Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a handrail or support assembly for a stairway. More particularly, this disclosure describes a slidable holder or carrier automatically movable along the length of the handrail or support assembly to lift or carry objects for a user from one end of the stairway to another. In one illustrative embodiment, the assembly may include a handrail or support attached to a wall. A trolley assembly may be placed within the handrail or support and slidable along the length the handrail or support. An arm or extension may be coupled to the trolley assembly and connected to a carrier or holder. An actuator may slide or move the trolley assembly up and down the handrail or support assembly. Through the system described above, cargo may be lifted from one level to another level automatically.

Abstract: A descent control device for controlling rotational motion of an object includes: at least one drive assembly for rotationally engaging the rotating object; a first substantially planar ferromagnetic moving element in rotationally locked engagement with at least one drive assembly and comprising at least one recess formed in a surface thereof having at least one magnet fixedly disposed therein; a second substantially planar ferromagnetic moving element in rotationally locked engagement with at least one drive assembly, and comprising at least one recess formed in a surface thereof having at least one magnet fixedly disposed therein; and at least one conducting plate disposed proximate the first and second moving elements. A magnetic field may be induced by rotational movement of the first or second moving element relative to at least one conducting plate in a direction to oppose acceleration of at least one drive assembly as it rotationally engages the object.

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 suspending and moving device has a longitudinal rail, a sliding bracket, at least one vertical rail bracket, a vertical rail positioning device and a movable basket. The longitudinal rail is mounted on a wallboard. The sliding bracket is mounted slidably on the longitudinal rail. The vertical rail is suspended downward from the sliding bracket. The vertical rail positioning device keeps the vertical rail at a distance from the wallboard. The movable basket is mounted slidably on the vertical rail, whereby the movable basket is capable of moving vertically or transversely so that maintenance workers are carried by the movable basket to move or a brush mechanism is mounted on the movable basket to clean the wallboard.

Abstract: Method for accessing the outer surface of wind turbine towers comprising the following steps: attaching an external peripheral rail on the outer surface of the tower; making an orifice above said rail; arranging a working platform on the base of the tower; inserting a cable reel in the orifice; raising the platform by driving the cable reel until it is near the peripheral rail; arranging means for suspension and horizontal displacement on the horizontal rail; connecting the platform to said means for suspension and horizontal displacement and displacing the platform as needed.

Abstract: A climb assist system is disclosed that dynamically adjust the rate and level of assist of a climber as the climber needs may change over the period of traverse of the ladder. A sensor detects the state of a person, such as the load exerted by the climber on a ladder exerts on an assist rope, to provide an upward support force on the climber to compensate the climber's weight. Additionally, a sender is provided to transmit the load data to a receiver and a receiver to receive the data from the sender. A controller interprets the received data and thereafter provides control through a controlled motor and drive to provide energy to the assist rope.

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 magnetic descent control device is disclosed. The device comprises an input shaft affixed to a rotating driven sheave acting as a drive assembly, which grips a cable guiding the descent path of a body carrying cage. The input shaft has a shoulder upon which rests a rotor. The rotor is encased within a front and back enclosure of conductive material. Disposed along at least one surface of the rotor and/or at least one of the conductors, is a series of magnets such that rotation of the rotor relative to the conductors creates relative motion between the magnets' magnetic field and the conductor inducing eddy currents in the conductor that oppose the magnetic field creating a rotational braking force. As a result, very precise and/or controllable descent may be obtained over a broad range of descent angles and/or distances with little or no mechanical wear or risk of overheating. Preferably, the sheave gripping the cable may have a circumferential groove to better improve traction and grip of the cable.

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: An evacuation system for a building including at least one vertical transporter including multiple platforms arranged for selectable communication with multiple floors of the building for loading of persons onto the multiple platforms and at least one building mounted stabilizing element cooperating with the transporter for stabilizing the transporter against lateral forces.

Abstract: An evacuation system for a building including at least one selectably lowerable, collapsible, generally vertical transporter arranged for selectable communication with at least one floor of a building and a controller for selectably lowering at least one platform of the transporter from the at least one floor to a level at which egress of persons may safely occur.

Abstract: A climb assist system is disclosed that dynamically adjust the rate and level of assist of a climber as the climber needs may change over the period of traverse of the ladder. A sensor detects the state of a person, such as the load exerted by the climber on a ladder exerts on an assist rope, to provided an upward support force on the climber to compensate the climber's weight. Additionally, a sender is provided to transmit the load data to a receiver and a receiver to receive the data from the sender. A controller interprets the received data and thereafter provides control through a controlled motor and drive to provide energy to the assist rope.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus which supports a user who is building back and leg muscles. This invention includes at least a track, a truck designed to run along the track and a sling for suspending a user from the truck. The track is of a design adapted to be secured to a ceiling joist. The truck of a size which is capable of supporting the weight of a user and of withstanding any forces which a user may impose upon the truck.

