Abstract: A lift includes a mast and a brake module. The mast is for disposing on a working surface and has at least one track. The brake module is connected to a lift module mounted on the mast and includes at least one friction member and at least one forcing member. The friction member has a pressing portion and an axle oppositely arranged. The pressing portion is substantially shaped to engage the track. The forcing member is rotatably disposed on the axle for pivoting axially between a first position and a second position. At the first position, the pressing portion can be moved along the track and stopped by the lift module. At the second position, the forcing member displaces the friction member to force the pressing portion tightly against the track. Thus, the brake module is held in position relative to the mast.

Abstract: The present invention is a lift accessory for aerial lifts and related machines. The lift accessory includes sets of retractable supports for materials around the perimeter of an aerial lift platform. In a preferred embodiment, two accessories would be installed on opposite ends of the lift platform. Typically, the accessory is based upon a section of steel tubing. The inside end may be pivotally attached via a bolt or other appropriate attachment means to a railing on a work platform of the lift.

Abstract: A variable height support with a platform and a base supporting the platform and reconfigurable to selectively change a height of a support surface on the platform relative to a subjacent surface. A control assembly is operable to selectively: a) maintain the support surface at a selected height; and b) release the platform to allow the base to be reconfigured to change the height of the support surface. The control assembly has a ratchet subassembly that, with the control assembly in a first state, allows the base to be reconfigured by exerting a continuous upward force upon the platform that causes the platform to elevate and be blocked within a range at a plurality of different vertical locations against downward movement. The control assembly further has an actuator that is repositionable to change the control assembly into a second state wherein the platform can be lowered over the range.

Abstract: An admission system, particularly for containers, with a raiseable platform. The system includes towers of carryable profiles with at least one longitudinal recess adapted for interference by at least one steering element. Each profile has an end portion adapted for interference with other carryable profiles. The profiles have the same cross-section and can be joined. Interlocking elements are placed between the profiles for joining. A toothed rack extends along the longitudinal direction of the profiles. A guiding element for connection with a working platform is connected to the at least one steering element and includes a pinion meshing with the toothed rack and a transmission for driving the pinion. Support elements are provided for attaching the profiles to a structure or other profiles. The invention also includes a method for assembly of such a system, a profile, a guiding element and support elements for such a system.

Abstract: A mast lift includes a base and a telescoping mast coupled with the base and extending upward from the base. The telescoping mast has a support section fixed to the base and a movable section movably connected and displaceable relative to the support section between a retracted position and an extended position. A top cap is secured to the movable section, and a platform is supported by the top cap and the movable section. A gas strut acts between the support section and the movable section and biases the movable section toward the extended position. A threaded driving rod is connected between the top cap and the base and extends through a fixed nut assembly.

Abstract: A lift safety system that prevents the lifting of a support platform from a support base until all of the support legs for the support base are supporting a minimum amount of weight to ensure stability of the lift. The support base includes a plurality of legs that extend outwardly with each of the legs having an adjustment member with a pad that engages a ground surface. As the adjustment member is adjusted downwardly with respect to the leg, a first engaging member connected to the adjustment member is elevated upwardly to engage a second engaging member thereby releasing a corresponding finger member attached to the support platform from the support base. Once all of the legs are supporting a minimum amount of weight, all of the finger members are released from the support base thereby allowing elevation of the support platform.

Abstract: An upright for a lift truck includes a first group of mast sections in a first stagger arrangement where a first mast section of the first group of mast sections is fixed to the lift truck. The upright further includes a second group of mast sections in a second stagger arrangement that is reverse nested inside the first stagger arrangement. Further, the upright includes a drive system for telescopingly extending and retracting the second mast sections relative to the first mast section.

Abstract: A stabbing basket, for a rig and for supporting a worker while stabbing joints of tubular members together during running operations, comprises a frame member for mounting the stabbing basket to the rig, a platform to support the worker, a carriage to slidably mount the platform to the frame member, vertical power means for moving the carriage vertically with respect to the frame member, an articulating boom, interconnecting the platform with the carriage, said articulating boom comprising a first segment and a second segment, and at least one pivoting actuator positioned between the first segment and the second segment.

