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 modular garage storage system includes a geared retraction system that allows a storage platform of the modular garage storage system to be lowered for easy access to loading and loading the storage platform, and that allows the storage platform to be raised up to be completely out of the way.

Abstract: A device is provided which can be converted from a transporting cart to an erecting hoist for a hunter's tree ladder stand. The device includes components which can be assembled into the cart, disassembled, and re-assembled into the hoist which allows one person to transport the ladder stand, and to raise and lower the ladder stand to and from a position against a tree. The hoist includes a clamp with jaws which can be operated by the hunter on the ground so as to secure the hoist to the tree. A rope or cable extends through a pulley on the hoist so that the ladder stand can be raised into position by a hunter, single-handily. The hunter can then climb the ladder stand, which is secured to the hoist, which is secured to the tree, and further attach the platform of the ladder stand to the tree with one or more straps.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tendon controlled mobile platform configured to move within a work space defined by a structure. The tendon controlled mobile platform of the present invention, which includes: a mobile platform including a main frame, a plurality of upper winches coupled to an upper part of the main frame, and a plurality of lower winches coupled to a lower part of the main framed, the mobile platform being placed with the work space; a plurality of first wires having respective one ends coupled to lower sides of the structure and respective the other ends coupled to the upper winches, the lengths of the first wires being adjustable; and a plurality of second wires having respective one ends coupled to upper sides of the structure and respective the other ends coupled to the lower winches, the lengths of the second wires being adjustable, can expand the movement range of the mobile platform, thereby expanding the work area, and can easily move the work equipment to an adjacent work area.

Abstract: A portable anchorage assembly comprises an extension member interconnecting a counterweight assembly and a base. The counterweight assembly has a cavity configured and arranged to receive at least one weight. The extension member has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected to the counterweight assembly. The base is connected to the second end of the extension member and includes a wheel and at least one anchorage point. The base is pivotable about the counterweight assembly on the wheel to position the at least one anchorage point in a desired location.

Abstract: A vertically moving device includes a spool mechanism for spooling at least two wires that are fed out to form loops and a vertically movable platform suspended by looped portions of the at least two wires fed out from the spool mechanism. The vertically movable platform includes at least four wire-guiding rotating bodies over which the looped portions of the wires are run.

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 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: Disclosed is a system and method for installing docks. The system comprises a scaffold portion having at least a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be removably secured to a first dock portion. The second end of the scaffold portion has a template thereon adapted for positioning pilings of a second dock portion to be installed. The scaffold includes a support structure upon which a dock builder stands during installation of the second dock portion. The method comprises installing a first dock portion, removably securing a first end of a scaffold portion of a dock installation system to the first dock portion, lowering a second end of the scaffold portion such that the first end of the scaffold portion is cantilevered at the first dock portion, using a template on a second end of the scaffold portion to arrange and position one or more components of a second dock portion to be installed, and installing the second dock portion.

Abstract: A device 1 for enabling access to a rotor blade 54 of a wind turbine, said device being adapted for being moved in the longitudinal direction of the rotor blade 54, the device comprising a frame 2, means for supporting and guiding the device in relation to the rotor blade, means for lowering and/or lifting the device in relation to the rotor blade, wherein said frame 2 comprises a first end and a second end, wherein said means for supporting and guiding the device in relation to the rotor blade comprise a first part 10 configured for contacting the rotor blade at regions at or near the rear edge of the rotor blade and a second part 8 located essentially at or near the second end of the frame and configured for contacting the rotor blade at regions at or near the front edge of the rotor blade, and wherein said means for lowering and/or lifting the device in relation to the rotor blade comprise suspension means, by means of which the frame 2 is suspended in a triangular configuration, wherein said triangular co

Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of servicing the outer components of a wind turbine such as the wind turbine blades and the tower with a work platform, said method comprises the steps of: positioning the work platform at the wind turbine tower and connecting the work platform to an upper part of the wind turbine with at least one cable. Further the method comprises the steps of raising the work platform with the cable and cable winding means to a position of use, and holding the work platform to the side of the wind turbine tower with holding means. The invention also relates to a work platform for servicing the outer components of a wind turbine.

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: 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: An escape device for high-rise buildings includes an escape capsule, a speedup gear mounted to the escape capsule, a track provided with a rack with which the speedup gear is engaged so that the escape capsule can move along the track, and a damper including a rotor. The speedup gear in operation drives the rotor into rotation and the damper is capable of converting a portion of kinetic energy of the escape capsule to the electric energy. The escape device can be braked at any position at a building.

