Abstract: The present invention concerns a wind power installation working gallery comprising a working platform and a railing arranged on the working platform, wherein the railing can be closed off by means of a closure element and the closure element is arranged in a transfer region to a lift. The invention concerns in particular a wind power installation having a locking device with a locking mechanism for receiving a first locking element and a second locking element, wherein the first locking element is connected to the lift and the second locking element is connected to the closure element, and the locking mechanism is adapted to release one of the two locking elements by means of the locking of the respective other locking element relative to the locking device. The invention further concerns a locking device, a lift and a wind power installation.

Abstract: A folding step stool includes a front rail assembly. The step stool includes a rear rail assembly, pivotally connected to the front rail assembly, having a crossbar. The step stool includes a step pivotally attached to the front rail assembly having notches which fit over the crossbar when the stool is in an open position. The step stool includes a linkage assembly pivotally and fixedly attached to the step and pivotally and fixedly attached to the crossbar. The linkage assembly compresses to allow the notches to fit over the crossbar and the linkage assembly exerting a force to maintain the crossbar in the notches when the stool is in the open position. A method for securing a step stool includes the steps of moving the notches of a step against a crossbar of a rear rail assembly pivotally connected to a front rail assembly of the step stool.

Abstract: A centrifugal brake assembly comprises a pawl and a biasing member. The pawl includes a base from which a circular portion and a triangular protrusion extend. A rotor includes a receiving portion having a notched portion. The notched portion is configured and arranged to receive the circular portion. One of the pawl and the rotor has a slotted portion, and the other of the pawl and the rotor has a protrusion. The slotted portion is configured and arranged to receive the protrusion and the biasing member. The pawl is pivotable about the circular portion relative to the rotor and the triangular portion of the pawl is configured and arranged to engage a stop member when the pawl is in an engaged position. The base contacts the rotor in the engaged position to reinforce the pawl.

Abstract: Adjustable ladders may include a pair of side rails having a plurality of rungs extending therebetween, and a pair of adjustable legs associated with the side rails. A pair of swing arms may include a first end pivotally coupled with a side rail, or a bracket associated with the side rail, as well as a second end pivotally coupled with an adjustable leg. The swing arm may be configured as a nonlinear structure. In one embodiment, the swing arm may include a first section that extends from a second section at a defined angle. The first and second sections may exhibit different lengths. Adjustment mechanisms may be pivotally coupled with an upper end of the adjustable legs. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanisms may be configured such that, when actuated, they may be displaced in one direction while resisting displacement in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: An access system (10) for earthmoving equipment to allow a person to move from ground level to an elevated position, said access system having an access means (20) mounted to the earthmoving equipment via a pivot, and a retraction mechanism (50) therefor, said pivot allowing the access means to be retracted through a compound angle from a downwardly and outwardly deployed position to a retracted position generally adjacent and aligned beside the vehicle, the access means may be collapsible, such as with steps (30) pivotably mounted to the sides of the access means via secondary pivots (62).

Abstract: This invention includes a platform support structure having a support extension and a fastening device extending from the support extension. The support extension has a surface to support a platform adjacent a structure. The fastening device is configured to secure the support extension to the structure. Moreover, the fastening device includes a slide bar and a clamp in sliding engagement with the slide bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing safe access to the upper surface of a mobile container. The apparatus includes a pivoting handrail system having a walk surface, a first set of rails and a second set of rails both capable of being raised and lowered between a raised access position and a lowered stored position, a first pull for raising and lowering the first set of rails, a second pull for raising and lowering the second set of rails, and a support device for supporting the walk surface and attaching to the mobile container. An access such as a ladder may be attached to the pivoting handrail system to provide access to the pivoting handrail system.

Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline comprises a drum including first and second sides operatively connected to a base. A rotor includes a receiving portion and is operatively connected to the base. A pawl is pivotally operatively connected to the rotor, and a biasing member is positioned between the rotor and the pawl to place a biasing force upon the pawl. A bracket member includes a cavity and a stop member extending into the cavity. The cavity is configured and arranged to receive the drum, the rotor, the pawl, and the spring. The drum is rotatably operatively connected to the bracket member and the pawl is positioned proximate the stop member. The pawl and the biasing member are held in place by the first side of the base, the rotor, and the bracket member.

Abstract: A platform lift apparatus moves objects vertically within a structure such as between floors of a residential or commercial structure. A drive train comprises a rotatable shaft having plural lift drums and a motor operatively coupled to the shaft to cause selective rotation thereof. Each of the lift drums has an associated lift tether coupled thereto and wound thereon. A platform is coupled to respective ends of the lift tethers to suspend the platform from the platform receiving portion of the main body. The platform is selectively movable by operation of the drive train to travel vertically relative to the main body and is substantially nested within the platform receiving portion when at an uppermost point of travel. At least one load sensor is operatively coupled to at least one of the lift tethers to provide a load signal corresponding to load on the associated one of the lift tethers.

