Abstract: Systems and methods for a redundant wireless safety system that provides a second level of safety protocol when a worker is exposed to a more dangerous work environment. In an embodiment, such a machine may be configured to perform a specific manufacturing function wherein the machine may include first and second transceivers for maintaining enabling signals for functionality of the machine. The system may further include a base station (e.g., remote control) configured to operate in conjunction with the machine that in turn includes third and fourth transceivers also configured to maintain enabling signals for machine functionality. Machine functionality may be interrupted by an interrupt switch disposed in the machine. That is, the interrupt switch may be configured to enable functionality of the machine if and only if the first transceiver maintains periodic communication with the third transceiver and if the second transceiver maintains periodic communication with the fourth transceiver.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein are directed to a deployable field lighting apparatus that meets the requirements of a class 1, division 1 hazardous environment. All aspects of the electrical and mechanical components of the deployable field light are spark-resistant and impact resistant such that the raising, lowering and powering of the deployable field light may be accomplished in hazardous environments. Further, the deployable field light includes additional safety features that are suited to ensure that raised lighting components are prevented from crashing down during deployment or retrieval operations. The filed light prevents accidental falls and maintenance failures because all potential energy is controlled by vertical shaft screws with fixed and engaged screw nuts that prevent rapid vertical/linear motion in any direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a redundant wireless safety system that provides a second level of safety protocol when a worker is exposed to a more dangerous work environment. In an embodiment, such a machine may be configured to perform a specific manufacturing function wherein the machine may include first and second transceivers for maintaining enabling signals for functionality of the machine. The system may further include a base station (e.g., remote control) configured to operate in conjunction with the machine that in turn includes third and fourth transceivers also configured to maintain enabling signals for machine functionality. Machine functionality may be interrupted by an interrupt switch disposed in the machine. That is, the interrupt switch may be configured to enable functionality of the machine if and only if the first transceiver maintains periodic communication with the third transceiver and if the second transceiver maintains periodic communication with the fourth transceiver.

Abstract: A system and method for a locking mechanism that includes an ability to indicate that a fall event has occurred as well as indicate proper engagement via a signal cable coupled through a harness. The locking mechanism includes a mechanical indicator that is disposed within the locking mechanism (as opposed to far away from the locking mechanism at a remote cable attachment point) that can visually indicate that a fall event has occurred. Further, the locking mechanism includes electronic components including three magnetic actuators and corresponding electronic switches that signal change of state. Locking tabs and a leading edge of the insert respectively include the three magnetic actuators. The electronic switches, which may be magnetically activated reed switches, signal status change to an external controller and, optionally, an external computer.

Abstract: A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controller's housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.

Abstract: A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controller's housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs, that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of locking two devices to each other through a receiver base, a pair of pivoting locking tabs, each having first and second arms extending out from a pivot point, and an insert that is partially engaged within a cavity formed by the receiver base and locking tabs. The receiver base is configured to be engageable with a first device. The insert is configured to be engageable with a second device. An optional push button assembly that has a retractable lip is engageable with the receiver base to block rotational movement of the locking tabs unless the lip of the push button is retracted. The apparatus may also include magnetic actuators and corresponding electronic switches that provide two stage locking and, optionally, provide contact state signaling to an external controller and computer to verify locked/unlocked status of the insert relative to the receiver base cavity and locking tabs.

Abstract: A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controllers housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.

Abstract: A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controllers housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.

Abstract: A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controller's housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.

Abstract: A vertical raising safety rail having a moveable top rail, a base, a movable center rail assembly positioned above the base and below the top rail, a drive shaft, and a motor that provides rotational power to the drive shaft. The safety rail further includes a pair of spaced apart lower linkage arm assemblies that is operatively connected to the base and to the center rail assembly and configured to raise or lower the center rail assembly relative to the base when a rotational force is applied to the drive shaft. The safety rail also includes a pair of spaced apart upper linkage arm assemblies that is operably connected to the center rail assembly and to the top rail. The upper linkage arm assemblies are operably connected to corresponding lower linkage assemblies and are configured to move the upper rail relative to the center rail assembly. When the rotational force is reversed, the safety rail collapses into a compact footprint.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of locking two devices to each other through a receiver base, a pair of pivoting locking tabs, each having first and second arms extending out from a pivot point, and an insert that is partially engaged within a cavity formed by the receiver base and locking tabs. The receiver base is configured to be engageable with a first device. The insert is configured to be engageable with a second device. An optional push button assembly that has a retractable lip is engageable with the receiver base to block rotational movement of the locking tabs unless the lip of the push button is retracted. The apparatus may also include magnetic actuators and corresponding electronic switches that provide two stage locking and, optionally, provide contact state signaling to an external controller and computer to verify locked/unlocked status of the insert relative to the receiver base cavity and locking tabs.

