Abstract: A self-propelled carriage for climbing a rope suspended from a high structure to which access is desired, the carriage being equipped with a seat, a motor and a motor driven shaft for engaging the rope. The rope may be wrapped around the shaft to clutch the rope in the manner of a windlass. The shaft may have a frictional surface and/or a spiral track to receive the rope.

Abstract: A hunting chair for elevating hunters and animals into trees is shown. The chair comprises an upright, hollow frame carrying a bracket below it. A reel is rotatably mounted in the bracket, and a cable is attached to the reel, extends through the hollow frame, and exits through an open top. Foot pedals are attached to the reel for rotating the reel and winding the cable around it to elevate the chair into a tree. Brackets brace the chair against the tree being climbed and a pair of brakes on the reel assure that the chair will not fall uncontrollably.

Abstract: A tree or the like climbing platform wherein a platform is raised or lowered over a tree trunk by a supporting member extending from the platform to surround the tree at the opposite side of the platform. Guide rollers extend from the supporting member and the platform for contacting the tree trunk. There is provided a tree trunk engaging plate extending from the platform which is in biased engagement with the tree trunk for holding penetration. The engaging plate is released from engagement by a foot pedal which is interconnected with the plate. The climbing apparatus also includes an adjustable strap connected to the platform and surrounds the tree trunk on the same side as the supporting member. It is adjustable so that the platform will remain level irrespective of the taper or diameter of the tree. The versatility of this climbing apparatus is seen in the fact that it can be raised or lowered by various devices including a winch.

Abstract: A rescue basket is provided with a centrally placed guide tube extending upwardly from the bottom of the basket, thereby forming a guide for a handling wire which extends through the tube and under the basket is connected to a weight.

Abstract: A lifesaving apparatus which enables quick escape from the upper floors of a tall building during emergencies includes a hoist device positionable on the building above the floors from which escape is to be provided, a fire-resistant rope element connected to the hoist device which can be raised and lowered with respect to the ground, the rope element including at least one attachment element along its length, and at least one container device for supporting a human being removably attachable to an attachment element of the rope, each container device including a closable entry opening.

Abstract: A portable climbing device suited for scaling existing overhead structures such as trees, buildings, clifts and the like. Using his legs, a rider cranks a hoisting winch that is equipped with bicycle-like foot pedals to retract a cable by which the device is suspended. Having a curved frame which extends along a narrow region of space from a point above the rider's seat and downwardly behind it, the device tends to deflect any overhead tree branches which may be in a rider's path as he ascends while simultaneously giving him a virtually unobstructed view. Also shielded by the frame is the cable which is guided across a plurality of rollers mounted on the concave side of the frame. The rollers are so positioned that the cable acts on them to stabilize the frame by resisting forces which tend to stretch it longitudinally when the rider's seat is occupied.

Abstract: An adjustable service platform apparatus for a gantry crane has an elongated base frame generally comforming in size and shape to a conventional load carrying lifting spreader, and twin service platform units secured to opposite lateral ends of the base frame. Work platforms atop the service platform units can be raised and lowered and laterally extended and retracted independently from the hoist and trolley motions of the crane, with the crane's hoist and trolley motions being interlocked with the position of the work platforms. Using work platform controls operators standing on the work platforms can readily access and inspect the structural elements of the crane's A-frame supporting structure and the crane's boom structure from the top of the boom to the base of the crane. The work platforms can additionally have inboard and outboard extensions for readily accessing the interior of the boom structure and the outside surfaces of the A-frame structure.

Abstract: A mounting socket and method for removably attaching a platform supporting davit to a rooftop. The mounting socket includes a folding handle and wheels permitting easy transportation from a storage location to a position near a compatible building supported mounting pedestal. A pair of fixed hooks formed by the socket engage a pair of holes formed by the platform. The socket includes a hollow cavity adapted to receive the davit. As the socket is rotated into vertical position, a locking clamp having movable hooks engages the platform and a secondary locking lever acts to ensure that the locking clamp remains in a locked position on the pedestal. A davit locking pawl prevents inadvertent removal of the davit from the socket when the socket is in the vertical position.

