Abstract: Each of a pair of barrier platforms is carried by a pair of carrier stanchions, one disposed to each opposite side of a loading bay in a warehouse environment for a flatbed trailer carrying pallets that must be loaded and unloaded by forklift trucks. Each pair of carrier stanchions also supports a motor that can be operated to raise and to lower, as desired, one of the pair of barrier platforms that in the lowered position provides fall protection for the forklift trucks that service the flatbed trailer. Each barrier platform includes a forklift rub rail and carriages that are configured to cooperate with the carrier stanchions to resiliently absorb impacts from collisions with the forklift.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tower for a wind power installation. The tower comprises a wall extending from a foundation in an upwards direction towards a nacelle and defines an enclosed space. Furthermore, the tower comprises a safety blanket which is distended across the tower interior along an inner surface of the wall to thereby split the enclosed space into an upper compartment above the blanket and a lower compartment below the blanket. The safety blanket is flexible.

Abstract: A suspension work platform hoist system having a variable acceleration motor control system and a tilt control system. The tilt control system includes at least one tilt sensor to sense a tilt angle of the work platform and generate a tilt signal. A tilt controller receives the tilt signal and generates a speed control signal, which is used by the variable acceleration motor control system to control the operation of the hoist motors to maintain a tilt angle setpoint as the work platform is raised and lowered. The tilt control system may include a settling mode having a settling tilt angle setpoint, wherein the settling mode prevents the work platform from being raised or lowered until the tilt angle of the work platform reaches the settling tilt angle setpoint.

Abstract: A lifting system for raising and lowering objects to and from a storage or holding area, having a support and drive assembly which raises and lowers a platform assembly having an lifting platform for holding objects and preferably a closure platform for closing an opening of a ceiling portal through which the object is raised and lowered on the platform 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: 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: A portable elevator climbing system removably attachable to a cantilevered overhang on an adjacent structure, whereby an elevator car travels up and down a plurality of roller chains. The roller chains are engaged with sprockets and guide rollers attached to an axle driven by a motor. The orientation and alignment of the sprockets, guide rollers and roller chains provide for a stable elevator car and for a system free of backlash in both directions. The elevator climbing system includes a dampening assembly to control the rate of decent in the event of transmission, motor or other failure. The elevator climbing system may be controlled so that the start and stop of the motor is coordinated with the release and application of a braking assembly. The efficiency of the elevator climbing system may be varied by adjusting the offset between the sprockets and the guide rollers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a self-elevating platform lift for moving objects between a first level and a vertically-elevated second level is provided. The platform lift comprises: (A) a platform for supporting the objects; (B) a plurality of lift lines for connection at the second level and for moving the platform; and (C) a motor connected to move with the platform and wherein the motor operably is connected to the lift lines for moving the platform between the first and second levels while being supported by the lift lines.

Abstract: A storage facility has a frame having a pair of first and second opposed parallel spaced apart elongated frame elements. The frame members each include means for attaching the frame to a horizontal ceiling. A cable support element is positioned at each end of each frame member. An elongated rotatable shaft has a first end connected to an intermediate location on the first frame member, and a second end connected to an intermediate location on the first frame member. A drive mechanism is connected to the shaft to control the rotational position of the shaft. A number of cable portions each have a first end secured to a respective end portion of the shaft. Each cable portion has an intermediate portion received by a respective cable support member, and a free end extending downwardly from the support member. A platform is connected to and supported by the free ends of the cables, and operates to elevate or lower in response to rotation of the shaft by the drive mechanism.

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: 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: An elevator is described, comprising a first series connected pulley set installed in a fixing frame, a carriage located below the first series connected pulley set, a second series connected pulley set installed on the top of the carriage, a rotary wheel installed in the carriage and a steel rope. The steel rope connects the first series connected pulley set, the second series connected pulley set and the rotary wheel, so that the gravity load of one pulley set can belowered to decrease the pulling force of the steel rope to enhance the safety of the elevator.

Abstract: An exterior emergency escape system for use on a multi-storied building that includes an escape module for holding people escaping from the multi-storied building and for moving along the exterior of the multi-storied building, cables for suspending the escape module from the cornice of the roof, and apparatus for moving the escape module vertically along the exterior of the multi-storied building. In one embodiment, the apparatus is attached to the cornice of the building, and in another embodiment, the apparatus is attached to the escape module.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking sheets has a frame defining a stacking station, a conveyor for delivering the sheets continuously one after the other at a predetermined upper level in a transport direction to the station, a platform vertically displaceable in the stacking station between the upper level and the lower level, and a drive for displacing the platform vertically. Stops are provided on the frame at an intermediate level below the upper level, above the lower level, and slightly above a stack of maximum height supported on the platform with the platform at the lower level. A walkway is vertically displaceable on the frame immediately downstream of the stacking station between an upper position generally at the upper level and a lower position at the intermediate level. The platform is engageable underneath the walkway for raising the walkway from the intermediate level to the upper level on movement of the platform upward past the intermediate level to the upper level.

