Abstract: A fall shock absorber comprises a frame 5 formed by an elongated profile that has a U-shaped cross section. The frame comprises two parallel strips 11 which are attached to each other by a bridge 13. The strips accommodate tapered slots 15 through which a shaft 17 is projected. A bracket 19 to which a safety cable 21 is fixed is present on the shaft. The width of the slot at the wider end 15A is equal to the thickness of the shaft 17 and the width of the slot at the narrower end 15B is smaller than the thickness of the shaft. The material of the shaft 17 is softer than the material of the strips 11, so that when the shaft is displaced through the slots the shaft shows plastic deformation.

Abstract: An active interface monitoring and warning system for fall arresting/prevention devices delivering specific fault condition messages to individuals who are subject to accidental falls or other safety hazards when performing construction or the like or when operating elevating construction machinery such as aerial lift work platforms and the like. The invention further provides a data logging system to record and transmit operational conditions, fault conditions and safety infractions.

Abstract: A rotating retractable step system positioned within a cutout of a wall is presented. The rotating retractable step system comprises a foot pedal and a support shaft. The foot pedal is configured to be stowed in a vertical orientation within the cutout of the wall, and to rotate between the vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. The support shaft is associated with the foot pedal, such that movement of the support shaft extends the foot pedal outwardly away from the cutout, or retracts the foot pedal towards the cutout.

Abstract: Sanitary barrier systems and methods for preventing transmission of biological substances and protecting human health are provided. A retractable barrier system may include a first supporting member and a barrier film. The first supporting member may comprise a first attachment element configured to position the barrier system vertically in use. The barrier film may have a fixed edge and a free edge, wherein the fixed edge is connected to the first supporting member. The barrier film is extendible to a desired length in a use configuration and retractable back on the first supporting member in a storage configuration. The barrier system may include a retracting mechanism such as a crank or a spring-loaded roller. The barrier film may comprise a sanitary portion. The barrier system may be combined with stanchions or queue barriers to protect individuals waiting in lines. The barrier system may also be used to provide barrier inside a multi-person vehicle.

Abstract: A crane mechanism and a work platform with a load detection apparatus and integrated inclination sensor includes a load cell. The crane mechanism for moving the work platform can be mounted on a base and includes a tiltable boom. The load cell is arranged between the tiltable boom and the work platform as only connection and includes a force sensor and an inclination sensor. The force sensor is configured to detect a force, a lateral or yaw or torsional moment between the crane mechanism and the work platform. The inclination sensor is configured to determine an inclination of the work platform. The force sensor and the inclination sensor have a common housing.

Abstract: Ladder components, such as braces, as well as ladders and methods of manufacturing ladders are provided. In one embodiment, a ladder brace is provided which extends between a rail and a cross member (e.g., a rung or a cross-brace). The ladder brace may include a first connecting portion associated with the rail, a second connecting portion associated with the cross member, and a strut portion extending between the first and second connecting portions. At least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is configured to completely encircle its associated component (e.g., either the rail or the cross member, respectively).

Abstract: There is provided a gondola apparatus including: a horizontal front scaffold frame facing a back of a blade; first and second side scaffold frames each horizontally movably attached to the front scaffold frame; a stabilizing member attached over both sides of the front scaffold frame such that the stabilizing member is extendable and contractable, the stabilizing member abutting on an outer surface of a tower; a first lifting device provided to the front scaffold frame; second and third lifting devices attached to the first and second side scaffold frames, respectively, such that the second and third lifting devices are rockable; first and second drive devices provided to the front scaffold frame, the first and second drive devices being configured to horizontally drive the first and second side scaffold frames, respectively; and first, second, third traction ropes provided between the first, second, and third lifting devices, and an origin on a side of a nacelle, respectively.

Abstract: A fall protection harness for being removably worn by a user having at least two leg straps, a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap. At least one of the shoulder straps has an energy absorbing element integrated therewith. The energy absorbing element may be a tubular webbing material surrounding a tearable webbing material with at least two bound webbing components configured to tear from one another when the shoulder strap is subjected to a force that exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A tree stand system is provided. The tree stand system may include a tree stand. The tree stand may include a frame post, a platform portion engaged with the frame post, and a seat portion engaged with the frame post. Further, the tree stand may include an upper engagement device and a lower engagement device each configured to engage a structure. One of the upper engagement device and the lower engagement device may define a convex edge configured to extend toward the structure to allow the tree stand to roll against the structure to select a horizontal angle that the tree stand faces. The tree stand system may further include one or more of a ladder, a hoisting apparatus, and an accessory. The accessory may include a bow holder accessory or a hunting device accessory.

Abstract: A platform ladder apparatus (2) has a transport position and a use position in which the apparatus is arranged to lean against a wall (W) for performing work at an elevated level. The apparatus (2) has a ladder (4) and a working platform (20). A proximal side of the platform is pivotally connected at an upper end of the ladder such that it may be pivoted towards the ladder (4) to a stowed position essentially parallel to the ladder (4). The apparatus further comprises a pair of wall support arms (80) for stabilizing the apparatus in the use position in relation to the wall. The wall support arms (80) are connected to the platform (20) for movement between a stowed arm position in which the arms (80) project out from a distal side (24) of the platform (20) thereby preventing use of the apparatus, and a stabilizing arm position in which the arms (80) project sideways from the platform (20) in opposite lateral directions, respectively, for stabilizing the apparatus (2) in relation to the wall (W).

