry platform is nested adjacent to the stationary platform, and an extended position wherein the gantry platform extends laterally outwardly from one or another lateral side of the stationary platform to provide an operator on the gantry platform an extended horizontal reach laterally of the vehicle. The mobile scaffolding units allow an operator to work at elevated heights and with lateral reach in one area of a work zone (e.g., to trim roadside vegetation) and then move to another area of the work zone without requiring an operator to dismount from the gantry platform.

Abstract: The rotatably-engaged tree stand and ladder for access there with includes a pair of track straps that install around an outer surface of an existing tree, and which are generally parallel with one another. A seat and foot base may attach onto the pair of tracks, and are able to roll around the track and tree. A handle strap including a plurality of handles attaches onto an outer surface of an existing tree, and which is positioned above the pair of tracks so as to enable an occupant to manually move the seat and foot base along the track. The seat and foot base enable the occupant to look outwardly with respect to said tree. A ladder extends up from the ground to a height upon said tree, which shall be below the track straps to provide clearance for the seat and foot base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a securing device for protecting individuals against falling, with two stop elements which can be attached releasably to a positionally fixed securing element and can be connected via a connecting element to the individual. Each stop element has a locking device which can be adjusted between an unlocking state, in which the stop element can be attached to the securing element or released therefrom, and a locking state, in which the stop element cannot be released from the respective securing element. A coupling device is coupled to the locking devices of the stop elements in such a manner that, in the unlocking state, the locking device of the other stop element is blocked in its locking state. A preferred construction of the coupling device has a blocking lever which can be pivoted into a blocking position for blocking the locking device in its locking state.

Abstract: A mobile platform has a separate and independent linear actuator pivotally connected near each opposite end of the platform where there is a contact limit switch that when triggered by contact with the side of a flatbed, stops movement of the actuator, and thus stops movement of the platform, toward the side of the flatbed. Because each of the two actuators is pivotally connected to its respective end of the platform and moves independently of the other, each end of the platform can stop moving toward the flatbed before or after, depending on how the flatbed is misaligned, the other end of the platform stops moving toward the flatbed. In this way the platform self-aligns to the alignment of the flatbed and avoids the need to reposition a flatbed that is not precisely aligned parallel to the central axis of the loading bay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to system and methods for exterior building maintenance. In one embodiment, a mobile support system for supporting a suspended user includes a top supporter, one or more rope support points, an inner parapet guide and an outer parapet guide. The top supporter includes a rolling assembly for travelling along a top surface of a rooftop parapet. The top supporter also includes a support point for a rope to securely suspend the user adjacent to the building exterior. The inner parapet guide, coupled to the top supporter, guides and stabilizes the top supporter by travelling along a vertical inner surface of the rooftop parapet. Similarly, the outer parapet guide, also coupled to the top supporter, guides and stabilizes the top supporter by travelling along an opposing outer surface of the rooftop parapet.

Abstract: A mobile tower drive system for efficiently attaching a removable drive system to a scaffolding unit and driving the scaffolding unit from the work platform. The mobile tower drive system generally includes a lower unit adapted to be secured to a lower end of a scaffolding unit, wherein the lower unit has a wheel to operably engage a floor surface and move between an engaged and disengaged position. The lower unit removably attaches to an upper unit, wherein the upper unit is secured relative the upper frame of the scaffolding unit. Both, the lower unit and the upper unit employ coaxial drives for turning and driving the wheel. The coaxial drive also is used to brake the wheel. The coaxial drives are generally controlled via manually operable rotational control levers; however automated power sources may be utilized. Also disclosed are swivel locks for the caster wheels of the scaffolding unit.

Abstract: A work platform capable of attachment to a hitch on a vehicle includes a substantially rectangular frame having a base extending along a plane and an extension arm coupling the frame to the hitch and configured to enable adjustment of the distance of the frame relative to the hitch. An elevation mechanism coupled to the frame and the attachment mechanism is configured to enable adjustment of the height of the frame relative to the plane of the hitch while an orientation mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to enable adjustment of the orientation of the frame relative to the hitch axis. The work platform may further include an angular adjustment mechanism coupled to the extension arm for modifying the angular adjustment of the work platform along an axis transverse to the vehicle centerline. The frame it may be covered on multiple sides to form an enclosed basket-like workspace.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a structure, a safety apparatus and a kit for safeguarding workers located atop a freight vehicle. The structure comprises a base and a top rail supported by the base. The top rail is in overhanging placement relative to the base so that the vehicle may be positioned adjacent to the structure and underneath the top rail. Safety equipment may be attached to a moveable attachment point supported by the top rail so that workers may wear the safety equipment and walk along a length of the vehicle while being protected from an eventual fall.