Abstract: A pair of stanchions (12) is mounted on a roof (4) for rotation about spaced apart vertical axes (18). Each end of an elongated platform (22) is connected to an upper horizontal portion (16) of one of the stanchions (12). Platform (22) is raised by winches (24). Workers (W.sub.1, W.sub.2) positioned on platform (22) push and pull on horizontal portions (16) to rotate stanchions (12 ) and move platform (22) into a suspended position outboard of the structure (2). Each horizontal portion (16) is provided with an outwardly extending lever (34) having a pull line (32) at its outer end. Workers (W.sub.1, W.sub.2) use levers (34) and pull lines (32) to assist in rotating stanchions (12). Workers (W.sub.1, W.sub.2) alternate pushing and pulling on the horizontal portions (16) of their respective stanchions (12).

Abstract: A personnel escape mechanism for emergency evacuation of a high-rise building. An escape support for personnel in the form of harnesses or a protective cage is suspended from a trolley, riding on a rail extending externally from the building. The escape support is suspended by cable from a constant speed rotationally braked cable payout mechanism mounted in the trolley. The support and trolley are impelled to the outside of the building through a frangible wall opening, and then lowered to a safe ground location by the braked cable pay-out mechanism. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a steel cage is provided on wheels near window of safety glass. This cage is suspended from a cable wound on a cable drum, which is rotationally coupled to a hydraulic pump controlled by a restricted, closed loop flow path. The cable drum and pump are mounted in a trolley which rides on an I-beam projecting out of the building through the safety glass.

Abstract: A portable motor outrigger for suspending scaffolding in which there are a pair of spaced generally parallel, substantially A-frame-shaped supports (30, 32), having a beam (26) extending therebetween. Each A-frame has two plates (100, 108), one adjacent the lower end of one leg (76) and the other adjacent the lower end of the other leg (78). The plates are adapted to be positioned on a surface (12) to support the beam (26) through the A-frame supports. A wheel (104) is mounted for rotation in a lower part of the A-frame and is positioned to be substantially in vertical alignment with the center of gravity of the weight on the support. A caster (98) depends from an end (86) of each A-frame, the wheel and caster being above a roof surface when the plates (100, 108) support the A-frames on the roof surface. A jackscrew (92) is mounted on one end of each A-frame adjacent the caster and is adapted to raise and lower plate (100) adjacent the caster with respect to the A-frame and the caster.

Abstract: A portable cage and system for servicing high voltage power transmission lines, including a uniquely shaped cage lowerable onto a power line bundle of one or more conductors, the cage placeable by an ungrounded helicopter or a ground-based crane from a position above the power transmission lines lowered thereonto. Workmen may then safely move about within each basket to complete the required power line repair. The cage includes a horizontal crossframe and two baskets each connected to and downwardly hung from the crossframe, the entire cage having a unique, generally inverted "U"-shape when viewed from either end of the cage. The cage may include adjustable connector engagement wheels which contact each power line in the bundle for support and lateral movement of the cage. These wheels are connected to the crossframe such that the two basket portions of the cage hang on either side of the power line bundle, again aided by the generally inverted "U"cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A system for moving personnel between two elevations has features that allow control of ascent and descent by the passenger. The system has a cage carried by a load bearing cable that is moved to raise and lower the cage. The cable also has a plurality of electrical conductors within it that are insulated from each other. Passenger controls are connected to the electrical conductors of the cable. The conductors are connected at the other end to the powered lifting device, preferably through a slip ring assembly.

Abstract: An outside rescue elevator system is shown for use on a high-rise building. The elevator system can be installed on existing buildings, as well as being included in new construction. The system includes a dual compartment track mounted vertically on the outside of the building, and a wheeled truck operating within one of the track compartments, and a dual cable system is included with the truck for raising and lowering the truck within the track. A portable elevator cab is connected to the truck, and the cab includes a pair of stabilizing wheels, so that the cab actually rides on a smooth vertical roadbed that extends up the exterior wall of the building.

Abstract: A work platform for buildings having a guard rail having, at one end, a movable part pivotally mounted for movement about a horizontal axis between a working position and an upright safety position the guard rail including a mechanism carrying switch means arranged in the working position of the said movable part to be positioned to contact a member on an adjacent platform to control a circuit to stop the platform moving in a vertical direction and the movable part being controlled by said mechanism which also positions said switch means to prevent the platform passing one another when the end frame movable part is in any position except the safety position.

Abstract: A tension sensing device for scaffolds suspended by at least one hoist cable is described. The tension sensing device generally comprises a support structure adapted to be secured to the scaffold and having guide means for directing the hoist cable through the device, lever arm means for sensing the tension on the hoist cable, and switch means for detecting a slack cable or a strained cable condition. The support structure includes a cover plate assembly with at least one section of the cover plate assembly constructed from a transparent material so that the tension on the hoist cable may also be visually observed.

