Hangers And Saddles Patents (Class 104/115)
  • Patent number: 11893864
    Abstract: An input device has a support that has a user control area and that has a coupling area for coupling an object to be monitored to the input device; an electromechanical transducer structure that is coupled both to the user control area and to the coupling area; and a control apparatus that uses the electromechanical transducer structure to implement a user control function of the user control area and further to implement mechanical integrity monitoring of the object to be monitored and/or the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Diebold Nixdorf Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Oliver Dietz
  • Patent number: 11440783
    Abstract: A detection system includes a plurality of support posts, cables supported by the support posts, a winding device operable to wind the cable, a lifting and lowering device that is connected to the cable, and is movable in an air when the cable is wound by the winding device, and a detecting device hung by the lifting and lowering device. The detecting device is configured to be moved by the winding device in a region defined by the support posts, and lowered by the lifting and lowering device to detect information concerning an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuo Suyama, Shinpei Murakami
  • Patent number: 11400383
    Abstract: The zip line rail system can be connected to a challenge course, a zip line, a zip track system, or any combination thereof. The zip line rail system of the present invention can have two rails that a member slide's two wheels rollably engage with, and the zip line rail system can be configured in any of a variety of directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: JIMI IP, LLC
    Inventor: Sean Horihan
  • Patent number: 11350782
    Abstract: A remote-controlled mailbox is provided. The device includes a mailbox housing having an open front end and a front door pivotally affixed thereto, wherein the front door selectively closes the front end. A post is affixed to a base of the mailbox housing. A frame is affixed to a lower end of the post, wherein the frame movably engages a track. Upon actuation of a motor of a mechanical drive system, the frame moves along the track, thereby moving the post and mailbox housing in kind. A remote device includes a plurality of controls thereon, wherein the plurality of controls is operably connected to the motor. Upon actuation of the plurality of controls, the mechanical drive system selectively moves the frame along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventor: Doug Beam, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11034366
    Abstract: A device of a roller assembly or a trolley for a cable transportation system, the device comprising: a frame having two facing walls, which are provided with two respective first holes having a first axis in common; a pin that engages the first holes; a body mounted rotatably about the pin between the two facing walls of the frame, the body having a hole, which has a second axis and enables the passage of the pin; and an auxiliary constraining device that is selectively releasable configured to keep the axes of the first holes of the frame and of the hole of the body coincident even in the absence of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Leitner S.P.A.
    Inventor: Nikolaus Erharter
  • Patent number: 10533609
    Abstract: A bearing comprises an outer casing and an inner casing, wherein each of the outer casing and the inner casing are shaped to hold a plurality of ball bearings to facilitate rotational movement of the outer casing with respect to the inner casing, and wherein the inner casing is shaped to define a circular void that is substantially empty except for structure as needed to hold the plurality of ball bearings against the outer casing, and wherein the outer casing is shaped to form a groove within which to receive a rail. A mounting system is included on the inner casing capable of receiving a mounting bracket to be slid longitudinally with respect to the rail upon the rotational movement of the outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: RGE MOTOR DIRECT INC.
