Abstract: A steel wire self-locking mechanism and a lifting device are provided. The steel wire self-locking mechanism includes a surrounding plate and a self-locking gear and a locking device arranged in the surrounding plate, and uses a friction force of a threaded sleeve to lock the lifting device. The lifting device includes a lifting assembly and a beam assembly. The steel wire self-locking mechanism is arranged in the beam assembly, and the locking of the lifting device is realized by the steel wire self-locking mechanism. The steel wire self-locking mechanism and the lifting device have good adaptability. Due to a smaller volume, the steel wire self-locking mechanism is applicable to lifting tables in various sizes.

Abstract: An automated gypsum board installation machine is a device for automatically positioning, installing, and fastening gypsum boards. The device includes a first extendable support member and a second extendable support member as well as a board-fastening assembly that is slidably engaged in between. A quantity of gypsum boards is held within a board-containing receptacle and a gypsum board may be moved into position by at least one adjustable board-retaining device. Once the gypsum board is positioned, at least one fastener-installing device is able to secure the gypsum board in place via fasteners. The at least one fastener-installing device is mechanically coupled to at least one fastener receptacle. The device may be controlled automatically or manually via a control unit and a wireless receiver.

Abstract: A mobile safety fall arrest cart is provided. The mobile safety fall arrest cart is configured to move along an edge of an elevated surface as a worker works along the edge. The worker is connected to the cart with a safety line. If the worker falls from the elevated surface, the weight of the worker causes a spike assembly to move from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, a spike member engages the elevated surface so as to assist in arresting the worker's fall.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting cargo within the box of a truck comprises a central platform, extending between first and second sides, the central platform sized to be located between wheel wells of a box of a truck, a lift, operable to move the central platform between a first position parallel to and proximate to a bottom horizontal surface of a bed of the box of the truck and a second position parallel to and vertically spaced above the first position, and first and second platform extensions, each of the first and second platform extensions operably engageable with the first or second side of the central platform so as to form a continuous planar surface therewith at the second position.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a motorized wheel including a controller configured to control the operation of a motor for driving the motorized wheel, and a handheld device configured to receive inputs associated with the operation of the motor and to transmit instructions corresponding to the received inputs to the controller to control the operation of the motor via a wireless communication medium. The handheld device includes a main portion having a handgrip and a tail portion being biased toward the main portion to form an attachment mechanism by the main portion in cooperation with the tail portion, the attachment mechanism for attaching to a remote surface. The handheld device including a display for displaying information associated with the operation of the motorized wheel.

Abstract: A ladder assembly for use with movable shelving is disclosed. The ladder assembly may comprise an overhead track assembly, a carriage, and a ladder. The overhead track assembly includes a first guide track and a second guide track. The carriage is operatively configured to move longitudinally along the first and second guide tracks. The ladder is pivotally and slidably mounted to the carriage. The ladder has an operating position and a stored position. The operating position is located in an open available aisle of the movable shelving. The stored position may be located substantially vertical and outside of the aisle of the movable shelving allowing the movable shelving to close the aisle without interference from the ladder.

Abstract: A portable folding support structure for safely tethering an individual comprises a portable cart sized to fit through a residential doorway, having wheels and a motor that actuates at least one of the wheels. A hand-operated throttle and steering device control the cart. The cart comprises an extendable anchoring plate to prevent rolling. A substantially horizontal jib with the cart comprises a harness point for receiving a safety cable to which an individual is attached to allow safe cleaning practices and to minimize fall risk. A foldable outrigger provides stability to the cart and an anchoring pad attaches to a distal region of the outrigger to promote stability. A textile liquid-absorbing surface is positionable about an outer surface of a glass balcony to inhibit cleaning liquids from spilling below the level of the liquid-absorbing surface.

Abstract: A motorized wheel system with wireless remote for portable support structure such as ladders and scaffolds to enable a user to relocate the ladder without dismounting by attaching wheels to the portable structure's legs wherein the wheels are remotely controllable. The motorized wheel system with a remote control mechanism comprises a remote motorized wheel device associated with each leg, each having a power supply for driving a motor and a receiver that is in radio communication with a transmitter on a remote control mechanism used to remotely engage the power supply and steer the wheels.

