Abstract: A fall-protection system including a harness and a fall-protection apparatus with a lifeline bearing a connector configured to be connected to the harness; and, a fall-protection monitoring system with a base unit and with at least one sensor module configured to sense a condition of the connector and to communicate a signal indicative of the condition of the connector to the base unit.

Abstract: A workplace safety system includes an item of monitored equipment, a mobile communications device, and a scoring computing system. The item of monitored equipment includes a sensor, a transmitter, and a computing unit. The sensor is configured to generate signals. The computing unit is electrically coupled with each of the sensor and the transmitter. The mobile communications device is in wireless communication with the transmitter via a short-range communication protocol. The scoring computing system is in networked communication with the mobile communications device and is configured to receive data. The data includes an identity of an operator of the item of monitored equipment. A characteristic of operation is determined based upon the signals from the sensor and represents a manner by which the operator has used the item of monitored equipment. The scoring computing system is configured to generate a safety score associated with the operator. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: A workplace safety system includes an item of monitored equipment, a mobile communications device, and a scoring computing system. The item of monitored equipment includes a sensor, a transmitter, and a computing unit. The sensor is configured to generate signals. The computing unit is electrically coupled with each of the sensor and the transmitter. The mobile communications device is in wireless communication with the transmitter via a short-range communication protocol. The scoring computing system is in networked communication with the mobile communications device and is configured to receive data. The data includes an identity of an operator of the item of monitored equipment. A characteristic of operation is determined based upon the signals from the sensor and represents a manner by which the operator has used the item of monitored equipment. The scoring computing system is configured to generate a safety score associated with the operator. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: A ladder including sensors is provided. A remote computing device is also provided that communicates with the sensors to facilitate detection of various operating conditions. Methods for detection are also provided.

Abstract: A system for operating an automated-taxi includes a perception-sensor, a communication-device, and a controller-circuit. The perception-sensor is operable to determine a location of an object aboard an automated-taxi. The communication-device is operable to communicate with a client of the automated-taxi. The controller-circuit is in communication with the perception-sensor and the communication-device. The controller-circuit is configured to determine that the location of the object is not in compliance with an operational-requirement of the automated-taxi based on signals or information from the perception-sensor, and operate the communication-device to send a message that indicates the client will be charged a fee for failing to re-locate the object so that the location of the object is in compliance with the operational-requirement of the automated-taxi.

Abstract: A locking system for fall protection and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. An example locking system includes a housing. The housing defines a guide path through which the housing is slideably attached to a guide member. The locking system also includes a braking lever having a braking end that is configured to engage the guide member. The braking lever includes a shock absorber configured to deform during a fall instance. The locking system further includes a secondary braking feature configured independent from the braking lever. The secondary braking feature is an inertial structure configured to rotate into engagement with the guide member during the fall instance. A corresponding method of manufacturing is also provided.

Abstract: The aerial work platform includes: a platform provided with a guardrail and a mechanism for lifting this platform; a desk for controlling the movements of the aerial work platform, one or more virtual-barrier systems for determining that an individual on the platform is close to a part of the guardrail adjacent to the desk and/or is leaning towards the desk, by detecting interference between the individual and the virtual barrier, the system inhibiting at least certain movements of the aerial work platform if it detects interference with the barrier. The virtual-barrier system includes at least one emitter and one receiver of waves, the system detecting interference of an external object with the barrier by the fact that the receiver receives waves emitted by the emitter by reflection off the object that is interfering with the barrier.

Abstract: A stiffening device for a base frame is disclosed. The disclosed stiffening device comprises hydraulic jacks fitted with structural members of the base frame; strain gauges coupled to the structural members of the base frame, the strain gauges configured to detect deformation in the structural members of the base frame and generate first signals based on the detected deformation in the structural members; at least one signal conditioner unit coupled to the strain gauges to receive the first signals and generate second signals by performing any or a combination of amplification, filtering and conversion of the received first signals; and a hydraulic console configured to actuate at least one of the hydraulic jacks when value of received second signals is above a predefined threshold value. Upon actuation, the actuated at least one of the jacks stiffens at least one of the structural members of the base frame.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus of for guiding a physically impaired individual during an emergency, including receiving emergency data, determining or predicting the reactions of other people in response to the emergency data, interpreting in real-time the reactions of the other people to physically impaired person according to the impaired person profile, determining a type and modality of aid services to the physically impaired, and prompting the physically impaired person through one or more devices for aid services.