Abstract: Movable scaffold having a car which is suspended from two carriages (15, 16) joined by a cross bar (18), said carriages rolling inside a rail (10) suspended from support members mounted on the roof. The cross bar carries a safety bracket (21a) of a T-shaped configuration. Lateral movements are effected by operating, from the scaffold car, an endless rope (33) cooperating with a grooved pulley (32), integral with a friction roll, which is applied against the bottom surface of rail (10).

Abstract: A telescoping wall scaffold has a suspension member with a first end and a second end and shaped therebetween to extend about the overhang of a structure having a vertical surface. A leg and foot arrangement is attached to the first end for contact with the structure. A base member is attached to the second end to extend downwardly therefrom along the surface of the structure. At least one telescoping member is mechanically and telescopically adapted to the base member for telescopic movement and relation thereto. A platform support is attached to the telescoping member to support one or more platforms. A spacer member is also adapted to the telescoping member to extend away therefrom toward the surface of the structure. A wheel or roller is adapted to the spacer member for rolling contact with the surface. A winch with a reel having a rope wound thereon is also secured to the telescoping member.

Abstract: The boom of a crane carries a pivot bearing for a second bearing which guides an elongated column. The upper or the lower end of the column supports a gallery which is turnable about its axis. The second bearing is pivotable about the horizontal axis of the pivot bearing by a cylinder-piston unit and the column is movable lengthwise with respect to the second bearing by means of the crane cable.

Abstract: A portable high-rise escape device for attachment to the windowsill of a tall building is disclosed comprising a telescoping length extendible boom, an actuable pneumatic driver for extending the boom, a detachable wall mounting bracket to securely connect the boom to a windowsill, a length of cable having a harness at one end, a winch to contain and release the cable at a predetermined rate, and cable guides to guide the cable from the winch to the end of the boom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a delayed deployment platform or racking board for use on oil well derricks or the like. The automatic system for delayed deployment allows the derrick rack to be utilized with very tall pump jacks or the like. The delayed deployment system does not lower the racking board until the derrick has extended sufficiently for the board to clear tall pump jacks and the like.

Abstract: Emergency apparatus in the form of a rescue box for air-lifting survivors from burning high-rise buildings; the rescue box has opposed full-width and full-height doors hinged at the bottom, which act as passenger loading ramps when open as when the rescue box is set down on the roof of a burning building and which on lifting by helicopters is safely held closed by lifting lines proportioned for sharing the load with other lines to the rescue box; each door has a smaller door in it hinged inward at the bottom to facilitate escape into the rescue box when positioned alongside burning buildings, as through windows in the buildings; aerodynamic stabilization for steadying the rescue box during transport and landing is provided by a tail extending from an end of the rescue box; special view limiting and cushioning features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fire-proof rescue system for high-rise buildings comprises an upright rail fixed to a face of the building and a rescue cabin movable upwardly and downwardly of the building and having a gear engageable with the rail. The system further includes a gear transmission unit, a cable drum with a cable thereon, and a deflecting roller mounted above the rail and operative for taking up the cable from the cable drum.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a scaffold system for use in sandblasting. The scaffold system is intended to prevent particulates generated during the sandblasting operation from entering the atmosphere. This result is achieved by providing a platform having an enclosure formed on three sides thereof. A plurality of inverted pyramidal troughs are mounted in abutting side-by-side relationship on the lower surface of the platform. A conduit system is connected to the lower ends of the troughs. In use, particulates generated during the sandblasting operation are contained by the enclosure and directed into the troughs to be channeled by the conduit system to the ground.

Abstract: An emergency rescue system for use in rescuing persons trapped in the upper floors of a multistory building during emergency conditions such as during a fire or the like. The rescue system comprises a rescue gondola suspended alongside the exterior face of the building by a suspension cable. The suspension cable is secured to a carriage at the top of the building wherein the carriage includes means for adjusting the length of the suspension cable to adjust the elevational position of the gondola, and the carriage is movable along a track at the top of the building to adjust the lateral position of the gondola. In one embodiment, a tension cable is removably secured between the carriage and a fixed point near the base of the building and is received over the exterior face of the gondola to steady the gondola and to urge the gondola inwardly toward the building.

