Abstract: A catwalk includes a mounting frame or other connection to a side of a vehicle/equipment, a floor, and at least one railing/railing-portion; an actuator system to move the catwalk enclosure between retracted and deployed positions; and a guide arm for guiding/controlling pivoting of the at least one railing/railing-portion relative to the floor. The actuator system and guide arm are preferably substantially or entirely outside of the catwalk walkway space, for easy movement along the walkway, easy access to the walkway at one or both ends, and obstacle/barrier-free passage from one catwalk to another on the same vehicle/equipment. The actuator system prevents the catwalk from collapsing/retracting when a person is on the catwalk, for example, by the lift capacity of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder being controlled/tuned so that the cylinder does not have the capacity/capability to lift and retract the catwalk when the catwalk is occupied.

Abstract: A fire apparatus includes a chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, a torque box coupled to the chassis, a pedestal coupled to the torque box, a ladder assembly coupled to the pedestal, and a stability assembly. The torque box has a front end and a rear end. The pedestal is positioned between the front end and the rear end of the torque box. The stability assembly includes a housing coupled to the chassis and the front end of the torque box, a pair of outriggers received within the housing, and a downrigger coupled to the rear end of the torque box. The pair of outriggers is selectively extendable laterally outward in opposing directions. The downrigger is selectively extendable downward.

Abstract: A construction platform that is freely movable up and down is provided, which includes several curved platforms, several columns and a control panel. The curved platforms are connected with one after the other to form a ring-shaped platform that surrounds a cylindrical building and is movable along the columns. Each curved platform is provided with one or more mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket is provided with one or more movable brackets, one or more pressing mechanisms, one or more locking mechanisms, one or more movable rods, one or more suction cups, a pumping mechanism, and one or more emergency braking mechanisms. Each emergency braking mechanism includes a sprocket, a chain, a counterweight, an angle sensor, and a configuring assembly. Each configuring assembly includes a ring gear, a mounting sleeve, a configuring rod, a pawl, a torsion spring, an electromagnet and a magnetic block.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a wind resistant parasol is disclosed which includes a pole and a rib mechanism attached to the pole. The rib mechanism includes a plurality of upper ribs configured to support an upper canopy, a plurality of lower ribs configured to support a lower canopy, and a rib connector connecting the plurality of upper ribs and the plurality of lower ribs together to form a closed loop. When the parasol is open, the upper canopy has a substantially flat profile and the lower canopy has a curved profile formed by the respective plurality of upper ribs and the plurality of lower ribs, wherein the lower canopy is configured to guide air pressure in a downward direction causing the parasol to stabilize.

Abstract: A method for handling a load (2) including a wind turbine component (202). The method includes, while a crane (1) is supported by a supporting element (G), arranging a control arrangement (501, 502), which is at least partly elongated and flexible, so as to extend, while the load (2) is lifted in a suspended manner with the crane (1), from the load (2) to an actuator (511, 512), located on the supporting element (G), at a distance from the crane (1). The actuator (511, 512) controls the orientation of the load (2) by the control arrangement (501, 502), and the control arrangement (501, 502) is extended, during the load orientation control, via a redirection device (531, 532) which is connected to the supporting element (G).

Abstract: A multimode or multi-configuration insulation assembly includes a cover and a frame. The frame has a seal or gasket which may be oriented upwardly in a first configuration or oriented downwardly in a second configuration. In the first configuration, the insulation assembly defines an insulative 5-sided box. In the second configuration, the insulation assembly is a four-sided frame with a removable cover, which enables the four-sided frame to remain installed on the attic floor to act as a dam to hold back blown-in attic insulation when the cover is removed to permit ingress and egress to the attic through the opening formed in the attic floor.

Abstract: Climbing products containing rails decorated using veil products colored, patterned, painted or in combination with marking methods such as company names and logos and resin formulation designed to withstand exposure to UV radiation with minimal change in appearance which create specific appearances for applications, enhance weathering performance, and facilitate processing efficiency. A combination of a filler free resin and coated veil systems to create a synergistic weather resistance surface with self contained color, pattern, picture, logo or combination of said same for climbing products. A system for producing components. Various methods, system, a ladder rail.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety shield for installation in an aerial bucket. The safety shield provides an adjustable panel which may be extended to a variety of positions to protect a user from unintentional contact with harmful surfaces such as electrical wires.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety shield for installation in an aerial bucket. The safety shield provides an adjustable panel which may be extended to a variety of positions to protect a user from unintentional contact with harmful surfaces such as electrical wires.