Abstract: A search line rescue system for use by rescue personnel to facilitate a safe search and rescue mission through an area of low to zero visibility is disclosed. The search line rescue system comprises a search rope having a first end configured to be attachable to a fixed point at an entry point, a central portion with at least one distance marker and a second end. The system further comprises a search device handle with a leading end and a trailing end wherein the search device handle is slidably coupled to the search rope. The search device handle comprises a rigid body, an automatic lock mechanism coupled to the rigid body wherein the automatic lock mechanism comprises a manual lock mechanism release, and at least one tag line attachment anchor. At least one locking directional indicator is securely coupled to the search rope at a desired location, and is configured to releasably engage with the automatic lock search mechanism of the search device handle.

Abstract: This invention relates to support assembly (10) that may be used to provide support for a person when moving about on an elevated part of a structure, such as an ISO shipping container or an ISO tank. The support assembly (10) includes a transportable guide support (11), on which there is mounted a guide (12), and a support structure (13) that is pivotally connected to a base (14), which itself is capable of movement along the guide. The transportable guide support, in use, may be located on top of the elevated structure.

Abstract: A sign with a positionable ladder. The ladder is movable to a plurality of positions in front of a first side sign portion and is movable about a pivot to a position not in front of the first side sign portion to a position behind the first side sign portion. The ladder is mounted to a carriage that moves along the top of the sign on a carriage track, and the ladder pivots about a substantially vertical axis with respect to the carriage. The ladder has inwardly-disposed wheels extending from a lower portion that rest upon a non-horizontal track of the sign.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a ladder stand having a vertical support and an adjacent longitudinal side member and including a first plate and a second plate mounted around the vertical support and the adjacent longitudinal side member of the ladder stand to form a housing and a wheel secured to the housing. An existing ladder stand with front and rear vertical supports can be converted into a tilt and roll ladder stand by mounting a wheel assembly to each of the front vertical supports. An activated position involves tilting the ladder stand such that the wheels of the wheel assemblies engage the ground so that the ladder can be moved and a deactivated position involves tilting the ladder stand in an opposite direction such that the wheels disengage the ground and the front and rear feet of the ladder stand contact the ground.

Abstract: A mobile scaffold (10) having bi-axially rotatable casters (22–28) and including brake assemblies (30 and 32) associated with the casters (22–28) is disclosed. The inventive brake assemblies (30,32) enable an elevated worker to selectively control the mobility of the scaffold (10) and each broadly includes shiftable brake stop subassemblies (74 and 76), a brake housing (72) adjustably connected to a respective scaffold frame (12,14) and shiftably connected to the brake stop subassemblies (74,76), and an actuator (78) adjustably connected to the housing (72) and configured to shift the brake stop subassemblies (74,76) into and out of braking positions. When in the braking position, the brake stop subassemblies (74,76) prevent the respective casters (22–28) from rotating about both axes. The actuator includes cables (180,182) for interconnecting brake stop subassembly and the handle in one embodiment and a plunger (308,406) in other embodiments.

Abstract: A novel and unique user-friendly swivel-power scaffold mobilizing device that provides movement in any direction parallel to the ground and rotation about a vertical axis. The device may be removably secured to a conventional scaffold, providing to power the scaffolding device. The swivel-power scaffold mobilizing device of is designed and configured for use in places that are unsuitable for large, bulky power scaffolds, such as in hallways, office buildings, hospitals and the like.

Abstract: A folded tire step and wheeled caddy apparatus includes a folded up tire step unit and a wheeled caddy unit which includes step-unit supports, step-unit translation preventers, and step-unit connectors. The folded up tire step unit includes bottom ends of a front bracket portion and bottom ends of a rear bracket portion. The wheeled caddy unit includes a caddy floor portion, and the step-unit supports include elevated platforms which extend upward from the caddy floor portion. The caddy floor portion includes downwardly descending floor portions and a floor drain opening. When a person sits on the folded up tire step unit that is supported by the a wheeled caddy unit, the person can use one's feet to propel the a wheeled caddy unit along a floor surface. A cushion member can be attached to a top portion of the folded up tire step unit.

Abstract: A combined stepped structure and lifting mechanism includes a base and a framework secured to the base, the framework having a pair of spaced apart vertical tubes rising upwardly from the base. A ladder is incorporated in the framework and a vertical track assembly is disposed between the vertical tubes and includes a pair of tubular members connected together. A trolley is rollably mounted for movement along one of the tubular members. A lifting tray assembly is connected for movement with the trolley. A drive system is operably connected to the trolley and driven by a DC motor and gearbox unit mounted to a bottom end of the vertical track assembly to selectively move the lifting tray assembly upwardly and downwardly along the vertical track assembly.