Abstract: A work vehicle (1) including a suspended platform includes a work cage (10) to carry an operator, an arm mechanism (60) having a distal end, the distal end movable to an intended position by at least one of a rotating mechanism (30), an extension mechanism (40), or a derricking mechanism (50) installed on a vehicle body (20). The suspended platform (100) includes a support post (70) located at the distal end of the arm mechanism (60), a suspension frame (80), from which the work cage (10) is suspended, mounted on an upper end of the support post (70) to allow the operator to perform an operation above the upper end of the support post (70), and a lift mechanism (90) that raises or lowers the work cage (10) suspended from the suspension frame (80) with a plurality of lanyards (91) to a work position.

Abstract: A shuttle (20) for a climbing protection system (10) is provided and includes a clamping member (26) mounted on a frame (22) for movement between a an opening position, a free position wherein the shuttle (20) can move freely along an elongate support member (12), and a clamping position wherein the clamping member (26) resists movement of the shuttle (20) relative to the elongate support member (12), and an anti-inversion member (30) mounted on the frame (22) for movement between a first closed position blocking insertion of the elongate support member (12) and an open position where the anti-inversion member (30) does not block insertion of the elongate support member (12).

Abstract: An emergency response system (ERS) configured to acquire equipment location data, target terminal location data, and emergency responder terminal location data; determine a horizontal distance measure between the emergency responder terminal and a select unit of equipment, determine a vertical distance measure between the emergency responder terminal and a select unit of equipment, engage a camera component of the emergency responder terminal to capture images of at least a portion of the surrounding real-world scene, providing such images for display on the touchscreen display of the emergency responder terminal, and/or providing an equipment display object for display on the touchscreen of the emergency responder terminal such that, when an image provided for display spans a region of the real-world scene within which the equipment is located, the equipment display object dynamically overlays a segment of the image associated with the acquired equipment location data.

Abstract: A method for providing an alert for a distance travelled by a vehicle including the steps: enabling an alert system; setting a target distance to be travelled by the vehicle; moving the vehicle; comparing the distance travelled by the vehicle and the target distance; and providing an alert based on the comparison.

Abstract: An active interface monitoring and warning system for fall arresting/prevention devices delivering specific fault condition messages to individuals who are subject to accidental falls or other safety hazards when performing construction or the like or when operating elevating construction machinery such as aerial lift work platforms and the like. The invention further provides a data logging system to record and transmit operational conditions, fault conditions and safety infractions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerial lift (1), which includes: a lower portion (2, 3) provided with members (7) for connecting to the ground (S); a lifting structure (4); a platform (5) supported by the lifting structure (4); and a lighting system (20) including at least one lighting device (21, 22, 23) arranged on the lower portion (2, 3) or on the platform (5), other than a driving light. The aerial lift (1) is characterised in that the lighting device (21, 22, 23) selectively generates coloured light beams, the colour of which are selected among at least two distinct colours, respectively corresponding to an “emergency stop” situation (C2) of the aerial lift (1) and an “accident at height” situation (C4) of the aerial lift (1). The invention also relates to a method for implementing such an aerial lift (1).

Abstract: A land vehicle assembly is provided with a platform for an operator workspace. A control panel is supported upon the platform in electrical communication with the land vehicle. A caution switch is supported upon the platform in electrical communication with the control panel to provide a signal to the control panel indicative of a caution event. A cable is connected to the caution switch to extend across the control panel. The cable is spaced apart from the control panel so that a predetermined force upon the flexible member actuates the caution switch without significantly obstructing the control panel. A manual force upon the flexible member expands the operator workspace. The control panel is programmed to control a mobile operation of the land vehicle, and discontinue the mobile operation of the land vehicle in response to receipt of the caution event signal.