Abstract: An insulating cover for an attic or other opening is provided which mounts on top of a stair frame or framed opening or the like without the necessity of attic flooring, characterized by economical construction, economical shipping, ease of assembly, ease of installation above the opening, and a footprint substantially similar to the frame of the folding stair or the empty opening. The present invention further provides an insulating cover that is rugged enough for continued use yet light enough and supported in such as way as to have an ease of opening, staying open and closing as the consumer needs. In a further embodiment, the invention components may be substantially flat packed for ease of shipping and handling. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a multifunction insulating cover that may be fitted with a ventilation means, such as a louver or powered fan to enable ventilation through the framed opening even though the attic cover would be closed.

Abstract: A draft insulator kit for use with an attic pull-down staircase comprises a dimensioned enclosure held together with plastic rivets and resting on weather stripping placed directly on the framing around the pull-down staircase. The edge of the box rests on the weather stripping to seal against drafts. The insulator can be covered with fiberglass batting to increase R value but is itself a cost-effective seal against drafts. It can be folded for increased shipping efficiency, is made of low cost cardboard, and has low manufacturing costs. As a result, its payback time to the consumer is less than one season.

Abstract: A method of using carbon fiber cloth (cfc) as a fire protection cover. Carbon fiber cloth, presently manufactured in 42 inch widths, would be snapped together to form 10-20 foot widths then used to cover houses and other items for fire protection. The carbon fiber cloth is used in its' natural form--without resins or epoxies.

Abstract: A rescue chute suitable for attachment to a fixed structure or to an aerial ladder is disclosed. The chute has two concentric fabric chutes (2,4) supported by a multi-purpose mounting bracket (6). The chutes (2, 4) are made of a heat-resistant material. The outer chute has guying rings (8) along its length and is closed with snap hook-and-ring closures (14). The inner chute (4) has a zipper (18) running the entire length of the chute. Zipper-stops and zipper-pulls allow the inner chute to be opened at the different points to allow people to exit the chute. A snap hook (20) at the end of each zipper (18) ensures that the zipper remains closed as the chute is used. An elastic panel (24) runs the entire length of the chute. The elastic (104) may be sandwiched to protect it from heat. The rescue chute includes a non-abrasive entry flap (26). The multipurpose bracket (6) is adaptable to support the chute on a building wall or on an aerial ladder.

Abstract: A thermal stairway cover is disclosed for insulating a stairway opening containing a pull-down, ceiling stairway leading to an attic. A plate is movable between a first position which closes the cover and reduces heat transfer therethrough and a second position where the cover is open to provide access through the stairway opening to the attic.

Abstract: Emergency stairs are designed to be mounted externally on buildings and are provided with platforms at each floor as well as ladders/staircases between the platforms. Platforms are hinged to the house wall and are at their extreme edges connected by the air of mutually articulated connecting means. The ladders/staircases are suspended from the underside of the platforms in articulated members under openings in the platforms and with the rungs of the ladder arranged in parallel with the house wall. The ladders are at their lower ends slidably supported by the next lower platform. In a position of non-use platforms and ladders are retracted into contact with the house wall and may be actuated by an actuating mechanism which may be operated from each floor.

Abstract: An escape system for enabling occupants to escape from the upper levels of buildings includes a vessel suspended from at least two fire-resistant cables spaced apart upon the surface of the vessel, the vessel itself being of fire-resistant material and being substantially air-tight, a bridge affording access for personnel from an adjacent building to the vessel, and lift means for retracting the cables and thus lifting the vessel.

Abstract: A scaffold enclosure having a plurality of panels is disclosed. Each panel has a closure on a first lateral edge for securing that edge to an upright on the scaffolding. The closure can be straps having first and second flaps with hook and loop closures thereon for securing the straps to various sized uprights. Each panel also has fasteners, preferably continuous strips of hook and loop closures, on both its inner and outer surfaces at each edge. The panels are thus engageable on one another to form a scaffold enclosure with completely sealed seams. To facilitate installment, two types of panels, starter panels and continuing panels, are utilized, each having a particular arrangement of fasteners.

