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.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for furbishing or renovating large span overhead structures, for example the roofs of railway stations, or bridges and the like, and utilizes apparatus which comprises a plurality of runway beams suspended in spaced parallel disposition from the main ribs or framework of an overhead structure said beams spanning a plurality of said ribs or framework and being longitudinally displaceable relative thereto, and a work platform or platforms suspended from said runway beams and being displaceable therealong. Thus arranged, the overhead structure can be treated for substantially its entire length by alternately advancing the work platforms along the runway beams and the runway beams relative to the structure.

Abstract: Described is a movable work station apparatus including travelling-hoist supported tools and a vertically and rotarywise movable frame-carried radiation-shielded enclosure, or gondola, for working personnel involved in tube-bundle-replacement tasks performed within the shell of a steam generator in a nuclear plant. The enclosure, or gondola, is divided and accommodates four upright workers in mutually-facing pairs at opposite sides of a work-accommodating clearanceway observable and accessible from the gondola interior via lead glass windows and hand holes.

Abstract: A rescue vehicle or safety apparatus is disclosed which in its most basic form includes a self-propelled platform adapted to be suspended from a vertically directed line in turn connected to a movable or stationary point thereabove. So attached, the platform may be accurately maneuvered under its own power from a position somewhat laterally removed from the locus of an emergency such as a fire in a tall building or the like, to a position immediately adjacent the window or other opening in the building such that persons trapped therein may be moved directly into the rescue vehicle and accordingly be removed to safety. The vehicle may also be used for fire fighting and combating other emergency situations such as grain elevator explosions, oil tanker and other fires at sea, etc. and would normally be transported and directed in its use position by means of a helicopter, although not limited thereto.

Abstract: A cart bolted to a short bottom section of a ladder carries a winch. A cable on the winch runs over a pulley on a short top section of the ladder and is connected to a carriage having wheels running in channel-like side members of the ladder. The carriage has an adjustable, folding platform and a back which pivots to a horizontal position when the carriage reaches the top of the ladder. A bottom pushbutton control and a top pushbutton control are provided.

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, the lever arm being pivotally connected to the body member and pivotally connected to an elongate bar member, and a modified bellcrank. The modified bellcrank has a first arm pivotally connected to the body member, a second arm pivotally coupled to a hoist line, and its apex pivotally connected to the elongate bar member. When the elongate bar member is in a first position relative to the body member, the safety cable engaging portion confronts but does not engage the safety cable. When the elongate bar member is in a second position relative to the body member, the safety cable engaging portion engages the safety cable thereby wedging the safety cable between the cradle and the safety cable engaging portions.

Abstract: A support assembly primarily designed to be connected in supporting relation to a scaffold and structured, through placement of its various components, to move the scaffold assembly along an inclined surface such as on a roof. The support assembly includes a frame and preferably at least two support wheels extending outwardly from said frame and into movable engagement with the inclined surface so as to support the frame thereon. A platform for interconnection to the scaffold element is movably and adjustably positioned on the frame by means of a platform positioning assembly which, through its interconnection to the platform, defines the platform's angular orientation relative to the plane.

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 first support member has a pair of upstanding posts secured thereto for selectively vertically receiving one end of an elongated scaffold support arm. A plurality of weights are removably mounted on spaced-apart upstanding rods. 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 selectively vertically positioned between the upstanding posts on the second table by means of a bolt extending therethrough. The outer end of the scaffold support arm has the scaffold operatively secured thereto.

Abstract: A movable work support particularly adapted for use within a silo or similar cylindrical structure is disclosed herein. The work support comprises a frame supporting a work platform and a winch mechanism. A cable extends from the winch to a point of securement at the top of the cylindrical structure, and extension or retraction of the cable from the winch mechanism will cause the framework to lower or raise, respectively. A first pair of wheels is located at an end of the frame opposite the location of the work platform. The first pair of wheels is positioned to engage the side wall of the structure and to roll along the side wall as the frame is moved vertically. A second pair of wheels is mounted near the first pair of wheels on the frame and is oriented to roll along the side wall as the frame is rotated in a horizontal plane within the structure.

Abstract: A building front rope lift for rescuing persons in particular subject to fire hazards in tall buildings comprises a lift cage to which a first roller is secured and which is suspended from one end of at least one load rope led around at least one guide roller secured to a tall building. The other end of the load rope extends from said guide roller downwardly inclined to a winch drum to which it is connected. A traction rope carries at one end a second roller which is arranged to roll on the load rope and is diverted by the first roller into the direction of the downwardly inclined load rope and connected by its other end to a further winch drum.