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: An adjustable platform assembly for supporting workers and supplies about an elevated work site, the platform assembly being movably supported on an articulable support, the platform comprising a stationary rear bridging panel arrangement having an elongated side platform member comprising a floor and railing assembly at each end thereof, wherein each elongated side platform member floor and railing assembly is independently movable on support members forwardly, rearwardly, transversely and angularly with respect to the bridging panel arrangement, to change the platform assembly back and forth between a generally “H” shape to a generally “U” shape, or any skewed combination thereof, as required.

Abstract: A maintenance platform for suspension on support cables, in particular for maintaining rotor blades of wind turbines, wherein the maintenance platform is formed by at least two sub-platforms defining a working plane, wherein said sub-platforms are swivably connected to each other by a swivel joint with a swivel axis substantially perpendicular to the working plane.

Abstract: A scaffold assembling of a large component for a boiler requiring inspection is not performed by a high-place work but assembled safely and in a short time. The scaffold is assembled to the large component for the boiler supported by a component supporting beam at the ground side before it is attached to a steel frame main-beam 16. Scaffold lifting/supporting beams interposing coil spaces of a superheater 14 are suspended on wires 36 lifted down from spaces of a ceiling tube wall 34 being a horizontal member of the superheater 14. The scaffold lifting/supporting beams 32 are lifted to raise little by lithe within the superheater, and scaffold components are assembled sequentially toward downward. After a required number of steps of scaffolds are assembled, the scaffold lifting/supporting beams 32 are coupled to the ceiling tube wall 34 to be supported. Finally, the superheater 14 is raised by a lifting means to install to the main-beam.

Abstract: A stabilized suspended platform comprises a platform suspended from a support unit by a cable. The support unit includes traction means for releasing or pulling part of the cable so as to set the platform at a desired height, and the platform includes propellers for fine movements or stabilizing the platform in space, further including remote control system with means for communicating with the support unit and the platform for controlling the spatial location of the platform. The support means may further include means for moving the platform laterally.

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 bridge module has a floor and two upright side sections, which are hinged to lengthwise edges of the floor. Each hinge is formed by two extrusion pieces that can be pushed into each other, and is made so that the side sections can only be folded towards the floor in a direction towards each other. Each side section is made of one extrusion piece, in which a section of the extrusion piece forms a section of the hinges. The edges of the floor are formed by girders, between which there is a plastic plate. The girders are each formed of one extrusion piece, which forms the other section of the hinges.

Abstract: Reed's High-Rise Emergency Rescue Egress System, a conventional truck chassis fitted with a hydraulic lift system for access into and the evacuation of individuals from high-rise buildings. The technology is comprised of the following components: A control room located behind the cab of the truck, which is used to operate the lift system, monitor system operations, detect chemical, radiological, biological or other hazardous agents, and provides communication support; an gondola cabins which provides protection while transporting personnel and equipment up and down. The gondola has the ability to be connected to a building's internal/external water stand-pipe system to allow hoses to be used directly from the cabin and an audio/video monitoring system that transmits information to the control room; a mechanical lift system, which utilizes hydraulic and electrical lifts. The lift system is powered by the vehicle's motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an escape system from a high rise building. More specifically, but without limitation, the present invention relates to a process for developing a concept, design, and manufacturing method for the high rise escape system. The escape system offers high rise dwellers the ability to escape from emergencies caused by fire or other unexpected accidents that result in disabled elevators and blocked stairways. It also provides peace of mind for the persons whose office or residence is 50-100 stories above the ground. According to emporium.com, the world's 100 largest cities have more than 70,000 high rise (12 stories or higher) buildings. This furniture-like device, when it is needed, allows up to 2 persons to escape from a high rise. The system breaks window glass and allows the aluminum cage component containing the escapees to descend to the ground safely.

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: 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: 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: The present invention is a portable self contained tree stand for elevating hunters above the ground. The tree stand comprises a motorized winch for elevating the hunter and for dragging animal carcasses. The present invention also has a lower attachment tube for adding various accessories, such as gambrels, footrests, trailer hitches, or skinning cables. In addition, the tree stand of the present invention has a remote control for operating the motorized winch. Moreover, a power supply for operating the winch can also be used for powering various other auxiliary devices, such as heating blankets or personal electronic devices.

