Abstract: A device for joining a first rope to a second rope comprises a first end cap and a second end cap. The first end cap is configured to receive a first end of the first rope therein. The second end cap includes a first opening defining an anulus to receive a first end of the second rope therein. The anulus has a body diameter. The first opening has an outer diameter. The second end cap further comprises a second opening defining a cavity configured to receive a link. The cavity has an anulus diameter, wherein the anulus diameter is a greatest internal diameter of the cavity. The anulus diameter is greater than the body diameter and less than the outer diameter and the link is configured to link the first end cap to the second end cap.

Abstract: Integrated climb assist and fall arrest system and methods to assist users climbing ladders and vertical paths are disclosed. The integrated systems and comprise a controller connected to a user's harness, a static fall arrest cable, and a movable climb assist belt. The connection of the fall arrest components and the climb assist components may include physical connection, electronic connection, communication, or any combination thereof. The climb assist belt can be driven by a motor to provide an upwards climb assistance force to a user along a vertical path. The motor can be dynamically adjusted to continuously provide a level of climb assistance. The integrated controller is also configured to mechanically detect downwards movement and engage an overspeed braking mechanism when a threshold velocity or acceleration is detected.

Abstract: Elevator systems, methods, and devices comprising dual source light systems are described herein. Such elevator systems may be associated with or located within wind turbines and wind turbine towers. In embodiments, an elevator cabin may comprise a dual source light system further comprising at least one light source, a supercapacitor unit, an electronic circuit electrically connected to the at least one light source and the supercapacitor, and a housing unit. The dual source light system can receive energy from an external power source, convert one or more characteristics of the energy, e.g., voltage or current, and distribute the energy to the at least one light source. Any excess energy can be used to charge the supercapacitor such that when energy from the external power source is insufficient to power the at least one light source, such as during an outage, the electronic circuit draws energy from the charged supercapacitor.

Abstract: A portable belt cutting device comprises a cutting head and cutting blade movably arranged on the cutting head. The cutting head has a drive mechanism to move the blade from a retracted position to an extended position, such that the blade severs the belt. The drive mechanism may be coupled to the blade such that the blade is actively driven in both directions between the retracted position and the extended position. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism may comprise a drive spindle which may engage a thread formed in the cutting head. The spindle may be bi-directionally movable and comprise a torque input geometry. In another embodiment the drive spindle and blade comprise connecting elements that form a positive connection when engaged.

Abstract: A portable belt cutting device comprises a cutting head and a cutting blade movably arranged on the cutting head. The cutting head has a drive mechanism to move the blade from a retracted position to an extended position, such that the blade severs a belt. The drive mechanism is coupled to the blade such that the blade is actively driven in both directions between the retracted position and the extended position. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism comprises a drive spindle which engages a thread formed in the cutting head. The spindle is bi-directionally movable and comprises a torque input geometry. In another embodiment the drive spindle and blade comprise connecting elements that form a positive connection when engaged.

Abstract: An overspeed safety braking mechanism for lift cars and elevator systems is described herein. The safety mechanism may comprise a safety kit secured to an overhead portion of a lift car, and configured to engage a cable to prevent a downward movement of the lift car. Engagement of the cable may occur when a threshold speed is reached. The overhead portion of the lift car is detachable upon a predetermined upward force resulting from an engagement of the safety cable from the safety kit. A primary brake system may be positioned beneath the safety kit, on or near a lift platform, configured to engage the safety cable in response to an activation of the safety kit and a detection of the threshold speed.

Abstract: An overspeed brake system is described to engage a safety cable and subsequent brake system once a threshold speed is reached. An overspeed safety kit may be installed on an elevator system or lift car, to identify a threshold speed and engage a brake lever to activate a braking system. One or more brake engagement devices may be applied to limit the force on the brake lever during a fall, thereby preventing potential damage to brake components, while cushioning the deceleration.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an endless cable winch including a drive unit having an engine configured to generate a torque. The endless cable winch further including an output unit connected to the drive unit, the output unit including a power transmission assembly coupled to the drive unit, the power transmission assembly configured to apply a driving force to a cable. The endless cable winch further including a lifting force limiting device configured to stop the drive unit as soon a predetermined driving force is exceeded. In doing so, this system is also transferable to winches with multiple engines. The engine and the output unit can be movable relative to one another, and the lifting force limiting device can be configured to stop the drive unit based on the relative movement of the drive unit and the engine.