Abstract: A magnetic holder for pulling in and securing a platform and personnel to e hull of a ship to be serviced is disclosed. A lightweight corrosion resistant body member houses a permanent magnet and has an extension for receiving an elongated tool with which the holder is brought in contact with the ship's hull. A flexible resilient line attaches the platform to the holder and allows the platform to be pulled to the hull. Easy removal of the holder is accomplished by applying an external force to the extension creating a turning moment to overcome the magnetic holding force.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and equipment for fire fighting and rescue in conjunction with high rise buildings. A balloon having a capacity for lifting objects is coupled with a gondola for transporting people and equipment to and from an elevated location. The balloon is movable vertically relative to the gondola so that the balloon may be positioned out of the way once the gondola reaches a desired working height. Also, the balloon is compartmentalized so that, if one or more compartments become deflated, the remaining compartments will have sufficient lifting capacity to hold the gondola and its cargo. Elevator means on the gondola is provided for raising and lowering people and equipment to and from the ground so that the gondola and balloon need not be raised and lowered on a continual basis. A water gun and harpoon gun disposed on the gondola along with other necessary fire fighting equipment provide for complete fire fighting and rescue from the elevated location.

Abstract: A chain supported scaffolding arrangement for use inside of a building or vessel or in working under a bridge. Chain gripping plates engage the chain and support hollow tubular vertical posts which have a plurality of receptacles connected thereto. The chain engaging plates have a recess formed therein for receiving and positioning the vertical posts. Horizontal members engage the receptacles and extend between the vertical posts which are supported from the chains. The horizontal members are connected to the vertical posts by connectors which prevent movement about their connection axes so that when the various horizontal and vertical members are interconnected, a relatively stiff structure, which is chain supported, is provided.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for safely transferring personnel to and from a sea launch from and to a tanker, a freighter, a bulk carrier, passenger ship or any other vessel or platform relatively larger than the launch or a boat. The system comprises a carrier, which is lifted and lowered by a winch including a hoisting motor, a continuously running tensioning motor, at least one cable connected to said carrier and operatively connected to the tensioning motor and the hoisting motor, and a coupling device disposed between the hoisting motor and the tensioning motor. A weight, which is part of the carrier, or which is suspended underneath, or, alternately, a line attached to the launch and carrier, provides the necessary compensation to the changing personnel weight and allows the carrier to follow motion of the moving deck of the launch.

Abstract: An emergency escape system with escape module suspended from a cable or the like along but unattached to the exterior of a multistoried building, such cable being powered by any suitable mechanism incorporating hoisting and pumping devices such as the ground unit described in co-inventor Cook's U.S. Pat. No. 3,750,686, or the winding drum and water pump of a fire truck or other emergency vehicle, such cable being passed around a pulley supported on the roof of the building, so as to raise the escape module and lower it with encapsulated escapees to a haven.

Abstract: An anchoring device for use with a flexible ladder. The ladder is provided with an upper end having connecting elements. The anchoring device is arranged to connect the upper end of the ladder to an upstanding annular access manhole projection, such as provided on a storage spheroid. The anchoring device includes an arcuate caster support having opposite end portions to which are connected the opposite ends of a flexible connector to which the connecting elements of the ladder are movably connected. The caster support is provided with a plurality of casters rotatably mounted to roll about the manhole projection so that the flexible ladder may be hung from the projection for ready adjustability on the spheroid about the vertical axis thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a working platform on a roof comprises hook members for engaging the roof cap, a cable extending downwardly from the hook member and a support unit attached to the lower end of the cable and provided with a winch so that it can be moved up and down the cable. The apparatus is used in pairs or larger numbers with an elongate working platform supported on the support unit of each apparatus. The support units can roll up and down the roof on balloon tires and are provided with a chassis section lying close to and parallel to the roof so that if the support units are overloaded the balloon tires will deform and the chassis section will come into contact with the roof, thereby spreading the load and reducing the risk of damage to the roof.

Abstract: A guided lift cage which is pivotally mounted to a pair of fixed side rails by a suspension trolley so that the cage is always suspended on a vertical axis, regardless of the axis of the side rails. The path of the side rails may curve from a vertical axis within a shaftway to a horizontal axis above and outside of the shaftway to permit the storage and unloading of the cage, above the shaftway, at a position horizontally offset from the shaftway, to thus provide uninterrupted vertical access to the shaftway in the stored position of the cage.

