Abstract: The self-hoisting crane is adapted to be hoisted from a container to a nacelle by operating a cable winch in the container, at least one cable is adapted to extend from the cable winch, around an exit sheave arranged in the container, and exit the container from the exit sheave in an upward direction in order to pass around at least one roller arranged at a crane base on the nacelle and continue in a downward direction to the crane, enter through a central opening in the crane pedestal and continue to the hook block. The exit sheave is located at a longitudinal position of the container deviating not more than 10 percent of the length of the container from the longitudinal position of the centre of gravity of the container.

Abstract: A work platform for a personnel lift includes a floor structure, a safety rail coupled with the floor structure and defining a personnel work area, and a control panel area. A protection envelope surrounds the control panel area and enhances protection for an operator from an obstruction or structure that may constitute a crushing hazard. In one arrangement, the protection envelope includes protection bars on either side of the control panel area extending above the safety rail relative to the floor structure. In another arrangement, the protection envelope includes a platform barrier that is configured to trip upon an application of a predetermined force.

Abstract: A fall arrest system for use with a platform includes a harness configured to be worn by an operator, a first bracket and a second bracket configured to be coupled to the platform, a horizontal support including a first end portion coupled to the first bracket and a second end portion coupled to the second bracket, and a harness adapter coupled to the harness, the harness adapter defining an aperture that receives the horizontal support. The harness adapter is repositionable along a length of the horizontal support.

Abstract: Mounting plates for elevating platforms, including a mounting apparatus with interior and exterior reinforcement components elongated vertically. The interior reinforcement piece includes an embedded bolt that extends from the interior reinforcement piece, through a wall of the platform, and through the exterior reinforcement component. The interior and exterior reinforcement components have a stepped construction to convert peel stress to shear stress.

Abstract: A foldable rail assembly is coupled to a platform and includes vertical rails and a rectangular rail structure that is hingedly coupled to the vertical rails. The rectangular rail structure is rotatable about hinged couplings formed between the rectangular rail structure and the vertical rails, and movable between a first, deployed position and a second, folded position. The rectangular rail structure extends upwardly from the platform higher in the first position than in the second position.

Abstract: Mounting plates for elevating platforms, including a mounting apparatus with interior and exterior reinforcement components elongated vertically. The interior reinforcement piece includes an embedded bolt that extends from the interior reinforcement piece, through a wall of the platform, and through the exterior reinforcement component. The interior and exterior reinforcement components have a stepped construction to convert peel stress to shear stress.

Abstract: A voltage and current alert system and method for an aerial vehicle including an extendable boom member is disclosed. The system and method include voltage and current sensors disposed throughout the aerial vehicle. The system and method further include components for conversion of the alert signal from a digital signal to a fiber optic signal, therein decreasing the power requirements of the system as well as allowing the signal to bypass a dielectric gap. The system further may shutdown operation of the aerial vehicle upon a detection event.

Abstract: Mounting plates for elevating platforms, including a mounting apparatus with interior and exterior reinforcement components elongated vertically. The interior reinforcement piece includes an embedded bolt that extends from the interior reinforcement piece, through a wall of the platform, and through the exterior reinforcement component. The interior and exterior reinforcement components have a stepped construction to convert peel stress to shear stress.

Abstract: Control center for an aerial device, said aerial device comprising a main boom part mounted on a turret, the main boom part being inclinable around a horizontal axis in a first inclination movement, rotatable around a vertical axis in a rotation movement, and extendable and retractable in a first telescopic movement, wherein the control center comprises a first control device configured for controlling the first inclination movement and the rotation movement of the main boom part, and a second control device comprising at least a first control lever for controlling the first telescopic movement.

Abstract: The control station 20 of the work platform 10 of an aerial work platform comprises: a control console; a cover 40 for protecting the console, which can be moved between a closed position and an open position; a longitudinal element—such as a bar 42—coupled to the cover to simultaneously move between the closed and open positions, with the longitudinal element protruding from the front side of the console when the cover is open; and means for detecting an external action pushing the longitudinal element toward the console when the cover is open. This makes it possible to keep the operator safe from being crushed against the console when moving the platform. Besides, the longitudinal element is not an obstacle to the opening or closing of the cover and is put aside when the cover is closed, thus preventing same to be exposed to shocks.

