Abstract: In an aspect, a crash bag is provided, which includes an impact structure and an outlet valve. The impact structure has a first bag wall partially defining a first bag air chamber having an inlet for receiving pressurized air, and having a first operating pressure, and a second bag wall partially defining the first bag air chamber and partially defining a second bag air chamber having an inlet for receiving pressurized air and that has a second bag air chamber operating pressure. The outlet valve discharges air from the second bag air chamber upon an impact on the impact structure. The second bag air chamber includes fluidically connected projections that are adjacent one another. The first bag wall is positioned atop the projections and extends across the projections such that the operating pressure in the first bag air chamber is applied to all the projections.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or manned/unmanned personal flying device (PFD) may be used to deliver a deployable descent system to an elevated location at which people await rescue, such as people trapped in an upper story of a burning building. The UAV or PFD may be used to deliver the descent system, attach the descent system to the building, and deploy the descent system. After deployment, the descent system may be tensioned to prevent sway and facilitate descent. Standoffs may be installed or integrated into the descent system to provide for adequate handholds for descending individuals. Various equipment and methods used in such systems are described herein.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or manned/unmanned personal flying device (PFD) may be used to deliver a deployable descent system to an elevated location at which people await rescue, such as people trapped in an upper story of a burning building. The UAV or PFD may be used to deliver the descent system, attach the descent system to the building, and deploy the descent system. After deployment, the descent system may be tensioned to prevent sway and facilitate descent. Standoffs may be installed or integrated into the descent system to provide for adequate handholds for descending individuals. Various equipment and methods used in such systems are described herein.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention comprise systems for providing a lifesaving apparatus to a distressed individual. Such systems may comprise an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to selectably support a lifesaving apparatus. The UAV may comprise a release mechanism configured to release the lifesaving apparatus when proximate a distressed person. The system may additionally comprise a control device configured to wirelessly communicate with the UAV such that a user can pilot the UAV from a distance and deliver the lifesaving apparatus to a distressed person. Methods of using the same may comprise piloting the UAV proximate a distressed person, providing a signal to the UAV to release the lifesaving apparatus by operating the release mechanism, and then pulling the lifesaving apparatus and the distressed person to safety via a control line secured to the lifesaving apparatus.

Abstract: Airbag cushion assemblies comprising an airbag inflation tunnel positioned within an airbag cushion. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag cushion comprising an inflator opening and an airbag inflation tunnel coupled to the airbag cushion. The inflation tunnel may be configured to direct inflation gas from an inflator positioned within the inflator opening down the airbag inflation tunnel upon deployment of the inflator. A plurality of directional vent openings may be positioned within the airbag inflation tunnel that may be configured to direct the inflation gas laterally relative to the inflator. The inflation tunnel may further be configured such that the inflation gas contacts a terminal end of the inflation tunnel prior to exiting the plurality of directional vent openings.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for a vehicle includes a coupling device to couple an airbag device with a cowl cross bar. The coupling device includes a plurality of mounting brackets coupled with the cowl cross bar while being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, mounting b locks coupled with the mounting brackets, and fitting members protruding from an outer bottom surface of the housing and fitted on the mounting blocks.

Abstract: The present invention is a drill bit driver including a lower spring support connected at a lower end to a base and including an outer surface, as well as an upper spring support slideably and telescopically mounted over the outer surface e of the lower spring support. The drill bit driver allows for resiliently biasing the upper spring support relative to the lower spring support. The present invention further includes a table rotably connected to the upper end of the upper spring support, so that the table rotates about a longitudinal axis, for receiving a drill bit. This drill bit driver also allows for tilting the table relative to the horizontal.

Abstract: A fall protection system is provided providing all protection for all workers in building erection. The system involves an interior net, and a perimeter net if needed. The net system may be both horizontally and vertically mobile, allowing it to be easily moved as building erection continues.

