Abstract: A method for erecting a platform is presented. The method includes providing a selectively liftable platform mechanism wherein the platform mechanism generally includes a platform, a trailer, at least one support bar, and a ladder. The at least one support bar and the ladder provide structural support for the platform when the platform is raised above the trailer. The at least one support bar has a proximal end pivotally connected to a first end of the trailer, and a distal end pivotally connected to the platform. The ladder has a distal end pivotally connected to the platform, and a proximal end pivotally and slidably connected to the trailer. The proximal end of the ladder is movable along a longitudinal axis of the trailer in order to level the platform in its raised position. The platform mechanism also includes a cable operatively connected to the platform.

Abstract: A selectively liftable platform mechanism is first provided. The platform mechanism generally includes a trailer, a platform, and a support structure on the trailer for pivotally raising the platform from a lowered position to an elevated position. The support structure includes a ladder having a distal end pivotally connected to the platform and a proximal end pivotally and slidably connected to the trailer. The proximal end of the ladder is movable along the longitudinal axis of the trailer in order to level and stabilize the platform into a viewing position. A method for erecting a shooting house is also provided. The shooting house is positioned onto the liftable platform mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a vertically and horizontally-controlled, retractable aerial platform mountable on the bed of a vehicle for supporting a person or materials. The aerial platform includes a base, at least one support arm, a first support member, a second support member, a platform, and actuation means. The aerial platform may further include a collapsible frame. The aerial platform is vertically and horizontally-controlled, allowing a workman to adjust both the height and extension distance of the platform so that work functions can be readily performed. The aerial platform is portable, compact and suitable for use in a variety of commercial vehicles.

Abstract: A wheeled maintenance stand for aircraft has a worker platform elevated by a pair of double scissor linkages, which have track and follower connections with a mobile base frame and the worker platform. A staircase with self-leveling steps is connected to a laterally outer side of one of the double scissor linkages. A power unit supplies fluid power for propelling the stand, operating the scissor linkages and steering. The upper worker platform has left, right and center rolling sections. A manually operated brake is provides for each of the rolling sections. Electric power, compressed air and cooling air are supplied to the upper work platform.

Abstract: A vehicle-supported, portable scaffold system. The scaffold system includes a frame structure having a vertical tower and a base. The vertical tower operably supports a platform assembly vertically movable along a length of the vertical tower between a lowermost position and an uppermost position. An actuator is operably disposed to selectively move the platform assembly along the length of the vertical tower between the lower most position and the uppermost position. A vehicle mount is adapted to securely but removably attach the scaffold system to a vehicle, wherein during use, the vehicle remains attached to the scaffold system for stability.

Abstract: A collapsible telescoping platform apparatus readily mountable on and transported by a motorized vehicle and includes a platform for supporting the user on a tower that is extendible and retractable in a vertical direction to thereby raise and lower that user as desired by that user of the apparatus. The tower projects upwardly from a rigid base structure that detachably connects to a conventional vehicle mounted trailer hitch.

Abstract: A collapsible hunting stand for multi-terrain vehicles includes racks having connected tubes and support plates attached thereto and a frame having leg members with bottom ends disposed adjacent to the racks. The stand further includes a first plurality of cross braces defining steps and a second plurality of cross braces to maintain the frame at a stable position when adapted to a raised position. Locking flange portions are selectively spaced along the second plurality of cross braces and the leg members. A seat section is attached to the frame and an elastic strap traverses across the width of the frame for assisting to maintain the stand at a stable position during non-operating conditions. The stand further includes an elongated support rod attached to a tow ball of a vehicle.

Abstract: A pothole protection mechanism provides additional support for the vehicle in the event a wheel is driven into a hole while the platform is elevated. The mechanism includes an extendible and retractable pothole protection bar. A mechanism serves to actuate the pothole protection mechanism based on a position of the vehicle lifting section. The construction of the mechanism serves to prevent a crushing hazard while deploying the bar and tolerates fixed objects on the ground while raising the bar.

Abstract: A rapid assembly game blind transport trailer that breaks at pivot points in folding fashion and stands upright along with the attached game blind as a driver moves in reverse, and which allows rapid standing and easy separation or attachment of the blind and trailer unit.