Abstract: A scaffold device including a frame having four stanchions, an upper peripheral railing mounted to tops of the stanchions, and a pair of cross brace assemblies mounted between the stanchions. A platform is also mounted between the stanchions. A plurality of drive units each include a housing with a wheel rotatably mounted therein with a motor operatively coupled thereto for rotating the wheels upon the actuation thereof. The housings are each rotatably mounted on a bottom end of one of the stanchions with an associated motor operatively coupled thereto for pivoting the housing and wheel upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a control assembly in communication with the motors for actuating the same.

Abstract: An elevator system provides service between a ground level and each of three upper levels through a single elevator shuttle hoistway system. Three elevator cabs 34-36, B, D, F are moved in a triple deck elevator car frame 35, or a four deck elevator car frame 75 in a low hoistway 26, 76; two cabs are moved in a double deck elevator car frame 30 or four deck car frame 76 in a mid hoistway 27, 52; and one cab is moved in a single deck car frame 31 or triple deck car frame 77 in a high hoistway 28, 53. Other embodiments have other car frame arrangements.

Abstract: Horizontally moveable elevator cabs (22, 23) are transferred from the upper deck of a first car frame (26) to the upper deck of a second car frame (27) and from the lower deck of the second car frame to the lower deck of the first car frame. Three elevator hoistways, each with a double deck car frame are controlled by computer routines. A rack and pinion horizontal motive means, for moving the cab from car frame to car frame is also briefly disclosed.

Abstract: A self-propelled elevator car for vertical and horizontal travel in an elevator shaft has a plurality of driven friction wheels which are pressed against associated running surfaces by a passive contact force which produces the necessary friction and is influenced by a load-dependent gravitational force and an additional regulated active force. The friction wheels are rotatably mounted at free ends of guide arms having opposite ends pivotally connected to a lifting carriage attached to the bottom of the car. The guide arms extend downwardly and outwardly at a defined angle to the horizontal of a straight line between the pivot point and a contact point of the friction wheels with the running surface such that the gravitational force acting on the car forces the wheels outwardly. The active force can be applied by setting elements connected between the carriage and the guide arms.

Abstract: A vertical-horizontal passenger conveying system includes elevator cars provided with individual drives for travel in intersecting vertical and horizontal shafts. The shafts have fixed and movable vertical guide rails with steps which are engaged by roller chains of the drives wherein more than one car can travel in the same shaft at the same time. The movable rails are latched in a vertical position for vertical travel of the cars and are pivoted out of the way for entrance of a car into an horizontal shaft. Supports on the cars or in the shafts relieve the force applied to the steps through the chains to permit movement of the movable rails. Deflecting and tensioning rollers for the chains have flanges for running on horizontal guide rails in the horizontal shafts.

Abstract: A self-propelled ice rescue device component, as well as the device itself. The component includes (a) a main support frame; (b) a motor attached to the main support frame; (c) a power source connected to the motor for driving the motor; (d) a control mechanism attached to either the power source or the motor or both; (e) a flexible cord member having a first end and a second end, the first end being attached at least to the control mechanism said second end being remotely located from the main support frame so as to be freely useable by an operator; (f) a plurality of rotator members driveably connected to the motor; and, (g) a connector on the main support frame for attaching the self-propelled ice rescue device component to a floatable base platform. The device itself is one which encompasses the aforesaid component with a floatable base platform removably or permanently attached thereto. In one preferred embodiment the floatable base platform is a ladder with floatation devices thereon.

Abstract: A rocket assembly apparatus is disclosed in which a vertical assembly building houses a multi-stage rocket and provides a clear work area around the entire circumference of the rocket. A mobile rocket service tower is moveable on the floor of the vertical assembly building to any desired circumferential location with respect to the rocket and has a plurality of cantilevered access platforms with curved outer edges for conforming to the shape of the rocket at various vertical and circumferential positions.

