Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preventing a user from moving beyond a first distance from a support structure. The apparatus comprises an extension member, comprising a first end and a second end that is opposite the first end. The first end is configured to be fixed to the support structure. The second end is movable relative to the first end along a plane and the second end is configured to extend away from the first end to an extended position and retract from the extended position towards the first end to a retracted position. The apparatus also comprises a flexible tether, having a fixed length and comprising an anchor end, attached to the second end of the extension member, and a user end, configured to attach to a user. The extended position is no more than a second distance away from the first end. The sum of the fixed length and the second distance is less than the first distance.

Abstract: The invention provides a lifting assembly comprising a support structure (4) arranged to support a load (2) suspended from the support structure, a guide line (501) arranged to extend from a first location, to a second location, a wheel assembly (601) with one or more wheels (621, 622, 623) arranged to engage, and roll along, the guide line (501), and a control line assembly (701) arranged to extend from the wheel assembly (601) to the load (2), wherein the lifting assembly comprises a retainer (801) arranged to connect, between the first and second locations, the guide line (501) to the support structure (4).

Abstract: Disclosed are tower erection systems and tower climbing systems and associated methods of operation. A tower erection system, in accordance with various embodiments, includes a ground-installed lifting structure, and a lifting frame configured to latch onto individual tower sections and traveling vertically inside the ground-installed lifting structure, lifted by a winch-and-cable or other lifting mechanism. Using this system, a tower may be assembled from multiple sections from the top down. A tower climbing system, in accordance with various embodiments, includes upper and lower climbers that can latch onto the lateral surface of a tower and a lifting mechanism that can move the climbers vertically relative to each other. The system can be used to carry a crane or other heavy equipment up and down along the tower. A climbing crane may be used, for example, during tower construction, or to reach the top of the tower for maintenance or repair.

Abstract: A personnel basket that provides a partially enclosed work platform that may be readily attached or detached from the end of a crane boom and may be maintained level with the ground when suspended from a crane boom above ground and that is also capable of being collapsed from a work ready position into a stowed position of substantially smaller spatial volume when not in use.

Abstract: A method utilizing an assembly of a sling detachably attached to an adjustment device for suspending one structure relative to another structure. The adjustment device comprises a pair of elongate spaced apart plates which are attached to each other and to a hook, for attachment to one of the structures, at the first end portion. Each plate has a plurality of pairs of longitudinally spaced aligned holes for receiving a pin for connecting one end of a sling to the adjustment device at a selected incremental one of the plurality of pairs of holes. The other end of the sling is connected to the other structure to adjust the distance over which the one structure is suspended relative to the other structure. To allow greater adjustability, two or more of the adjustment devices are joined end-to-end.

Abstract: A tower for a concentrated solar power plant includes: an upper external platform on which is arranged an essentially cylindrical solar receiver with an external side surface and an upper base, the side surface of the receiver including a plurality of removably mounted receiving panels; and a placement and maintenance system for the receiving panels. The placement and maintenance system for the receiving panels includes a crane mounted so as to be rotatable 360° and guided using at least two concentric rails, on the upper base of the receiver.

Abstract: A high load descender for rope access and rescue has a ratcheting sheave mounted to a pivoting arm, which translate with rope tension against a fixed shoe. The ratcheting sheave has a groove that grips rope during descent while allowing free rotation for ascent and progress capture. An adaptive release linkage enhances ease of operation and control while maintaining convenient handle position in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: A disassembled wind turbine under repair includes a tower secured to a foundation and a nacelle mounted atop the tower. The nacelle includes a base wall, side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a top wall. The front wall includes an opening configured to receive a main shaft of the wind turbine; however, the main shaft and a rotor of the wind turbine have been removed from the nacelle during a repair procedure. As such, the disassembled wind turbine further includes an external platform assembly secured at the opening of the front wall of the nacelle during the repair procedure.

Abstract: A maintenance device for maintaining an offshore wind turbine, the device being suitable for pressing against and traveling along the pylon of the wind turbine. The device includes a maintenance platform including a preferably U-shaped notch so that the pylon of the wind turbine can penetrate into said notch and travel means for causing the maintenance platform to travel along the pylon of the wind turbine. The travel means comprising a plurality of motor-driven crawlers arranged under said maintenance platform so that when the pylon of the wind turbine is placed in said notch with the vertical longitudinal axis of the pylon of the wind turbine perpendicular to the work plane of said maintenance platform.