Abstract: An all purpose utility vehicle supporting rescue efforts especially directed toward servicing disable airplanes being an entry tube having a cab section and a tail end section. Mechanisms are provided for inclining the tube so that the cab section is elevated to the level of an airliner permitting personnel to enter the lower end of the tube and walk up to the cab section and into the stricken airplane. A gangplank design for joining the cab section to the tail section provides that the floor of the cabin section is always horizontal regardless of inclination of the tail section.

Abstract: The present invention is an aircraft people lift system for use in combination with a movable elevated passenger walkway/bridge having an attached auxiliary access stairway and landing platform. The system includes a lifting portion which has a longitudinal base portion and a longitudinal elevating portion from which a personnel carrier platform is pivotally attached to a distal end of the longitudinal elevating portion. The longitudinal base portion is attached at its approximate distal end to a bogie wheel carriage frame structure of a passenger walkway/bridge. The lifting portion is capable of raising and lowering the personnel carrier platform such that the personnel carrier platform maintains a generally perpendicular relationship with the ground surface beneath the landing platform as it is being raised and lowered to and from the ground surface from and to an upper portion landing platform of the auxiliary access stairway.

Abstract: A mobile elevating hut product, which has a trailer, a platform, legs connecting the platform and the trailer, and a lifter for sequentially and repeatably moving the platform to and from a raised position. The trailer enables the product to be moved to different locations and set up with the platform in the raised position. The platform in the raised position is fully supported by the legs. The fully supported platform is resistant to accidental and unexpected lowering caused by transient events. The platform in the raised position provides an elevated lookout perch for work, recreation, and other purposes.

Abstract: A motorized scaffold for self-displacement on land is comprised of a support base mounted on a pair of traction belts. Jacks are provided to immobilize and level the support base at a desired location. A platform assembly is secured over the support base on extendable supports. Braces are secured between the support base and the platform assembly and are extendable with the movement of the platform assembly over the base whereby to maintain the platform assembly substantially stable during its displacement and at a stationary desired working elevation with respect to the support base. A displaceable worker support platform is secured to the platform assembly for supporting workers thereon.

Abstract: A portable scaffold moving device for connecting to scaffolding and which provides rotary motion to a drive wheel, to move scaffolding in select directions. The portable scaffold moving device includes a power wheel, rotary driven through a perpendicular or right-angled gear reduction, receiving its rotary force from a drive shaft, and the drive shaft couples with a portable drill, which furnishes the rotational force necessary for driving the drive shaft, and its associated drive wheel. The bracket mechanism supporting the portable drill supports the drill during its delivery of rotary force to the drive shaft, and its wheel, and likewise, pivotally mounts to an outer support sleeve or tube that furnishes steering, to the drive mechanism, and consequentially to the scaffolding, during its power movement.

Abstract: A trailer mounted deer stand including a vertical tower attached to the chassis of the trailer and a pivotally mounted blind rotatable from a lowered, travel position to an upright, operational position for observation at spectator events including hunting. The trailer includes an extended tongue, through the trailer chassis and rearward to clear the lowered blind and a coupling beam disposed in an upwardly open channel mounted on the tongue, the coupling bean at one end attachable to an immoveable object such as a tree and at the other end coupled to a lifting boom attached to the blind. Upon securing the coupling beam to the immoveable object, and moving the trailer forward and away from the immoveable object, the relative movement of the coupling beam on the tongue causes the lifting boom to move upwardly toward the blind whereby it may be moved to the upright position.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted system includes a platform that is attachable to a front and a rear of a vehicle. A main surface of the platform is located above the vehicle. One or more ramps are rotatably connected to the platform. Each of the ramps includes an extending portion located under a top surface of the ramp. A first hydraulic system is configured to incline the ramps relative to the main surface of the platform. A second hydraulic system is configured to extend the extending portions of the ramps.

Abstract: An aerial lift apparatus unit includes at least a lower boom pivotally interconnected to a transport unit for raising and lowering of the lower boom. An upper boom is pivotally connected to the outer end of the lower boom for raising and lowering of the upper boom with respect to the lower boom. A single integrated lifting and compensating cylinder unit includes an elongated cylinder with a piston and piston rod journaled in the one end and operable to extend outwardly therefrom. The cylinder defines a dual operating cylinder with a base end from which the piston rod extends and an inner base end extending from the base end and defining an upper boom/compensating unit. A hydraulic control system includes a first hydraulic gated control system for raising and positioning of the upper boom relative to the lower boom.