Abstract: A mobile tower drive system for efficiently attaching a removable drive system to a scaffolding unit and driving the scaffolding unit from the work platform. The mobile tower drive system generally includes a lower unit adapted to be secured to a lower end of a scaffolding unit, wherein the lower unit has a wheel to operably engage a floor surface and move between an engaged and disengaged position. The lower unit removably attaches to an upper unit, wherein the upper unit is secured relative the upper frame of the scaffolding unit. Both, the lower unit and the upper unit employ coaxial drives for turning and driving the wheel. The coaxial drive also is used to brake the wheel. The coaxial drives are generally controlled via manually operable rotational control levers; however automated power sources may be utilized. Also disclosed are swivel locks for the caster wheels of the scaffolding unit.

Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline, a drum, and a crank. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The drum has a base and is rotatable. The first end of the lifeline is operatively connected to the drum and the intermediate portion of the lifeline is windable about and paid out from the base. The drum is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure. The second end is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure. The crank is configured and arranged to be releasably connectable to the drum and is rotatable to rotate the drum and tension the lifeline. The crank includes a tension indicator to provide indication when the tension in the lifeline has reached a predetermined level. The crank is capable of tensioning the lifeline to a level greater than the predetermined level.

Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline windable about and paid out from a rotatable drum and a housing. The housing includes a first connector and is configured and arranged to house the drum and the lifeline wound about a base of the drum. The first connector is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure, the lifeline is pulled outward from proximate the housing thereby paying out at least a portion of the lifeline from the drum, a second connector operatively connected to the lifeline is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure, and the lifeline is tensioned using a crank that rotates the drum to increase the tension in the lifeline and provides indication when the tension in the lifeline reaches a predetermined level.

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.

Abstract: A working platform (1) for aircraft maintenance has two chassis (3a, 3b), a working stage (5) and two height-adjustable support means (4a, 4b) connecting the working stage (5) to the chassis (3a, 3b). The working surface of the working stage (5) is assembled from at least two mutually separable segments (_b 5a, 5b, . . . ), wherein a first (5a) of the segments is supported by the first chassis (3a) and the first height-adjustable support means (4a) and a second (5b) of the segments is supported by the second chassis (3a) and the second height adjustable support means (4b).

Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline windable about and paid out from a rotatable drum and a housing. The housing includes a first connector and is configured and arranged to house the drum and the lifeline wound about a base of the drum. The first connector is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure, the lifeline is pulled outward from proximate the housing thereby paying out at least a portion of the lifeline from the drum, a second connector operatively connected to the lifeline is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure, and the lifeline is tensioned using a crank that rotates the drum to increase the tension in the lifeline and provides indication when the tension in the lifeline reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A portable scaffold moving device for connecting to scaffolding and which provides rotary motion to a drive wheel, to move scaffolding in select directions. The portable scaffold moving device includes a power wheel, rotary driven through a perpendicular or right-angled gear reduction, receiving its rotary force from a drive shaft, and the drive shaft couples with a portable drill, which furnishes the rotational force necessary for driving the drive shaft, and its associated drive wheel. The bracket mechanism supporting the portable drill supports the drill during its delivery of rotary force to the drive shaft, and its wheel, and likewise, pivotally mounts to an outer support sleeve or tube that furnishes steering, to the drive mechanism, and consequentially to the scaffolding, during its power movement.

Abstract: An accessory for a ladder includes a set of wheels that can be attached to the feet of the ladder and a gear mechanism that couples those wheels to an operating handle. The operating handle includes a plurality of sections so it can be reached by a user who is supported on top of the ladder. Operation of the handle rotates the wheels to move the ladder while the user remains in place on the ladder.

Abstract: A light-weight self-propelled scaffold vehicle is guidable through the use of a toggle switch. It is dimensioned and designed to be able to be utilized in small areas and through 30 inch doorways as well as for larger areas.

Abstract: A novel and unique user-friendly swivel-power scaffold mobilizing device that provides movement in any direction parallel to the ground and rotation about a vertical axis. The device may be removably secured to a conventional scaffold, providing to power the scaffolding device. The swivel-power scaffold mobilizing device of is designed and configured for use in places that are unsuitable for large, bulky power scaffolds, such as in hallways, office buildings, hospitals and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to a light-weight self-propelled scaffold vehicle. This invention is guidable through the use of a toggle switch and it is dimensioned and designed to be able to be utilized in small areas and through 30 inch doorways as well as for larger areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel and unique user-friendly swivel-power scaffold mobilizing device that provides movement in any direction parallel to the ground and rotation about a vertical axis. The device may be removably secured to a conventional scaffold, providing a means to power the scaffolding device. The swivel-power scaffold mobilizing device of the present invention is designed and configured for use in places that are unsuitable for large, bulky power scaffolds, such as in hallways, office buildings, hospitals and the like.