Abstract: A mobile pole for temporary support of one or more electrical lines includes a boom assembly mounted on a wheeled trailer. The boom assembly includes a plurality of segments pivotably attached to one another. Actuators acting between the segments effect pivoting motion to deploy and stow the segments. A utility pole having one or more cross members is mounted on a free end of one of the segments. The utility pole is rotatable about its longitudinal axis to orient the cross members relative to the electrical lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling an articulated turntable ladder (12) of a rescue vehicle (10) wherein the ladder (12) comprises a plurality of telescopically extendable ladder parts (14) by including a tip ladder part (18) pivotable around a horizontal first pivot axis (28) by means of a first pivoting drive. The ladder further comprises a cage (22) connected to the free end of the tip ladder part (18) to be pivoted around a second pivot axis (30) by means of a second pivoting drive. The ladder (12) is pivotably mounted to a base part (16) on top of the vehicle (10) by means of a third pivoting drive to be lifted or lowered around a third pivot axis (32). The method provides for the step of controlling the first pivoting drive such that the absolute inclination angle (?) of the tip ladder part (18) is maintained constant during a lifting or lowering movement of the ladder (12) around the third pivot axis (32).

Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.

Abstract: An adjustable platform assembly for supporting workers and supplies about an elevated work site, the platform assembly being movably supported on an articulable support, the platform comprising a stationary rear bridging panel arrangement having an elongated side platform member comprising a floor and railing assembly at each end thereof, wherein each elongated side platform member floor and railing assembly is independently movable on support members forwardly, rearwardly, transversely and angularly with respect to the bridging panel arrangement, to change the platform assembly back and forth between a generally “H” shape to a generally “U” shape, or any skewed combination thereof, as required.

Abstract: A powered rotating and articulating self-contained jib boom of both swing jib and non-swing jib design that attaches to mobile cranes and functions as an aerial lift when fitted with an optional work platform. Since it pins onto any existing crane by attachment to a standard swing-jib mounting system using the four pinning holes and pins located on the crane's outer most boom tip sheave head, it achieves powered leveling and rotation of a platform without having to modify or add components to the existing crane. Also, with the crane jib boom hydraulically powered for rotation in the horizontal plane up to 360-degrees and articulation in a 90-degree vertical plane, an attached work platform can be kept level during up/down articulation of the crane boom in its vertical plane. Furthermore, with dielectric insulation, the jib boom, crane boom, and attached work platform are usable on live electrical line work.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted telescopic boom structure including a stowable jib boom and a stowable extension boom pivotally secured thereto as well as a personnel basket which is secured to the outer end of the extension boom. When the boom structure, jib boom, extension boom and personnel basket are in their stowed position, the personnel basket is stowed on the deck of the vehicle beneath the jib boom and boom structure.

Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for includes a beam pivotally mounted on a boom mounting adaptor, at least two electrically insulated support posts mounted to and spaced apart along the beam, and at least a first rotation coupling and a plurality of second rotation couplings. The first rotation coupling provides pivotal mounting of the beam on the boom mounting adaptor so as to provide selectively controllable rotation of the beam in a substantially vertical plane. The second rotation couplings provide selectively controllable rotation of the electrically insulated support posts about corresponding second axes of rotation between a retracted position substantially laid flush along the beam and a pick-up position ready to receive a conductor being supported. An actuated scissor linkage is mounted to the beam and the boom mounting adaptor for selectively adjusting an angular position of the beam relative to the boom mounting adaptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a repair/cleaning scaffolding tower for wind turbines, having an open and closed metal structure that is semi-automatic, including a robotic arm that supports a variable shape basket, with between three and an infinite number of sides depending on requirements. The basket includes a safety device allowing the same to be removed immediately from the path of the blades. In addition to the robotic arm, the invention includes an L-shaped structural piece that supports a gangway used for maintaining the gondola. The repair/cleaning scaffolding tower includes a ring clamp with a gangway for maintaining the mast tower and several ring clamps without a gangway for stabilising the scaffolding tower.

Abstract: Apparatus for elevating, laterally and rotationally positioning an aerial work platform relative to a support structure such as a mobile vehicle. In one embodiment a platform supporting carriage is mounted for sliding movement along a support beam affixed to a boom and the platform is mounted on the carriage permitting rotation of the platform about a substantially vertical axis. In a second embodiment a four bar linkage is used for longitudinally moving a rotatable platform. One or more powered means may be provided for elevating, leveling and longitudinally and rotationally positioning the work platform.

