Abstract: A rope-climbing device has an upper assembly with planar side plates spaced apart by a roller, such that the side plates rotate relative to one another about a roller axis, a spine unit comprising planar links of common width each of half the plate spacing, the links pivoted at a central point, and a lower assembly comprising third and fourth side plates spaced apart by a clamp element such that the third and fourth side plates are enabled to rotate relative to one another about the clamp axis, and the clamp element is enabled to clamp a rope between the plates. The device may be opened by aligning pivot points, a rope inserted, and closed on the rope. Engaged on the rope, the device may be set to slide on the rope, or clamp to the rope by action of a user.

Abstract: A safety airbag device for cushioning the free fall of a person or object from an elevated height. The airbag device includes an inflatable base bag capable of sustaining an air pressure and an inflatable structure coupled to the base bag, where the inflatable structure is in air communication with the base bag. A net is coupled to a top portion of the inflatable structure for decelerating and supporting the individual from free fall. A top cover is coupled to the base bag that substantially encloses the inflatable structure.

Abstract: A vertically orientated ladder apparatus allowing a climber to adopt an improved climbing stance wherein the climber's arms are poised economically in front of the climber within the climbing passage; the climber's legs are spread for the lateral stability of the climber so as to reduce the tendency of the climber falling sideways; and the climber is substantially upright such that the climber's center of gravity lies substantially between the opposing steps (11) so as to allow the climber to release the climber's grip on the hand rails (14) while remaining balanced and supported by the legs of the climber. Opposing steps (11) are level or staggered. Embodiments include three or four stiles (12, 15).

Abstract: Ladder modules are provided in manageable length sections. The first section is secured at the top with a multi-hole horizontal mounting bar that is secured by a ratchet strap with hooks. The bottom of the first section rests firmly on the ground with a cleat at the bottom to secure the ladder section and prevent shifting. The second section contains a ball on the bottom of the structure that is mounted onto the first section by placing the ball into the receiving end of the first section, which allows the second section to pivot 360 degrees and lean and tilt fore and aft. This section is also secured to the tree with a ratchet strap and hooks, and is safe to climb to the next section after tightening the ratchet strap. Additional sections can be added in the same manner as the second section to pivot and level as needed.

Abstract: A slip-resistant support base and method of making and using such a support base. A slip-resistant support base may include a resilient pad having an exposed lower expanse opposite an upper pad surface, the lower expanse being characterized by a two-dimensional distribution of downwardly open concave recesses having rims forming a lower extremity of the support base. The lower expanse may be made by shearing off a layer of a first major face of a pad of resilient closed cell foam to expose an expanse of cut cells. In some examples, the support base includes a body and the resilient pad as a resilient substrate. The body is preferably configured to support an external object positioned on a body upper surface. The resilient substrate is preferably attached to and extends along at least a portion of a body lower surface. The resilient substrate lower expanse is opposite the body lower surface.

Abstract: A home-automation equipment includes a concealing device including a screen, a holding device of the screen, a first motorized drive device and an autonomous electrical energy supply device. The first device includes an electromechanical actuator which makes it possible to raise and lower the screen. The supply device includes a battery arranged on the holding device of the screen, a power supply cable and an electrical connection element that is electrically connected to the battery by the cable, the element being designed to be connected to an external electrical supply source, in order to recharge the battery. The concealing device includes a second motorized drive device including an electromechanical actuator making it possible to wind and unwind the cable on a winding spool.

Abstract: A hinged hatch in a gas containment cover particularly for a sewage treatment tank has a slide bolt contained within a shaped channel of an extrusion of the hatch, positioned to engage the bolt at a mid-level position of the adjacent fixed beam or other member of the tank cover. The position of the bolt enables the hinged hatch to fully seal against a rubber-covered lip of the adjacent structural member, so that the bolt latch does not compromise integrity of the gas seal. As the bolt is slid into locking position it forces the hatch cover down more tightly against the gas seal.

Abstract: A ladder includes a rung, two front legs and two rear legs, the front portions at the two sides of the rung are respectively hinged to the two front legs, wherein a hinged connection element comprises a connecting rod and two connection pieces, two connecting pieces are symmetrically attached to the two ends of the connecting rod, each connecting piece comprises a hinged portion, a pivot portion and a fixation portion, the fixation portion is connected to the connecting rod, the hinged portion is hinged to the central portion of the side edge of the rung and to the rear leg, the connecting rod is supported on the bottom of the rung when the rung is unfolded. The connecting piece is hinged to the rung and the rear leg. The fixation portion is fixedly connected to the connecting rod, the connecting rod rotates when the rung is unfolded or folded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for at least partially environmentally isolating a volume, such as by environmentally isolating the cargo compartment from the passenger compartment of an aircraft. In the context of an apparatus, a barrier curtain is provided that partially defines the volume. The apparatus also includes a cable extending along one or more walls that partially define the volume. The barrier curtain is supported by the cable. The apparatus may also include a cable release mechanism. The cable is held in place by the cable release mechanism and the cable release mechanism is configured to detach the cable at a predetermined load, thereby permitting the barrier curtain to drop in response to a decompression event.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to personnel lift vehicles that include a carriage, a telescoping lift and a load carrying frame. The telescoping lift is connected to a rear portion of the carriage and the load carrying frame is connected to and extends forward from the telescoping lift. The load carrying frame includes a bottom portion that provides an operator platform that is disposed at a central portion of the carriage between a front portion and the rear portion of the carriage. The configuration of the disclosed personnel lift vehicle provides an integral solution for counterweight requirements for the carriage while reducing the overall driving space required for the vehicle.