Abstract: An automated human personnel fall arresting system including a holonomic base platform, a boom arm movably mounted to and depending from the base platform, at least a portion of the arm being movable in three degrees-of-freedom relative to the base platform, a tether supported by the arm, an operator harness coupled to the tether so as to be dependent from the arm, at least one sensor disposed on the arm and configured to sense movement of the portion of the arm in two degrees-of-freedom of the three degrees-of-freedom, and a controller mounted to the base platform and communicably coupled to the at least one sensor, the controller being configured to automatically control position of the base platform in two orthogonal translational directions and one rotation direction controlled independently from translation, relative to the operator harness, based on signals from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A retracting lifeline system, includes: a housing, a first connector attached to the housing, a lifeline, and a hub to which the lifeline is attached at a first end of the lifeline and around which the lifeline is coiled within the housing. The housing includes an opening through which the lifeline exits the housing. The hub is tensioned to rotate in a first direction to cause retracting of the lifeline and coiling of the lifeline around the hub. The retracting lifeline system further includes a second connector attached to a second end of the lifeline. At least a section of the lifeline has an initial ultimate tensile load of at least 8000 pounds and is abrasion resistant (that is, satisfying the abrasion test requirement set forth in the ANSI/ASSE Z359.13 2009 standard) such that the section of the lifeline is available for tie-back anchoring using the second connector. The section of the lifeline is at least partially retractable within the housing.

Abstract: A piñata mount assembly has a plurality of versatile attachment orientations for attachment to either a discrete vertical member, such as a tree trunk, pole or post, or over the top of a wall. The piñata mount assembly has a reversible wall support that can be coupled to the main bracket in opposing orientations. The reversible wall support has different mount surfaces for mounting to different types surfaces. The piñata mount assembly has a vertical portion coupled with the reversible wall support. The vertical portion is coupled with a horizontal portion that has threads for engagement with threads of a knob for moving the horizontal portion. A claw on the horizontal portion may be used to mount the piñata mount assembly over the top of a wall. The reversible wall support may be flipped around for mounting to a discrete vertical member, such as a tree trunk.

Abstract: A bedside unit provides assistance and/or services to a patient in a bed. The unit includes a first vertical tubular shaft fixed to the floor and a second tubular shaft arranged around the first shaft and moveable relative to the first shaft under the action of a height adjustment mechanism. The apparatus for providing assistance and/or services includes drawers, an overbed table and an egress bar which are arranged to be controllably pivotable about the second shaft. The unit also includes a patient transfer arm at the top of the first shaft and rotatable thereabout.

Abstract: A method of powering an intermittent-duty cycle winch is disclosed. The method includes identifying a number of amp-hours required to power the winch through one duty cycle, identifying a minimum required rest period between two consecutive duty cycles, and assembling a power supply unit that powers the winch based, at least in part, on the duty cycle and the rest period. The duty cycle is mechanically or thermally limited. The power supply unit includes at least two components: a power storage unit and a charging unit that recharges the power storage unit during the rest periods. The power storage unit powers the winch through at least one duty cycle. The charging unit recharges the power storage unit during the rest period so that the power storage can power the winch through at least a second duty cycle that immediately follows the end of the minimum required rest period.

Abstract: A high load descender for rope access and rescue has a ratcheting sheave mounted to a pivoting arm, which translate with rope tension against a fixed shoe. The ratcheting sheave has a groove that grips rope during descent while allowing free rotation for ascent and progress capture. An adaptive release linkage enhances ease of operation and control while maintaining convenient handle position in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: A steeply inclined surface is hydrodemolished by providing a staging platform and a rig that includes a base frame defining a planar footprint within the frame. The rig is suspended from the platform by a cable such that frame is coplanar with the surface and the incline of the surface causes the rig to lean against it. Rails are provided on the surface to restrain spurious lateral movement of the rig. The rig is positioned on the surface and nozzles mounted on a trolley within a travelling carriage on the frame travel in two dimensions to hydrodemolish the surface within the footprint. The rig is moved vertically along the rails and laterally along the platform to reposition the rig to work a new section of the surface in conjunction with other rails that are also mounted on the surface.