    Inventor: Jiaqi Pu
  • Patent number: 10266184
    Abstract: A transportation system includes a tube defining an interior channel. A vehicle is configured to travel through the interior channel. At least one tension support couples the tube to ground. The tension support(s) exerts tension force into the tube. The tension force exerted into the tube reduces deflection of the tube when the vehicle travels through the interior channel over the tension support(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Robert Erik Grip
  • Patent number: 9504861
    Abstract: A safety line traveller (1) including a traveller body (3) having an open sided receiving channel (11) for receiving a longitudinal section of the safety line (2). An occluder element (5) is moveable between an open position in which access into and out of the channel (11) via the open side is at a maximum, and a closed position in which access into and out of the channel via the open side is at a minimum. The open side of the channel (11) being at least partly occluded by the occluder element (5) in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Latchways PLC
    Inventors: Karl Jones, Amir Tabatabai
  • Patent number: 9206558
    Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a reciprocation system comprised of independently movable work heads for carrying out rail maintenance operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: HARSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Victor Vargas, Eric M. Carter, Lee Bolton, Daniel B. Guptail
  • Patent number: 8683925
    Abstract: A trolley having a trolley upper portion; a trolley wheel carriage secured to the trolley upper portion; and a trolley lower portion extending downwardly from said trolley upper portion, allowing the trolley to be displaced along a box to box cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: James Liggett
  • Patent number: 8522919
    Abstract: A fall arrest device having a safety support whilst allowing movement of the device on an elongate support. The fall arrest device including, a sliding element, first and second cam elements, first and second links, and an attachment. The first and second links connected together to mutually rotate about a third axis separated from a first and second axes, and the attachment moving relative to the links, so that the first and second locking cams can be moved between their first and second positions by loads applied to the device through the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Latchways PLC
    Inventor: Peter Robert Flux
  • Publication number: 20130112103
    Abstract: A turn wheel for supporting a curved portion of a load-transporting cable, having a generally cylindrical central frame, a set of spokes circumferentially spaced about the frame with their inner ends attached to the frame below its upper extremity, the upper surfaces of the spokes sloping downwardly toward their outer ends, and the inner ends of the spokes being adapted to support the curved portion of the cable in a slidable relation when it is in engagement with the upper extremity of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Austin Elhard
  • Patent number: 8397351
    Abstract: A slide displaced along a life-line. The slide includes a body provided with a guide duct through which a cable passes. The slide further includes a handle that is capable of interacting with an attached connecting mechanism. The handle is articulated relative to the body such that the handle has a freedom of rotary movement of axis in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the guide duct and different from a direction of traction of the connecting mechanism of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Capital Safety Group Emea
    Inventors: Pascal Lara, Christian Hamann
  • Patent number: 8336463
    Abstract: A zipline trolley system comprises a cable, trolley, launcher, and a catch block. The launcher is fixed on the cable and comprises a substantially cylindrical inner body with a rigid outer body adapted to rotate about the inner body. A return spring attaches the inner body with the outer body. The catch block is also fixed on the cable and comprises a block with left and right retaining arms pivotably connected to the block and adapted to clasp onto the front plate of the frame of the trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Skyline Zipline Global, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin G. Smith
  • Patent number: 8316990
    Abstract: A trolley and fall arrest safety system is disclosed for movement along an elevated track to support a person who has fallen off of a structure adjacent the track. The trolley is arranged to roll on along a surface of the track in a longitudinal direction to suspend a person therefrom in the event that the person falls from an elevated position adjacent the track. The trolley includes an immobilizing assembly including a flexible strap. The strap is arranged to be pulled by the suspended worker to releasably fix the trolley at a longitudinal position on the track, so that the person can swing himself/herself to move the trolley to a desired safety position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Uhlig, Arnold Timothy Galpin, David A. Pisotti
  • Patent number: 8240254
    Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. The brake pad may include a plurality of segments contacting the cable. A first such segment may be formed from a first material. A second such segment may be formed from a second material, distinct from the first material. The sequence, composition, gaps, and the like of the plurality of segments may be selected to provide a desired resistance to wear, frictional coefficient, all-weather braking, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Eric C. Cylvick