Abstract: Ladders and ladder components are provided including a rung assembly that provides an alert to a user of the ladder that they are standing on a particular rung or step. In one example, the lower most rung or step of a ladder includes a rung assembly having an alert mechanism. The alert mechanism may provide an audible and/or other sensory alert to a user when they step on the rung assembly so that the user recognizes their position relative to the ground or supporting surface. In one embodiment, the rung assembly is configured such that a front edge remains in a constant or fixed position relative to the rails to which it is coupled so that a user can rely on a fixed or constant position of the front edge of the assembly when climbing or descending the ladder.

Abstract: A boom monitoring system includes at least one sensor for monitoring information about a boom in real time, and a controller that performs the steps of determining an effective load applied to the boom based on the information from the at least one sensor and determining whether the effective load exceeds a predetermined limit. The system further includes an alert indicator communicatively coupled to the controller for producing an alert when the effective load exceeds the predetermined limit. A boom monitoring method includes determining a current boom geometry based on at least one sensor, determining a load limit based on the current boom geometry and predetermined load values, determining an effective load based on a hydraulic fluid pressure of a boom hydraulic cylinder, determining whether the effective load exceeds the load limit, and producing an alert when the effective load exceeds the load limit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine readable medium are provided for a detection system for identifying unsafe activity occurring at a shelving unit. A plurality of distance sensors are disposed at a top end of the shelving unit and point downwards towards a bottom end of the shelving unit. The plurality of sensors are configured to detect presence of a person near the shelving unit. An initial height of the person is determined, and a change in height of the person is detected. A processor determined whether the change in height indicates unsafe activity at the shelving unit. If unsafe activity is determined, then an alert is generated.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine readable medium are provided for a detection system for identifying unsafe activity occurring at a shelving unit. A plurality of distance sensors are disposed at a top end of the shelving unit and point downwards towards a bottom end of the shelving unit. The plurality of sensors are configured to detect presence of a person near the shelving unit. An initial height of the person is determined, and a change in height of the person is detected. A processor determined whether the change in height indicates unsafe activity at the shelving unit. If unsafe activity is determined, then an alert is generated.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided that includes a passenger service unit for a passenger seated in a seat in its cabin. The aircraft includes a camera configured to acquire an image of the passenger, and a control module configured to at least receive the image of the passenger. The control module is configured to receive non-tactile gesture preference data and dominant hand data, and access a non-tactile gesture data store that includes a plurality of images of non-tactile hand signals or non-tactile hand gestures. Based on the foregoing, the control module is configured to generate non-tactile gesture data in accordance with and indicative of a non-tactile hand signal or a non-tactile gesture made by the passenger. And the control module is configured to control one or more cabin systems including in at least one instance the passenger service unit based on the non-tactile gesture data.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus to increase the frequency and/or probability of use of a personal safety device, and to reduce the probability that a person is exposed to a dangerous situation unless and until a safety device has been engaged. One apparatus includes an alarm that is activated by the use of a mechanized instrument to remind a worker using the instrument to engage a safety device before proceeding to use the instrument, and an actuator for a switch that can be used by the worker to deactivate the alarm. Another apparatus includes a switch to prevent operation of a mechanized instrument unless a safety device is engaged by a worker using the device, and an actuator for a switch that can be used by the worker to permit operation of the instrument.

Abstract: A stairway safety system and method including movement sensors and/or force sensors, a safety button, a central processing unit, a user notify device configured to generate audio or visual indications prompting the stairway user to engage the safety button, and a communication device configured to send a message requesting help. The central processing unit is configured to measure the length of time between detecting signals from the sensors and also to instruct the first user notify device to generate audio or visual indications when the measured time between detecting the signals is shorter or longer than a stairway user's actual or estimated typical travel time through the stairway. The central processing unit is configured to measure time and to instruct the communication device to send the message requesting help if a safety signal is not detected within a safety time period which indicates a request for help may be needed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an overspeed governor tension sheave assembly in an elevator comprising at least an elevator car arranged to run along the guide rails and controlled by a speed governor assembly that is coupled to the elevator car through a governor rope forming a closed loop running over a governor sheave, and under a governor tension sheave being a part of the overspeed governor tension sheave assembly. The overspeed governor tension sheave assembly is equipped with a monitoring device that has indicating means for indicating the need for adjustment the position of the overspeed governor tension sheave assembly.

