Abstract: Various lifting systems are described that use one or more of the following features. A method for setting an adjustable height upper pulley on a tall structure; load transfer from a suspended load to a tall structure; fan-based stabilizer; stabilizer or horizontal load position control mechanism using a closed loop of cable and traction winch for a crane application; crane-based lifting system that uses a closed loop of lifting cable looped around a traction winch; and a stabilizer or horizontal load position control mechanism that does not need a closed loop of cable. Other embodiments are also described and claims. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fall protection system for use when working on an elevated structure. The system includes an anchor rope which is securable on opposite sides of the elevated structure so that the anchor rope extends from one side of the structure to the opposite side of the structure. A safety rope, which is connectable to the anchor rope and to a harness worn by a user, is also provided. The system further includes a rope length adjustment device which is connectable to the safety rope and adapted to allow the safety rope to pass therethrough so that the effective length of safety rope extending between the rope length adjustment device and the anchor rope can be adjusted up to a certain length determined by the user in order to define a safe working area. The anchor rope may be connected to anchor points on the structure by means of belay-fall arrest-descending devices which allows a user to be lowered in a controlled manner down to ground level in the event of a fall occurring.

Abstract: An aerial work platform supported by a riser boom, a telescoping main boom, and a jib boom. Boom movement may be controlled by a platform control module or a ground control module connected to a controller by a controller area network (CAN). Movement of the platform and the jib boom are limited to a predefined envelope. If an operator attempts to move the platform outside the envelope, the controller automatically retracts the telescoping boom section or automatically levels the jib boom section in order to maintain the platform within the acceptable envelope. Boom section select switches permit the operator to select and move sequentially or simultaneously in different directions. Timers which are part of the system include various interlocks to accomplish safety and power saver features.

Abstract: A support platform for vehicles having a hanger frame that fits over and is supported by the upper portion of a vehicle wheel and a supported platform carried by the hanger frame and foldable with respect to the frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and equipment for fire fighting and rescue in conjunction with high rise buildings. A balloon having a capacity for lifting objects is coupled with a gondola for transporting people and equipment to and from an elevated location. The balloon is movable vertically relative to the gondola so that the balloon may be positioned out of the way once the gondola reaches a desired working height. Also, the balloon is compartmentalized so that, if one or more compartments become deflated, the remaining compartments will have sufficient lifting capacity to hold the gondola and its cargo. Elevator means on the gondola is provided for raising and lowering people and equipment to and from the ground so that the gondola and balloon need not be raised and lowered on a continual basis. A water gun and harpoon gun disposed on the gondola along with other necessary fire fighting equipment provide for complete fire fighting and rescue from the elevated location.

Abstract: A life rescue evacuation unit is provided to effect recovery of persons or property imperiled by fires, earthquakes and other emergencies. One embodiment comprises a portable apparatus to be employed at a location remote from the danger. A rescue chute is projected over to the trapped people whereby they may slide to safety. Another embodiment provides for the rescue chute to be associated with the imperiled structure. The chute is projected to a safe, remote area to allow people to slide down the chute and out of danger.

Abstract: A tree-climbing kit comprises basically a piece of rope whose central portion has a plurality of closely spaced rings or loops fixed thereto or formed therein, and a pair of stirrups supported from hooks engageable alternately and sequentially in the rings or loops when the rope is double-hung from a tree limb and its ends are securely tied to the tree trunk. The kit also desirably includes a safety belt, and a spool-carried light-gauge pilot line with an end-attached weight for throwing and pulling over the tree limb over which the rope is to be pulled by the line.

Abstract: Rescue apparatus is disclosed comprising a projectile launched from a launching tube, one end of the projectile having grappling hook members projecting therefrom, the opposite end of the projectile having fins for stabilizing the projectile in flight and a pully mounted intermediate the ends for receiving a rope which is payed out from two storage containers separated a sufficient distance so that the rope does not entangle with the fins of the projectile when the projectile is in flight. Once the grappling hook is set in an area where a rescue is to be attempted such as the roof of a building, the rope may be employed to raise a ladder to that point where the grappling hook is secured. A winch is also provided for assisting in either raising the rope or other apparatus needed in the rescue operation.