Abstract: A novel and unique user-friendly swivel-power scaffold mobilizing device that provides movement in any direction parallel to the ground and rotation about a vertical axis. The device may be removably secured to a conventional scaffold, providing to power the scaffolding device. The swivel-power scaffold mobilizing device of is designed and configured for use in places that are unsuitable for large, bulky power scaffolds, such as in hallways, office buildings, hospitals and the like.

Abstract: A lifter includes a beam tiltably secured on top of an elevator for supporting an object to be elevated. A base is secured on top of the elevator, and a seat secured to the beam and having one end rotatably secured to the base with a shaft. A bracket and a spring may resiliently support the shaft in the seat. A plate is secured on the seat, a board secured to the beam and rotatably secured on the plate, and a spring biased pin may position the board to the plate at the required angular position. One or more posts and arms may be attached to the beam for supporting the object.

Abstract: A portable tower apparatus, convertible between a lowered transport configuration and a raised observation configuration, useful for observing wildlife and hunting, comprising an elongate main member that functions as the main structural element of a trailer assembly when the apparatus in deployed in the lowered transport configuration, and the main structural element of a freestanding tower, when the apparatus is deployed in the raised observation configuration. The apparatus is deployed in the raised tower configuration by tipping the main member up, so that the base members, attached to one end thereof, rest on the ground, attaching the platform to the other end of the main member, and attaching the brace, which is also a ladder, to the platform.

Abstract: A mobile observation stand assembly includes a platform that may be in a lowered position for transport and an elevated position for use in a desired location. The assembly includes a base supported by a wheel and axle assembly, with an articulated anterior frame and an articulated posterior frame attached to the base. The posterior and anterior frames each include a basal frame and a principal frame that are jointed by a rollover lock joint that allows for pivotal movement. A leveraging cam is attached to the posterior frame, with the cam supporting the anterior frame during repositioning of the assembly.

Abstract: A maintenance cart for use in an aircraft interior is disclosed. The maintenance cart has a pair of maintenance platforms which are capable of being disposed within the maintenance cart. A linear track mechanism is coupled to the maintenance platform which allows for the deployment of the maintenance platforms within an aircraft. A pair of deployable steps are provided which allow maintenance personnel to move through the maintenance cart to the fore or aft of an aircraft.

Abstract: A self-elevating, wheeled, trailerable, collapsible and adjustable tree-stand having a stable and secure platform and collapsible rotating seat is provided. A vertical frame member supports the platform, seat, and upper and lower rectangular frames of adjustable depth, in parallel horizontal planes, which enclose and brace a tree to be climbed. The upper and lower rectangular frames support rollers which enable the stand to glide smoothly up and down the tree. A removable rear bar of each rectangular frame can be set at varying depths on the side bars of the frame to accommodate varying diameters of trees. The stand is elevated by retraction of a cable by a motorized winch mounted on the platform. The cable hooks onto an upper support belt member fastened around the tree. The upper support belt member includes a belt-cinching assembly and is positioned by the user at a point above his head but within his reach.

Abstract: A portable utility stand for use by hunters, wildlife photographers, security personnel, etc. attaches removably to a small, light weight off road vehicle (golf cart, all terrain vehicle, etc.). The stand essentially comprises a lower portion which is immovably affixed to the vehicle, and an upper portion which is pivotally attached to the upper rear of the lower portion and which folds forwardly for storage atop the lower portion of the stand on the vehicle. The upper portion of the stand includes an observation seat which is pivotally mounted to an upper platform to provide an observer with a 360 degree field of view. The seat is positioned essentially over the center of gravity of the vehicle when the stand is erected, and a pair of lateral braces is provided for additional stability and safety. A folding safety guard is also provided to surround a person seated atop the stand.

Abstract: A combination apparatus for vehicles with or without an open bed comprising an elevated viewing perch or observation stand with a seat, a luggage/personnel carrier/kayak carrier, a pontoon boat, a fishing platform, and a farm plow. The viewing perch can be mounted on an open bed vehicle such as ATV's, trucks or the like vehicles and have a ladder-type frame on rear wheels. The frame can be used as a utility trailer for hauling equipment, game or an injured person, and readily converted to an elevated position and used as a viewing or hunting stand. The apparatus can be raised to the elevated position by hand or by a winch, can serve as a tent shelter with bunk-type cots placed inside, and can be wired for lighting, energized by the vehicle's battery.