Abstract: A mast lift includes a base, a platform, and a lifting assembly connected between the base and the platform. The lifting assembly moves the platform between a lowered position and a raised position. A threaded driving rod is connected between the base and the lifting assembly, and a gas strut acts between the base and the lifting assembly and biases the lifting assembly and the platform toward the raised position.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system having a pulley attached to a building. A closed loop of cable is installed around the pulley. The loop is of sufficient length so as to reach, when deployed outside of the building, below the pulley to where emergency personnel gather in an area next to a base of the building (when responding to a disaster situation in the building). A winch around which the loop is to be operatively installed is located in the area next to the base. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly comprising a platform assembly (100) intended to receive passengers and a cylindrical structure (200), the platform assembly being mobile within the cylindrical structure. The assembly has very high stability as well as offering the passengers strong sensations of being raised up in the open air, with minimum obstruction of a panoramic view.

Abstract: A stepless ladder is provided that may comprise a frame adapted to support the weight of a user, a track attached to a portion of the frame, an escalating member attached to the track, the escalating member for supporting the weight of the user, and an escalating means adapted to raise and lower the escalating member along the track.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) and a method for supporting one or more turbomachines, with the apparatus including a first package (12) module including a first frame (32) and a fluid-handling machinery mount coupled to the first frame, the fluid-handling machinery mount being configured to support one or more fluid-handling machines (42). The apparatus also includes a second package module (14) including a second frame (38) and a heat exchanger mount coupled to the second frame, the heat exchanger mount being configured to support one or more process fluid coolers (46), and the second package module being coupled to the first package module. The apparatus further includes an access passage (16) extending between the first and second modules and configured to enable personnel to proceed therethrough.

Abstract: A joystick controller is disclosed for controlling speed of a boom lift platform, the controller having motors or the like that provide tactile feedback that is intuitively interpreted and adjusted by the user of the joystick speed control, the joystick being neutrally-biased to effect a null velocity when the joystick is positioned in a neutral position, but the tactile feedback forcing the joystick away from neutral to a degree that represents the platform's actual speed.

Abstract: The external elevator/advertising board for buildings includes an elevator carriage riding on a track assembly on at least one side of a building. Each elevator carriage is defined by an elongate, open box frame having a control console mounted to a floor panel. A power assembly is operatively connected to the control console at the bottom of the elevator carriage. Operation of the console facilitates selective raising and lowering of the elevator carriage at select speeds along a side of the building to a select level for cleaning, maintenance, and emergency evacuation. A front panel of the box frame is disposed at an angle angled towards the ground. The front panel displays advertisements for maximum exposure to traffic around the building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an observation tower, particularly a tower having a moveable observation enclosure. An embodiment of the observation tower comprises an upright support member with an annular observation enclosure that projects radially outward from the support member and has a tapering aerodynamic exterior profile. The observation enclosure is moveable up and down the support member.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for safely lowering a user from a structure. The apparatus includes a user support component upon which the user is supported while being safely lowered from the structure. The apparatus includes a brake system that has two hydraulic brakes configured to apply first and second defined pressures on a brake pad against a track situated proximate the structure. The track is configured not to activate the first and second hydraulic brakes at an upper vertical section of the track to allow the apparatus to descend with a positive acceleration; activate only the first hydraulic brake at a middle vertical section of the track to allow the apparatus to descend with a substantially constant velocity; and activate only the second hydraulic brake at a lower vertical section of the track to allow the apparatus to descend with a negative acceleration.