Abstract: A safety device for an aerial lift includes a basket with controls which permit an operator standing in the basket to maneuver the basket. The safety device includes an alarm, a switch activation device proximate to the controls and two solenoid operated relays, one connected with a normally-closed manually operable emergency switch which is operable to cut electrical supply and prevent further movement of the basket, and one connected with a foot operable safety switch, which must be held closed by an operator to activate the controls. Each relay is held in a closed condition unless caused to change to an open condition to cut electrical supply. The relays are controlled by a programmable control box connected to the switch activation device, foot switch and alarm. The control box causes the alarm to operate in accordance with the condition of the foot operable safety switch.

Abstract: A cover for an energy absorber comprises front and rear sides having first and second legs extending downward forming an upside down V-shape. The front and rear sides define a cavity therebetween and an opening provides access to the cavity proximate a top portion of the front side and a top of the rear side. The top portion is configured and arranged to engage a connector. The top portion includes a first portion of a fastener, and the top includes a second portion of the fastener. The first and second portions releasably interconnect the top portion and the top. A first strap is operatively connected to the first leg and is configured and arranged to engage a first shoulder strap of the safety harness. A second strap is operatively connected to the second leg and is configured and arranged to engage a second shoulder strap of the safety harness.

Abstract: A safety device for an aerial lift (10) having operator controls (23) for maneuvering its basket (20) to a desired location and including at least one passive normally closed safety switch (30)(130), e.g. an emergency switch, operable to cut electrical supply and prevent further movement of the basket (20), the safety device comprising a switch activation device (27,160,170) extending across the basket proximate to the controls (23) and an auxiliary safety switch (26) connected in series with the safety switch (30,130) with its contacts C1 normally closed (switch on) unless caused to open (switch off) by operation of the switch activation, thereby cutting off the electrical supply.

Abstract: A pre-crush sensor module for use with a safety device for an aerial lift having a basket or cage. The pre-crush sensor module having removably attachable sensor which provide a detection zone wherein the sensors detect obstacles. The sensor module also having an operator warning system and a relay to connect the sensors to the safety device.

Abstract: A joystick controller is disclosed for controlling movement of a boom lift platform, the controller having actuators or the like that provide one or more forms of tactile feedback that are intuitively interpreted and adjusted by the user of the joystick motion control, the joystick being neutrally-biased to effect a null movement when the joystick is positioned in a neutral position, but also being adapted with at least one form of tactile feedback by which the joystick controller conveys information about the boom lift's operation to the joystick operator, such as through resistive force or through vibrations or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire evacuation installation. When evacuees are not able to evacuate through an emergency exit or other means of evacuation when a fire occurs, the fire evacuation installation may safely protect the evacuees from flames and poisonous gas until rescue workers arrive. Further, the fire evacuation installation may be prevented from being damaged by exposure to rain, and the fire evacuation installation may have an elegant outer appearance and be more easily installed. In addition, the fire evacuation installation may be selectively moved between the floors of a building.

Abstract: An aerial lift having a basket or cage having a control panel for an operator standing in the basket to maneuver the basket to a desired location, a safety switch means operable to prevent further movement of the basket in unsafe conditions, and a safety device comprising a load cell or strain gauge on the cage and an auxiliary safety switch operatively connected to the load cell via an amplifier is connected in series with the safety switch means, the auxiliary switch being operable to cut off power to the safety switch means when the sensed load on the cage exceeds a predetermined value, typically if the load strikes a stationary object.

Abstract: A deployable fire escape with multiple alternating ramps allows a user to evacuate a building without needing the use of their lower body by walking or climbing. A plurality of alternating ramps are supported by a scissor mechanism that is engaged within guide channels of two fixed guide rails. The scissor mechanism is composed of a number of scissor sections, the number of which depends on the height of the building to be evacuated from. Each of the ramps is made from an upper layer and a lower layer of wide, flexible ramp belts, with the upper belts being staggered with the lower belts. Intermediate platforms allow the user to rest or reorient themselves. The user alternatingly slides down a ramp, pries apart the belts of the ramp, and climbs through the gap in the ramp belts to the next ramp, repeating this process until reaching the ground level.