Abstract: A ladder having a plane having a periphery. The plane having a body opening to receive a body of an impact driver and a trigger recess extending from the body opening to receive a trigger of the impact driver. The body opening conforming to a shape of the body and the trigger recess conforming to the shape of the trigger. The body opening and the trigger recess holding the impact driver when the impact driver is placed on the top. A ladder top. A method for using an impact driver with a ladder.

Abstract: A hurricane panel system on the outside of an opening that can be installed from inside a multiple story building, through an open window without requiring tools of any type or outside assistance. This panel system includes a pliable, fabric, polyester panel that has a pair of parallel, vertical hems each containing a hem cord that are sized in diameter to fit into a pair of parallel, vertical or horizontal tracks connected to the outside of the building adjacent a window. The pliable, fabric panel includes one or more fabric straps that can be used to manipulate the panel in and out of the tracks. One or more locking pins are used to secure the panel in place relative to the tracks.

Abstract: Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided including embodiments of a hinge that may be used in a combination ladder. In one embodiment, a hinge mechanism includes a first hinge assembly and a second hinge assembly. The first and second hinge assemblies are coupled together for relative rotation about a defined axis. An adjustment mechanism enables the two hinge assemblies to be selectively locked or unlocked to prohibit or permit relative rotation, respectively. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes a lock plate displaceable along a first axis and a retainer displaceable along a second axis. The retainer is configured to hold the lock plate in a disengaged state until a release structure displaces the retainer away from the lock plate. The release structure may be configured to be actuated and displace the retainer upon relative rotation of the hinge assemblies to (or through) a predetermined angular configuration.

Abstract: A motorized window covering system is presented having a rotatable drive element having a guide structure and a plurality of idler attachment elements and at least one drive element positioned over the rotatable drive element. A motor is connected to the rotatable drive element and controls operation of the window covering. An external battery tube assembly is connected by a conduit to the rotatable drive element and is configured to provide power to the motor. The external battery tube assembly includes a switch and controls operation of the motorized window covering. When pulled or lifted the external battery tube assembly initiates movement, stops movement or reverses movement of the motor. In this way, the system provides a unique way of controlling operation of a motorized window covering.

Abstract: A counterbalance assembly for use with an overhead door assembly of a trailer, for example, includes a first counterbalance mechanism having a first adjustment mechanism for adjusting a tension force of the first counterbalance mechanism and a second counterbalance mechanism having a second adjustment mechanism for adjusting a tension force of the second counterbalance mechanism. The first and second counterbalance mechanisms are spaced-apart from each other.

Abstract: A personal descent system is provided. The personal descent system includes a support structure coupling assembly and a control descent device. The support structure coupling assembly is configured and arranged to be coupled to a descent lifeline. The support structure coupling assembly includes an adaptor connection member. The adaptor connection member is configured and arranged to couple different types of lifelines and lanyards to the support structure coupling assembly. The control descent device is selectively coupled to the support structure coupling assembly. The control descent device is configured and arranged to be coupled to a safety harness donned by a user. The control descent device is further configured to detach from the support structure coupling assembly during a descent operation while controlling a payout of the descent lifeline.

Abstract: A tree stand platform assembly includes a platform for supporting a hunter and which has a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge includes a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The platform has a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer surface positioned between the top and bottom surfaces. The first and second lateral edges each include a front section abutting the front edge and a rear section abutting the rear edge. The rear section includes toe receiver. The toe receiver is formed by an obtuse angle formed in the outer surface of the rear section, wherein the obtuse angle is less than 160°. The toe receiver provides an engagement point for a hunter's foot as the hunter rotates laterally away from the platform.

Abstract: A break-out door sensor system is provided. In one aspect, the system includes: a door; a sensor located on the door; a trigger connected to the door and located proximate to the sensor and configured to move to an actuating position, and when in the actuating position, the trigger contacts the sensor causing the sensor to emit a signal, the trigger being biased away from the actuating position; and a camming surface on the trigger, wherein dimensions of the trigger and the trigger's location on the door with respect to the sensor including the location and dimensions of the camming surface are selected to cause the trigger to move to the actuating position when the camming surface moves against door guide forming a channel and the trigger moves out of the channel.

Abstract: A safe curtain control assembly which does not require screws to assemble is revealed. The safe curtain control assembly includes a stopping portion located on a wall of a cavity of a base forming a raised structure, and a recessed area is formed by the wall of the cavity and the stopping portion. A sleeve, an elastic member and a drive member are mounted within the cavity of the base in turn. A second stopping flange of the drive member is positioned in the recessed area between the wall of the cavity and the stopping portion for preventing the sleeve, the elastic member, and the drive member assembled from being released. Thereby the base, the sleeve, the elastic member and the drive member are secured firmly without screws so as to save time and cost for each assembly.

Abstract: A privacy screen or movable barrier including a plurality of base support members and a curtain. Each of the base support members including a base, a plurality of legs that are pivotably connected to the base, and a post that extends outward from the base. The curtain includes a plurality of frame members and at least one panel connected between the frame members. Each frame member includes a proximal portion configured to mate with the post of a respective base support member, and a distal portion that is hingedly connected to the proximal portion. In a deployed state of the base support members, the legs extend radially outward from the base, and in a non-deployed state of the base support members, the legs extend axially parallel with the post. In a deployed state of the curtain, the distal portion is unfolded relative to the proximal portion, and in a non-deployed state of the curtain, the distal portion is folded relative to the proximal portion.