Abstract: A hunting stand assembly is provided for facilitating erection and positioning of the hunting stand by one person. The assembly includes a base assembly configured for coupling to a support surface and a support assembly configured for securing to a tree. An elongated stand is configured for propping against the tree. A lower end of the stand is pivotally coupled to the base assembly. A pulley assembly has a first end coupled to the support assembly and a second end coupled to the stand. A lift rope extends between the first end of the pulley assembly and the second end of the pulley assembly such that pulling a free end of the lift rope urges the first end towards the second end. Thus, the stand is urged to pivot towards the support assembly and into a desired position against the tree.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for lifting a worker into an elevated work position. The apparatus includes a worker-support cage configured for engagement with a bucket of a front-end loader.

Abstract: A 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 safety lockout system for releasably locking a mast guided working surface to a mast is provided. The safety lockout system may include an outer rollcase, an inner rollcase, and a lockout assembly. The lockout assembly includes a retractable dog that is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The lockout assembly may include a dog release device that operates both manually and automatically to move the retractable dog from the disengaged position to the engaged position. Automatic operation of the dog release device is triggered when the working surface experiences a tilted condition. A dog emergency release device may be provided to manually move the retractable dog to the disengaged position in the event of a malfunction. The lockout assembly may include a lockout assembly locking device that allows a portion of the lockout assembly to fold up and move the retractable dog to the disengaged position.

Abstract: A portable modular lift system that may be easily transported to a lifting location and compactly stored when not in use. The portable modular lift system generally includes a support base having a plurality of base wheels, a plurality of mast sections connectable to one another to form a vertical mast, a support platform movably positioned upon the vertical mast, and a drive unit connected to the support platform to elevate and lower the support platform upon the mast sections. The mast sections include a plurality of receiver apertures within a first end and a plurality of locking pins extending from a second end that are catchably received within the corresponding receiver apertures.

Abstract: A lift includes a mast and a brake module. The mast is for disposing on a working surface and has at least one track. The brake module is connected to a lift module mounted on the mast and includes at least one friction member and at least one forcing member. The friction member has a pressing portion and an axle oppositely arranged. The pressing portion is substantially shaped to engage the track. The forcing member is rotatably disposed on the axle for pivoting axially between a first position and a second position. At the first position, the pressing portion can be moved along the track and stopped by the lift module. At the second position, the forcing member displaces the friction member to force the pressing portion tightly against the track. Thus, the brake module is held in position relative to the mast.

Abstract: The invention is a hoisting and placement system that also serves as a mobile land based complete crane system that is useful on a building under construction. The crane system can be installed on any floor that has been completed. As the height of the building of the building rises with upper floors that have been completed, the completed crane system can follow the upward work progress by virtue of its own construction. This construction includes a vertical tower mast system that can be attached to completed floors. The crane system can climb up or down on this tower mast system by using various mechanisms to engage one of the masts which form the tower mast system. The tower mast system can support various lengths loading platforms that can move into or out of a building floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a maintenance platform (1, 10) for an oil rig equipped with a work platform and at least three frame legs (2) b, particularly a jackup oil rig, wherein at least one corner module (6) having at least one platform can be moved along at least one frame leg (2) of the oil rig, wherein the at least one corner module (6) is equipped with at least one climbing unit (110), which positively interacts with at least one gearing system (4) that is arranged on the frame leg (2) in order to bring about an up or down movement of the at least one corner module (6) along the frame leg (2).

Abstract: A substructure of a drill rig includes, among other things, a base and an intermediate section that is adapted to be raised above the base, wherein the intermediate section is further adapted to be laterally moved in a first lateral direction relative to the base and maintained substantially parallel to the base during the raising of the intermediate section above the base. The substructure further includes a rig floor section that is adapted to be raised above the intermediate section, wherein the rig floor section is further adapted to be laterally moved in a second lateral direction relative to the base and maintained substantially parallel to the base during the raising of the rig floor section above the intermediate section, the second lateral direction being opposite to the first lateral direction.