Abstract: An aerial work platform assembly is provided, comprising a platform shaft retaining assembly; a mounting bracket connected to the platform shaft retaining assembly; and a platform connected to the mounting bracket; wherein the platform shaft retaining assembly, mounting bracket, and platform are constructed from the same or differing composite materials comprising a fabric-reinforced resin. Optionally, the fabric-reinforced resin includes a preform fabric having a conformable three-dimensional weave, and the resin is a dielectric resin selected from either epoxy, epoxy vinyl ester, vinyl ester, polyester, or phenolic.

Abstract: An aerial work assembly including components having composite materials including a fabric-reinforced resin for providing electrically non-conductive assembly, by insulating and/or isolating conductive components.

Abstract: A safety device for an aerial lift (10) having a basket (20) with controls (23) which permit an operator to manoeuvre the basket (20), and a foot operable safety switch (24) which activates the controls (23), the safety device comprising an auxiliary safety switch (24) operated by a trip cord (27) arranged proximate to the controls (23) and which is connected in series with the foot safety switch (24) so that in the event that the cord is distorted the auxiliary switch (26) prevents activation of the control panel (23) and may additionally operate an alarm.

Abstract: A self-contained and ready-to-use work platform attachment for mobile cranes, which transforms them into a state-of-the-art aerial boom lift with powered platform leveling and powered rotation up to 180-degrees. It can be supplied by the crane manufacturer with a new crane, or as an after-market attachment add-on, and may be easily pinned to the swing-jib mounting system on the outermost boom tip sheave head present on most mobile cranes without adaptive components or crane modification. In contrast, current work platforms and baskets only have gravity-leveling in association with 180-degrees of unrestricted platform rotation range, and current aerial lift boom trucks, which can function as crane booms, are not designed for add-on or after-market self-contained pin-on work platforms, instead having an integrally-designed platform with rotation and leveling powered from a base unit via hose and cable reels or carries, which are not required with the self-contained and ready-to-use work platform attachment.

Abstract: A device for establishing admittance and transport of cargo to and from a wind turbine construction above ground level and having a part which can be raised and/or lowered by wires and winches located at ground level and connected with snatch blocks attached to a part so that it can be raised and/or lowered in relation to the construction. The part has a number of travelling crabs according to the numbers of winches and the travelling crabs are guided of the wires between the winches and the snatch blocks, and that the part with the travelling crabs is displaced upwards or downwards by the wires. Advantageously, the wires are used for both hoisting the part and as guide for the travelling crabs.

Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.

Abstract: A platform for an aerial lift enables unobstructed access to a work area adjacent the platform. The platform includes a floor structure with front and rear sides and ends, and a safety rail disposed along at least the front side. The safety rail includes an entry gate. A lift gate is pivotably attached to the safety rail and pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The lift gate includes a gate rail extending along the rear side of the floor structure and a pair of lift rails connected between the gate rail and the safety rail. The gate rail is pivotable relative to the lift rails between an extended position and a retracted position. In this manner, the lift gate can be raised without the gate rail impacting the work surface.

Abstract: A gangway comprises at least one component formed from a continuous piece of metal. The at least one component formed from the continuous piece of metal may be a support structure or an underbody, a platform, a ramp, a step, or other support surface. A method for manufacturing such a gangway comprises forming the at least one component from the continuous piece of metal.

Abstract: A reinforced all terrain material and tool tray, having an articulating shelf assembly mounted on an articulating base assembly in order to improve access to construction material such as paint or tools, can be used on a roof, the ground, or on ladder, with or without the ladder shelf.

Abstract: The hydraulic boom system can include a boom receiving a work platform; a fixed component fixedly mountable to the vehicle; a rotary component, rotatably mounted on the fixed component about a vertical axis; a pivotal component, pivotally mounted to the rotary component about a horizontal axis, and receiving the boom; a hydraulic power unit having an electric motor driven hydraulic pump; and an electrical cable connected to the electric motor, and connectable to an electrical power supply located at a fixed position relative to the vehicle. The hydraulic power unit can be made integral to the rotary component. A raising hydraulic cylinder can extend downwardly inside a spacing in the fixed component. The electrical cable can have a coiled portion housed in the fixed component and coiled around the vertical axis.