Abstract: The present invention is a powered lift platform including a platform, at least one guide rail section in operative contact with the platform, each of the at least one guide rail sections comprising at least one guide rail and in which a first end of each of the guide rail sections is configured to removably attach to a second end of a second guide rail section. The invention also includes a lift mechanism supported by the platform, a lift guide in operative contact with the lift mechanism and attached to the upper portion of the upper guide rail, a power supply to operate the lift mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, at least one wheel is operatively attached to the powered lift platform. Also presented is a method for securing the powered lift platform to a columnar-like support. Also presented is an extendable standoff.

Abstract: A movable platform system for performing workover tasks on a wellhead includes a platform base with a base wellhead access gap at its front end. At least one track is fixed to the upper surface of the platform base and extends from the rear of the platform base to a position near the rearward edge of the base wellhead access gap. A platform support frame with a wellhead access gap at its front end is coupled to the track and configured for movement along the length of the track. An upper platform is connected to the platform support frame and also has a platform wellhead access gap at its front end. The three wellhead access gaps at the three levels of the platform system are substantially aligned when the movable platform support frame is disposed and locked in the working position above the wellhead. Workers on the upper platform have access to equipment surrounding the wellhead.

Abstract: For a generally vertical or curved structure, such as a ladder, tower, wall, or pole, which is equipped with a generally vertical or curved rail, a fall-arresting mechanism comprises an upper plate and a lower plate. Each plate has an aperture, through which the generally vertical rail extends. The mechanism further comprises an elongate, linking member, such as a strap, which is connected to one of the upper and lower plates. The upper and lower plates are linked, by a parallelogram linkage on each of two sides, so that the upper plate is pressed against the rail, in a given direction, while the lower plate is pressed against the rail, in an opposite direction, when the elongate, linking member is pulled downwardly or downwardly and away from the rail. The upper and lower plates are biased in the indicated directions. The mechanism further comprises a friction-enhancing wheel, which is biased against the rail.

Abstract: A device supported by a ground surface and a structure for at least one of elevating and descending a user. The device includes a first guide rail having a first channel extending along a length thereof and a second guide rail having a second channel extending along the length thereof. At least one connector connects the first guide rail with the second guide rail at a predetermined location along a length thereof so that said first channel and said second channel face inwards towards each other. A platform for supporting the user having a predetermined amount of weight is connected within each of the first and second channels and between the first guide rail and second guide rail. The device further includes means for moving the platform along the length of each of the first channel and the second channel.

Abstract: A system for people with limited mobility or with elevated risk of falling. Embodiments of the invention include internal walls that do not extend to the ceiling, a track system, a joist which is able to move on the track system, a carriage which is able to move on the joist and a harness tethered to the carriage. Other embodiments of the invention include a track system which is able to move on the track system, a carriage able to move on the joist and a harness, which is configured for an ambulatory user, tethered to the carriage. Some embodiments include a system that can automatically trigger an alert notification if the tension on the tether remains high beyond a particular time. In some embodiments, the joist is an open web joist.

Abstract: The elevating device of the present invention is comprised of first, second, and third dovetail members that are interlockingly engaged. First dovetail member is secured to an object or an independent surface such as a tree or a ladder. First and second dovetail members are stationary and third dovetail member is moveable. Slide bars are secured to third dovetail member. Slide bars slidably engage a guide track. There is a gear that engages slots in the second dovetail member elevating third dovetail member as the slide bars slidably engage the guide track. There is a platform for holding people or objects that is secured to third dovetail member. As the gear rotates and elevates third dovetail member, the platform secured thereto is also elevated.

Abstract: The methodology and advantages that are provided in the present invention are intended to provide assistance to fire fighters and other emergency care-givers with life saving tools during fires and other smoke related emergencies that render fire and smoke victims helpless and trapped inside of high-rise buildings. The exterior fire resistance elevator system, having several specialized component devices that are adapted for lifting and rotating the elevator in a vertical and horizontal directions. The elevator is also capable of moving in tandem in a vertical and horizontally direction as directed by an elevator operator or by an operator having location in a central station that is at ground level or near the building.