Abstract: A pruning vehicle having characteristics specifically utilizable in an orchard having rows of trees opposite each other. The vehicle is equipped with two platforms side by side which can be adjustably located vertically and horizontally in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the vehicle's motion. Each platform is controllable by an operator standing upon the platform through foot pedals incorporated thereon. Platforms are elevated above the vehicle by lifting structures designed to keep the platforms level to the ground at all times. The platforms are connected to a frame of the vehicle at a low slung central portion of the frame for added stability. Wheels of the vehicle are of a thin disc shape. Each wheel can slice through soft surfaces such as mud to attain a firm foundation for the pruning vehicle. Fins and teeth on the wheels provide added traction. Mud deflectors on the wheels prohibit mud from climbing up too high onto or bogging down the pruning vehicle.

Abstract: The mobile, elevating hut has a trailer, a platform, legs connecting the platform to the trailer, and a lifter which can move the platform between a lowered and a raised position where the legs support the platform.

Abstract: A portable device for connecting to scaffolding and which provides rotary motion to a drive wheel, to move scaffolding in select directions. The device includes a power wheel, rotary driven through a perpendicular or right-angled gear reduction, receiving its rotary force from a drive shaft, and the drive shaft couples with a portable drill, or other tool, that furnishes the rotational force necessary for driving the drive shaft, and its associated drive wheel. The bracket mechanism supporting the portable appliance supports the appliance during its delivery of rotary force to the drive shaft, and its wheel, and likewise, pivotally mounts to an outer support sleeve or tube that furnishes steering, to the drive mechanism, and consequently to the scaffolding, during its power movement.

Abstract: A maintenance cart for use in an aircraft interior is disclosed. The maintenance cart has a pair of maintenance platforms which are capable of being disposed within the maintenance cart. A linear track mechanism is coupled to the maintenance platform which allows for the deployment of the maintenance platforms within an aircraft. A pair of deployable steps are provided which allow maintenance personnel to move through the maintenance cart to the fore or aft of an aircraft.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted, retractable elevated hunting stand, especially but not exclusively suitable for deer hunting. The stand comprises a wheeled trailer, suitable for pulling behind a tow vehicle. The elevated stand is hingedly mounted on the trailer in a “jack-knife” configuration, with a main shaft mounted via a hinge to the trailer, and a platform atop the shaft. The platform is hinged to permit rotation for compact storage. A spring biases the shaft toward a vertical position. To use the stand, the shaft is rotated to the vertical position and the seating platform is rotated on its shaft mounting so as to be substantially horizontal when the shaft is vertical. The shaft is then locked in place. A ladder permits access to the elevated platform. The shaft telescopes for additional height if desired. The trailer permits hauling of an ATV when the stand is retracted.

Abstract: A combination apparatus for vehicles with or without an open bed comprising an elevated viewing perch or observation stand with a seat, a luggage/personnel carrier/kayak carrier, a pontoon boat, a fishing platform, and a farm plow. The viewing perch can be mounted on an open bed vehicle such as ATV's, trucks or the like vehicles and have a ladder-type frame on rear wheels. The frame can be used as a utility trailer for hauling equipment, game or an injured person, and readily converted to an elevated position and used as a viewing or hunting stand. The apparatus can be raised to the elevated position by hand or by a winch, can serve as a tent shelter with bunk-type cots placed inside, and can be wired for lighting, energized by the vehicle's battery.