Abstract: An outrigger beam projects outwardly beyond the edge of the roof, to serve as an overhead anchor for the suspension line of a suspended staging. A support leg depends from the beam and makes contact with the roof inwardly of the roof edge. At a location further inwardly from the roof edge, the outrigger beam is secured to an elevated support rail, but in a manner permitting both axial and sideways angular movement, as needed, for proper positioning of the outboard end of the outrigger beam relative to the side of the building. The support rail counterbalances the weight of the staging. The outrigger beam is connected to the support rail by a carriage which permits (1) the outrigger beam to be pivoted vertically about the support rail, for raising the support leg up off the roof, and (2) sideways movement of the tilted outrigger beam lengthwise of the rail.

Abstract: A scaffolding assembly for use particularly in the construction of large holding tanks and which incorporates a novel construction and method of being raised from one level to another, the device including a series of scaffold sections made of aluminum and steel, the sections being pivotally attached together to conform to the tank contour, each section having brackets secured therebeneath that fit into bracket straps welded to the tank wall; the entire assembly being raised together on sky climbers in which all hoists are controlled by a single switch so to lift the assembly all together from an old set of straps to a new set thereabove.

Abstract: A rolling support for moving scaffolding alongside the side or end of a building under construction, the support including frame structure which rigidly connects two outriggers together, a leading outrigger and a trailing outrigger, each of such outriggers having a near-side traveling wheel to ride on an exposed structural roof member adjacent the side or end of a building, and a far side force roller which extends beneath a parallel exposed structural roof member inwardly from the side or end of the building, the outriggers being parallel to one another and riding on parallel exposed structural roof members. The near-side travel wheel bears down on its exposed roof member and exerts substantial downward pressure thereon while the far-side force roller bears upwardly against the underside of its exposed roof member. Remote controlled motor means are mounted on the frame so as to drive the near-side traveling wheel.

Abstract: A movable scaffold for use in gaining access to the inside wall of an upright cylindrical tank such as a petroleum refinery reactor tower. The scaffold comprises a central frame having four radially extending, adjustable arm sets each connected to a scaffold platform, or cage, and hydraulically actuated to bring the platforms into working proximity with the inside tank wall. The scaffold platforms are each connected by cables received over sheaves at the top of the tank to winches outside the tank. Said winches are controllable to rotate the platforms within the tank, and/or to adjust the elevation of the platforms within the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and retaining payloads on ferrous metal surfaces, using at least one electromagnet, obviating the need for electric wiring from a ship by utilizing an electricity supply facility which is disposed on the apparatus, such supply facility preferably being a compressed-air motor and D.C. generator.

Abstract: A controlled-speed device for lowering passengers and materials on a cable or rope from an elevated structure, using paired banks of alternatively opposed arms, pivotably anchored to a rigid frame, for controllably inducing friction in a cable zigzagging between the tips of the arms by varying both pressure upon and length of arcuate contact with the cable or rope. The device is selectively attached to an elevated structure or descends with the load. The arms are inclined upwardly or downwardly but generally are always inclined toward the incoming portion of the cable. The cable is selectively a single length, a double length, or endless. The tips of the arms have a groove, through which the cable passes, which is covered with a frictional composition or alternatively the cable passes over a roller attached to a brake assembly on each arm. The arms are selectively solid or have a resiliency device for absorbing shocks and minimizing binding forces upon the cable that could cause jerkiness in movement.

Abstract: An emergency building access apparatus permitting ready access to a multi-story building on fire and rapid evacuation of occupants from a choice of multiple of emergency exits on each floor by a safe and dependable means is a multiple of vertical railroads attached to outside walls of the building each coupled, for the emergency, to its mobile unit having a railcar, its own power source, a drive mechanism, and controls.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning a work platform which is cantilevered outwardly and laterally on a carriage for movement up and down on parallel rails of an elevated tower is illustrated as including a pair of vertically spaced horizontal shafts carried by a first pair of wheels engaging an outside portion of a rail, each of said shafts having an adjustable eccentrically mounted wheel carrying portion with means for mounting the shaft in fixed position with respect to the carriage so that the eccentric portion of the shaft is in position to affect proper alignment for the wheels with respect to the rail to insure proper alignment of a second pair of vertically spaced wheels engaging an outside portion of the other rail.

Abstract: Methods and one apparatus are disclosed for inspecting or working on the internal wall surface of a large drum, as a five story high coke drum for use in a delayed coking unit for restoring petroleum fractions. The apparatus or assembly comprises a triangular spider hanging bracket hoisted up to and connected to one end of a crosshead secured across the top of an opening in the top of the drum, and an inspector's or workman's cage having a hoist hooked to one end of the triangular bracket for traversing the full height of one sector of the drum internal wall before the cage is lowered to a temporary deck, the crosshead rotated through a predetermined angle on the drum top, and the cage raised again for covering another sector of the internal wall surface. This assembly forms a fast, thorough, safe, economical, and efficient system for inspecting and/or working on the internal wall surface of a large drum.