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: An elevator system for traveling on a rail attached to the outside of a high-rise building. One elevator having a telescoping arm attached for reaching any position on or above the building. A platform or cabin attached to the telescoping arm can deliver materials to the building while under construction and thereafter be used for building maintenance such as window washing. The movable platform adjacent a building can take the place of scaffolding for a safer work environment. The telescoping arm may have various attachments for different functions such as for rescuing people trapped in a high-rise during a fire or for positioning fire fighters and hoses or fire fighting equipment next to a fire. The elevators may be raised and lowered by motors connected to cables or under their own power.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing escape of many persons from a multistory building over a short period of time. The method and system include strategic placement and use of anchor points and components in conjunction with escape kits or devices so as to allow increased efficiency and safety of escape from the building for a plurality of persons in a coordinated manner, including escape of multiple escapees simultaneously or near simultaneously. The system and method include determining a strategic escape plan and configuration that incorporates consideration of building features, including features possibly interfering with escape routes, and three dimensional aspects of both building characteristics and anchor and escape kit and device features.

Abstract: An elevator system for traveling on a rail attached to the outside of a high-rise building. One elevator has a telescopic arm attached for reaching any position on or above the building. The telescopic arm consists of two parts, which are interconnected with a pivoting mechanism. The telescopic arm has a pivot at its end attached to a cramp, by a vertical rotating mechanism. The cramp is pivoted to an outside platform with a barrier, a cabin is hung from the platform and can make a full rotation. The elevator portion has a passenger compartment with sliding doors and a vertical aperture with a staircase connecting with an autonomous rescue elevator.

Abstract: An elevator for traveling on a rail attached to the outside of a high-rise building supports a telescoping arm for reaching any position on or above the building. A platform attached to the telescoping arm can deliver materials to the building while under construction and thereafter be used for building maintenance such as window washing. The movable platform adjacent a building can take the place of scaffolding for a safer work environment. The telescoping arm may have various attachments for different functions including a cabin for rescuing people trapped in a high-rise during a fire or for positioning fire fighters and hoses or fire fighting equipment next to a fire.

Abstract: A rapid escape system for buildings including at least one ride unit for a corresponding at least one building occupant to exit via an elevator-type shaft or tube or down the outside of a building at a rapid, predetermined and substantially constant descent velocity. The system includes a lightweight tuned open frame AC linear electromagnetic power generator with one active half fixed to a backpack/ride on which a person or other object/load can be securely fastened, the other active half fixed top to bottom to a tall structure. When coupled magnetically via the air gap and moving they form a tuned AC permanent magnet linear electro-magnetic generator.

Abstract: An apparatus for evacuating people from a high building in emergency includes a car member, a pivotal arm disposed on a top floor of a building, first and second motors disposed on the top floor and controllable with control units, and first, second and third steel ropes. The first rope is connected to the first motor at one end, and is passed over first and second pulleys fitted to the arm and joined to the car member at the other end. The second and the third ropes are connected to the second motor at first ends, respectively passed over third and fourth pulleys fitted to the arm, and passed through respective pairs of guiding rings of the car member and secured to the ground at second ends so that movement the car member is made stable and smooth by the second and the third ropes.

Abstract: A device for rescuing persons and objects from buildings has at least one rescue element that is a rescue rope to be anchored to the ground. A retaining element of a rescue device can be attached to the rescue rope. A winding device for winding the rescue rope thereon is provided. A deflection unit is attached to the rescue rope and has an axle. At least one driving gear is fixedly attached to the axle of the deflection unit for common rotation, and the rescue rope is redirected by 180° by the deflection unit.

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

Abstract: A system adapted for use in evacuating a building includes a track assembly mounted to an exterior wall of the building. More particularly, the track assembly extends vertically along the exterior wall so as to be accessible by a user from the building. The track assembly is designed to permit the user to descend along the track assembly at a predetermined speed when the user is engaged to the track assembly through an engaging mechanism.

Abstract: A carrying track for a building, which includes a building including a plurality of floors, a track extending from a lower floor of the building to a floor above the lower floor, the track structurally forming part of the floors and part of an outside surface of the building, wherein the track includes two vertical halves with a gap formed between, the gap being exposed to the outside surface of the building and extending inwards from the outside surface.

Abstract: A movable safety tunnel rides on parapets within a bridge. The safety tunnel is locked in place in a respective section of the bridge while maintenance or other operations are performed on that section of the bridge. This allows the traffic to flow through the safety tunnel and along the bridge, and the safety tunnel shields the traffic from any dust or debris. When the maintenance on that respective section of the bridge has been completed, the safety tunnel is unlocked and pushed (and/or pulled) by suitable equipment to the next adjacent section of the bridge; and the safety tunnel is again locked in place as the maintenance is performed. This procedure continues, progressively, along the bridge. In one embodiment, the safety tunnel has a trolley system riding on respective rails constructed on top of the parapets.