Abstract: A user-controllable braking system, including a descent tether connectable to a support and configurable for descending a user; a rigid body configured to be connectable between the descent tether and a user for enabling control of the descent by the user; a pulley rotatably positioned on the rigid body, the descent tether positionable around the pulley; a brake member yieldably positioned on the rigid body adjacent the pulley; a bias member operatively associated with the brake member to bias the brake member away from the pulley; and a lever pivotally connected to the rigid body and operable to bear against the brake member to controllably overcome the bias member and controllably bear the brake member against a portion of the descent tether. Operation of the lever by the user enables the user to controllably bear the brake member against the portion of the descent tether positioned around the pulley to provide a braking force.

Abstract: A support platform for enabling a worker to service an oil well next to a wellhead having a valve tree includes: a) a platform having an upper floor, a lower floor and a cellar in between the floors; b) a platform having a periphery, a central opening and radially extending beams; c) a plurality of walls attached to the periphery of the platform, said beams connecting to said walls below said upper floor; d) a drain that enables fluid to drain from the upper floor to the lower floor; e) a coupler that spans between the floors for enabling a connection to be made between the platform and valve tree; and f) a liquid guard or other provision that disallows the escape of fluid from a floor via the central opening.

Abstract: A user insertion system, that includes (a) a belay tether connectable to a support and configurable for descending a user; (b) an attachment device installable onto the support between the support and the belay tether; (c) a user braking device connectable between the belay tether and the user; and (d) a tip resistant system.

Abstract: A traveller for safety line for a fall arrest system has a slot extending to the exterior of the traveller and a safety line locating shuttle provided on-board the traveller wherein the safety line locating shuttle is movable relative to the slot along a predetermined path in a direction across the slot. This aids in accurate positioning of the safety line with respect to the traveller. The slot can be defined between opposed slot edges which are movable relative to one another to reconfigure the slot.

Abstract: A ladder knee rest comprising a padded frame with top and bottom lateral arms separated by a central support column. The frame can be hung in front of a ladder with a positioning strap, and the length of the positioning strap can be adjusted to move the frame vertically up or down the ladder. Securing straps extending from the lateral arms can be connected behind the ladder and tightened to prevent side-to-side movement. A user's knees can be placed between the padded top and bottom lateral arms to reduce pain and/or discomfort in the user's legs while the user works on the ladder.

Abstract: A component for fitting to a safety harness for a human user, for at least partially preventing obstruction of the femoral vein of the user. The component includes a support structure; two leg harness pads fitted to the support structure at such a distance from one another that, when the component is fitted to the safety harness, a section of the support structure arranged between the two leg harness pads, in particular a section without a leg harness pad, at least partially prevents obstruction of the femoral vein of the user, if the user has put on the safety harness; and a detachable fastening mechanism, that is fitted or can be fitted to the support structure, for detachably fastening the component to the safety harness.

Abstract: A tree stand is disclosed having few, if any, moving parts. The one-piece design, according to an exemplary embodiment, may make the tree stand simpler to use with less noise during use. The tree stand may include both a seat member and a standing member. A user may climb a tree by standing on the standing member, raising the seat member, sitting on the seat member, raising the standing member, and repeating this process to climb a tree, pole or the like.

Abstract: A suspended scaffold comprises a work platform (6) and at least one suspending device (2) via which the work platform (6) is attachable to an object (1). The suspending device (2) comprises a claw device (3) intended and configured to engage optionally directly on the object (1), and a coupling device (4). The claw device (3) is adjustable relative to the coupling device (4) between a first position (21) and a second position (22). The second position (22) lies spatially offset relative to the first position (21).

Abstract: An adjustable platform system configured in or attached to a ladder having a moveable or adjustable platform assembly operatively coupled thereto. An adjustment mechanism is operatively connected to the first and second arm members and the platform member, whereby the platform member is selectively movable along a length of the ladder legs or the first and second arm members via the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, organized in parallel segments disposed in an inner pouch. The inner pouch is entirely contained in an outer pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the inner pouch and outer pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.