Abstract: A system for substantially enclosing the periphery of a building top with a netting system which is easily and efficiently movable or reconfigurable during the building construction process comprises a lightweight netting system for extending above a completed work area or floor, a strong lightweight structural support system for the netting, wherein the structural support system is vertically adjustable via slidable engagement with brackets attached to the floors which are already completed, provides enhanced safety for workers and for pedestrians below by preventing passage of workers or debris through the netting and enhances efficiency of construction by providing an easily reconfigurable, inexpensive and lightweight system for providing such enhanced safety.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a perimetric protection system for buildings undergoing construction including at least two masts (1) spaced from one another and each formed by two vertical U-profiles (1); a horizontal platform (3) supported on at least two horizontal beams (300) attached to the masts by means of first attachment elements or anchors (130). The system further comprises: at least two inclined beams (100) parallel to one another, which are attached: to the masts (1) by means of at least two second attachment elements (110) forming a first angle (?); to the horizontal beams (300) by means of at least two third attachment elements (310) forming a second angle (?); and, the at least two inclined beams (100) having a free end (100a) in the third attachment elements (310), such that their height is greater than the height of the horizontal platform (2); an inclined protective panel (120) attached to said at least two inclined beams (100).

Abstract: A fall arrest safety net assembly has the form of a bag constructed of wire mesh, with a closed end and an opposing open mouth about which a plurality of eyes are spaced. An elongate line has opposing first and second ends, first and second line portions of the line being disposed adjacent the first and second ends respectively, an intermediate portion of the line located between the first and second line portions. A choker fitting has two faces between which a plurality of openings extend, and an end fixture on the choker fitting. The first portion of the line is connected in a ring by the choker fitting, the first end being fixed to the end fixture, the first portion extending through the eyes for drawing the mouth closed, and the intermediate portion extending through the openings in the choker fitting.

Abstract: The multilevel railcar safety catch system of the present disclosure comprises at least two multilevel railcars (or at least one multilevel railcar and a vehicle loading ramp), at least two bridge plates, and a safety catch assembly. In the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, two or more multilevel railcars are coupled together by a coupler. Two bridge plates are laid across the gap between corresponding multilevel railcar decks for the purpose of walking or moving vehicles across from one multilevel railcar to another. A safety catch assembly is removably attached underneath the bridge plates via a securement means on the safety catch assembly and barrel rings or bridge plate hinge pins in such a way as to prevent persons or items from falling through the gap between the multilevel railcar decks when loading or unloading vehicles.

Abstract: An airbag ladder system featuring a ladder and an airbag housing disposed on the side panel of the ladder at the bottom end. One or more airbags are temporarily housed in the airbag housing. When deployed, the airbags surrounds the bottom area of the ladder. Each airbag is connected to an inflation component, which functions to inflate the airbags when activated. The inflation component is operatively connected to a sensor. Latches are disposed along the side panel of the ladder. A tether extending from the airbag housing can be threaded through the latches as a user ascends the ladder. The tether is clipped to a user's clothing. The tether is connected to the sensor such that when the tether is pulled quickly if a user falls from the ladder the sensor activates the inflation component effectively inflating the airbags.

Abstract: A flexible member used as a rope in a mesh has an outer sheathing which is easy to touch and an inner core which is shrinkable so that when used in a mesh which is suspended on a frame, it pulls the frame tautly by the shrinkage of the inner cords. Also, a connection between a support member and a border can be effected using one way mechanical fasteners. Shrink nets can be further used on a frame without sheathing with a twisted cord.

Abstract: A balloon landing pad having multiple layers, each layer having its own cushioning properties, wherein the cushioning is provided by the materials of the pad in conjunction with a positive gas pressure within the pad, while offering a gradient of resistance as layers are penetrated so as to prevent a person or object from hitting the ground after falling from a considerable height thereon.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fall protection system including a J-shaped stanchion that attaches to a roof truss (or rafter) in such a manner as to enable the entire girth of the roof truss overhang (or rafter) to be the sole support for the stanchion. The stanchion is designed to bend below the fascia and return up above the roof surface where successive stanchions similarly attached are connected via a fall protection guardrails providing fall protection for all workers. This single point of attachment allows the carpenters to attach the stanchions prior to hoisting the trusses onto the roof bearing walls. As soon as the trusses are properly braced, the guardrails can be hoisted and secured. In another embodiment, the disclosure includes a combination fall protection and catwalk system for above-ground floors. In another embodiment, the disclosure includes a fall protection system for reroofing applications.