Abstract: An aerial work platform assembly is provided, comprising a platform shaft retaining assembly; a mounting bracket connected to the platform shaft retaining assembly; and a platform connected to the mounting bracket; wherein the platform shaft retaining assembly, mounting bracket, and platform are constructed from the same or differing composite materials comprising a fabric-reinforced resin. Optionally, the fabric-reinforced resin includes a preform fabric having a conformable three-dimensional weave, and the resin is a dielectric resin selected from either epoxy, epoxy vinyl ester, vinyl ester, polyester, or phenolic.

Abstract: An aerial work assembly including components having composite materials including a fabric-reinforced resin for providing electrically non-conductive assembly, by insulating and/or isolating conductive components.

Abstract: An elevating platform assembly (50) comprises a pair of laterally spaced, generally vertical masts (52). A drive mechanism (100) is coupled to each mast (52) and is moveable upwardly and downwardly along the masts. An elongated elevating platform (58) extends between the masts. A connection frame (150) couples each end of the elevating platform to a respective one of the drive mechanisms (100). Each connection frame (150) is pivotally coupled to the drive mechanism (100).

Abstract: A step stool includes an inner frame, an outer frame, an actuator, and a coupler. The inner frame includes two inner pillars, and the outer frame includes two outer pillars attached to a platform near opposite ends of the platform and configured to receive the two inner pillars. The actuator is coupled to one of the two inner pillars and one of the two outer pillars, and is operable to raise the outer frame relative to the inner frame. The coupler couples the two outer pillars to each other to evenly lift the opposite ends of the platform when the actuator raises the outer frame.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for safely lowering a user from a structure. The apparatus includes a ring structure configured to coaxially surround a pole structure including a spiraling inclined surface, wherein the ring structure includes a circular track; a brake mechanism having a first portion configured to travel along the spiraling inclined surface and a second portion configured to travel along the circular track when the apparatus is descending; and a user support assembly for supporting a user when the apparatus is descending, wherein the user support assembly is securely attached to the ring structure. The user support assembly includes a seat or net securely coupled to a vertically-adjustable member which is, in turn, coupled to a fixed member by way of a ratchet interface. The apparatus also includes a torque limiting mechanism configured to prevent or reduce axial rotation of the ring structure when the apparatus is descending.

Abstract: A portable modular lift system that may be easily transported to a lifting location and compactly stored when not in use. The portable modular lift system generally includes a support base having a plurality of base wheels, a plurality of mast sections connectable to one another to form a vertical mast, a support platform movably positioned upon the vertical mast, and a drive unit connected to the support platform to elevate and lower the support platform upon the mast sections. The mast sections include a plurality of receiver apertures within a first end and a plurality of locking pins extending from a second end that are catchably received within the corresponding receiver apertures.

Abstract: Provided herein are wind turbine tower assembly and maintenance systems and schemes. In particular, wind tower maintenance platforms are provided in order to allow service personnel to perform assembly and maintenance tasks on wind turbine towers. Some platforms disclosed herein adjust to the outer diameter of the tower, which varies tuned to the general conical shape of the tower. Other platforms provide a platform shape that allows the platform to encircle both the tower and wholly or partially encircle the turbine blade to allow personnel easy access to the blade. Other variations disclosed herein provide powerful climbing mechanisms to allow the turbine service platform to externally climb the tower carrying service personnel, parts, or even turbine blades. Gripping or braking mechanisms are provided to secure the service platform to the tower. A system is provided for lowering or raising turbine blades to and from the hub without requiring a crane.

Abstract: An emergency escape device includes an escape hole cap fitted from above to an escape hole of a fire evacuation area of a high-rise building so as to cover an inner edge of the escape hole, a guide unit vertically installed to extend above and below the escape hole cap, a descending unit positioned below the escape hole cap and slidably attached to the guide unit in such a manner as to descend along the guide unit, a slowing unit configured to ensure that the descending unit descends along the guide unit at a reduced speed, and a returning unit for returning the descending unit descended along the guide unit to an original position. The emergency escape device may further include a locking unit for keeping the descending unit against downward movement in an upper portion of the guide unit.