Abstract: A load lifting winch suspending a load from a hook (3) and a cable (5) which is wound onto a frustoconical drum (1) in order to reduce the winch vertical dimension when the hook (3) is in the fully upright position allowed by available vertical space elevation, and simultaneously decrease the forces applied to the lifting drive motor (4) as the load rises.

Abstract: An elevator including one or more hoisting members that are continuous in the vertical direction, a load-receiving part suspended on the hoisting member, and also a driving member engaging with the hoisting member for moving the load-receiving part. The driving member engaging with the hoisting member is configured to be driven with a detachable drive unit.

Abstract: Methods of precisely positioning a rotor of a machine into one or more service positions for the purpose of servicing the machine. In some embodiments, the machine includes A rotor and a stator segmented into multiple removable stator modules. During servicing, a stator-module replacement tool is precisely located in any one or more of multiple service positions corresponding to the multiple stator modules by selectively energizing the machine. In other embodiments, the machine includes a stator and a rotor having multiple removable permanent magnets corresponding respectively to multiple service positions. During servicing, the rotor is precisely located in any one or more of multiple service positions corresponding to the permanent magnets by selectively energizing the machine. A servicing control system is disclosed for controlling the excitation of a machine stator in a manner that effects precise positioning of the rotor into a selected service position.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system having a pulley attached to a building. A length of cable is installed around the pulley. The cable 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 cable is to be operatively installed is located in the area next to the base.

Abstract: A self-climbing formwork has a stationary climbing shoe (18) structured for attachment to a wall anchor point and a climbing cylinder (10) having a lower end directly contacting the climbing shoe (18) to form a hinge, the hinge defining a pivoting movement of the climbing cylinder (10) relative to the climbing shoe (18). A support (30) is provided on an upper end of the climbing cylinder (10), the support (30) having a protrusion defining a U-shaped recess. A climbing rail (22) is structured to be held in position by the climbing shoe (18) relative to the anchor point and guided along the wall through cooperation with the climbing shoe (18). Upon extension of the climbing cylinder (10), the support (30) engages beneath an upper engagement point (24?, 24?) of the climbing rail (22) at the U-shaped recess to urge the climbing rail (22) in an upward direction.

Abstract: A suspended scaffold rigging system includes a base to be attached with a roof of a building and an arm attached with the base. The arm includes an end portion to extend over and away from an edge of the roof when the base is attached with the roof and a cable guide defined by the end portion. The system further includes a scaffold and a suspension cable to be attached to the scaffold, to be guided by the cable guide, and to be attached to a tie-back of the building such that that tie-back bears a load of the scaffold and the arm spaces the suspension cable away from the edge of the roof.

Abstract: An equipment (1) for demolishing a building (2), wherein said building (2) comprises a building base (3) placed in proximity of a ground (4), or placed on the ground (4), and an opposite building top (5) or temporary building top (5) arranged away from said building base (3), as well as building floors (6), comprises: —a platform (7) adapted to be positioned against the top of the building (5) avoiding ground support devices which from the platform (7) reach the base of the building (3) or the ground (4) surrounding the building; said platform (7) comprising at least one working scaffold (8) adapted to be arranged along the periphery (9) of said building (2) and to face at least one floor (6) of said building (2); —said at least one working scaffold (8) being supported, hanged, on said platform (7) so that it descends along the side wall (10) of the building (2) to border the works for demolishing the building (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerial platform for a wind turbine with a tower and rotor blades arranged on the tower, which aerial platform comprises: a vehicle; at least a first pair of cables and a second pair of cables, which are each attached with one end to the vehicle and can be attached with the other end close to the upper side of the tower of the wind turbine; a lift cradle which is guided by at least a first pair of cables; and hoisting means for hoisting the lift cradle with the second pair of cables along the first pair of cables. The invention further comprises a lift cradle for an aerial platform according to the invention.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system having a pulley attached to a building. A length of cable is installed around the pulley. The cable 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 cable is to be operatively installed is located in the area next to the base.