Abstract: An early warning system includes monitoring of the hydraulic pressure used to power the hydraulic motor used to raise a man lift during operation, and providing a prognostication algorithm coupled to the output of the sensor to predict based on data from the sensor when there will be a catastrophic failure of the lift.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a life-saving apparatus and method for escaping from a second floor or a third floor of a burning building, wherein the life-saving apparatus includes a container, a set of wheels, an inflatable pillow, an inflatable slide, a set of canisters full of compressed gas, and a set of activators operatively connected to the canisters.

Abstract: A fall arresting/prevention safety protection device for aerial lifts that delivers notifications and warnings to individuals who are subject to accidental falls or other safety hazards when performing construction or the like or when operating elevating construction machinery such as aerial lift work platforms, bucket trucks and similar type elevating work platforms. The invention further provides a load sensor that when activated transmits an emergency signal to operators, supervisors and emergency personnel. The present invention further provides a remote control to access and control movement of the aerial lift through a wireless transmission in the event the lift operator falls out of or is ejected from the bucket or work platform.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a safety light assembly mountable on a ladder to aid firefighters and other emergency personnel in locating the ladder under adverse visibility conditions such as smoke, darkness, and inclement weather. The light assembly preferably comprises a pair of respective housings each mountable upon one of the outwardly side-facing surfaces of the ladder side members at locations adjacent to the upper end of the ladder. The housings contain respective light sources capable of projecting light in respective opposite outwardly side-facing directions from the ladder while also refracting portions of the light laterally away from the respective outwardly side-facing directions.

Abstract: An aerial lift having a basket or cage having a control panel for an operator standing in the basket to maneuver the basket to a desired location, a safety switch means operable to prevent further movement of the basket in unsafe conditions, and a safety device comprising a load cell or strain gauge on the cage and an auxiliary safety switch operatively connected to the load cell via an amplifier is connected in series with the safety switch means, the auxiliary switch being operable to cut off power to the safety switch means when the sensed load on the cage exceeds a predetermined value, typically if the load strikes a stationary object.

Abstract: A self-rescue device that features an escape ladder, having one or more spaced steps, a base to hold the escape ladder in an open or closed position, a locking mechanism to keep the escape ladder in the open position, and a release mechanism to release the escape ladder from the open position.

Abstract: A modular ladder includes interconnectable segments that have utility conduit sections fixed thereto. The conduit sections interconnect to form a utility conduit when the ladder is assembled, thereby allowing safe use of a utility at any ladder height, without the inherent risks and inconvenience of providing a separate conduit. The conduit sections are separated when the ladder is disassembled, thereby saving time, effort, and storage space. In various embodiments, the modular ladder can be configured as any of a step ladder, single ladder, articulated ladder, combination ladder, extension ladder, fixed ladder, mobile ladder stand, and ladder stand platform, among others. Angle-adjusting accessories can enable assembly of the modular ladder in free-standing configurations. Addition of various accessories can provide casters, tilt stabilizers, and trays optimized for various tasks, thereby allowing a user to purchase accessories to expand the modular ladder's capabilities over time.

Abstract: An operator cage (6) for a machine such as a mobile elevating work platform comprises a base unit (22) and a fence assembly (25), a control console (32) and a load sensor (46) that is constructed and arranged to sense an external load applied to the console. The console (32) is mounted for pivoting movement and the load sensor (46) is constructed and arranged to detect movement of the console from an unloaded condition to a loaded condition.

Abstract: A control system for a machine having an elevating operator cage, includes a control device (102), an input for activation signals (106), an input for control signals (108), an input for load signals (112) and an output for drive control signals (114), wherein the control device (102) is constructed and arranged to issue a stop drive control signal upon receiving a load signal, and to issue an override signal that overrides the stop drive control signal upon receiving an override input signal.