Abstract: A system for enabling rescue of the occupants of a multistoried building. The system includes a lookout member adapted to be fixedly attached to the roof of the building by way of D-rings or the like. The lookout member is comprised of a crane adapted to overhang the edge of the building. A pulley is attached to one end of the crane and a first cable, of a length sufficient to extend from the ground to the pulley and from the pulley to the ground, is reeved through the pulley and has first and second ends. A drum is provided on the ground for reeling the first end of the cable in and out. A housing large enough to contain and support a plurality of people and adapted to be raised and lowered along the side of the building is provided in order to allow escape of occupants from the building in emergency situations. A yoke is adapted to be connected to the second end of the cable for being raised from the ground to the crane, to which it may be firmly but releasably attached. A second cable is provided.

Abstract: A work staging scaffold system comprising an open movable structural frame with horizontal track members mounting one or more sets of carriages that support one or more associated traverse tracks carrying vertically movable worker cars and also workpiece cable hoists.

Abstract: A scaffold apparatus usable in conjunction with conventional on-site building materials to provide an adjustable scaffold, the scaffold apparatus having a matched pair of plank brackets with a releasable clamping mechanism adapted to clamp the brackets to a pair of spaced timber posts, the plank brackets having cantilevered arm portions extending from the post on which a horizontal cross plank is supported, the brackets having an adjustment mechanism cooperating with a cable for raising and lowering the brackets and cross plank on the timber posts, the plank brackets in combination with additional hardware for supporting and bracing the timber posts forming a compact scaffolding kit.

Abstract: An emergency rescue system for use in rescuing persons trapped in the upper floors of a multistory building during emergency conditions such as during a fire or the like. The rescue system comprises a rescue gondola suspended alongside the exterior face of the building by a suspension cable. The suspension cable is secured to a carriage at the top of the building including means for adjusting the length of the suspension cable to adjust the elevational position of the gondola, and the carriage is movable along a track at the top of the building to adjust the lateral position of the gondola. A tension cable is removably secured between the carriage and a fixed point near the base of the building, and is received over the exterior face of the gondola to steady the gondola and to urge the gondola inwardly toward the building.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a lightweight portable "tree stand" or hunting sling which is utilized to hoist a hunter appreciably above ground level and support the hunter thereat, the "tree stand" including a seat rest and a back rest of fabric material, the seat rest having a medial seat portion and opposite end portions to the latter of which are connected a foot rest in the form of a rope, means for adjustably connecting the seat portion of the seat rest to the back rest, the back rest having two upwardly directed spaced arms connected by ropes to a hoist while additional ropes connect the hoist to the arms of the seat rest, and another rope passing through openings of the back rest for manipulating the "tree stand" through 360 degrees.

Abstract: A portable chair lift for use by a hunter and the like for raising the person off the ground by means of a line extending over a limb. The device includes a frame member which has a seat hung downwardly therefrom on ropes. A worm gear assembly is carried by the frame member to which a hand operated crank is connected for rotating the worm. A pulley is carried on the same shaft as a gear forming part of the worm gear assembly and has a coiled length of web material provided therefrom. The rope is tied to the end of the web material. As a result of the worm gear, the chair lift can be raised with very little effort and the web material aids in stabilizing the chair. The entire chair is collapsible into a compact package for transporting from one site to another.

Abstract: A portable stabbing board adapted to be attached to a rig for supporting a worker while stabbing joints of tubular members together during running operations including a frame member mountable with the rig, attachment members with the frame member for removably securing the frame member with the rig, a platform adapted for vertical movement along the frame member for supporting a worker during running operations, power means mounted with the platform for providing motive force for moving the platform vertically with respect to the frame member, and safety members with the platform and frame member for preventing unwanted vertical movement of the platform during such running operations.

Abstract: A descending manually controllable apparatus slidable on a suspended support rope. Operator sits on supporting structure, controlling the rate of descent.

Abstract: A process of erecting interior combustion and checker chambers in a hot blast stove by lining the checker chamber and building the chamber wall from a vertically movable scaffold in the checker chamber shaped to conform with the interior thereof, laying up checkerwork in the checker chamber beneath the movable scaffold, these two operations being supplied from outside the stove through feed openings at progressive heights, and lining the combustion chamber from a vertically movable work scaffold within the combustion chamber. All three principle operations are carried on concurrently.

Abstract: A portable support for a scaffold comprising first and second wheeled support members which are adapted to be placed on the building roof. The support members are interconnected by length adjustable braces to enable the distance between the support members to be varied. Handrails are also provided on the wheeled support members which extend therebetween to enable the entire assembly to be easily moved as a unit. The first support member has a plurality of upstanding posts secured thereto for selectively vertically receiving one end of an elongated scaffold support arm. The second support member has a pair of posts secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom for receiving the scaffold support arm therebetween. The scaffold support arm is also length adjustable to enable the distance between the support members to be varied.