  • Patent number: 8191482
    Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable relies on a brake to control velocity and net downhill acceleration of the trolley. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. At the downhill end of the ride, the lever actuating the brake is caught and lifted by a capture ring, thus relieving the braking load on the trolley. Also, the trolley engages a comparatively modest, second resistance mechanism, such as, for example, a system of springs, that gradually increases in resistance with distance of motion of the trolley thereagainst, bringing the trolley to a gradual halt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Eric S. Cylvick
  • Patent number: 8087360
    Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. The brake pad may include a plurality of segments contacting the cable. A first such segment may be formed from a first material. A second such segment may be formed from a second material, distinct from the first material. The sequence, composition, gaps, and the like of the plurality of segments may be selected to provide a desired resistance to wear, frictional coefficient, all-weather braking, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Zipholdings, LLC
    Inventor: Eric S. Cylvick
  • Patent number: 8001904
    Abstract: A fall arrest assembly having belay lines and anchor stations extending between support structures and which slidably receive a shuttle mounted to a person traversing the belay lines, the assembly including a mounting plate having a plurality of openings therethrough and a supporting extension fixed rigidly thereto and wherein the support extension carries a shuttle guide coupled to the belay lines and configured for slidable passage of a shuttle there over, and a plurality of anchor elements having a section configured to extend through the plurality of openings in the mounting plate and clamps for securing the anchor elements to the support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Exponent Challenge Technology
    Inventors: Koen Maes, Bart Maes
  • Patent number: 7992679
    Abstract: An anchor system for a personal fall protection system having belay lines extending between vertical supports includes modular components adapted to be mounted to virtually any structure while permitting the installation of one or two belay line runs. A mounting plate interfaces with the vertical support, while one or two support plates are supported by the mounting plate and by anchor elements extending through each of the plates. Each support plate includes a shuttle guide and is configured to connect to belay line segments running between successive anchor systems and forming the complete belay line course. The fall protection system is further provided with a transfer station that allows a person to transfer from one belay line to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Exponent Challenge Technology
    Inventors: Stefaan Geens, Frank Wijckmans, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20110185937
    Abstract: A ski-lift seat return device having a supporting structure; a reel mounted to rotate about an axis with respect to the supporting structure; a cable wound about the reel; a spring mechanism for opposing unwinding of the cable, and for rewinding the cable unwound off the reel; and a contactless magnetic brake connected to the reel and the supporting structure to adjust the brake torque as a function of the rotation speed of the reel; and wherein the magnetic brake has a first wall integral with and preferably defining part of the supporting structure; and a second wall connected movably to the reel and moved towards the first wall by the rotation speed of the reel; the first and second wall being coupled magnetically to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Rolic Invest SARL
    Inventors: Otto Pabst, Christian Bacher
  • Patent number: 7966941
    Abstract: An improved zip line trolley allowing a rider control of his or her speed while traversing along a suspended cable (8) as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The trolley comprises front and rear pulleys (44F) and (44R) conjoined via pulley housing (16) with left and right horizontal handles (10L) and (10R) attached to vertical shaft (12). Front and rear hand brake levers (20F) and (20R) are mounted onto left and right horizontal handles (10L) and (10R). When front and rear hand brake levers (20F) and (20R) are squeezed by the rider, they create a constricting force on front left and right calipers (32FL) and (32FR) along with rear left and right calipers (32RL) and (32RR) of FIGS. 2A and 3A. Thus, friction is applied to front and rear pulleys (44F) and (44R) via front left and right brake pads (34FL) and (34FR) along with rear left and right brake pads (34RL) and (34RR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Kenton Michael Brannan
  • Patent number: 7966940
    Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable relies on a brake to control velocity and limit net downhill acceleration of the trolley. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. At the downhill end of the ride, the lever actuating the brake is caught and lifted by a capture ring, thus relieving the braking load on the trolley. Also, the trolley engages a comparatively modest, second resistance mechanism, such as, for example, a system of springs, that gradually increases in resistance with distance of motion of the trolley thereagainst, bringing the trolley to a gradual halt at a rate to improve comfort of a rider and reduce acceleration forces (loads) on the trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Zipholdings, LLC.
