Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling an articulated turntable ladder (12) of a rescue vehicle (10) wherein the ladder (12) comprises a plurality of telescopically extendable ladder parts (14) by including a tip ladder part (18) pivotable around a horizontal first pivot axis (28) by means of a first pivoting drive. The ladder further comprises a cage (22) connected to the free end of the tip ladder part (18) to be pivoted around a second pivot axis (30) by means of a second pivoting drive. The ladder (12) is pivotably mounted to a base part (16) on top of the vehicle (10) by means of a third pivoting drive to be lifted or lowered around a third pivot axis (32). The method provides for the step of controlling the first pivoting drive such that the absolute inclination angle (a) of the tip ladder part (18) is maintained constant during a lifting or lowering movement of the ladder (12) around the third pivot axis (32).

Abstract: A staircase for a vehicle with a rigid frame attached to a rigid bed connector that is attachable to the bed of a vehicle. The bed connector is pivotably attachable to the bed so that the connector can be rotated between a stowed position in which the connector is above the bed and a deployed position in which the connector extends behind the vehicle bed. The frame is rotatably attached to the bed connector so the frame is rotatable between a deployed position in which an end of the frame rests on the ground and a retracted position in which the frame is parallel to the bed. The bed connector is then rotatable to bring the staircase to stowed position above the vehicle bed. A plurality of steps are attached to the staircase frame so that a user can walk up the stairs and onto the vehicle bed.

Abstract: A ladder safety device, systems and methods of arresting falls from ladders are provided. The ladder safety device includes a safety guide that extends along the length of an extension ladder. The length of the guide along the length of the ladder extends and contracts in unison with the extension and retraction of the extension ladder, and a tension is maintained on the guide to maintain a load during use of the ladder for climbing.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing access to vehicles and containers on a pair of railways or thoroughfares. The apparatus is comprised of a raised walkway between the pair of thoroughfares having a tracking platform movable thereon. Pivotally attached to and carried by the tracking platform is a turret. Carried on the turret and hinged thereto is a bridge that is rotatable in a vertical plane. At the end of the bridge is a cage pivotally attached to the bridge so that the cage remains horizontal when the bridge is rotated vertically on the turret. The bridge and cage are dimensioned so that, when the turret is rotated such that the bridge is directed between and parallel to the thoroughfares and the bridge and cage are raised, the apparatus is entirely out of the clearance envelopes of the thoroughfares.

Abstract: The hydraulic boom system can include a boom receiving a work platform; a fixed component fixedly mountable to the vehicle; a rotary component, rotatably mounted on the fixed component about a vertical axis; a pivotal component, pivotally mounted to the rotary component about a horizontal axis, and receiving the boom; a hydraulic power unit having an electric motor driven hydraulic pump; and an electrical cable connected to the electric motor, and connectable to an electrical power supply located at a fixed position relative to the vehicle. The hydraulic power unit can be made integral to the rotary component. A raising hydraulic cylinder can extend downwardly inside a spacing in the fixed component. The electrical cable can have a coiled portion housed in the fixed component and coiled around the vertical axis.

Abstract: A cradle assembly for aerial ladders (or booms) includes an assembly for rotatably and pivotally supporting an aerial ladder or boom, a first pair of upwardly extending parallel support flanges and a second pair of upwardly extending parallel support flanges extending upwardly from the surface of said turntable, the second pair of flanges extending to a substantially lesser elevation than said first pair of flanges; a cradle formed by a pair of parallel cradle arms laterally spaced to support a base end of said ladder or boom therebetween and at least one cross member connecting said arms, each of said arms having an end pivotally connected to a flange of said first pair of flanges; a hydraulic cylinder pivotally (which may be dual acting) attached to each of said cradle arms at a point spaced away from said first pair of flanges and an extendable-retractable rod projecting from each hydraulic cylinder and having an outer end pivotally attached to a flange of said second pair of flanges.

Abstract: A mobile lifting platform with a chassis and supports for a platform. Mounted on the platform is a first live ring whose vertical axis is approximately centered on the platform. The first live ring carries a horizontal boom which is pivotally movable about the axis and has an axis offset therefrom on which a second live ring is mounted which carries a swivel structure terminating in a boom, on the distal end of which a work platform or basket is mounted. The swivel structure is pivotally movable about a vertical axis of the second live ring. The swivel structure is connected to the horizontal boom in such a manner that they counterrotate.