Abstract: A portable device for connecting to scaffolding and which provides rotary motion to a drive wheel, to move scaffolding in select directions. The device includes a power wheel, rotary driven through a perpendicular or right-angled gear reduction, receiving its rotary force from a drive shaft, and the drive shaft couples with a portable drill, or other tool, that furnishes the rotational force necessary for driving the drive shaft, and its associated drive wheel. The bracket mechanism supporting the portable appliance supports the appliance during its delivery of rotary force to the drive shaft, and its wheel, and likewise, pivotally mounts to an outer support sleeve or tube that furnishes steering, to the drive mechanism, and consequently to the scaffolding, during its power movement.

Abstract: The mobile scaffold vehicle has a motorized base with an upper surface and a first frame member and a second member. The first and second fame members are pivotally mounted near respective opposite ends of the upper surface. The first frame member is movable independently of the second frame member from an inoperative storage position near the upper surface and a generally vertical operative position. The second frame member is movable independently of the first frame member from an inoperative storage position near the upper surface and a generally vertical operative position, so that in their operative positions, the first and second fame members are generally paralel with one another and located near opposite ends of the upper surface. A platform is attachable with the frame members in the operative position and a plurality of anchor arrangements for anchoring the frame members in the operative position, thereby to permit a operator to stand on the platform.

Abstract: An attachment assembly provides a secure attachment point for the fall arrest tether lines of safety harnesses of workers on flat roofs, the assembly being movable over the roof as required. The assembly can be used alone, but usually is mounted on a wheeled utility cart as employed by roofers to move materials on the roof, or may be an integral part of such a cart. The assembly has a base frame that is spaced from the roof edge over which the worker may fall. An attachment member for tether lines is mounted on the base frame together with at least two longitudinally spaced surface engaging arm, the arms being located at the frame side nearer to the roof edge. When the assembly is in operative position each arm has its lower end, which usually has teeth, close to the roof surface. A counterweight is mounted on the opposite side of the base frame.

Abstract: A universal motorized scaffold truck with a horizontal support frame adapted for removably supporting scaffold or "A" ladders thereon and supported by wheels for lateral movement on a ground surface. A vertically extendable steering mast is provided which is secured at its lower end to the frame and adapted for steering selected of the wheels from the upper end of the mast. An electric motor is mounted on the frame and adapted for driving desired wheels and a switch is provided at the upper end of the mast for selectively engaging the electric motor to drive the truck in either direction. The steering mast is adapted to fold down horizontally for storage on the frame and may be locked into position in its upright position and secured to the scaffold or ladder for security.

Abstract: A ladder support system, comprising a free-standing frame having an upper and lower horizontal member, and a ladder that is supported on the upper horizontal member and lower horizontal member. The frame further has a pair of ends which each have two legs joined by a top joint which forms an acute angle between the two legs which are both perpendicular to the upper horizontal member, which is also attached to the top joint. The upper horizontal member is parallel to the lower horizontal member. The ladder has wheel assemblies which engage the upper horizontal member and lower horizontal member so that the ladder may move laterally along the frame. A movement mechanism comprises a pair of end pulleys located at the ends, and a rope having a pair of rope extremities. The rope is threaded through the end pulleys with the rope extremities available to a workmen on the ladder, so that the workmen can move the ladder laterally along the frame without climbing down the ladder.

Abstract: Clamping apparatus for providing a fixed support on a fixed beam or other similar structures wherein outer and inner elongated members are mounted for relative sliding telescoping movement therebetween and are moved by a rotatable threaded bolt and each of the outer and inner elongated members have an inclined surface so that when the inclined surface of the jaws contact the opposite side edges of the fixed beam the facing surfaces of the fixed beam and the outer and inner elongated members are moved into intimate contact.

Abstract: A movable working platform comprises a scaffold including a front frame having a pair of support posts, and a pair of front wheels mounted on opposite sides of a lower end of the front frame, a rear frame having a pair of support posts, and a pair of rear wheels mounted on opposite sides of a lower end of the rear frame. A scaffolding platform is disposed between the front and rear. A steering mechanism of the platform includes a steering shaft vertically arranged along the front frame, a handle mounted on an upper end of the steering shaft, and a drive wheel mounted on a lower end of the steering shaft. A drive mechanism of the platform includes a pedal swingably supported by the front frame, a wire member wound on a pulley and reciprocally moved in response to a swinging motion of the pedal, and a one-way clutch for transmitting only a one-way rotation of the pulley to the drive wheel.