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: A device for positioning a rope access technician next to a blade of a wind turbine, including a rigid spine, one or more clamp assemblies with each clamp assembly connected to the rigid spine and each clamp assembly capable of clamping to a blade of a wind turbine, and a lower platform connected to a lower portion of the rigid spine with a substantially flat top surface on which a technician may sit, stand or place items.

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 maritime transfer system is for crewmember safety when transferring to and from a vessel to a small oil or gas production platform that otherwise has only a swing rope for transfer. The system includes a platform extension permanently affixed to the platform, and a motor and winch installed on the extension. The motor and winch operate a cable that extends to a davit, the davit and cable suspending a car or gondola therefrom. Control is provided by a remote control switch installed on the distal end of a freely suspended control cable. In this manner, the car may be raised to the platform when not in use, the control hanging from the control cable for access from the crew vessel when needed. The crewmember may then carry the control with him or her in the car as it is raised and lowered to and from the platform.

Abstract: An arrangement for overcoming heights or vertical distances, such as, in particular, high-voltage towers, towers for wind installations, buildings, high-bay warehouses, etc., has a longitudinally extended, rail-like profile (7) or guide member, and at least one portable lift element which is fastenable re-releasably to the profile, consisting of a driving part (3) which is movable up and down along the profile or guide member and a platform (5) for receiving at least one person or loads.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring people and/or personal equipment from a first location to a second location, the transfer device being coupled to a lifting device and comprising an outer structure in the form of a cage connected to a base and defining an inner space. Seating elements are disposed on the device's base, arranged radially around its center. The device also comprises shock absorbing means situated on the sides of the outer structure facing each of the seating elements to protect passengers from frontal impacts.

Abstract: A multi-point suspended scaffold utilizes a pair of spaced scaffold frames, each of which is provided with suspension cables which support the scaffold from outrigger beams of a building. The two scaffold frames are connected to each other by wire mesh trusses. These wire mesh trusses incorporate guard rails, toeboards, and an object retaining mesh. Upper and lower cross braces are also secured between adjacent ones of the scaffold frames. The cooperation of the wire mesh trusses, the cross bracing and the use of secured footboards provides a suspended scaffold that is structurally rigid while being easily assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: A suspended access chair with a rescue system that may be utilized to access a wind turbine blade while mounted on a tower for purposes such as inspection, maintenance, cleaning, and repair of the blade is provided. The suspended access chair generally includes a chair frame assembly. Upper frame and lower frame assembly rollers are secured to the chair frame assembly and are configured for rolling contact along an edge of the blade. The suspended access chair further includes primary dextral and primary sinistral gripping arms. The gripping arms may be adjusted to conform to the shape of the blade and include rollers configured for rolling contact along a portion of the blade. A hoist is provided to raise and lower the chair along a suspension rope. The rescue system is used to lower the suspended access chair from an elevated position to the ground during emergency situations.

Abstract: The method comprises positioning a first blade (10A) in substantially vertical position, connecting first ends of a first and a second cable section (24, 26), respectively, with a structure included by the nacelle (6), connecting second ends (30) of the first and the second cable section (24, 26), respectively, with the repair platform (18) and lifting the repair platform along said blade (10A) by means of the first and second cable sections (24, 26). The first and second cable sections (24, 26) are positioned so that they extend over the hub (8) and are supported at a distance from each other between root regions (16) of a second and a third blade (10B, 10C), respectively.

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: The present invention relates to a device for enabling access to a structure above ground level by lowering and/or lifting the device in relation to the structure, the device comprising a first endless frame structure defining an opening, wherein at least part of the first endless frame structure forms a track portion, the track portion being adapted to guide an, in relation to the track portion, movable object, such as a gondola, along the track portion. The device may further comprise a second endless frame structure defining an opening, the second endless frame structure being aligned with the first endless frame structure.