Abstract: An aerial work platform assembly is provided, comprising a platform shaft retaining assembly; a mounting bracket connected to the platform shaft retaining assembly; and a platform connected to the mounting bracket; wherein the platform shaft retaining assembly, mounting bracket, and platform are constructed from the same or differing composite materials comprising a fabric-reinforced resin. Optionally, the fabric-reinforced resin includes a preform fabric having a conformable three-dimensional weave, and the resin is a dielectric resin selected from either epoxy, epoxy vinyl ester, vinyl ester, polyester, or phenolic.

Abstract: The invention concerns an elevator system comprising an elevator car with a working platform arranged for carrying people or materials and which by means of the interaction between a gear wheel and gear rack can be moved along an elongated generally vertical mast constructed from a number of mast sections mounted on top of each other. To facilitate the erection, tearing down and anchoring of the mast to a nearby building structure, the moving unit comprises a passenger-carrying service and assembly platform, which, via a swing arm, is flexibly supported by the elevator car to allow a swivel action in a horizontal plane (C, D) relative to the elevator car.

Abstract: An aerial work assembly including components having composite materials including a fabric-reinforced resin for providing electrically non-conductive assembly, by insulating and/or isolating conductive components.

Abstract: A tractor has a frame defined by two side rails extending longitudinally carried on ground wheels with a cab on the frame at one end and an engine compartment at the other end. The cab has doors on each side and there are provided two operator platforms each attached to the frame at a respective side with suitable ladder, guard rails and surface by which the operator can climb to the cab. Each operator platform is mounted for movement longitudinally of the frame on levers allowing movement along the side of the frame from the cab entry position to an engine service position. The platform can cover operator serviceable parts which in the cab position which are exposed when the platform is moved to the engine service position.

Abstract: A bucket tether system is described. The bucket tether system has a bucket for holding cargo and a boom for moving the bucket to a position for use. The cargo may include, for example, an individual along with the tools and material needed to perform the work. A support pin pivotally supports the bucket to the boom. A bucket actuator has a bucket end portion coupled to the bucket and a boom end portion coupled to the boom. The bucket actuator rotates the bucket and the support pin. A tether couples the boom end portion of the bucket actuator to the boom. An unintended force applied to the bucket may cause the coupling between the boom and the boom end portion of the bucket actuator to fail but avoid the failure of the coupling between the boom end portion of the bucket actuator and the boom via the tether bracket.

Abstract: An improved aerial work apparatus of the type having an aerial work platform attached to the distal end of a boom mounted to a mobile chassis comprising a material-handling device mounted with respect to the platform. Preferably, the material-handling device is either a dual winch device, a fork lift device, or material support feet. An aerial work platform comprising a rail support frame attached to the boom and a work basket is provided wherein the work basket can be interchanged between a basket in front of the boom and a basket positioned alongside the boom.

Abstract: An aerial work apparatus having a boom mounted to a base, a platform attached to the distal end of the boom, a boom mechanism for positioning the platform, a boom control module mounted with respect to the platform, a vertical load-sensing mechanism mounted at the platform for measuring the platform load and generating a load signal based on that measurement and a controller operationally attached to the boom mechanism and boom control module. The controller receives the load signal and at least one position signal relating to the position of the platform and generates at least one control signal based thereon. The boom mechanism is controlled by the boom control module through the controller. Preferably, the load-sensing mechanism is held in position by a vertical holding column attached at the distal end of the boom so that the mechanism fully supports a platform support member attached to the platform.

Abstract: An aerial work apparatus having a boom mounted to a base, a platform attached to the distal end of the boom, a boom mechanism for positioning the platform, a boom control module mounted with respect to the platform, a vertical load-sensing mechanism mounted at the platform for measuring the platform load and generating a load signal based on that measurement, and a controller operationally attached to the boom mechanism and boom control module. The controller receives the load signal and at least one position signal relating to the position of the platform and generates at least one control signal based thereon. The boom mechanism is controlled by the boom control module through the controller. Preferably, the load-sensing mechanism is held in position by a vertical support column attached at the distal end of the boom so that the mechanism fully supports a platform support member attached to the platform.

Abstract: A fall arrest platform includes a platform cooperable with a lifting vehicle and having a floor, safety rails surrounding a perimeter of the floor, and an entrance gate in the side rails. A fall arrest system is integrated with the platform and includes a lanyard securable at one end to a user's harness, a lanyard connection securably receiving an opposite end of the lanyard, and mounting structure secured to the platform that supports the lanyard connection. The mounting structure movably supports the lanyard connection such that the user can move about a periphery of the platform. A compressed air accessory provides additional functionality and convenience. With this platform, a lift machine can be provided with the ability to access elevated surfaces and can also enable a safe work area outside of the machine platform.