Abstract: A fire protection umbrella, which comprises a fire-proof umbrella cover coated with fire retarding paint and fully covered with ceramic elements or ceramic wafers. A flash light is attached to the handle of the umbrella to produce light. A hood is attached to the bottom of the umbrella cover to cover one's head on an emergency. The umbrella ribs may be bound up with the shaft of the umbrella frame by a cord to prevent the umbrella cover from collapse in counter direction so that the umbrella may be used as a parachute to help one escape from a high-raised building.

Abstract: System for rescuing occupants of a tall building having at least one generally planar windowed face is disclosed, which system includes a first and a second boom mounted respectively at opposite sides of the building face at a building level above that face. Each boom has a retracted position and is shiftable to a cantilevered position in which its outer end overhangs the side of the building. A first and a second hoist cable extends respectively from the outer ends of the booms. A rescue cage has a top, a bottom and a flexible, collapsible, heat-shielding wall extending between the peripheries of the top and bottom to provide a shielded compartment. A pair of hoists are mounted to the cage top and engage individually the first and second hoist cables in order to drivingly support the cage adjacent the building face. The hoists are controllable so as to be driven differentially to move the cage transversely of the building face, and driven in the same direction for vertical motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending cladding or protective sheeting from scaffolding includes a first member detachably securable to an element of scaffolding, and a second member capable of attachment to said sheeting or cladding. The second member is adapted to hang from said first, thereby to hang the cladding or sheeting from scaffolding.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful offshore evacuation system for drilling rigs or platforms comprising a launch structure for a survival craft; the structure comprising at least one support strut adapted to be pivotally attached at one end thereof to the platform superstructure and carrying at the other end thereof at least one support cradle for survival craft, and rotatable between an upper position and a lower position; and means for effecting rotation of said launch structure from said upper to said lower position; and a closed companionway leading from the platform accommodation unit to the loading position of the survival craft and being in sealing relationship with the survival craft.

Abstract: The escape device of the present invention comprises an escape chute having an outer and an inner tube, the outer tube consisting of heat resistant material which surrounds the inner tube, the inner tube having a panel extending over a major portion such that an object in the chute contacting the panel will have its rate of descent retarded. A mounting bracket is associated with the upper end of the chute, the inner tube being attached to the mounting bracket such that a tapered entry from the upper end of the chute to a point below the upper end of the chute is formed. The outer tube is attached to the mounting bracket independent of the inner tube, so that the outer tube does not have to absorb load-carrying stress associated with objects descending in the chute. An air gap for insulation and ventilation is formed between the inner and outer tube.

Abstract: A scaffolding system for performing a work such as repair, coating or tiling on an outer wall surface of a building, chimney, petroleum tank or the like comprises parapet wall hooks provided on the top portion of a building, hanging stages suspended from the parapet wall hooks by means of first cables and arranged in horizontal alignment with one another, protective nets which can be stretched between the parapet wall hooks and the hanging stages, and means for lifting and lowering the protective nets by means of second cables secured to the protective nets. The protective nets can be lifted or lowered as desired regardless of position of the hanging stages and without lifting or lowering the hanging stages. The protective nets can be readily lowered and stored in the hanging stages when a strong wind is expected whereby damage to the protective nets due to wind can be prevented.

Abstract: An escape device having a tubular escape chute with upper and lower ends. At least one zipper extends longitudinally at least along a portion of the chute in order to provide for entry into or exit out of the chute at different elevations. The chute has a friction-creating material which extends through a major portion of the chute's longitudinal extent thereby permitting an individual descending in the chute and contacting the panel to have his or her rate of descent retarded. The inner chute may have inner pleats resiliently maintained by an elastic member. The chute may consist of an inner tube and an outer tube.

Abstract: Radiant head resistant fluid-distendable structure and methods for making same.