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 suspension work platform hoist system powered by an input power source for raising a work platform on a rope. The system includes a hoist having a motor that drives a traction mechanism designed to cooperate with the rope, and a reactive power reducing input power system in electrical communication with the motor and the constant frequency input power source. The reactive power reducing input power system includes an AC-DC converter and a regulator system, wherein the regulator system is in electrical communication with a DC-AC inverter that is in electrical communication with the motor. The system may include an isolation system to electrically isolate the DC-AC inverter from the motor when the DC-AC inverter is not transmitting power to the motor. The system may accept multiple alternating current voltage sources including both single phase and three phase sources.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wind turbine generally comprises rotating a rotor of the wind turbine until a blade extends downwardly next to the wind turbine tower. A work platform is positioned next to the tower with at least one steering wheel in contact with the tower. The work platform is connected to an upper part of the wind turbine with at least one cable and then moved vertically and horizontally to a first position. A section of the blade within reach is serviced in the first position, and then the work platform is moved vertically and horizontally to a second position for servicing a different section of the blade. The steering wheel is in contact with the tower when the work platform is moved.

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 an 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 the 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 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 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: The invention concerns a work platform for use in connection with work on a wing blade for a wind energy plant, where the work platform is typically used for working on a wing blade which is brought to a substantially vertical position, and where the work platform is hoisted up and down from a position above the workplace, typically from a region close to the root end of the wing or from the rotor hub. The work platform is provided with space for a person and is preferably adapted for positioning along a leading or trailing edge of a wing blade, and is further including at least two projecting arms for contact against the surface of the wing, where the projecting arms are provided with protective means between the arm and the wing surface.

Abstract: A restraint device is disclosed that limits the movement of the cable or rope relative to the traction, thus reducing or eliminating the popping noise associated with the cable or rope snapping back against the traction sheave. In one embodiment, the restraint device comprises a molded component that is fitted to encompass the region of the sheave where separation of the wire rope from the sheave is most likely to occur. The restraint device may be mounted so that it is removable and replaceable with minimal dismantling of the hoist containing the sheave. The restraint device may be reversible so that one restraint device may by used for at least two cycles before being replaced. Indication of the need for replacement may be provided by including a second color material at the depth where wear reaches the allowable limit, thereby providing a visual signal to initiate replacement as seen during service.

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.

Abstract: A lift system is coupled between a work platform and a mast on a mast lift. The lift system includes at least one lifting rope connected between the work platform and the mast via an idler roller and a hoist drum connected to the work platform. The idler roller is displaceable between an engaged position and a disengaged position based on an amount of tension on the lifting rope. A spring is connected to the idler roller and urges the idler roller toward the engaged position. A carriage latch assembly includes a carriage latch hook coupled with the idler roller and a pin secured to the mast. When the idler roller is disposed in the engaged position, the carriage latch hook is engageable with the pin.

Abstract: A platform lift apparatus enables the safe movement of objects to and from an attic storage space. The platform lift apparatus includes a frame, a drive mechanism, and a platform. The frame includes internal and external mounting surfaces. The drive mechanism is substantially disposed within the frame and is coupled to the internal mounting surfaces. The drive mechanism includes a plurality of rotatable, parallel shafts with each shaft further including at least one lift drum having an associated lift tether at least partially wound thereon and having an end hanging therefrom. The platform is coupled to each lift tether end and is thereby suspended from the frame. The platform is selectively movable by operation of the drive mechanism within in a vertical dimension between raised and lowered positions. The drive mechanism further comprises an electric motor operatively coupled to the plurality of parallel shafts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a scaffold installed within a large structure such as a pressure vessel or a tank of a ship, and an insulation system construction method using the same. The scaffold for use in performing desired work within a large structure includes a supporting structure installed adjacent to both side surfaces and a top surface of the large structure, and a carrying unit installed movable along the supporting structure to allow materials to be carried or to provide a working space for a worker thereon, wherein the supporting structure is installed to be movable along a wall surface of the large structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a scaffold installed within a large structure such as a pressure vessel or a tank of a ship, and an insulation system construction method using the same. The scaffold for use in performing desired work within a large structure includes a supporting structure installed adjacent to both side surfaces and a top surface of the large structure, and a carrying unit installed movable along the supporting structure to allow materials to be carried or to provide a working space for a worker thereon, wherein the supporting structure is installed to be movable along a wall surface of the large structure.