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: A climbing cylinder (10) of self-climbing formwork in the building area is provided such that it can move climbing rails (22) along a wall (12). At one end the climbing cylinder (10) has a fixing for an anchor point of the wall and at the other end a catch (30) is provided on the climbing cylinder, which can be brought into engagement with the climbing rail such that it bears the climbing rail (10) on the one hand and can displace it on the other hand. The climbing cylinder (10) can be fixed at an anchor point of the building or on a climbing shoe (18).

Abstract: A wildlife observation blind suspended from an overhead structure comprising a chair adapted for suspension from a support frame, a lift system coupled to the support frame for elevating the chair to a desired height, and a stabilization system coupled to the support frame to resist movement of the chair relative to the overhead structure.

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: 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: A suspended work platform with an integrated rescue system and a method for rescuing a worker is used to quickly rescue workers from an elevated position. The system incorporates a work hoist and a rescue device cooperating with a platform rope. The work hoist is attached to the work platform. A worker changes the elevation of the work platform by operating a work input device of a work hoist control system. The rescue device cooperates with the platform rope and is attached above the work platform to a tie-off location. A rescuer operates the rescue device to perform a rescue of the worker when necessary. The rescue system may also include an independent fall arrest system having a descent control system with a fall arrest rope attached to the worker and to the tie-off location.

Abstract: A personnel transfer device is rrovided including a base, a top and a concentric lacings extending between the base and top. An expander post is coupled between the base and top for placing tension in the lacings extending between the base and the top. A hoist connection is provided so that the personnel transfer device may be lifted to transfer personnel therein from one place to another. The lacings are flexible when relaxed, and become taught when placed in tension. The expander post is removable so the base and top can be collapsed together for compact storage.

Abstract: A pole ascension apparatus and associated method are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes a track connected to a pole and a portable platform portion detachably connectable to the track. The portable platform portion may move upwardly and downwardly along the track.

Abstract: A suspended table assembly includes a first support and a second support that are vertically spaced from each other. A plurality of legs is provided. Each of the legs has a first end and a second end. Each of a plurality of first brackets is pivotally coupled to one of the first ends. The first brackets are attached to the first support. A plurality of second brackets is also provided. Each of the second brackets is pivotally coupled to one of the second ends and each of the second brackets is attached to the second support.

Abstract: For fire fighting and emergency rescue in high-rise buildings the building can be equipped with rails on the outside of the building. The rails have elevators, which travel on the rails on the outside face of the building. Two elevators traveling in unison and supporting a platform extending therebetween can provide a corridor and or a scaffold for reaching anyplace on the face of a building. Other elevators or elevators with cranes can be used on the rails in combination with the elevators with the platform to fight fires, rescue people from the upper floors of buildings or perform maintenance or construction tasks.

Abstract: Device for evacuating persons, for example from a multi-storey building on fire, from an evacuating location to a secure location, comprising: a balloon provided to be filled with a gas lighter than air for moving the balloon between the secure location and the evacuating location; guide means connected to the balloon for guiding the balloon between the secure location and the evacuating location; and transport means connected to the balloon for transporting persons from the evacuating location to the secure location; wherein the device further comprises a cable provided to be connected between the secure location and the evacuating location and that the balloon is provided to be movably mounted on the cable between the secure location and the evacuating location.

Abstract: A personnel transfer device is provided including a base, a top and a concentric lacings extending between the base and top. An expander post is coupled between the base and top for placing tension in the lacings extending between the base and the top. A hoist connection is provided for attachment of the personnel transfer device to a hoist so that the personnel transfer device may be lifted to transfer personnel therein from one place to another. The lacings are flexible when relaxed, and become taught when placed in tension. There are spaces between the taught lacings for easy ingress and egress and the taught lacings act to shield the occupants in the transfer device from inadvertent side impacted. The expander post is removable so the base and top can be collapsed together for compact storage.

Abstract: A mobile stand that can be suspended in a tree from an overhead location and thereafter be safely, quietly, and easily maneuvered by a seated occupant facing the tree into any position about the tree's circumference. The occupant can shoot in any direction without standing and also use the tree as a gun rest for a shot in any direction. The mobile nature of the stand provides hunters with the option of using a gun support lanyard attached to the upper part of its closed tubular frame or suspending cable which allows the lanyard to move with the hunter. The stand can also be used for ground level hunting, as well as indoor and outdoor recreational use by adults and children. One embodiment includes a back support that reclines into various postures, including a substantially horizontally-extending position. As an option, it can be readily disassembled for compact transport and storage.