Abstract: Device and method for transporting and distributing materials and/or equipment at the periphery of a building by using a carrier structure similar to a scaffolding or to a working or circulation walkway filled with a parapet including a carriage having at least one sliding or rolling member connecting the carriage to at least one longitudinal solid element of the parapet said connection transmitting to the parapet at least the resulting efforts equivalent to the horizontal component of the force diagram of a device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of installing a platform assembly designed to be mounted below a bridge deck to prevent impeding traffic below the bridge deck during installation of the paltform assembly and during demolition of the bridge. The present invention also includes an apparatus assembly for practicing the method of the invention including a platform assembly and means necessary to install the platform assembly beneath the bridge deck.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for used by workers at height comprises a fixed safety cable (1) secured in spaced relation to a fixture (2) by supports such as (3), and a coupling device (8) by which a safety line attached to a worker's safety harness can be coupled to such cable. The coupling device comprises a rotatably mounted tube (9) having a longitudinal slot (16) and profiled ends (9'). The tube (9) is slidable along the cable (1). On abutment of a tube end (9') against an arm (5) of a support (3) the tube becomes rotated to bring the slot (16) into register with the arm (5) so that the coupling device can travel past the support (3).

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful offshore evacuation system for drilling rigs or platforms comprising a launch structure for a survival craft; the structure comprising at least one support strut adapted to be pivotally attached at one end thereof to the platform superstructure and carrying at the other end thereof at least one support cradle for survival craft, and rotatable between an upper position and a lower position; and means for effecting rotation of said launch structure from said upper to said lower position; and a closed companionway leading from the platform accommodation unit to the loading position of the survival craft and being in sealing relationship with the survival craft.

Abstract: A rigging system for retrieving a worker in the event of the collapse or tearing of a peripheral panel of an air-supported fabric roof employs one or more endless cables each entrained over pulleys located at the edge of the roof and inwardly therefrom. The worker is connected to one run of the cable by a safety line and harness. In the event of an accident, the cables are driven, for example by a detachable motor rotating one of the pulleys, to move the worker to the vicinity of the peripheral wall.

Abstract: An adjustable service platform apparatus for a gantry crane having an elongated base frame which includes a pair of horizontally sliding beams which are laterally extendible outboard in opposite directions from the base frame. Detachable towers with work platforms at the tops are secured to the ends of the sliding beams. The platforms can be raised and lowered and moved inboard and outboard along the crane by the hoist and trolley motions of the crane and can be laterally extended and retracted independently from the hoist and trolley motions of the crane. Operators standing on the work platforms can readily move them to provide access to and permit inspection of the structural elements of the crane's supporting structure from the top of the boom to part way down the base structure of the crane by means of work platform controls.

Abstract: An adjustable service platform apparatus for a gantry crane has an elongated base frame generally comforming in size and shape to a conventional load carrying lifting spreader, and twin service platform units secured to opposite lateral ends of the base frame. Work platforms atop the service platform units can be raised and lowered and laterally extended and retracted independently from the hoist and trolley motions of the crane, with the crane's hoist and trolley motions being interlocked with the position of the work platforms. Using work platform controls operators standing on the work platforms can readily access and inspect the structural elements of the crane's A-frame supporting structure and the crane's boom structure from the top of the boom to the base of the crane. The work platforms can additionally have inboard and outboard extensions for readily accessing the interior of the boom structure and the outside surfaces of the A-frame structure.

Abstract: An emergency rescue system for use in rescuing persons trapped in the upper floors of a multistory building during emergency conditions such as during a fire or the like. The rescue system comprises a rescue gondola suspended alongside the exterior face of the building by a suspension cable. The suspension cable is secured to a carriage at the top of the building wherein the carriage includes means for adjusting the length of the suspension cable to adjust the elevational position of the gondola, and the carriage is movable along a track at the top of the building to adjust the lateral position of the gondola. In one embodiment, a tension cable is removably secured between the carriage and a fixed point near the base of the building and is received over the exterior face of the gondola to steady the gondola and to urge the gondola inwardly toward the building.

Abstract: An emergency rescue system for use in rescuing persons trapped in the upper floors of a multistory building during emergency conditions such as during a fire or the like. The rescue system comprises a rescue gondola suspended alongside the exterior face of the building by a suspension cable. The suspension cable is secured to a carriage at the top of the building including means for adjusting the length of the suspension cable to adjust the elevational position of the gondola, and the carriage is movable along a track at the top of the building to adjust the lateral position of the gondola. A tension cable is removably secured between the carriage and a fixed point near the base of the building, and is received over the exterior face of the gondola to steady the gondola and to urge the gondola inwardly toward the building.

Abstract: A gangway ladder arrangement used to provide a passage for a crew or operating personnel across a quay and a vessel berthing against the quay comprises a basement frame anchored to the quay, and a truck mounted on the basement frame so as to be movable toward or away from the vessel. A gangway ladder having a downwardly curved forward end has its other end mounted on the truck so as to be tiltable relative to the latter.