Abstract: A fall protection device for protecting a user from falling while climbing a pole includes a housing dimensioned to fit over a top end of the pole. THe housing comprises a closed end and an opposite open end, through which the top end of the pole is received. In one embodiment, a pivot pin is fixedly connected to and extends upwardly from the closed end of the housing in a substantially vertical direction. A swing arm assembly includes an extended portion connected to a hollowed swing portion having a swing axis and an interior surface. The swing portion is dimensioned to receive the pivot pin and to house at least two bearing assemblies. Each of the bearing assemblies is axially disposed between the pivot pin and the interior surface of the swing portion. In another embodiment, the swing arm assembly includes a cam follower assembly connected to the extended portion.

Abstract: An improved welding method is provided for repairing rotating shafts, particularly cracked high pressure steam turbine rotors. The welding method preferably employs a 2.25Cr--1.0Mo--0.3V-type welding filler metal, preferably deposited using a narrow groove automatic gas tungsten arc welding technique. A narrow groove is formed in the rotor to remove the crack. The groove is preheated, filled with the welding filler metal, and postheated, resulting in a strong, high temperature resistant, long lasting weld.

Abstract: A limit switch calibration checking device for a limit switch assembly of the type having at least one upper limit switch, at least one lower limit switch, and a limit switch mechanism that controls the upper and lower limit switches in response to movement of an input member. The calibration checking device includes a drive member adapted to engage the input member to drive the input member, a motor coupled to the drive member such that the motor is operative to move the drive member, a position indicator coupled to the drive member to measure travel of the drive member, and an electrical control circuit responsive to the upper and lower limit switches and operative to control the motor to automatically stop the motor in response to switching of a manually selectable one of the upper and lower limit switches. The disclosed calibration checking device can be used to measure the initial position of a limit switch and the travel required between the upper and lower limit switch points.