Abstract: A lift system is coupled between a work platform and a mast on a mast lift. The lift system includes an overload clutch that slips upon an overload on the lift system, an overrun brake that prevents the lift system from running beyond a fully lowered position and that prevents the lift system from running if the platform is hung up, and an emergency brake. The lift system is safe and lightweight and is effective for controlling a position of the work platform on the mast.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for limiting horizontal movements in a lift for humans or equipment in eg. a wind turbine tower or the like. The lift is to be provided with one or more sliding devices which, during the movement of the lift, guide(s) the lift by cooperating with a cable or the like. The system further includes a securing device for direct or indirect anchoring of the cable to the wind turbine tower. The sliding device and the securing device include tubular units that are adapted to each other to the effect that the tubular unit of the securing device is able to slide within the tubular unit of the sliding device.

Abstract: A device for enabling access to a structure above ground or sea level, in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine, by lowering and/or lifting the device in relation to the structure, the device including a frame structure,—means for supporting the device in relation to the structure, and—means for lowering and/or lifting the device in relation to the structure, where at least part of the frame structure includes a track portion, the track portion being adapted to guide an, in relation to the track portion, movable object along the track portion, where the means for supporting the device in relation to the structure are configured for positioning the device in relation to the structure, and the means for supporting the device in relation to the structure are configured for facilitating a movement of the device essentially in the longitudinal direction of the structure.

Abstract: A locking device and apparatus is disclosed. The locking device is particularly suitable for use in combination with a device such as a track mounted gangway and safety cage to reduce the ability to reposition the gangway and safety cage along a track surface while in the lowered access position. The locking device preferably includes a lever assembly and a pivot assembly having a friction pad connected to the lever assembly. When the lever assembly and/or gangway device is adjusted in a first direction, the friction pad applies pressure on the track surface and moveability between the gangway and the track surface is reduced.

Abstract: A hoisting device, comprising a base structure; a work platform structure, and at least one cylinder coupled between the base structure and the work platform structure; at least one chamber with a variable volume, for pressurized medium, configured to elevate the work platform structure by utilizing the pressurized medium enclosed in the chamber; and at least one pulling device configured to pull down the work platform structure. In an example, the hoisting device further comprises at least one auxiliary chamber intended for the pressurized medium, connected to the chamber of the cylinder, and placed inside the base structure or the work platform structure, or in the structure of the cylinder. A component module for a hoisting or transferring device comprises a cylinder and a base structure. In the method, variation of the pressure in the chamber of the cylinder is allowed.

Abstract: A multi-stage mast module is cooperable with a mast lift. The mast lift includes a base supporting the multi-stage mast module and a platform coupled with the multi-stage mast module. The multi-stage mast module includes a mast unit including a plurality of telescoping mast sections, and a multi-stage drive connected between the telescoping mast sections of the mast unit. Gas springs are connected between the telescoping mast sections of the mast unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to personnel lift vehicles that include a carriage, a telescoping lift and a load carrying frame. The telescoping lift is connected to a rear portion of the carriage and the load carrying frame is connected to and extends forward from the telescoping lift. The load carrying frame includes a bottom portion that provides an operator platform that is disposed at a central portion of the carriage between a front portion and the rear portion of the carriage. The configuration of the disclosed personnel lift vehicle provides an integral solution for counterweight requirements for the carriage while reducing the overall driving space required for the vehicle.

Abstract: A scaffold system includes first and second spaced apart vertical posts. An upper support device mounts at an upper portion of each of the first and second vertical posts and includes spaced apart arms extending in a first direction from the associated vertical post for engaging the side of a building. A lower support device mounts at a lower portion at each of the vertical posts to support one or more planks and includes outriggers extending laterally and in a second direction opposite the first direction. The outriggers include a wheel mounted near an extended end of each of the outriggers to provide for rolling the system to a worksite. The outriggers may be vertically adjusted and combined in multiple combinations and with multiple arm configurations to adapt to uneven terrain.