    Inventor: Eric S. Cylvick
  • Patent number: 7946539
    Abstract: Device for supporting a safety line, in particular for preventing the accidental falling of personnel working in places presenting this risk, having at least one elongated tubular element for guiding the passage of the cable of the safety line, wherein this tubular element is retained by at least two supports, spaced apart and designed to be fixed to a fixed surface, characterized in that the elongated tubular element is of a flexible plastic material so that it is able to conform to the shape of a curve to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Capital Safety Group EMEA
    Inventor: Pascal Lara
  • Patent number: 7819066
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a zipline trolley comprising of two substantially flat side flanges arranged in a parallel configuration, a substantially flat front face attached perpendicularly to the front edges of the side flanges, and a substantially flat back face attached perpendicularly to the rear edges of the side flanges. There are also provided two axles for bearing wheels and four lines for attaching the side flanges to the two spreaders. One set of two lines is attached to the bottom of each of the side flanges. The lines are connected to two spreaders, which are attached to the ends of a handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin Geoffrey Smith
  • Patent number: 7721655
    Abstract: A transport system comprising a cable traveling subsystem movable along a cable that is attached to and extends from a mounting subsystem. The cable traveling subsystem comprises a wheel that rotates along a length of the cable. The cable traveling subsystem further comprises a movable gate which keeps the cable traveling subsystem in physical communication with the cable even should the wheel become disengaged from the cable, and which further allows the cable traveling subsystem to travel though the mounting subsystem thereby resulting in the cable traveling subsystem's uninterrupted flow of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Donald E. Riggie
  • Patent number: 7637213
    Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. The brake pad may include a plurality of segments contacting the cable. A first such segment may be formed from a first material. A second such segment may be formed from a second material, distinct from the first material. The sequence, composition, gaps, and the like of the plurality of segments may be selected to provide a desired resistance to wear, frictional coefficient, all-weather braking, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Eric S. Cylvick
  • Patent number: 7624684
    Abstract: A cableway with suspended tram and remote bogie is disclosed. This includes a self-contained motor, traction and support sheaves with provision for adjusting the height of the tram below said cable for limiting vertical acceleration caused by travel along the cantenary curve of the cableway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Richard David Morris
  • Patent number: 7404360
    Abstract: A trolley for traveling along a cable. The trolley may include a frame having a first end, a second end, and a rail positioned between the first and second ends. A brake pad may connect to the frame. A sheave mount may also connect to the frame and include a sheave for rolling along the cable. A carriage may connect to the frame and include a user mount for suspending a user. The carriage may selectively travel along the rail through a continuous range of motion to control a braking force generated by the trolley between the brake pad and the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Eric S. Cylvick
  • Patent number: 7018111
    Abstract: A light amplifier includes a source of multiple light beams, each modulated with the same information, and a plurality of light amplifying optical fibers, each amplifying one of the light beams. The amplified light from each amplifying fiber is converted to electric form, and the electrical signals are summed to add the information and average the noise. In one embodiment, the bundle of fibers is twisted as it is wound about a cylinder, to average the compressive and tension forces on the fibers of the bundle. In another embodiment, a common cladding surrounds a bundle of fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Chiappetta
  • Patent number: 6640727
    Abstract: A load attachment system such as commonly used as a horizontal lifeline safety system (10) includes a substantially horizontal lifeline (14) secured at its ends to a building structure (12) and supported intermittently along its length by intermediate supports (26, 126). Each support (26, 126) includes a horizontal bar (38, 138) for supporting the line (14). The system (10) further includes a load attachment device (24, 124) having a pair of grooved rollers (54, 56; 154, 156) that rides on the lifeline. A load (18) is supported from the bottom (68, 168) of a C-shaped member (62, 162) which has its top (64, 164) connected to the rollers (54, 56; 154, 156) thereby allowing the device (24, 124) to traverse the supports (26, 126). The bottom (68, 168) of the C-shaped member also carries a rotatable paddle wheel (74, 174) which prevents the device (24, 124) from being removed from the line (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Meyer Ostrobrod
  • Patent number: 6530454
    Abstract: A fall arrest device (100) for use on an elongate support (180) including locking cams (132, 133, 134, 135) embodied by first and second independent actuable cam elements (133, 135), said cam elements (133, 135) being biased by a bias (132, 133, 134, 135) into locking engagement with the elongate support (180) and being actuated by a common arrester (128) in response to a sudden change in load experienced by the device (100) such that said first cam element (133) traps the elongate support (180) relative to a chassis (102) when the elongate support (180) slopes in a first direction and such that said second cam element (135) traps the elongate support (180) relative to said chassis (102) when the elongate support (180) slopes in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Latchways PLC