Abstract: A flame deflecting device that comprises a fire resistant lamina and a protective casing mountable on a building exterior in rows above windows. Each device has a width greater than the window below. When mounted on a building, the device does not extend vertically by more than three feet (0.9 m). When activated on the occurrence of fire, the flame resistant lamina is released and extended substantially horizontally from the building exterior, thereby deflecting flames, smoke and hot gases escaping from below.

Abstract: A compact, collapsible and automatically expansible mining canvas is constructed and arranged so that a mine worker may stand under a supported roof section and extend into a newly sumped coal portion a forward section of a mining canvas so as to direct the air flow across the face of a newly mined coal section so as to remove any dangerous gasses and debris escaping therefrom. The mining canvas comprises an upper support and a lower support connected by pivotal intermediate support members and a canvas which is connected there between and which is preferably pleated so as to allow collapsible and expansible operation. Included in this invention is the method by which a miner may stand under an already supported section and extend to within a few feet of the newly mined or sumped face a compact, collapsed but expansible canvas section that is easily transportable to the face and which upon expansion will engage the roof and floor of the mine so as to direct the air flow against the face.

Abstract: An insulating enclosure for a ceiling opening of the kind typically provided for a pull-down folding stair provides an inexpensive and simple structure for enclosing and insulating the opening. The structure comprises wall portions and a top portion overlying the wall portion when the apparatus is operatively disposed, the wall portions and top portions comprising modular insulating block-like members. The block-like members may be made of foam, encased in corrugated board or plastic sheet, interconnected by tabs or tape.

Abstract: A protective cover for temporarily enclosing a building or other structure during construction, includes a plurality of plastic or canvas panels which are mounted on cables connected to the structure, in parallel spaced apart vertical rows, by connectors including a rod for insertion through grommets in the edges of the panels, a lever rotatably mounted on one end of the rod for rotation around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod, so that the rod can be inserted through the grommet and rotated to a locked position, and a C-shaped cable clamp on the other end of the rod, the cable clamp including a web mounting on and projecting perpendicular to the rod on each side thereof, an arm on each end of the web extending towards the other end of the rod and a slot in one side of each arm, the slot being inclined towards the other end of the rod and being sufficiently deep that a cable can be inserted through the slots and retained therein by the rod.

Abstract: A trap door cover consists of a generally rectangular frame. Molding strips are connected to the peripheries of the frame such that the finished frame resembles a picture frame. A slab of insulating material fits inside the frame. The door cover may be attached to the door by two spaced long screws through the insulating slab.

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: A rigid block of insulative material, such as expanded polystyrene or having an R value of 19 is mounted above the opening in the ceiling in which a disappearing staircase is mounted. The block is so mounted as to be movable entirely or so that a portion thereof is movable between a first normally closed position to a second open position providing access through the ceiling opening.

Abstract: An emergency escape apparatus for speedily evacuating workers or others from a high level platform or the like comprising a longitudinally folded tubular escape chute slidably connected to an angularly disposed cable, the chute being held in folded condition by a cover that may be speedily opened to release the chute for unfolding deployment down and along the cable, and the chute being of multisleeve construction with the outer layer of fire resistant material. The apparatus may be used for other purposes than emergency escape, for example as a slide chute in an amusement park.

Abstract: An escape slide for evacuating personnel from an aircraft or other elevated place where there is the possibility of damage to the slide from fire or abrasion during the deployment and evacuation process. A protective shield of flexible material having a metalized coating for reflecting heat is positioned over the underside of the inflated slide to protect the slide. The protective shield may be connected to the sides of the slide and be spaced from the bottom of the slide to provide an insulating air space. The protective shield may also be movable to a position over the slide when used as a life raft and serve as a canopy to protect passengers on the slide raft from the weather and sea.

Abstract: A ceiling-mounted attic door features a continuous outer panel of flame-resistant plaster board, an intermediate layer of thermal insulating material and marginal sealing gaskets and insulating strips arranged to thermally seal the marginal edges of the door when it occupies a normally closed position within its associated door opening.