Abstract: A U-shaped frame supporting three bars of circular cross section movable along the arms of the rod, enlarged abutments on the free ends of the rod preventing removal of the bars, and the first bar being attached to a handle so that the bar may be moved up/down the arms by holding/releasing the handle.

Abstract: An adjustable working platform for a curved surface includes a support member configured to be inserted into a hole in the curved surface. An adjustable surface is configured for supporting a load, and the adjustable surface is configured to rotate and lock in multiple positions. An anti-rotation arm is connected to the support member, and the anti-rotation arm includes an adjustable section configured to engage an axial facing portion of the curved surface.

Abstract: Vertical stairs include a bearing structure 2, which is arranged between a first station “A” and at least one second station “B”, and at least one board 3, which can slide by at least one slide 31 along at least one guide 41 in a mechanical system 4, adapted to move the at least one board 3 along the guide 41. The mechanical system 4 allows the at least one board 3 to be moved along a vertical axis “Z” as a function of the distribution of the weight of at least one user “U” on at least one portion of the at least one board 3, and as a function of the direction in which the user “U” wants to move along the vertical axis “Z” between the stations.

Abstract: A device for establishing admittance and transport of cargo to and from a wind turbine construction above ground level and having a part which can be raised and/or lowered by wires and winches located at ground level and connected with snatch blocks attached to a part so that it can be raised and/or lowered in relation to the construction. The part has a number of travelling crabs according to the numbers of winches and the travelling crabs are guided of the wires between the winches and the snatch blocks, and that the part with the travelling crabs is displaced upwards or downwards by the wires. Advantageously, the wires are used for both hoisting the part and as guide for the travelling crabs.

Abstract: A step assembly for attachment to a boat lift frame to allow for easy entry and exit from a boat secured on a boat lift. The assembly comprises a platform connected to a vertical member. The vertical member is fastened to a beam of the boat lift frame. The platform may be hingedly connected to the vertical member and movable between a horizontal position and a vertical position.

Abstract: An order picker for preparing orders that includes a motor-driven mobile chassis, a platform, an elevator for elevating the platform relative to the chassis, a load support tray for supporting loads, and a safety guardrail around the periphery of the platform. The tray is secured to a movable portion of the guardrail that moves in translation along a longitudinal axis of the order picker between a first position, in which the movable portion extends to a first greater distance from a front edge of a deck of the platform, and a second position, at a second lesser distance from the front edge and wherein the tray is movable between a first position extending horizontally above the deck when the moving portion is in the first position thereof and a second position, in which the tray is folded into a substantially vertical position when the moving portion is in the second position thereof.

Abstract: A below main cable work platform support for hanging a work platform below a main cable of a suspension bridge and a method of installation thereof. A plurality of supports attach to each band on a main cable. Each support has a pair of struts bolted to the band, the top of each strut on each side of the band, the struts extending downward, connecting to the ends of a horizontal bar that sits between a pair of suspender cables hanging from each band. A work platform is suspended from the horizontal bar and tie down cables extend downward from the bar attaching below to stabilize the platform against wind and uplift. The method includes the step of screwing a single bolt into each side of a cable band for supporting the support therebelow.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a stand that can elevate a user above the ground at a desired location and also be reconfigured into a two wheel cart which can be pulled or pushed by a user or a transporter (like an all terrain vehicle.) A pair of wheels are mounted on a “U” shaped split axle assembly wherein a ladder assembly and a pair of legs are each coupled to one of the wheels to form an elevated base when the footings of the ladder assembly and the pair of legs are in contact with the ground. Once the base is erected, a seat is fixed to the inside of the “U” shaped split axle assembly below the free wheel to form a covered seat assembly. A user gains access to or egresses from the base by the ladder assembly. The elevated stand can be reconfigured into a cart by uncoupling the legs and ladder assembly from the base and repositioning the split axle assembly such that both wheels are in rolling contact with the ground.

Abstract: A harness system includes a shoulder portion including a first vented protective element and a raised harness device. A belt portion includes a second vented protective element and a raised belt device.

Abstract: A portable personal descending escape system that includes a flexible, folding body sack designed to hold a small child or animal that can be gradually lowered to the ground by a single individual. The body sack is designed to fold into a small storage bag. The body sack includes a closable top opening and at least one side panel made of mesh material. Attached to the side of the body sack near the top opening is a handle. Attached to the body sack is an elongated strap with a plurality of strap handles attached thereto. The strap handles are evenly spaced apart along the handle so that one individual may gradually release the strap to safely lower the child or animal to the ground.

Abstract: A space saving ladder, wherein the ladder can be folded up into a compact unit for storage. In the open load bearing orientation, the space saving ladder is load bearing and conforms to requirements for free standing ladders. In the closed orientation, the space saving ladder can have steps or rungs, which can hinge upward as the ladder legs are moved closer to one another. In the closed orientation, the legs of the space saving ladder are adjacent to one another and the steps or rungs are enclosed in the ladder legs.