Abstract: A method of erecting the shell of an aboveground storage tank involves erection of the first shell ring; erecting the second and higher shell rings by using a mobile man lift to provide access for the construction personnel to the shell plates being erected; and anchoring the structure to reduce the risk of blow-ins from ambient wind.

Abstract: A movable safety tunnel rides on parapets within a bridge. The safety tunnel is locked in place in a respective section of the bridge while maintenance or other operations are performed on that section of the bridge. This allows the traffic to flow through the safety tunnel and along the bridge, and the safety tunnel shields the traffic from any dust or debris. When the maintenance on that respective section of the bridge has been completed, the safety tunnel is unlocked and pushed (and/or pulled) by suitable equipment to the next adjacent section of the bridge; and the safety tunnel is again locked in place as the maintenance is performed. This procedure continues, progressively, along the bridge. In one embodiment, the safety tunnel has a trolley system riding on respective rails constructed on top of the parapets.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment of a davit mount for holding a scaffolding over the side of a building attaches directly to a structural column of the building, and eliminates the need for both a safety anchor located atop and within the roof inwardly from the roof edge, and a safety line extending back to that safety anchor. Because of the indicated apparatus, the structural integrity of the roof surface need not be compromised in order to install that safety anchor, and secondly no safety line remains extended over any portion of the roof so as to constitute a safety hazard.

Abstract: A trampoline including a trampoline mat, a frame surrounding the trampoline mat, and an attachment system for connecting the frame to the trampoline mat. The attachment system includes a plurality of elastic straps connected to the periphery of the trampoline mat and a plurality of connectors for connecting the elastic straps to the frame.

Abstract: Rescue apparatus including a track mounted vertically on an outside surface of a building, a pulley mounted on the building above the track, a non-rescue-grade guide cable arranged for moving along the track, an upper end of the guide cable engaging the pulley, and release apparatus for arresting downward movement of the upper end of the guide cable and for selectively releasing the upper end of the guide cable so as to permit downward movement of the upper end of the guide cable.

Abstract: A new suspended work platform for providing a platform for working on projects that can be raised out of the way when not in use. The inventive device includes a support structure, a platform member, and a suspension structure for suspending the platform member from the support structure. The suspension structure includes a vertical adjustment member, a translational adjustment member, and a turret member to allow adjustment of the vertical position, the horizontal translational position, and the horizontal orientation of the platform member in relation to the support structure.

Abstract: A suspension support device provided movably on the upper surface of a building for suspending, by means of ropes, an outer wall working machine having fitting and moving members which can be fittedly engaged in a pair of guide grooves formed vertically on an outer wall surface of the building, and lowering and lifting the outer wall working machine along the guide grooves includes a main body comprising a movable base capable of moving on the upper surface of the building, a rotary body provided on the movable base rotatably about a vertical first axis and a winding device for taking up and feeding out the ropes, a pivotable arm supported on the main body pivotably about a vertical second axis, and a holding unit provided on the foremost end portion of the pivotable arm rotatably about a vertical third axis and including a pair of holding guide members provided at an interval equal to an interval of the pair of guide grooves and capable of receiving the fitting and moving members.

Abstract: A push up expansion floor for providing a work floor is adjustable and mounted on vertical square shafts. The floor can move up and down on the shafts, can be locked in place on the shafts, and has adjustable extension members for increasing floor area above vertical shafts. The floor is moved up and down on the vertical shafts by means of a wire rope and is locked in place by means of bolts. Rising above the moving work floor is an expansion floor. The expansion floor raises up on the vertical shaft 17 while the moving work floor rolls on rollers at the bottom of separate floor supports.

Abstract: A device for vertical as well as horizontal snapling along and across an exterior surface of a structure such as a building comprising a substantially horizontal guiding member being secured onto the edge of the roof of the structure, a horizontally translating first pulley being translatably attached to the guiding member, the first pulley being horizontally translatable relative to the guiding member, the first pulley including a first attachment and, a snapling equipment attached to the first attachment of the first pulley.