Abstract: An automatic/active/intelligent stair guide system that will allow children, elderly, disabled or frail people to use the stairs safely by acting as an instant barrier stopping a child or an elderly or frail person from falling even after they have lost their grip on the stairs. Preferably the system can be deployed in any of the three forms firstly as successive barrier(s) in front or behind anyone climbing or descending the stairs, secondly as a single or group of barriers following/tracking the person on the stairs and thirdly as foldable units located at the rungs/step of a stairway that are activated manually or automatically.

Abstract: A free standing perimeter net system is disclosed. The perimeter net system is comprised of a support arm, a support cable, an uplift brace, at least one net system brace, a back plate, a pivot, a vertical support, a strut, and a pair of strut brackets. These components work together to allow a safety net system to easily be installed around a structure without directly attaching to the structure. The support arm rotates between an open and a closed position on the pivot. This configuration allows the net, which is attached to the support arm, to be deployed at various angles. When the support arm rotates, the uplift brace also adjusts and aids in securing the support arm and net in the desired position. The vertical support couples the net system to the building or structure via the back plate and strut. The net system braces are also attached to the vertical support and provide added rigidity to the net system.

Abstract: A slide and process of using the slide for humans' amusement, recreation and entertainment. The slide is an inflatable apparatus comprising a slide device and an airbag device. The slide device is an inflatable bag having a slide segment. The airbag device has a bottom bag separated into sections by vented baffles. The bottom bag is interconnected to top bags in the form of crumple tubess, which in turn are connected to a top cover sheet. In use, a person slides off the end of the slide segment and free falls to the airbag device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a redundant system is provided which is structured for use in association with a utility structure having an external surface configuration perimeter. The system includes an inflatable device including a body having at least one surface structured for receiving an impact of at least one descending object, the body defining at least one opening structured to receive therein at least a portion of the external surface configuration perimeter of the utility structure; and, at least one inlet operatively associated with the body of the inflatable device, the inlet being structured to receive at least one type of fluid media into the body for inflating the inflatable device.

Abstract: A safety net (1) for an opening (11), eg. an open stairwell in a construction site, where the safety net (1) comprises a plurality of straps (2) in a grid arrangement. The straps (2) consist of seat belt webbing or a similar material. The safety net (1) also comprises adjustable anchoring means (4, 14, 25) for anchoring ends of the straps to the perimeter (10) of the opening (11).

Abstract: This invention relates to an impact-cushioning device, which is designed to prevent injury when an occupant, confused or otherwise, falls from a height. This may be a bed or bunk, gurney or examination table. The device generally comprises an impact-reducing cushion. This cushion may be air filled or of a variety of impact absorbing materials. Also provided is a means of displacing the cushion to intercept the falling individual before he or she strikes the floor. The departure of the individual from the bed is detected by signals that are generated when one or more edge pressure switches are actuated simultaneously with signals from one or more light beam sensors. Signals thus generated are processed through an electronics module and passed to a solenoid valve. When the valve opens, gas from a canister is passed to a telescoping device. This in turn displaces the cushion. Thus a protective barrier is placed between the bed occupant and the floor.

Abstract: A safety net (1) for an opening (11), eg. an open stairwell in a construction site, where the safety net (1) comprises a plurality of straps (2) in a grid arrangement. The straps (2) consist of seat belt webbing or a similar material. The safety net (1) also comprises adjustable anchoring means (4, 14, 25) for anchoring ends of the straps to the perimeter (10) of the opening (11).

Abstract: A longitudinal frame supports a seat whose longitudinal position on the frame is adjustable. A pair of footbeams are mounted on either side of the forward end of the frame near the floor and extend generally upwardly. The footbeams independently pivot on the frame so that the user can operate them in an alternating reciprocating fashion. Pivotal movement of the footbeams by the user is resisted, thereby requiring the user to expend energy in operating the device. The footbeams are preferably interconnected so that their respective movements are coordinated. In alternative embodiments, the footbeams pivot about a point just below the seat. The seat can also be adapted to recline. The footbeams can also be replaced by a crank with footpedals that are used to drive a flywheel and a generator.