Abstract: A hunting stand for elevating and supporting a hunter during a hunt is provided. The hunting stand features a collapsible and mobile lifting apparatus for raising a platform supporting persons and equipment to a desired height. In particular, the hunting stand can be easily transported by either towing the stand behind a vehicle or by mounting the stand on the roof of a vehicle. The lifting apparatus of the hunting stand is pneumatically or hydraulically powered. Because lifting cylinders are used to extend and collapse the collapsible frames, complex lifting mechanisms such as those requiring pulleys or gears are avoided. Further, the lifting apparatus is designed as a modular feature unit, so that it can be configured with more or fewer collapsible frames, depending on the desired height of the concealment enclosure. The hunting stand also allows the lifting apparatus to keep the concealment enclosure level as the concealment enclosure is raised and lowered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile hunting stand that may be easily transported and quickly deployed. The present invention provides a stand that may be easily erected by the hunter while remaining on the ground and that also distributes the weight of the hunter and the stand upon the ATV rack. A base assembly pivotally supports a ladder assembly that supports an uppermost platform assembly. The base assembly includes a frame coupled to a spacer that is securely attached to a tree. The spacer includes an elongated brace with a hollow receiver at one end and a bracket at the opposite end with a webbing that extends outwardly from the bracket to be secured about the tree to secure the brace thereto. The receiver is adapted to be coupled to a hitch extending from the base assembly frame. The base assembly frame comprises variably spaced apart members. The ladder assembly is coupled pivotally to the base during deployment.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted, retractable elevated hunting stand, especially but not exclusively suitable for deer hunting. The stand comprises a wheeled trailer, suitable for pulling behind a tow vehicle. The elevated stand is hingedly mounted on the trailer in a “jack-knife” configuration, with a main shaft mounted via a hinge to the trailer, and a platform atop the shaft. The platform is hinged to permit rotation for compact storage. A spring biases the shaft toward a vertical position. To use the stand, the shaft is rotated to the vertical position and the seating platform is rotated on its shaft mounting so as to be substantially horizontal when the shaft is vertical. The shaft is then locked in place. A ladder permits access to the elevated platform. The shaft telescopes for additional height if desired. The trailer permits hauling of an ATV when the stand is retracted.

Abstract: The “Aerial Life Saver Combine” is a multipurpose mobile safety system that is used in relation to work performed on top of any kind of vehicle or on stationary structures where fall safety protection for workers in service, maintenance and construction is required. The uniqueness of this product is that one vehicle can do the job of two or more equipment to protect workers from a fall throughout their entire activity. Several accidents can be avoided by eliminating passages from equipment to equipment securing in such a way adequate anchorage for all time spent above ground. Wearing the proper harness, the user of the vehicle is protected by rails climbing the stairway and walking upon the platform. A gate secures the front of the platform. Thereafter, the worker attaches his harness —located at his back —to one of the life-lines previously installed between the anchor points and platform rail hooks. He then opens the front gate and walks onto the working area safely.

Abstract: A mobile lift having extendable axes that is capable of switching between front-wheel steer, rear-wheel steer, all-wheel steer, and crab steer without resulting in undesirable tire scrubbing or unfavorable steering geometry. One embodiment provides a mobile personnel lift having a chassis supported by steerable front and rear wheel sets. The steerable wheel sets are mounted on axles that are extendable and retractable. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is pivotally coupled between each steerable wheel and its corresponding axle for turning the wheel. A microprocessor controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders. Sensors positioned adjacent to each wheel measure the angular position of each wheel relative to the chassis, and transmit this information to the microprocessor to synchronize the wheels as required to provide the optimum steering geometry for the selected mode.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible hunting box enclosure is constructed on a wheeled trailer. The hunting box enclosure may be raised and lowered through a scissor action support structure mounted on the trailer and powered by an electric winch. When the enclosure is to be transported, hinged wall panels enable the box to be folded and collapsed into a flat stack within the trailer. Once collapsed, reinforced wire panels or runners mounted on side members of the trailer rotate inward to overlay the collapsed box, providing a platform upon which an ATV may be loaded. The hunting stand/trailer combination may then be towed, with the ATV loaded thereon, by a full-size motor vehicle. Upon reaching a hunting area, the ATV may be unloaded and used to tow the hunting stand/trailer combination to a specific hunting site where the collapsed box is unfolded, to erect the enclosure, and elevated using the scissor action support structure.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible hunting box enclosure is constructed on a wheeled trailer. The hunting box enclosure may be raised and lowered through a scissor action support structure mounted on the trailer and powered by an electric winch. When the enclosure is to be transported, hinged wall panels enable the box to be folded and collapsed into a flat stack within the trailer. Once collapsed, reinforced wire panels or runners mounted on side members of the trailer rotate inward to overlay the collapsed box, providing a platform upon which an ATV may be loaded. The hunting stand/trailer combination may then be towed, with the ATV loaded thereon, by a full-size motor vehicle. Upon reaching a hunting area, the ATV may be unloaded and used to tow the hunting stand/trailer combination to a specific hunting site where the collapsed box is unfolded, to erect the enclosure, and elevated using the scissor action support structure.

Abstract: A mobile elevated viewing platform is disclosed. The platform may be mounted to the rear of a vehicle, such as on a standard draw bar receiver or hitch. The platform can be mobilized in a short time, and is collapsed into a transport mode for highway travel. The platform is useful for hunting, and sporting event observation, i.e. motor races, parades and the like. An optional accessory unit provides cooking and entertainment in remote location.