    Inventors: Julian E. Renton, Mark Woodley
  • Patent number: 6474442
    Abstract: A personal safety device (10) adapted for longitudinal movement relative to an elongate support element (50) comprises a body (11) having a bore (12) for receiving the element (50), a slipper (20) mounted on the body (11) the slipper (20) having a surface (21) oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said bore (12), and connector (30) connected to the slipper (20) and being adapted at its other end (31) for connection to a personal safety harness. Slipper (20) is movable between first and second positions in response to sudden loading of the connector (30). In the first position, surface (21) allows free passage element (50) through the bore (12). When slipper (20) is in the second position, surface (21) clamps element (50) firmly to body (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Latchways PLC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Fraser Atkinson, Jonathan Michael Cogzell
  • Patent number: 6412420
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is cable by-pass device comprising a guide wheel rotatably mounted to an axle, at least one toothed wheel having a plurality of teeth extending radially therefrom rotatably mounted independently of the guide wheel, a bracket to the rear of the guide wheel, and an attachment portion below the guide wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Sellstrom Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Rafael Kramer, Anne Jahnke
  • Patent number: 6378651
    Abstract: A fall arrest system for a worker connected to a horizontal lifeline supported by at least one intermediate support having a pair of rotatable star wheels for supporting the lifeline. A glider connector connects a worker to the lifeline so that the glider connector slides along the lifeline as the worker walks parallel thereto. The glider connector which is supported by rails as it passes near the intermediate support rotates the star wheels as it passes through spaces between their projections to allow the glider connector to pass through the intermediate support without having to disconnect it from the lifeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Rose Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Tim Wayne Ecker, Richard Gregory Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20020007761
    Abstract: A running-gear mechanism for the transport assembly of a cableway system has running rollers that roll in guide rails while the coupling assembly is uncoupled from the haulage cable. In the region of the running rollers there is provided at least one downwardly projecting continuation which projects into the guide rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Bernd Meindl
  • Patent number: 6330861
    Abstract: A height safety system includes an elongate semi-rigid element (310) suspended from its end under tension between a pair of fixed anchors and is supported by intermediate guides (331). Shuttle means (360) are installed on the element (310) and are adapted for movement therealong between the fixed anchors. The shuttle means (360) are provided with attachment devices (365) for receiving a suspended load or a personnel safety line. The intermediate guides (331) are designed to grip the element (310) with a predetermined clamping force that allows limited slippage of the element (310) therethrough in response to an applied tensile load exceeding the clamping force. Slippage no longer occurs when the tensile load equals the predetermined clamping force. In this way, the tensile load is partially transferred to an adjacent span of the element (310).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Latchways PLC
    Inventor: Peter Robert Flux
  • Patent number: 6311625
    Abstract: A load attachment system such as commonly used as a horizontal lifeline safety system includes a substantially horizontal lifeline secured at its ends to a building structure and supported intermittently along its length by intermediate supports. Each support includes a horizontal bar and a partial vertical bar. The system further includes a load attachment device having a pair of grooved rollers that rides on the lifeline. A load is supported from the bottom of a C-shaped member which has its top connected to the rollers thereby allowing the device to traverse the supports. The bottom of the C-shaped member also carries a rotatable paddle wheel which prevents the device from being removed from the line. The paddle wheel rotates when a paddle is engaged by the support's horizontal bar as the device traverses the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Meyer Ostrobrod
  • Patent number: 6205929
    Abstract: An improved trolley for use on a track. The improved trolley is of a sandwich construction having a wear resistant interior and a pair of metal end plates. The wear resistant material is preferably plastic or other material designed to avoid damaging a track along which the trolley rides. The end plates are preferably stainless steel and of a diameter greater than the diameter of the center wheel to prevent the trolley from becoming dislodged from a track. By providing a sandwich of long wearing and non brittle materials, the longevity of the trolley is increased and corrosion concerns associated with prior art devices is substantially alleviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: VGK Inc.