Abstract: An enclosed scaffold is suspended from a plurality of wire lines attached near the apex of a hemispheric dome surmounting the cylindrical sides of a containment structure, e.g. a tank. The scaffold is attached to the wire lines by hydraulically actuated cable gripping and climbing devices which may be manually or automatically controlled to raise and lower the scaffold. A wheel mounted car rides on the face of a buttress on the exterior of the containment structure wall. A boom mounted on the car is pivotally attached to the top of the scaffold. By means of a hydraulic thruster mounted on the car, the points of attachment of the scaffold to the boom can be moved away from or toward the buttress and wall as needed to provide room for the scaffold to hang level when it moves over the curved part of the structure.

Abstract: A chain of end support sections are foldably linked together and hang vertically from either side of a horizontal support beam. The beam is attached to a pair of suspension cables through two motorized grip hoists rigidly attached to the beam and the cables then hang downwardly along the chains of end support sections to the ground. Work platforms extend horizontally between the end support sections and can move vertically independently of the end support sections. Means are provided for selectively attaching the ends of any work platform to the cables or the end support sections thereby enabling the independent movement of the end support sections and the work platforms during erection and disassembly of the scaffold system.

Abstract: This device is associated with a scaffolding suspended from at least two winches and is adapted to automatically control a safety mechanism when the scaffolding is inclined beyond a predetermined limit angle to the horizontal. The scaffolding is pivoted at each end to a stirrup rigid with the safety device which is suspended to the hoisting cable through a link. A push-member rigid with the scaffolding engages, when the scaffolding is inclined, a connecting rod which actuates a lever for clamping the jaws on a safety cable passing through the safety device.

Abstract: A mobile siding scaffold system which comprises a roof vehicle and a scaffold. The roof vehicle is mounted on castors. Attached to the vehicle frame and extending over the front of the frame are two telescoping booms. These booms are provided with cables and suspension beam connection points, and enable the scaffolding to be carried along the sides and around the outside corners of buildings without the need to disassemble the scaffold. Adjustable outriggers are mounted on the frame so as to be able to extend in front of the frame for stability to prevent the weight of the scaffolding from upending the frame. For further stability, telescoping arms provided with counterweights may be mounted on the frame, so as to extend out to the rear of the frame. The scaffold includes the following: A horizontal platform suspension beam, which may be fastened to the cables and fastened to the support beam connection points, has holes aligned with the cables to allow the cable to pass through.

Abstract: An improved safety clamp device for use with movable platforms and the like includes a body member having a safety cable receiving cradle, a lever arm having a safety cable engaging portion, an elongate member carrying a pulley at either end, and a control arm. The control arm is in the form of a modified bellcrank having one arm portion pivotally connected to the body member, its apex connected to the elongate member and a pulley connected to a second arm portion. The lower end of the elongate member is rigidly connected to the movable platform. A drive or support cable passes on one side of the two pulleys on the elongate member and on the other side of the control arm pulley. The elongate member is maintained in a first position relative to the body member such that the safety cable engaging portion confronts but does not engage the safety cable when the drive or support cable is subjected to a predetermined tension.

Abstract: A portable elevated station to be mounted on a tree, including a platform suspended from a hoist. The hoist includes a drum rotatable by handles. The hoist and platform are suspended from a bough of the tree by a rope which is connected to the tree at one end and to the drum near the other end. The drum is rotated by the operator on the platform, to wind or unwind the rope and raise or lower the platform, by the handles. The handles are at an angle of about 90 degrees to each other. There is then, in all angular and elevated positions of the drum, one or more handles available which can be pulled downwardly to wind the rope on the drum and to raise the hoist and platform. The hoist is provided with a latching mechanism including plungers which extend from the ends of the handles, each plunger having a pawl at its outer end. When a handle is rotated at a high speed as the platform drops, the pawl is projected outwardly engaging a plate extending from the frame of the hoist to stop rotation of the drum.

Abstract: An escape system for delivering personnel on a drilling rig to a safe location in the event of a blow out or other dangerous situation. More specifically, a personnel capsule is releasably maintained in an unbalanced disposition by an A-frame structure adjacent the racking board level of the derrick of an oil drilling rig. In the event of a blow out the personnel can enter the capsule and activate the release mechanism which will allow the A-frame to pivot outwardly away from the derrick. A control system is integrated with the A-frame and capsule to control their movement and to lower the capsule to a predetermined safe location.