Abstract: A step sensor for mounting on a ladder having a step. The step sensor adapted to be mounted to the ladder. The step sensor includes a housing that holds a power source and electronic circuitry. An emitter is connected to the electronic circuitry and emits a light source over a top surface of the step. A sensor is also connected to the electronic circuitry and receives reflected light from the light source that is reflected by an object on the step. A noise generator generates an alert noise in response to the reflected light being detected by the light sensor, whereby the presence of an object is detected on the step and the alert is generated by the noise generator. A ladder including such a step sensor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rapid escape exit for a high building. The rapid escape exit is applied to an evacuation process. A transit point is set in each floor by accurately calculating according to an equation of Ashwan evacuation rule: A=B+M, wherein A is a floor level from which one is going to descend, B is a floor level to which one is going to reach, and M is the number of groups for the slideway in the building and labeled as M1, M2, . . . Mn. People may quit from an escape exit and then immediately enter another escape exit. Therefore, with the rapid escape exit, i.e., the fifth mode of Ashwan exit, it is possible to reduce the area used for installing slideway on the sideface of the building, and to reduce the risk of dizziness and imbalances which are accumulated during drop from a high building.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rapid escape exit for a high building. The rapid escape exit is applied to an evacuation process. A transit point is set in each floor by accurately calculating according to an equation of Ashwan evacuation rule: A=B+M, wherein A is a floor level from which one is going to descend, B is a floor level to which one is going to reach, and M is the number of groups for the slideway in the building and labeled as M1, M2, . . . Mn. People may quit from an escape exit and then immediately enter another escape exit. Therefore, with the rapid escape exit, i.e., the fifth mode of Ashwan exit, it is possible to reduce the area used for installing slideway on the sideface of the building, and to reduce the risk of dizziness and imbalances which are accumulated during drop from a high building.

Abstract: A safety apparatus on a rope, including a first flange-plate, an operable second flange-plate, and a mechanical indicator collaborating when the swivelling movement takes place with both the first pivot-pin and a latch to indicate that the second flange-plate is in the closed and latched position, or in an unlatched ready-to-open state.

Abstract: A joystick controller is disclosed for controlling speed of a boom lift platform, the controller having motors or the like that provide tactile feedback that is intuitively interpreted and adjusted by the user of the joystick speed control, the joystick being neutrally-biased to effect a null velocity when the joystick is positioned in a neutral position, but the tactile feedback forcing the joystick away from neutral to a degree that represents the platform's actual speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a life-saving apparatus and method for escaping from a second floor or a third floor of a burning building, wherein the life-saving apparatus includes a container, a set of wheels, an inflatable pillow, an inflatable slide, a set of canisters full of compressed gas, and a set of activators operatively connected to the canisters.

Abstract: A leveler for a ladder having side rails and a rung comprises a metal housing fixed to one of the side rails. The housing has an opening. The leveler comprises a metal leg with slides in the housing and is adjustable in the housing. The leg has a top end and a bottom end. The leg has two rows of holes which are set side by side and extend through the leg. The leveler comprises a holder for holding a leg to the housing. The holder extending through the opening and one of the holes to hold a leg in place. The leveler comprises a cap disposed on the top end which acts as a stop for the leg when the cap contacts the housing. A method for setting a ladder in place.

Abstract: A multiple envelope control system and method expands the operating capabilities of a lift vehicle. The vehicle includes a platform mounted to a telescoping main boom. The main boom is configured for lift/lower function and telescope function. The multiple envelope control system includes a selector switch for selecting between a plurality of capacity modes including at least a low load mode and a high load mode. A plurality of sensors are strategically positioned on the main boom to cooperatively define position zones of the platform. A control system determines in which position zone the platform located according to signals from the plurality of sensors. The control system controls an envelope of the platform based on a position of the selector switch. By strategically positioning the sensors to define the position zones, inexpensive switches, such as limit switches or the like, can be used, thereby reducing manufacturing costs of the machine.

Abstract: A climb assist system is disclosed that dynamically adjust the rate and level of assist of a climber as the climber needs may change over the period of traverse of the ladder. A sensor detects the state of a person, such as the load exerted by the climber on a ladder exerts on an assist rope, to provide an upward support force on the climber to compensate the climber's weight. Additionally, a sender is provided to transmit the load data to a receiver and a receiver to receive the data from the sender. A controller interprets the received data and thereafter provides control through a controlled motor and drive to provide energy to the assist rope.