Abstract: A self-propelled stepladder including a moveable platform having a front end, a rear end, a front pair of wheels secured the front end, and a rear pair of wheels secured to the rear end; a motor having a rotor and a fixed stator coupled to the platform and with the stator imparting rotation to the rotor when electrically energized; a drive mechanism coupled to the platform for transferring rotational motion from the rotor to the wheels; a battery coupled to the platform for providing electrical energy to the motor; a switch mechanism coupled to the battery, the motor, and the driving mechanism for allowing the motor to be selectively energized and de-energized and for allowing the rotor of the motor to rotate and thereby impart forward or rearward motion to the platform via the drive mechanism; and a foldable step ladder having legs terminated at free ends; and a coupling mechanism for removably coupling the free ends of the step ladder to the platform in an extended and substantially vertical orientation for

Abstract: A lifting carriage having a rectangular frame provided with four corner posts for guiding an elevating platform mounted between these posts. Each post has a toothed rack on which a toothed gear mounted on the platform is engaged for raising the platform. The toothed gears ar actuated by a motor mounted on the platform through a power chain. The carriage is mounted on wheels which can be actuated by a motor for horizontally moving the carriage. The carriage is also provided with spinning wheels on its side, whereby, the carriage, when tilted on its side, can be moved sideways. The elevating platform is provided with guiding wheels adapted to abut against the corner posts for allowing a smooth sliding of the elevating platform.

Abstract: A rail transport system is secured to a space station and provides a path for astronaut travel. Releasable bindings are journalled to a rail so that an astronaut can quickly travel from one point to another and release the binding so he is free to move at the arrived point. The rails may be configured in a continuous path so that a minimum of binding disconnections is possible. Oppositely facing binding means are also provided so that the astronaut may travel bi-directionally along the rail.

Abstract: Ambulatory ladder apparatus constructed as a stepladder frame supported on a set of four base wheels. A user-powered drive is mounted under the lowermost step of the ladder, and is mechanically connected with a pair of the base wheels. A drive arm extending from the drive is accessible to a user while aboard the stepladder. By pumping action of the drive arm, the user-powered drive causes rotation of the base wheels, moving the ladder forward. A steering mechanism provided on the drive arm allows the user to direct the motion of the ladder during the pumping action. Thus, without requiring the user to dismount, the ladder may be easily repositioned by operation of the drive, allowing greater work efficiency in many repair, remodeling, painting and construction projects, by eliminating the additional time normally required for dismounting and repositioning the ladder.

Abstract: This invention is directed at a mobile ladder which has a two pairs of rollers. One pair of rollers moves in a first metal trough and the other pair moves in another metal trough. The metal trough are positioned close to a building wall, for example, and are in parallel relation to each other. The ladder can be moved in the troughs when a workman in on the ladder through use of a pulley system.This invention is also directed at a mobile scaffold which has a two pairs of rollers. One pair of rollers moves in a first metal trough and the other pair moves in another metal trough. The metal trough are positioned close to a building wall, for example, and are in parallel relation to each other. The scaffold can be moved in the troughs when a workman in on the scaffold through use of a pulley system.This invention is also directed at a work bucket that is mounted to a ladder by a pair of bracket members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension cradle or cradles which can be transported along an upper region such as the rim of an upright edifice such as a cooling tower, the rim having a substantially flat surface extending on a plane transverse to the upright plane of the cooling tower, transportation of the cradle(s) being by a device mounted on the surface by means adapted to move the device along the surface.

Abstract: A retrofit kit for a portable scaffold having a relatively open frame supported for movement on a plurality of wheels and a platform for a worker disposed on the frame includes a wheel and a mount to mount the wheel to the open frame. The mount allows horizontal movement of the rotational axis of the wheel. The wheel may be steered by structure controllable from the platform to control the direction of the movement of the scaffold. A motor is provided and is operatively connected to the wheel for moving the scaffold in the direction selected by the steering means.

Abstract: A propulsion unit for span scaffolds having vertical castered columns at the four corners thereof. The propulsion unit includes a first elongated frame member extending between the columns on one side of the scaffold, a second elongated frame member extending between the columns on the other side of the scaffold, and a third, wheeled, frame member extending crosswise between the first and second frame members, the third frame member being mounted on the first and second frame members for limited free vertical movement relative thereto.

