Abstract: The invention relates to a new approach to characterize, model, and find Buckshot anomalies within LiDAR point cloud dataset collected with Geiger-mode Avalanche Photodiode (GmAPD) LiDAR platforms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new approach to characterize, model, and find Buckshot anomalies within LiDAR point cloud dataset collected with Geiger-mode Avalanche Photodiode (GmAPD) LiDAR platforms.

Abstract: Systems and methods of automating the generation of a correction of an estimate of an elevation of a digital elevation model (DEM) of the bare earth under forest canopy. The disclosed embodiments facilitate generation of a more accurate DEM in areas of canopy coverage (where the input X-band DSM cannot see the ground) to estimate both the canopy height and the associated DEM. In some embodiments, the result of computationally correcting an estimate of an original DEM is a modified DEM. The method of correcting an estimate of an original DEM utilizes a pair of P-band radar images, an original DEM overlapping the same scene as the P-band radar images, at least one common, uniquely-identifiable point in the P-band radar images, and a definition of a geographical area surrounding the common, uniquely identifiable point over which the elevation correction is applicable.

Abstract: Systems and methods of automating the generation of an estimate of the first floor elevation of a building, using a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and an image of the front of the building. First, machine learning (ML) algorithms are used to estimate the height of the first floor of the building above ground from the image. The estimated height is added to a DTM height of the geographical area corresponding to the location of the building to provide an estimate of the FFE. The disclosed embodiments can be applied in estimating the first floor height of any kind of building. For example, single-family homes, townhomes, high rise buildings, stores, malls, shops, movie theaters, or any other building. Additionally, the disclosed embodiments are camera-agnostic and can be applied on any type of image collected by any type of camera.

Abstract: Systems and methods of automating the generation of a correction of an estimate of an elevation of a digital elevation model (DEM) of the bare earth under forest canopy. The disclosed embodiments facilitate generation of a more accurate DEM in areas of canopy coverage (where the input X-band DSM cannot see the ground) to estimate both the canopy height and the associated DEM. In some embodiments, the result of computationally correcting an estimate of an original DEM is a modified DEM. The method of correcting an estimate of an original DEM utilizes a pair of P-band radar images, an original DEM overlapping the same scene as the P-band radar images, at least one common, uniquely-identifiable point in the P-band radar images, and a definition of a geographical area surrounding the common, uniquely identifiable point over which the elevation correction is applicable.

Abstract: Systems and methods of automating the generation of an estimate of the first floor elevation of a building, using a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and an image of the front of the building. First, machine learning (ML) algorithms are used to estimate the height of the first floor of the building above ground from the image. The estimated height is added to a DTM height of the geographical area corresponding to the location of the building to provide an estimate of the FFE. The disclosed embodiments can be applied in estimating the first floor height of any kind of building. For example, single-family homes, townhomes, high rise buildings, stores, malls, shops, movie theaters, or any other building. Additionally, the disclosed embodiments are camera-agnostic and can be applied on any type of image collected by any type of camera.

Abstract: A self-braking pulley is disclosed for controlling a rate of extraction of a tether wound upon the pulley. The pulley includes a spool for receiving a tether, the spool being arranged to rotate about an axle of the pulley as the tether is removed therefrom. The pulley further includes a braking assembly for applying a braking force to the spool and a drive assembly which is engagable with the spool via an engagement member. The engagement member is arranged to rotationally couple the spool with the drive assembly for driving the braking assembly, in dependence of a rate of rotation of the spool about the axle.

Abstract: A descender device is disclosed for enabling a controlled descent of a load along a tether. The device comprises a frame having a front and rear side, and a first and second aperture disposed therein for receiving a tether. The first and second aperture extend between the front and rear side of the frame and the tether being arranged to pass between the first and second apertures substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame. The device further comprises a control bar disposed within the first aperture. The control bar extends across the first aperture and is constrained to move in a plane of the aperture, substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the bar. In use, the tether is arranged to loop around the control bar within the second aperture and the free ends of the tether are arranged to extend out from the first aperture, away from the front side of the frame.

Abstract: A descender device is disclosed for enabling a controlled descent of a load along a tether. The device comprises a frame having a front and rear side, and a first and second aperture disposed therein for receiving a tether. The first and second aperture extend between the front and rear side of the frame and the tether being arranged to pass between the first and second apertures substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame. The device further comprises a control bar disposed within the first aperture. The control bar extends across the first aperture and is constrained to move in a plane of the aperture, substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the bar. In use, the tether is arranged to loop around the control bar within the second aperture and the free ends of the tether are arranged to extend out from the first aperture, away from the front side of the frame.