    Inventors: Verlan Van Dyke, Keith Korver, Perry Klein
  • Patent number: 6125766
    Abstract: A load transfer device comprising a pair of spaced-apart rotary members, each having at least one recess formed in its periphery and sharing a common axis of rotation. A slipper member is located between the spaced-apart rotary members and defines therewith a space adapted to receive an elongate support element along which the device travels in use. A positive locking mechanism is also provided for attaching a load to the device in order to prevent accidental release of the load from the device. The spaced-apart rotary members are rotatably mounted in relation to the slipper member and their recesses are adapted to traverse intermediate brackets provided for the elongate support element without user intervention. The limbs of the intermediate brackets are successively received, guided and passed by the recesses automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Latchways Limited
    Inventor: Peter Robert Flux
  • Patent number: 5904099
    Abstract: A cushioned braking system for cushioning the impact of a moving vehicle for amusement for children. The braking system comprises a double ended air cylinder having a first cylinder end and a second cylinder end. A first head member and a second head member close the first and second cylinder ends, respectively. A first piston rod extends axially outward from the cylinder through the first head member. A first piston is on the first piston rod within the cylinder. A second piston rod extends axially outward from the cylinder through the second head member. A second piston is on the second piston rod within the cylinder. A spring assembly resiliently connects the first piston to the second piston within the cylinder. The spring assembly serves to bias the first and second pistons toward a reference position. The cylinder also has a vent for controlling air flow within the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Playworld Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward M. Danneker
  • Patent number: 5660113
    Abstract: A support system that allows skiers and snow boarders to descend from cliffs and other elevated surfaces while eliminating the high speed impact landing after the descent. Aerial cables (10 and 12), suspended between towers (14 and 16), provide a path for transporting pulleys (18 and 20). Attached to pulleys, support lines (22 and 24) gradually carry the skier in harness (26) towards landing area (32) after the skier experiences a limited free-fall. While skiing down launch area (28), break-away attachments (46 and 48) keep the pulleys in the same plane as the sider and also retain partial slack in the support lines until free-fall begins. After siding from edge of ramp (30), the skier's weight pulls on the support lines causing the break-away attachments to release the partial slack held in each support line. The sider is in free-fall for a distance predetermined by the length of slack in the support lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald M. Lehotsky
  • Patent number: 5655327
    Abstract: A purse seine link (10) having a roller head (30) attached to body (20) by head pivot (32). Latch mechanism (22) allows for one step release of roller head (30) to release cable (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Myron Henry Wardell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5460099
    Abstract: A dynamic absorber for a pendulum type structure is particularly useful for suppressing swing. In operative association with the pendulum type structure, the dynamic absorber is provided above the center of gravity of the pendulum type structure such that the dynamic absorber can apply damping force to the pendulum type structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignees: Hiroshi Matsuhisa, Tokkyokiki Corporation, Anzensakudo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsuhisa, Masashi Yasuda
  • Patent number: 5343975
    Abstract: A personnel fall-arrest system is disclosed in which there is a flexible safety track (1) which is supported in spaced relation to a fixture (2) by brackets (5), and a coupling component (7) for connecting a worker's safety harness to said track via a safety line (8), the coupling component (7) being freely displaceable along said track. The system is characterized in that each of the brackets (5) is formed so that it becomes permanently deformed if subjected to heavy loading due to a fall, thereby signalling that the system requires to be checked and re-certified before further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Barrow Hepburn Sala Ltd.