Abstract: A control system for a personnel carrier attached to a boom which is displaceable by pressure fluid. The control system comprises at least one hand operable controlled handle axially rotatable in a limited clockwise or counter-clockwise direction to cause the boom to be elevated or lowered, respectively. A control valve is associated with the control handle and has at least one adjustable pressure fluid control component therein to control the displacement of the boom. A movable linkage is secured at one end to the control handle and at an opposed end to the fluid control component whereby rotation of the control handle causes displacement of the control component to regulate the pressure fluid which in turn controls the displacement of the boom.

Abstract: A storage/retrieval machine (10) is provided with equipment to adapt the machine for use in fighting fires in a warehouse in which the machine is installed. A plurality of platforms (26, 30) and access ladders (28, 32) are provided along the length of the machine mast (14). A standpipe (34) having a connection (36) to a central fire extinguisher fluid source extends along the mast, and hose and nozzle assemblies (38) are provided at each platform. To provide power to the machine to move it to the location of the fire, an auxiliary drive motor (61) is mounted on the storage/retrieval machine, and an auxiliary power supply (46) mounted in a waterproof housing (48) and supported on its own wheels (50, 52), is engageable with the storage/retrieval machine for movement therewith.

Abstract: An aerial lift platform apparatus having tracks. A rotatable upper works is mounted on a chassis, and includes a turntable, a telescopic boom having a workman's platform at its outer end, and an engine driving a hydraulic pump. The chassis has forward and rear drive wheels on each side, and two pairs of intermediate idler wheels. Each pair of idler wheels is supported by a spring biased cranked axle which is journalled in bearings, to effect joint movement of the two wheels of the pair. All wheels have pneumatic tires and a track encompasses the tires on each side.

Abstract: An emergency escape system designed for use with multistory buildings. The system comprises generally a vertical zigzag track formed by a plurality of special contour structures, each structure having three plies of plate mounted in parallel relationship adjacent to outside wall of the building and having a plurality of parallel branch tracks extending laterally and slightly upwardly from the vertical track to an exit tunnel at each floor of the building. A number of loader cars for carrying escapees or properties from each exit tunnel along the track to escape, each car having four universal wheels underneath the bottom of the car and two parallel axles perpendicularly fixed at the upper and the lower end back side of the car, a set of several ball bearing rollers connected each other by specially curved springs is rotatorily mounted on each axle for supporting and traveling along the tracks.

Abstract: An emergency escaping device of this invention consists of a continuous W shape metallic tracks vertically mounted alongside the outer wall of a building or between buildings. Said tracks having their interval branches of inlet tracks adjoining to the exit of each floor of the building or buildings and, a number of loader cars for carrying persons or properties from all floors to glide down along the same tracks. Said tracks equipped with automatic sequence controls thereon to keep said loader cars one by one safely gliding onto the ground in case of emergency. The tracks can be made in rolls of flexible material and the cars can be made of jacket style for individual personnel to escape from windows if there is no metallic tracks installation.

Abstract: An electrically powered steerable scaffolding cart having a vertically positionable platform and handrails transports and supports a workman while he performs overhead work.

Abstract: The invention involves working on a pipeline which is subject to movements relative to a base such as ground, the deck of a floating barge, and the like. A rollable scaffold is frictionally coupled to the pipeline so that workers carried by the scaffold can move relative to the base and, therefore, become stationary relative to the pipeline. The scaffold carries a lift means for raising and lowering a pipe support positionable under the pipeline. The scaffold therefore allows the workers to work on the pipeline without being disturbed by the relative movements between the pipeline and the base.

Abstract: A mobile milking chair apparatus which is controlled by the operator to place the operator in a position to milk a series of cows in a milking parlor. The chair conveys the operator along a line of cows and can position the operator properly for connecting and disconnecting a milking machine for each cow and then provides for swinging the operator to the opposite side for another series of cows.

Abstract: A small portable motorized attachment for propelling portable scaffolds from place to place is provided comprising a pair of electrically operated propulsion units adapted to detachably replace the front caster wheels of a scaffold and a control means for operating the units, each unit comprising a base having a propulsion wheel operatively connected to a friction drive means and a motor swingably cantilevered from the base with the weight of the cantilevered assembly pressing a gear driven friction drive wheel into engagement with the propulsion wheel so that the units when stably connected with one another in place on the scaffold act in unison to brake, clutch and propel the scaffold.