Abstract: Integrated climb assist and fall arrest system and methods to assist users climbing ladders and vertical paths are disclosed. The integrated systems and comprise a controller connected to a user's harness, a static fall arrest cable, and a movable climb assist belt. The connection of the fall arrest components and the climb assist components may include physical connection, electronic connection, communication, or any combination thereof. The climb assist belt can be driven by a motor to provide an upwards climb assistance force to a user along a vertical path. The motor can be dynamically adjusted to continuously provide a level of climb assistance. The integrated controller is also configured to mechanically detect downwards movement and engage an overspeed braking mechanism when a threshold velocity or acceleration is detected.

Abstract: A device configured to join two ropes includes a device body that extends from a first end to a second end along a central axis, the device body including an inner surface defining a through hole that extends through both the first end and the second end, the device body defining an inner dimension. The device defines an unassembled configuration in which the first and second ropes are positioned outside the through hole and the inner dimension is smaller than both the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter. The device defines an assembled configured in which a portion of each of the first and second ropes are positioned in the through hole, and the inner dimension is greater than both the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter.

Abstract: A mechanical brake interrupter for a lift or other similar suspended platform allows for stopping an emergency controlled descent during a power outage when an obstruction is present below. The mechanical brake interrupter includes a manual brake handle, a control collar, a coupling member, and an activation lever. The manual brake handle is used to manipulate a brake line for performing an emergency controlled descent. The coupling member is slidably connected to the control collar, and the activation lever is used to releasably lock the control collar in an armed position and unlock the control collar in an activated position. Rotating the control collar correspondingly rotates the coupling member such that the manual brake handle selectively engages the coupling member when the control collar is in the armed position, and the manual brake handle does not selectively engage the coupling member when the control collar is in the activated position.

Abstract: An elevator cable management system is described to provide constraints on cable movements at a point between the top and bottom of an elevator track. The system may include a moving retainer bar with a cradle on top of an elevator car, and a fixed retainer bar that retains cables when the elevator car is above the fixed retainer bar.

Abstract: Systems and devices are described for measuring tension in a guide wire in a tower service lift for ascending and descending wind turbine generator towers. The present disclosure also describes methods for measuring the tension in the guide wire as well as installing a device for measuring the tension in the guide wire.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing the vertical motion of an object in a wind power generating tower comprises at least one static guide, and a guide component attached to the object, e.g., an elevator car, constrained to the proximity of the static guide. In addition, at least one further containment, e.g., a wirefix, coupled to the static guide is able to pass through the first containment as the object moves vertically in the tower. Moreover, the further containment is disposed to maintain the static guide in a fixed relationship to a mounting structure, and the further containment is disposed for in-situ attachment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for sensing the current supplied to a motorized hoist for raising a maintenance platform and providing an estimate of the operating status of the motor, for example, as stopped, starting, stalled or operating as expected. In various embodiments, measures of voltage and current may be used to determine the operating condition of the hoist and to estimate the magnitude of the applied load. Unintended modes of operation can then be determined so that the conditions can be indicated to the operator and protective measures taken.

Abstract: Systems and devices are described for measuring tension in a guide wire in a tower service lift for ascending and descending wind turbine generator towers. The present disclosure also describes methods for measuring the tension in the guide wire as well as installing a device for measuring the tension in the guide wire.

Abstract: An elevator within a tower, such as a wind tower, includes a traction or drum type hoist powered by an electric motor where the hoist provides the mechanism to cause the vertical ascent or descent of the elevator. An aspect of the invention is to allow the descent of the elevator to drive the electric motor arranged to act as a generator and provide regenerative braking as well as power to drive an alarm device or devices.

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: A system configured for lifting or lowering a tool carriage device via a ladder climbing structure is described. The tool carriage device may be adapted to enclose and transport a payload and include a fall arrest grab with an overspeed brake to stop an uncontrolled descent of the carriage device. The tool carriage device may include obstruction sensors to detect an obstruction along the path of the carriage device.

Abstract: Climbing aid comprises a traction carriage (14) having a motor for hanging the user and for automatic movement along a ladder. Preferred Features: The drive has a current supply module formed as an exchangeable accumulator. The carriage is detachedly held on the ladder and moves along a side rail and/or along a guide rail (16) of the ladder. The drive torque of the motor can be adjusted to the weight of the user.