Abstract: A protective barrier for a stairway includes a yieldable core and a cover that encloses the core. A plurality of flaps extend from the cover. A plurality of fasteners extend through the flaps and secure the cover and the core to the stairway. Each flap may have a reinforcement layer placed therein. Eyelets may be spaced along the flap to receive the fasteners therein. When the protective barrier is mounted, the barrier may extend above the riser to which the protective barrier is mounted.

Abstract: A press exercise machine allows the press arm of the machine to be adjusted to various rest positions without creating slack in the system. The machine has a frame that supports a seat and a weight stack that is mechanically coupled to a press arm by a cable. The press arm is adapted to be rotated on the frame, wherein the cable is pulled and the weight stack is lifted from a rest position. In the rest position, the press arm abuts against a sleeve which can slide along an adjustment arm that extends from the frame. The user can move the sleeve to a number of locations on the adjustment arm to vary the rest position of the press arm. The cable is coupled to a first pulley that is attached to the sleeve and a second pulley that is attached to the arm. The cable is also guided by a third pulley that is attached to the frame. The spatial relationship of the pulleys is such that the cable remains slack free for all rest positions of the press arm.

Abstract: This invention relates to an impact cushioning device for protecting bed occupants from fall-related injuries. The cushioning device generally comprises an inflatable air cushion or a variety of other impact absorbing materials. The impact absorbing cushion is stowed adjacent to the bed and adapted to rapid displacement when weight of the occupant is removed from the bed. The impact cushioning device is oriented to the bed in a manner wherein the cushion creates a barrier between the bed occupant and the floor when displaced.

Abstract: An adjustable safety bracket for use in roof construction provides a support for a safety barricade to be erected along the edge of the roof. The bracket assembly includes an attachment member which engages the free end of a roof support bracket, such as a roof joist, and a support member which is pivotally connected to the attachment member at an outer end thereof. The attachment member includes a channel portion which engages the free end of the roof support member and further includes a yoke in which the support member is pivotally supported. The support member includes a stop surface aligned with the channel portion such that when installed, the stop surface faces the free end of the roof support member and the free end limits the rotation of the support member within the attachment member.

Abstract: In one embodiment the amusement device is a series of trampolines arranged vertically and offset to allow a user, starting at the top to spring serially from the uppermost to lower trampolines. A tram can deliver the user to the top. In another embodiment, a trampoline is described which has a rigid support structure except for a portion which is deflectable when excess force is applied so as to prevent injury to a user.

Abstract: A portable fire escape ladder with an inflatable air cushion is provided. The ladder has an upper window sill engaging portion, and a plurality of frame members interconnected with rungs. The air bag is inflated by propellant from a trigger operable propellant source, for decelerating a person prior to alighting on the ground.

Abstract: An impact system features an integral stored gas inflation source augmented by an ejector which entrains ambient air to rapidly deploy an inflate a safety cushion. The cushion has a plurality of chambers and each chamber is interconnected to an adjacent chamber by valves connected in opposing directions. When a particular cushion chamber is impacted, gas in the impacted chamber is forced via the valve arrangement into an adjacent lower pressure chamber. Upon the impacting object being removed from the cushion, the valve arrangement permits a reverse flow of gas to equilibrate the pressure in the adjacent chambers whereby the system is ready for accepting a subsequent impact without the need for reinflating the cushion. The system is of a size and weight so as to be within the limits of portability by a minimum of using personnel without being otherwise assisted.

Abstract: This invention relates to an impact cushioning device for protecting wheelchair or hospital bed occupants from fall-related injuries. The cushioning device generally comprises an inflatable air cushion which is supported by the wheelchair or hospital bed and adapted to inflate when the occupant is removed from the wheelchair or bed. The air cushion is oriented on the wheelchair or bed in a manner wherein the cushion creates a barrier between the wheelchair or bed occupant and the floor when inflated.