Abstract: A collapsible fire escape for erection within a building adjacent a window therein, comprising sets of upper and lower joists arranged spatially apart from one another and mounted pivotally, respectively to upper and lower end portions of elongated upright angle irons to form a rectangular framework, a floor mounted over the lower joists, a first set of wall covers mounted to and between the outer surfaces of the upright angle irons, a second set of wall covers removably insertable between the remaining open spaces of the upright angle irons, foldable brace sections mounted crosswise and pivotally to the connecting points of joists and upright angle irons, a continuous hinge mounted along one of the upright angle irons extending into a plate which terminates in hooks, a plate provided with tubular projections mounted to the outside wall of the building adjacent the window for receiving the hooks and the housing capable of being swung outside through the window.

Abstract: A fire escaping tunnel for use on high use buildings, including an extendable accordian pleated tubing made of nylon or canvas fabric padded on its inner side, a ring at its upper end attachable to an escape opening of a building, a lower end of the tubing having a soft landing pad, and an exit doorway so a person sliding or lowered down the tunnel can step out upon a ground or street level.

Abstract: A balcony for fire escape purposes for use below a window in an exterior wall of a multistory building which comprises support means to secure it in place on the wall; a platform secured to said means, preferably by spring hinges biasing it to horizontal position so that it can be removably held in vertical position against the wall or at right angles thereto; means secured to the support means for holding the platform in horizontal position against downward forces; an outside guard means secured to the platform parallel to and spaced from the connection thereof to the support means, preferably by spring hinges so that it is biased from a folded position against the platform to a position at right angles thereto; means operatively connected to the outside guard means and the support means to prevent the guard means from swinging beyond a right angular position with respect to the platform; an end guard means secured to each end of the outside guard means, preferably by spring hinges biasing them away from a f

Abstract: A safety clamping device for use by climbers, combined with a fiber reinforced plastic rail upon which the clamp ultimately slides or grips. The clamping device has a pivotally mounted plate therein having a triggering arm extending outward for being engaged by a rope or chain, having one end carried by the belt mounted about the waist of the climber and the other being fastened to the triggering arm so that the climber slidably carries the clamping device upon the rail as he moves downward and upward on the ladder to which the rail is fastened. An inner end of the plate of the clamp is cam shaped and which is biased by a spring against the rail, but which, as supported by the climber, offsets the gripping by the cam so that the clamp easily slides with the climber as he ascends or descends the ladder, but ultimately grips the rail if the climber descends or falls rapidly, firmly engaging the rail to tightly clamp thereagainst as a safety device.

Abstract: A building Emergency Exit Means mounted to a wall of a building, a modular enclosure of interlocking design comprising one story units having a built-in emergency door, a ladder, a platform with a climb-through opening, an alarm system, lighting, ventilation and communications for all sizes of buildings.

Abstract: In combination with a scaffolding a plurality of sheets of plastic having bead portions, profiles surrounding the bead portions of each two abutting sheet edges thereby securing the sheets to each other. A plurality of attachment members partly surrounds the profiles and holds the profiles in related assembly with the scaffolding.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rescue apparatus for enabling persons to escape safely from burning buildings, for instance, comprises a flexible tubular device which is elastic only in the transverse and circumferential direction to slow the rate of descent of a body falling through the tubular device, various means being provided for fixing the open upper end of the tubular device to the elevated point when the body or person is to be rescued through the lower open end of the device at a point therebelow.

Abstract: Protective covers for workmen and equipment including a ground or pedestal type terminal cover fabricated to protect ground and pedestal type terminals and the cable connections connected therewith against weather, moisture, water and etc. A sealed enclosure rests on the ground and encompasses the terminal ends of buried cables and conduits, the enclosure having easily accessible opening panels for access to the ends of the electrical cables but offering extensive protection to these cables when the enclosure is fully filled. A sectional pole system is mounted atop the enclosure to provide support for above ground cables that are brought to the pole and admitted to the enclosure and its associated terminals. Also included is a portable easily assembled boxlike unit which may be folded flat for transport, may be set over material and equipment and also used as protection for workman.

Abstract: A shield having a front plate and a pair of side flanges extending rearwardly and outwardly therefrom to a point substantially adjacent a supporting wall or beam substantially encases the ladder and prevents unauthorized use of the ladder. The length of the shield may be considerably reduced by attaching the shield to the ladder at a point above the ground. The front plate is hingedly attached to one of the side flanges and a locking device adjustably mounted on the rungs of the ladder secures the front plate in closed relationship to the face thereof.