Abstract: The device for climbing a pair of ropes (1) includes upper and lower clasps (4,6) for clamping each rope and connecting elements for holding a climber, which include a movable or solid seat (7, 12) or harness (23). Each clasp (4,6) has a housing (21); a yoke (3) in the housing (21) provided with an interior space having beveled inclines widening downward; cotters (10) positioned on opposite sides of the rope (1) in the interior space; rollers (11) arranged movably, but securably, between the cotters (10) and the beveled inclines; a compression spring (20) bearing on an upper end of the yoke (3); and a resilient time servo-component (9) arranged at a lower end of the yoke. The resilient time servo-component (9) acts on the yoke so that the clasp (4,6), when relieved, automatically clamps the rope after a predetermined time interval, thus protecting the climber.

Abstract: A work platform (10) for performing work operations on an object such as roof construction work including an upper surface (15A) for working on the roof and a lower surface (15B) for storage of work material, the step between the work surfaces (15A, 15B) comprising an elongate material transfer section (19), and the upper work surface (15A) including a covered roof access section (11). The platform can also be used for access to perform maintenance work on aircraft, railway carriages, etc. The invention also provides method of performing work operations utilising the work platform (10).

Abstract: The escape device is lowered via a cable which can be anchored above and outside a window of a burning building. The descent of the device is regulated by a speed regulating brake or by a valve mounted in a hydraulic line for manual operation by the user. A guide device for the cable is connected to a rigid seat on which the occupant would be seated while descending along a burning building. A pair of wheels are also provided at a lower end of the seat to space the seat from the building and to provide stability while descending along the height of the building. In another embodiment, a sling is suspended from the guide device in order to receive the occupants with the seat regulating brake and emergency brake located in an overhead manner. In another embodiment, a hydraulic energy absorber controls the unwinding of the cable from a reel mounted under the seat of the device.

Abstract: A mobile tree stand that can be suspended in a desired position with a single rope, chain or the like, and thereafter safely, quietly and easily maneuvered into any position about the tree's circumference. Its user can shoot in any direction without standing and also use the tree as a gun rest for a shot in any direction. The mobile nature of the stand also provides a hunter with the option of using a gun support lanyard, which can be attached to the upper part of the stand or its supporting member. The stand can also be used for ground level hunting, as well as indoor and outdoor use by adults and children in recreational pursuits common to hanging chairs and swings. One embodiment includes a back support that reclines into various postures, including a completely supine position. In addition, it can be readily disassembled for easy transport and storage.

Abstract: The load or the working platform is suspended and displaced by at least a pair of cables whereof the stresses are equivalent. Advantageously, each pair of cables is controlled by an emergency braking device comprising means for detecting the slack strand on one of the cables of the pair and controlling a braking on the other cable of the pair. So as to avoid an impact during the emergency braking, the working platform is also equipped with a shock absorbing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for descent, suspension and retrieval of a worker through an opening in the ground includes a trailer having a boom assembly mounted thereon is described. The boom assembly includes telescopically extensible and retractable boom members that are extended downwardly by action of gravity through opening to a subsurface location. The worker is supported in a stabilized manner during descent, suspension, and retraction of the boom members.

Abstract: A device for moving a platform at least in vertical direction along a facade (1) of a building defining a front face by a cable (16, 17) which extends along the facade, which device comprises a winding apparatus (14, 15) for the cable, which can be driven by a driving apparatus, and a guide for causing the cable (16, 17) to extend vertically along the facade on the outer side thereof, wherein an apparatus for moving the guide in such a manner that the guide pass the front face.

Abstract: A safety device for a bosun's chair includes means for movably attaching the bosun's chair to a mast and means for braking the bosun's chair relative to the mast.

Abstract: The device for climbing a pair of ropes (1) includes releasable upper and lower clasps (4,6) for each rope that clamp in response to a downward force acting thereon but relieve when the downward force is relieved and connecting elements for holding a climber, including a seat (7, 12) or harness (23), Each releasable clasp (4,6) has a housing (21); a yoke (3) in the housing (21) provided with an interior space having beveled inclines widening downward; cotters (10) positioned on opposite sides of the rope (1) in the inner space; rollers (11) arranged movably, but securably, between the cotters (10) and the beveled inclines; a compression spring (20) bearing on an upper end of the yoke (3); and a time servo-component (9) arranged at a lower end of the yoke. The time servo-components (9) act on the yokes so that the clasps (4,6), when relieved, automatically clamp the ropes again after a predetermined time interval.