Abstract: A passenger lift (10) is provided for loading a passenger (12) into and out of an aircraft (14). Lift (10) includes a chassis (38) having a front (34) end and a back (36) end. A plurality of wheels (62 and 63) are attached to the chassis (38) providing means for moving the lift (10). The lift (10) also includes an electrical energy source (70) for providing electrical energy, and an energy converter (104) for translating the electrical energy from the electrical energy source (70) to mechanical energy. The lift (10) includes a rear support (40) generally perpendicular to the chassis (38) and attached to the back end of the chassis (38). The lift (10) has a basket (48) for holding the passenger (12) while the passenger is raised and lowered with the lift (10) and (48) is located at the front end of the chassis (38). The lift (10) includes a pair of lift arms (44) for lifting the basket (48), and a pair of stabilizing arms (42) for providing stability to the basket (48).

Abstract: A passenger lift (10) is provided for loading a passenger (12) into and out of an aircraft (14). Lift (10) includes a chassis (38) having a front (34) end and a back (36) end. A plurality of wheels (62 and 63) are attached to the chassis (38) providing devices for moving the lift (10). The lift (10) also includes an electrical energy source (70) for providing electrical energy, and an energy converter (104) for translating the electrical energy from the electrical energy source (70) to mechanical energy. The lift (10) includes a rear support (40) generally perpendicular to the chassis (38) and attached to the back end of the chassis (38). The lift (10) has a basket (48) for holding the passenger (12) while the passenger is raised and lowered with the lift (10) and (48) is located at the front end of the chassis (38). The lift (10) includes a pair of lift arms (44) for lifting the basket (48), and a pair of stabilizing arms (42) for providing stability to the basket (48).

Abstract: This invention relates to the automatic control of work platforms and in particular to a circuit means that provides a safe operation and automatic relevelling of a work platform that is being raised and lowered by electrically powered hoists. Angle sense means are used to detect out of level orientations of the platform either along the longitudinal or transverse axis of the platform. When the angle sense means signals are interpreted by the circuit means appropriate hoist control signals stop the travel of the platform for a pre-determined period, control the hoists to bring the lowest portion of the platform up into a substantially level position, stop the travel of the platform for a pre-determined period and recommence the direction of travel of the platform.

Abstract: A security unit for a hanging stage scaffolding motorized by two electric winches of which each is supplied through a control circuit, said stage having a platform or gondola directly or indirectly suspended by two lugs pivotally mounted on each of said winches, respectively, characterized in that each lug carries a pin adapted to penetrate a slit in a slide to move towards the left or right said slide according to the default of the gondola to the horizontal, the displacement of said slide being adapted to bring it in contact with the opening thereof.

Abstract: An access structure such as a petroleum products loading platform which includes a vertically moving work platform having guides restrained with a plurality of vertical support members to vertically guide the platform along the support members. A plurality of lifting elements are respectively connected to each of the support members and to the platform to vertically move the platform along each of the support members. A common actuatable power arrangement is connected to each of the lifting elements to cause the lifting elements to vertically move the platform a prescribed distance along each of the support members responsive to each actuation of the power arrangement. Each of the lifting elements may be a hoisting drum and cable arrangement which is vertically moveable responsive to rotation of the hoisting drum to reel in or pay out the cable.

Abstract: A carriage has pulleys adjacent opposite ends thereof for riding on a pair of line cables which have obstructions thereon, such as hangers and spacers. The carriage has brakes associated therewith for engaging the line cables. These brakes are such that they permit the carriage to move in one direction but automatically grip the line cables when the carriage moves in the opposite direction. These brakes are releasable to allow the carriage to be moved in either direction. Lifting apparatus is provided for each end of the carriage in the form of hooks that can be placed on the line cables and lifter lines extending between the hooks and the carriage. The lifter cables are connected to a foot pedal in the carriage which can be manipulated to transfer the weight of the adjacent end of the carriage through the hooks to the line cables thereby allowing the pulleys at that end of the carriage to be lifted off the line cables and shifted around an obstruction thereon.

Abstract: Fire rescue equipment for mounting on the roof of a building which includes a boom which is rotatably mounted on the roof for swinging movement over the edge of the roof and on which boom there is a pulley with a cable which is raised and lowered toward ground level and which carries a basket which is connected to the cable and a guide is provided in the form of a tie line which is connected to the cable to guide the basket away from and toward the building so that the basket may be pulled outwardly from the building by a truck at ground level.

Abstract: An arrangement for assisting access to a high rise building in the event of fire within the building in which chains are secured to a movable frame so that when the apparatus is in an extended position, the chains hang well away from the face of the building, and a cabin can engage the chains which can be held stabilized by downward tension, and the cabin being self-climbing, can provide the said access to the building.