Abstract: A collapsible man-lift for use in the hollow tower portion of a wind turbine includes a support frame assembly, a foldable floor assembly and a collapsible cage assembly. The support frame assembly includes a sub-assembly built in a triangular shape. The foldable floor assembly and the collapsible cage assembly are connected to the triangular sub-assembly portion of the support frame assembly.

Abstract: A system useful for dressing out or performing maintenance or other work on a structure in a vertical position includes an elevator system emplaced around the perimeter of the structure, the elevator system including at least three elevators, each having an elevator mast and an elevator cab, the elevator masts interconnected such that the elevator system is freestanding; a control station for controlling and maintaining the elevation of the elevator cabs; a scaffolding/platform system attached to the elevator cabs and providing a work surface that may travel to an elevation proximate an upper portion of the structure, the elevation of work surface controllable using the control station and determined by the elevation of the elevator cabs; the elevator cabs being positionable at various elevations to allow for work to be performed on the structure. The systems may be used for construction, modification, and repair of various vertical structures.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval apparatus for storing loads in and for retrieving loads from storage locations on a rack, in particular a high-bay rack, has a displaceable base body which has a support structure on which a vertically displaceable load-carrying is mounted. The storage and retrieval apparatus also has a personnel platform which is mounted on the base body. The invention, the personnel platform is vertically displaceable independently of the load-carrying.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing safe access to a top of a mobile container. The mobile container has a top, a longitudinal dimension, and a plurality of hatches arrayed along the longitudinal dimension on the top. The apparatus has a raised platform and an extended cage attached to the raised platform wherein the extended cage extends along the longitudinal dimension. A tracking gate, attached to the extended cage, is adapted to vary an effective interior size of the extended cage.

Abstract: A load displacement apparatus to displace a mobile platform along a structure includes a worm screw mounted on the platform for rotation about its axis that meshes with a plurality of support blocks mounted on the structure. The support blocks are spaced apart from one another along the structure to be successively engaged by the worm screw. Each support block includes a plurality of bearing balls freely movably supported and retained therein to selectively and movably engage the worm screw over at least an arc segment thereof such that the worm screw is always in meshing engagement with at least one of the support blocks. A scaffolding system incorporating the apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A work platform for use in performing maintenance while supported on an overhead crane. The work platform is particularly useful for performing maintenance on overhead cranes located in areas where normal lifting equipment and/or scaffolding cannot easily access the overhead crane. However, the work platform is also useful for performing maintenance on equipment and/or structures in the vicinity of overhead cranes, and on overhead cranes located in areas without accessibility problems. The work platform is hoisted for placement on support structure of the overhead crane by hoist apparatus of the overhead crane. When positioned, the work platform may be fully supported on the support structure of the overhead crane.

Abstract: A mechanic's leaning device includes a base, an upper torso support having an adjustable first height above the base, and a combination step and knee support having an adjustable second height above the base which is less than and adjustable relative to the first height. The mechanic's leaning device can be used by mechanics of all sizes for working on a wide variety of vehicles, ranging from very small to very large.

Abstract: The invention is a battery powered vertical lift assembly adapted for vertically raising and lowering a load along a substantially vertical structure. The vertical lift assembly comprises a vertical guide, which is secured to the substantially vertical structure by any suitable connecting means. A carriage is movably attached to the vertical guide, and a platform, which supports the load, is attached to the carriage. The carriage is raised and lowered along the vertical guide by a suitable drive mechanism, whereby the load, supported on the platform, is raised and lowered along the vertical guide. Preferably, the drive mechanism for raising and lowering the carriage comprises a DC motor, powering a gear unit that is operatively connected to a sprocket, with the whole drive mechanism attached to the carriage. A sprocket engaging chain is attached to a surface of the vertical guide, with the chain extending the length of the vertical guide. A battery on the platform powers the DC motor.