    Inventors: David Riches, Leonard J. Feathers
  • Patent number: 5224427
    Abstract: A personnel fall-arrest system including a flexible safety track (1) which is anchored in spaced relation to a fixture (2) by track anchors (4), and a coupling component (7) for connecting a worker's safety harness to the track via a safety line (8), the component (7) being freely displaceable along the track. Each of the track anchors (4) is formed so that it becomes permanently deformed if subjected to heavy loading due to a fall, thereby signalling that the system requires to be checked and re-certified before further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Barrow Hepburn Sala Ltd.
    Inventors: David Riches, Leonard J. Feathers
  • Patent number: 5172791
    Abstract: A conveyor system for moving a container, such as a cash box, between a main station, such as a bank building, and one or more secondary stations, such as an automatic teller machine. The conveyor includes at least two continuous smooth tubes running between the stations. A carriage rides along the tubes on two sets of wheels to keep the carriage in the desired alignment. A bracket secures the carriage to a movable cable that runs adjacent to the tube and is entrained over a plurality of pulleys. The bracket is configured to lift the cable away from individual pulleys as the bracket passes each pulley to avoid contact between bracket and cable. A drive mechanism moves the cable to move the carriage between stations. This system is adapted to move the carriage through a tunnel in an overhead canopy or through an underground tunnel where, for example, the carriage carries a cash box to drive-up automatic teller machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: Edward F. Couvrette
  • Patent number: 5103738
    Abstract: A transmission for movement along a track system comprises a frame movably supported on the track system by guides mounted to the frame. At least one endless belt assembly comprising a pair of spaced endless belts engaging associated belt wheels is mounted to the frame. A drive system for rotating the belt wheels and driving the endless belt is provided. A gripping system adapted for holding and releasing the track system is mounted between the pair of spaced endless belt. The gripping system comprises a plurality of posts extending between the spaced endless belts over the length of the endless belt assembly with gripping units slidably mounted on each of the posts. Biasing springs tend to center the gripping units on the posts. An actuating arrangement is provided for activating the gripping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Jan Claussen
  • Patent number: 5094171
    Abstract: A platform escape vehicle, particularly for rapid escape of a derrickman from his monkey-board on a drilling rig, consisting of two sheaves with double grooves mounted on parallel shafts, to take a wire rope, one sheave being provided with a dynamic brake and the other sheave being provided with hand-operated shoe brake; the sheaves being connected by parallel supporting straps, the sheaves plus aforesaid supporting straps together being connected to the mid-point of the body of the vehicle which is made up of two like-shaped pieces consisting of upper supports from one end of the pieces tubular members run towards one another and around the bottom of a seat and from the other end of which tubular members run down to practically meet at the mid-point of handle-bars which are provided with levers for hand-operation of shoe brake, from the meeting point of the tubular members springs another tubular member that curves outward while running down through a hole at the forward end of the seat until the end thereof
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.
    Inventor: Tokume Fujita
  • Patent number: 4926754
    Abstract: A cable way for transporting suspended vehicles or cars includes a moving pulling cable and a guide element defining a long travel axis and formed at least in part as a support cable. The cable way at certain locations is adjustable in height and to both sides along the long travel axis. At the certain locations, the support cable is replaced by rigid rails. Each vehicle is supported on the guide element by a roller mechanism including a grip secured to the pulling cable with the grip connected by an articulated rocker member to travel rollers contacting the guide element. The rocker mechanism includes two guiding or steering elements pivotally displaceable relative to the long travel axis for effecting the adjustment at the certain locations. The grip generally engages the pulling cable from below and permits travel over diversion rollers located on both sides of the pulling cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Von Roll Transportsysteme AG
    Inventor: Fritz Feuz