Abstract: A wall saw accessory is provided for an aerial work platform, where a wall saw is movably affixed on a track secured to a wall to be sawed. The accessory includes a saw/track manipulator fixable to the aerial work platform. The saw/track manipulator movably supports the track and saw and enables positioning of the saw and track to and from a working position. A hydraulic power source is coupled with a water supply to provide hydraulic power and coolant flow to the wall saw. In one arrangement, the accessory additionally incorporates an onboard pressure washer, which serves to streamline the process and maintain a clean work area. The accessory may be attached to a lift vehicle including a chassis supporting an onboard water supply.

Abstract: An ergonomic insert is disclosed that reduces the risk of low-back injury to workers in aerial buckets. A combination of an ergonomic insert, an aerial bucket and means for stabilizing said ergonomic insert within the aerial bucket is also disclosed. Finally, a method for using such an ergonomic insert is also disclosed. The ergonomic insert comprises a nominally non-deformable material having foot-receiving surfaces and capable of bearing a worker's weight. Various means for supporting the ergonomic insert in a vertical position are disclosed. The method for using the ergonomic insert comprises placing the ergonomic insert into the aerial bucket from above. The ergonomic insert is positioned between the worker and the work to be performed. The worker then places a foot on one of the foot receiving surfaces prior to or while performing the work.

Abstract: A reconfigurable work platform for an aerial work platform system includes at least one outwardly tiltable portion on which an occupant of the work platform can lean so as to extend his or her lateral reach. This is useful when the work platform itself cannot be moved closer to a desired location. An aerial work platform system using such a reconfigurable work platform, and a method for reconfiguring a work platform are also contemplated.

Abstract: A load lift comprising a lifter and a linkage on the lifter carrying a load support for movement therewith to different elevations. The linkage is a four-member linkage which includes a first vertical side member carried by the lifter, a second vertical side member carrying the load support, a third member constituting an upper member of the linkage pivotally connected to the first and second members, and a fourth member constituting a lower member of the linkage pivotally connected to the first and second members. An interconnection between the first and second members holds up the second member and load support and is thereby subject to loading on account of the load support and load thereon. Instrumentation senses the loading on the linkage indicative of the load on the load support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machinery operator protection system and method, which inhibits the use of machinery unless the operator of the machinery is properly secured with a lanyard and/or body harness to the machinery. The disclosed system includes a lanyard connection detector for detecting proper attachment of at least one lanyard to a machinery operator and a lanyard interlock control for controlling a switch to selectively enable activation of the machinery when the lanyard connection detector indicates that the operator is properly attached to the machinery with the lanyard. The disclosed method includes the steps of: detecting when at least one safety lanyard is properly attached to a between a machinery operator and a piece of machinery; and inhibiting operation of the machinery unless proper operator safety lanyard attachment is detected.

Abstract: A mobile lifting platform with a chassis and supports for a platform. Mounted on the platform is a first live ring whose vertical axis is approximately centered on the platform. The first live ring carries a horizontal boom which is pivotally movable about the axis and has an axis offset therefrom on which a second live ring is mounted which carries a swivel structure terminating in a boom, on the distal end of which a work platform or basket is mounted. The swivel structure is pivotally movable about a vertical axis of the second live ring. The swivel structure is connected to the horizontal boom in such a manner that they counterrotate.

Abstract: A mobile machine which carries the operator of the machine is equipped with a control which has a shape, geometry and motion analogous to that of the machine and which causes machine motion analogous to the motion imparted to the control by the operator. The analog control may be applied on mobile equipment including aerial work platforms, forklifts, front end loaders, backhoes, earth movers, bulldozers, diggers, trenchers, agricultural equipment, mining machinery, and other operator controlled vehicular equipment by tailoring the shape, geometry and motions of the control to be analogous to those of the machine being controlled.

Abstract: A warning system for an aerial device which provides an alarm signal when a worker on an aerial work platform is exposed to an electrical hazard. The aerial device has an insulated boom which carries the work platform on its upper end. An electrostatic charge is introduced to all conductive components near the platform. The electrostatic charge is harmless to the worker and dissipates upon contact with an energized power line or grounded object. The absence of charge is then sensed by a warning device which provides an alarm signal.