Abstract: An escape assembly has two rows of parallel slide frames positioned on an outer wall. A curved slip frame connects to a last slide frame of each row of parallel slide frames. A slide rail connects to each slide frame. Each slide frames has an H-shaped middle frame connecting to two U-shaped side frames. A slide way is formed in the middle frame. A slide passage is formed between two side frames. The middle frame has two positioning plates. Each side frame has spaced retarding blocks therein. The side frame has a notch thereon. One end of the slide rail is fastened on the side frame. The escape device has a transverse rod, two triangular blocks, two wheels, two parallel longitudinal belts, two loops and a transverse belt with a fastening device thereon. Each end of the transverse rod has a wheel abutting a triangular block. Two rings are disposed beneath the transverse rod. Each ring connects to a longitudinal belt. A loop is disposed at an end of each longitudinal belt.

Abstract: A work station is disclosed comprising: an envelope (20) having a top section (30), a bottom section (31), first (32) and second (33) end sections, and first (34) and second (35) side sections to shelter workers and to contain debris, each section being suspended between a supply means and a take-up means on a plurality of support means (63) about a structure that are mounted in a first motive means (21) on the structure to permit the envelope to be repositioned from time to time, scaffolding means (80-81) suspended by cables on a second motive means to permit a vertical degree of freedom and on a third motive means on a transverse beam (84) for a lateral degree of freedom, each beam being mounted on a fourth motive means on the support means to permit a longitudinal degree of freedom of movement.

Abstract: A portable hoist system suitable for mounting to a pair of rails includes a vertical support, an inclined boom connected to the vertical support and a hoist secured to the boom. Clamping members are provided at the lower ends of the vertical support and the boom for detachably mounting to the rails. The hoist system is preferably foldable for transport or storage purposes.

Abstract: A displaceable working apparatus provided with a platform having an extensible boom and being displaced on a guide rail is disclosed. The apparatus has a main frame secured to a main support which is movably secured to the guide rail and a main stabilizing mechanism for immovably securing the main frame to the adjacent roof surface. An extensible boom having a working free end which is equipped with a working element and is pivotally secured to a rotating support base positioned under the main frame. The boom is rotatable on the rotating support base and is angularly positionable with respect to the rotating support base. A drive is mounted on the frame to displace the platform along the guide rail.

Abstract: A device for displacing a gondola in the vertical and horizontal direction alongside a building has a guide rail with a first and a second end connected to the building. A carriage is slidably connected to the guide rail. A gondola is connected to the carriage so as to be vertically displaceable relative to the carriage and horizontally displaceable parallel with the carriage. A first drive unit is operatively connected to the gondola and has a first pulling member movable so as to be retractable into and releasable from the first drive unit for displacing the gondola. A second drive unit is operatively connected to the gondola and has a second pulling member movable so as to be retractable into and releasable from the second drive unit for displacing the gondola.

Abstract: A movable support device for supporting a window-washer along a side wall of a building for cleaning windows. The device has a foldable framework that can be folded into a compact position for ease of handling and transport, and includes a pair of adjustable legs that engage and roll along the building side wall for mounting the mobile support device thereon. The device further includes wall engaging wheels that engage the upper surface of the parapet of the wall and are driven by a drive means remotely actuatable by a worker suspended from the device. The device is movable laterally along the upper surface of the parapet of the wall as necessary by the worker for cleaning windows across the face of the building.

Abstract: A device for suspending a working cage includes an arm, a swivel arm mounted rotatably horizontally to the end portion of the arm, a first sheave mounted rotatably horizontally to the arm at a location behind the end portion to which the swivel arm is mounted, and a second sheave mounted rotatably horizontally to the swivel arm in front of the center of rotation of the swivel arm. The first and second sheaves have the same diameter and are formed with at least two vertically arranged wire rope engaging grooves. At least two wire ropes fed from a winding device and attached to a working cage through these sheaves cross each other between the first sheave and the second sheave. The distance between the center of rotation of the swivel arm and the center of rotation of the first sheave is determined to be equal to the distance between the center of rotation of the swivel arm and the center of rotation of the second sheave.

Abstract: A working gondola which carries a worker for cleaning e.g. glass windows of a building structure, has two powered winches for winding and unwinding two ropes respectively for up-, down-, left-, and rightward movement of its gondola, whereby cleaning of an extended area can be conducted with efficiency.

Abstract: Device and method for transporting and distributing materials and/or equipment at the periphery of a building by using a carrier structure similar to a scaffolding or to a working or circulation walkway filled with a parapet including a carriage having at least one sliding or rolling member connecting the carriage to at least one longitudinal solid element of the parapet said connection transmitting to the parapet at least the resulting efforts equivalent to the horizontal component of the force diagram of a device.