Abstract: A jump rescue apparatus having a jump surface which is made of a tensioned fabric that is carried by a support mechanism formed from inflatable tubes. To achieve dissipation of energy when a person who is to be rescued jumps onto the apparatus, the support mechanism, which is formed by a framework, has a covering extending around it. The support mechanism is elastically yieldingly deformable when a person jumps onto the apparatus. After the covering is relieved of the load of a person, it returns to its original shape. Furthermore, the covering is provided with a plurality of flow restrictors for the passage of air.

Abstract: A safety fence for scaffolds of the type having flat end portions is disclosed. The fence comprises a rectangular framework, upright when installed and provided with a bottom slot for slidably receiving an end portion of the scaffold. A second framework is rigidly fixed to the bottom of the main framework and forms a second slot to slidably receive the end portion of the scaffold, and this maintains the framework in secure immobile upright position.

Abstract: An inflatable landing bag having a valve for release of the inflating fluid from the landing bag as the pressure of the inflating fluid of the landing bag rises above a given level, such valve including a sleeve comprised at least in part of a woven stretch fabric having interstitially variable inflating fluid porosity such as to control release of inflating fluid from the landing bag.

Abstract: A helicopter-carried rescue apparatus including a collapsible net assembly which is adapted to be carried in a fully collapsed condition when the helicopter equipped with the rescue apparatus is in cruise toward the scene of a disaster and which is fully expanded at the scene for being capable of picking up a number of endangered lives such as occupants of a building on fire, shipwreck survivors, survivors from ditched aircraft, flood victims, injured mountain climbers, lives in snow storms, etc. The net assembly can be automatically expanded and collapsed by remote control from the helicopter in flight or from any spot outside the helicopter and the net assembly and can further be moved between an upright position suitable for accommodating releaved survivors and a lying position suitable for being carried by the helicopter when the helicopter is rushing to a scene. The net assembly may be provided with floats if the rescue apparatus is utilized for the rescue works at sea.

Abstract: An Airborne Rescue Device utilizes an inverted trough-like elongated element secured to the underbelly of a helicopter and extending in a forward-like direction. The free end of the trough-like member is pivotably secured to one end of an elongated rod whose length is substantially the same as the trough-like member. A pulley, capable of swiveling 360.degree. is rotatably secured to the other end of the rod-like member. A line, passes through a hole in the underbelly of the helicopter adjacent the fixed end of the trough-like member and in turn passes through the pulley. A removable harness may be secured to the free end of the line passing through the opening in the underbelly of the helicopter and through the pulley. Tension is exerted on the cable at selected times so as to perform a rescue operation on individuals slung directly beneath the opening in the underbelly of the helicopter.

Abstract: A safety clamping device for use by climbers, combined with a fiber reinforced plastic rail upon which the clamp ultimately slides or grips. The clamping device has a pivotally mounted plate therein having a triggering arm extending outward for being engaged by a rope or chain, having one end carried by the belt mounted about the waist of the climber and the other being fastened to the triggering arm so that the climber slidably carries the clamping device upon the rail as he moves downward and upward on the ladder to which the rail is fastened. An inner end of the plate of the clamp is cam shaped and which is biased by a spring against the rail, but which, as supported by the climber, offsets the gripping by the cam so that the clamp easily slides with the climber as he ascends or descends the ladder, but ultimately grips the rail if the climber descends or falls rapidly, firmly engaging the rail to tightly clamp thereagainst as a safety device.

Abstract: Safety equipment for a station at which access is gained to the tops of vehicles of differing heights comprising a platform alongside which a vehicle is located, an access installation articulated on the platform and movable between an inoperative position away from the vehicle and an operative position bearing on that side of the vehicle closer to the platform, and a protective panel installation articulated by arms on the platform and movable between an inoperative position away from the vehicle and an operative position bearing on that side of the vehicle remote from the platform.

Abstract: The bag has at least one rip which is normally sealed by sewing, adhesion or welding with a calculated strength so that the rip may open and relieve the bag pressure when the bag pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure due to collision of the passenger against the inflated bag. The open rip may be exposed to the atmosphere, but alternatively an inflatable auxiliary bag may be attached to the former bag in such an arrangement that the discharged gas is received in the auxiliary bag.