Abstract: A line securing device having a rigid rod with opposite end portions and being successively return bent intermediate said end portions to form a pair of workload supporting loops extending laterally of the end portions in one direction and a single line attaching loop extending laterally of the end portions in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a person within a container tank for inspection, cleaning, or repair of such tank is described. The apparatus includes a pivoted parallelogram type support having a cage enclosure at one end and a counter balance weight at the other end, such support being pivotally attached to a hoist member for movement of the cage toward and away from the tank wall while maintaining such cage upright. The hoist raises and lowers the support and cage within the tank and through a restricted opening in the tank when the support is pivoted into a retracted position. Bearing means is provided around the hoist stem for guiding vertical movement and enabling manual rotation of the hoist member and cage. A valve actuated cylinder is employed to control the pivoting of the support by manual actuation of the valve from within the cage.

Abstract: A portable descent mechanism is disclosed which allows the use of a conventional window as an avenue of escape in emergency situations such as fires and comprising a passenger chair, spools with cable wound thereon, a brake, and window attachment apparatus designed for simple engagement with a conventional windowsill and utilizes a pair of hooks that fit over the windowsill.

Abstract: A stage stabilization device comprising vertically disposed telescoping pipes forming a davit adapted to be connected to a stage. Three grooved periphery wheels, connected with the davit, form a releasable stabilizing connection between the davit and stage supporting cable.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus mounted on a building structure has parallel-extending upper and lower tracks attached to the building structure and supporting a respective upper and lower traveling block movable thereon by a propelling device, a hoisting cage supported by and between the traveling blocks and a hoisting device for raising or lowering the cage between the traveling blocks.

Abstract: An orbital service bridge for positioning a work platform at desired positions within an overlying dome-shaped structure comprises inclined leg members pivotally mounted at one end near the top of the dome. A motor driven trolley positions the other end of the leg member along a track circumferentially disposed on the base of the domed area. A carriage movably supported on the leg members positions the work platform at the desired height, and a telescoping mounting assembly extends the work platform in either direction away from the leg members and into the desired position. The bridge may also be assembled with complimentary leg members to form a self-supporting bridge structure useful in assembling the dome and related systems.

Abstract: A device for climbing a tree, pole, or other vertically elongated generally cylindrical device is disclosed which comprises an operator's basket, a pair of identical hangers adapted to encompass the object to be climbed, and to be adjustably supported at selected elevations thereon, one above the other, and a block and tackle assembly which the operator connects between the uppermost hanger and the basket to move the basket with the operator therein relative to the uppermost hanger. The bottom hanger is used to support the basket in a fixed position while the upper hanger and upper block is repositioned further up the tree when climbing or further down the tree when descending. Alternate moving of the hangers, which alternately supporting the basket from one and then the other of the hangers, followed by raising or lowering the basket with the block and tackle assembly enables the operator to climb or descend the tree.

Abstract: Apparatus as described for lining the interior of a metallurgical furnace, especially one having openings at both the bottom and the top of the vessel, with refractory brick. A tower structure is extensible into the furnace interior and carries a work platform that is positionable to various elevations within the furnace.

Abstract: This invention provides a multifloor type escape bridge apparatus for use in a multistory building in emergency situation, such as a fire or the like. In a normal situation, the necessary members for example expanders, floor boards, suspension ropes and up and down winding mechanisms are set up between adjacent buildings in a contracted condition under a supporting body. In the case of an emergency, the expanders fixed at the supporting body are extended downwardly so as to set up at each floor a board which provides connections between corresponding openings at opposed walls of said adjacent buildings. This enables individuals to escape from one building to another.

Abstract: The invention comprises an escape elevator which is especially useful with tall buildings. The escape elevator slides up and down the outside of the building along a pair of spaced apart tracks. The tracks serve to hold the elevator close to the building as well as to provide guidance for the up and down motion of the elevator. The elevator car or cage extends to either side of the tracks sufficiently to overlap egresses from the building such as balconies. The power winches which operate the elevator are located adjacent the top of the building. A shielded cable is provided which leads from the winches to a point adjacent the ground floor of the building. A remote control box is attachable at the point adjacent the ground floor of the building. Also attachable at the control box is an external power supply to which power to operate the elevator is supplied. The elevator is thus not dependent upon the internal power supply of the building.

Abstract: A helicopter has a fuselage with a floor that has an opening therethrough. A rescue capsule is operably connected to the helicopter by cables and winches, and it has a projecting guide member that enters the floor opening to correctly align and stabilize the connection between the capsule and the helicopter. A bridge movably connected to the capsule provides egress between the latter and a building or other structure occupied by persons in need of rescue.