Abstract: A self-braking pulley is disclosed for controlling a rate of extraction of a tether wound upon the pulley. The pulley includes a spool for receiving a tether, the spool being arranged to rotate about an axle of the pulley as the tether is removed therefrom. The pulley further includes a braking assembly for applying a braking force to the spool and a drive assembly which is engagable with the spool via an engagement member. The engagement member is arranged to rotationally couple the spool with the drive assembly for driving the braking assembly, in dependence of a rate of rotation of the spool about the axle.

Abstract: A self-braking pulley is disclosed for controlling a rate of extraction of a tether coupled with the pulley. The pulley comprises a pulley housing, a spool for receiving a tether, the spool being configured to rotate about a first axis, relative to the pulley housing, and a piston assembly comprising a chamber having a first and second chamber portion which are rotationally locked to the housing. The piston assembly further comprises a fluid disposed within the chamber, a piston which is arranged to move within the chamber along a second axis between the first and second chamber portions and at least one bore formed within the piston for fluidly coupling the first and second chamber portions. The pulley further comprises means for coupling rotational motion of the spool with reciprocating motion of the piston back and forth between the chamber portions, to cause the fluid to transfer between the chamber portions via the at least one bore as the spool rotates.

Abstract: A front-mounted loader includes a pair of loader arms each having a rear end pivotally coupled to a loader mast which, in turn, includes lower and upper cross pins respectively located in an upwardly opening and forwardly opening pin receptacles. The forwardly opening receptacle of each loader mounting frame forms a fixed part of a latch assembly defining an upper region of the mounting frame and including latch member mounted for pivoting about a horizontal axis and having a forward nose provided with a downwardly opening receptacle which engages the upper cross pin when the mast is latched to the mounting frame. An over center biasing spring is connected to each latch member and resists movement either from a latching position or an unlatching position.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a centrifugally-operated apparatus that comprises at least a shaft with an axis of rotation and a pawl that is coaxially mounted on the shaft with at least a portion of the pawl being movable radially inwardly and outwardly from the shaft. The axis of rotation of the shaft passes through the pawl, at a location that is radially offset from the center of mass of the pawl. Rotation of the shaft and pawl above a predetermined speed can cause at least the movable portion of the pawl to be moved radially outward from the shaft, in which position an engaging end of the movable portion of the pawl may engage with a component such as a ratchet.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed fall-protection safety devices comprising a load-bearing housing comprised of a composite polymeric material, and also comprising a load-bearing anchorage plate connected to the load-bearing housing by at least one load-bearing connector.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a preassembled and pretorqued friction brake comprising at least a pressure plate, a ratchet ring, a friction ring, and a backing plate. Further disclosed is a centrifugally-operated safety device comprising the preassembled and pretorqued friction brake, and methods of making.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a centrifugally-operated apparatus that comprises at least a shaft with an axis of rotation and a pawl that is coaxially mounted on the shaft with at least a portion of the pawl being movable radially inwardly and outwardly from the shaft. The axis of rotation of the shaft passes through the pawl, at a location that is radially offset from the center of mass of the pawl. Rotation of the shaft and pawl above a predetermined speed can cause at least the movable portion of the pawl to be moved radially outward from the shaft, in which position an engaging end of the movable portion of the pawl may engage with a component such as a ratchet.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a centrifugally-operated apparatus that comprises at least a shaft with an axis of rotation and a pawl that is coaxially mounted on the shaft with at least a portion of the pawl being movable radially inwardly and outwardly from the shaft. The axis of rotation of the shaft passes through the pawl, at a location that is radially offset from the center of mass of the pawl. Rotation of the shaft and pawl above a predetermined speed can cause at least the movable portion of the pawl to be moved radially outward from the shaft, in which position an engaging end of the movable portion of the pawl may engage with a component such as a ratchet.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a preassembled and pretorqued friction brake comprising at least a pressure plate, a ratchet ring, a friction ring, and a backing plate.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed fall-protection safety devices comprising a load-bearing housing comprised of a composite polymeric material, and also comprising a load-bearing anchorage plate connected to the load-bearing housing by at least one load-bearing connector.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a centrifugally-operated apparatus that comprises at least a shaft with an axis of rotation and a pawl that is coaxially mounted on the shaft with at least a portion of the pawl being movable radially inwardly and outwardly from the shaft. The axis of rotation of the shaft passes through the pawl, at a location that is radially offset from the center of mass of the pawl. Rotation of the shaft and pawl above a predetermined speed can cause at least the movable portion of the pawl to be moved radially outward from the shaft, in which position an engaging end of the movable portion of the pawl may engage with a component such as a ratchet.