Abstract: A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controller's housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.

Abstract: A vertical raising safety rail having a moveable top rail, a base, a movable center rail assembly positioned above the base and below the top rail, a drive shaft, and a motor that provides rotational power to the drive shaft. The safety rail further includes a pair of spaced apart lower linkage arm assemblies that is operatively connected to the base and to the center rail assembly and configured to raise or lower the center rail assembly relative to the base when a rotational force is applied to the drive shaft. The safety rail also includes a pair of spaced apart upper linkage arm assemblies that is operably connected to the center rail assembly and to the top rail. The upper linkage arm assemblies are operably connected to corresponding lower linkage assemblies and are configured to move the upper rail relative to the center rail assembly. When the rotational force is reversed, the safety rail collapses into a compact footprint.

Abstract: A robust, motorized moveable shelf assembly having a shelf carriage, a stationary support structure, and a motorized drive assembly that can be retrofitted into an existing cabinet structure or be combined with a cabinet structure in which the shelf carriage can rotationally-move outside and either downward or upward of the stationary support structure and back again so that the shelf carriage is more readily accessible to a person of limited mobility. A linkage arm powered by a motor moves through an arcuate path to drive the shelf carriage from a first at rest position to a second extended position. In one embodiment, the shelf carriage has a bottom edge with a chamfered rear edge to provide clearance during movement. In another embodiment, the shelf carriage includes a moveable bottom flap, a rail, and a wheel attached to a lower portion of the shelf carriage where the wheel tracks the rail to eliminate the need for the chamfered rear edge.

Abstract: A robust, motorized moveable shelf assembly having a shelf carriage, a stationary support structure, and a motorized drive assembly that can be retrofitted into an existing cabinet structure or be combined with a cabinet structure in which the shelf carriage can rotationally-move outside and either downward or upward of the stationary support structure and back again so that the shelf carriage is more readily accessible to a person of limited mobility. A linkage arm powered by a motor moves through an arcuate path to drive the shelf carriage from a first at rest position to a second extended position. In one embodiment, the shelf carriage has a bottom edge with a chamfered rear edge to provide clearance during movement. In another embodiment, the shelf carriage includes a moveable bottom flap, a rail, and a wheel attached to a lower portion of the shelf carriage where the wheel tracks the rail to eliminate the need for the chamfered rear edge.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for gates and the like for readily latching a slide bar to a locking unit. The locking unit has a block with a front and back plate that are fixedly attached to each other about portions of peripheries of the front and back plates that define an opening with a side slot and at least one adjacent top or bottom slot. Positioned within at least one top or bottom slot is at least one pivoting release lever having a first leg and a second leg movable about a pivot. One of the legs has a portion configured to engage a portion of a slide bar when restraining movement of the slide bar relative to the block. The other leg abuts and aids in dislodging the slide from the block when a force is applied to the pivoting lever. The latch mechanism further includes a slide bar guide.

Abstract: A locking assembly for readily attaching and detaching a device to a surface such as a wall, non-planar surface, or a plurality of bars such as those found in a kennel. The locking assembly has a bracket assembly with a front and back plate that are fixedly attached to each other about portions of peripheries of the front and back plates defining an opening therebetween with a top slot and at least one side slot. The back plate is directly or indirectly fixedly attached to a surface. Positioned within at least one side slot is at least one pivoting release lever having an upper leg and lower leg movable about a pivot. The locking assembly further includes a yoke assembly having a yoke assembly plate of a size and shape to fit edgewise and be guided into the opening between the front and bottom plates via the top slot. The upper leg of the pivoting release lever and an exterior surface of the yoke assembly plate can be mateably restrained through a pair of interlocking notches.

Abstract: A locking assembly having a substantially joined bracket assembly with a front and back plate defining an opening therebetween with a top slot and a side slot. At least the back plate is directly or indirectly fixedly attached to a solid surface. Positioned within side slot is a pivoting release lever having an upper leg and lower leg movable about a pivot. The pivot is fixedly attached to the front and back plates such that the upper and lower legs are free to move within the opening between the front and back plates within a defined boundary about the pivot. The locking assembly further includes a collar assembly having a collar assembly plate of a size and shape to fit edgewise and be guided into the opening between the front and bottom plates via the top slot. A collar extending from the front surface of the collar assembly plate is attached to a device.