Abstract: The mobile scaffold vehicle has a motorized base with an upper surface and a first frame member and a second member. The first and second fame members are pivotally mounted near respective opposite ends of the upper surface. The first frame member is movable independently of the second frame member from an inoperative storage position near the upper surface and a generally vertical operative position. The second frame member is movable independently of the first frame member from an inoperative storage position near the upper surface and a generally vertical operative position, so that in their operative positions, the first and second fame members are generally paralel with one another and located near opposite ends of the upper surface. A platform is attachable with the frame members in the operative position and a plurality of anchor arrangements for anchoring the frame members in the operative position, thereby to permit a operator to stand on the platform.

Abstract: Aerial work platform apparatus comprising a vehicle, a work platform, a lift on the vehicle for elevating and lowering the work platform, and a stabilizer for inhibiting tipping over of the apparatus when the work platform is elevated. The stabilizer is mounted on the vehicle for movement between a raised retracted position and a lowered position for engagement with the surface traversed by the vehicle should the apparatus start tipping. A mechanism moves the stabilizer between its raised and lowered positions.

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 mobile lift having extendable axes that is capable of switching between front-wheel steer, rear-wheel steer, all-wheel steer, and crab steer without resulting in undesirable tire scrubbing or unfavorable steering geometry. One embodiment provides a mobile personnel lift having a chassis supported by steerable front and rear wheel sets. The steerable wheel sets are mounted on axles that are extendable and retractable. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is pivotally coupled between each steerable wheel and its corresponding axle for turning the wheel. A microprocessor controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders. Sensors positioned adjacent to each wheel measure the angular position of each wheel relative to the chassis, and transmit this information to the microprocessor to synchronize the wheels as required to provide the optimum steering geometry for the selected mode.

Abstract: A mobile tower (10) designed for use as a hunting stand is provided and includes a wheeled mobile carriage (12) permanently affixed to and supporting a platform assembly (14). The platform assembly (14) includes a base (32) equipped with oblique earth-penetrating elements (39) as well as an upper housing (40). A pull tongue (16) is pivotally coupled to the carriage (12) or platform assembly (14) and is adapted for attachment to a towing vehicle. In use, the tower (10) is towed to an appropriate site and is erected by pivoting of the platform assembly (14) to an upright ground-engaging position by exerting a pushing force through the tongue (16).

Abstract: A fruit harvesting device having a frame supported on wheels, one of which is a drive wheel. An elevatable and tiltable carriage supports a worker. An arm on the front of the frame is engageable with the tree so that device may be driven circumferentially about the tree as an area is picked to advance to an unpicked area of the tree.

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 controller, for a scissor lift control system includes a multiplexing device for lessening the number of conductor lines sent to the controller. The controller includes a microprocessor, and it determines appropriate safe operations of the scissor lift based on various sensed inputs, such as height of the platform and load on the platform. The scissor lift is operated by pushing either a drive select push button, a lift select push button, or a deck select push button. After the switch is selected, the operator has a predetermined amount of time to stroke the joystick in order to effect movement of the scissor lift.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for converting a trailer to an observation stand. The sports utility trailer has a chassis frame hingeably connected to a tailgate platform. At least one wheel on the bottom of the chassis frame supports the chassis frame above the ground when the sports utility trailer is a trailer. A ladder mounts to the chassis frame to provide access from one end of the chassis frame to the other when the frame is supported in an upright position where one end is raised substantially higher than the opposing end of the frame. A tongue guide is mounted to the front end of the frame to support a conventional ball hitch socket for towing or transporting the sports utility trailer behind a vehicle. Removable legs from the chassis frame mount to the bottom side of the tailgate platform. When the legs are mounted beneath the tailgate platform, the tailgate platform is raised above the ground so that the legs and the upright chassis frame support the tailgate platform above the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning bridges or other elevated structures includes a base element and an upper element that is vertically movable with respect to the base element. The upper element supports workmen for cleaning the structure. The floor of the upper element is made of a grid or grating such that debris falls through the floor and is collected in the base element. The base forms a collection hopper and includes a conveyor running along the center for carrying the debris to one end of the base for discharge of the debris. Hydraulic cylinders control the vertical position of the upper element so that the upper element may be placed at the desired elevation. The base element includes wheels and a hitch for allowing the apparatus to be towed on the highway to the structure to be cleaned or repaired.

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.