Abstract: Magnetic straking can optionally be temporarily attached to a ferromagnetic structure or other structure capable of magnetic attachment thereto, allowing observation or testing of the structure's performance before optional permanent attaching of such straking to the structure, such as by welding or the like.

Abstract: A construction apparatus is provided and span members connected together at a first end by a first connector, the span members having a first end, a second end and a length. Sill brackets are connected to the first end of the span members and are configured to seat against an entrance sill. A second connector connects the span members together at a second end and is configured to seat against a hoistway structure. A plurality of apertures is arranged on the span members and configured to allow a connection to hoist devices. The span members rotate about the sill brackets and the lengths of the span members are longer than a horizontal distance from the entrance sill to the hoistway structure such that when the apparatus is in a seated orientation, the construction apparatus rests in an inclined orientation with respect to a substantially horizontal axis.

Abstract: An installation method for an elevator includes the following steps: provision of a counterweight frame to be moved along counterweight guide rails, provision of an installation platform to be moved along car guide rails, and loading of the counterweight frame with at least one elevator component and movement of the counterweight frame to the position of the installation platform.

Abstract: A maintenance method for an elevator includes provision of a service platform in a lower region of the elevator, in particular a shaft pit, for later maintenance work, wherein the service platform was previously mounted for installation purposes on at least one set of car guide rails and served in the installation process as a working platform for mounting elevator components in the elevator shaft, in particular on a shaft wall.

Abstract: A lift having a guideway, a ground station, a lift car guided on the guideway, a cable running along the guideway to the lift car, which is passed via a cable trolley with a pulley fixture which follows a movement of the lift car, and a central infeed into which the cable can be fixed and which can be fixed to the guideway, wherein a storage facility is provided both at the ground station and on the lift car allowing for an extension of the section of cable running between the central infeed and the ground station for raising the central infeed to be supplied from the storage facility at the ground station, and an extension of the section of cable running via the cable trolley, necessary due to the extension of the guideway to be supplied from the storage facility.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system having a pulley attached to a building. A length of cable is installed around the pulley. The cable is of sufficient length so as to reach, when deployed outside of the building, below the pulley to where emergency personnel gather in an area next to a base of the building (when responding to a disaster situation in the building). A winch around which the cable is to be operatively installed is located in the area next to the base.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system having a pulley attached to a building. A closed loop of cable is installed around the pulley. The loop is of sufficient length so as to reach, when deployed outside of the building, below the pulley to where emergency personnel gather in an area next to a base of the building (when responding to a disaster situation in the building). A winch around which the loop is to be operatively installed is located in the area next to the base. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An arrangement for overcoming heights or vertical distances, such as, in particular, high-voltage towers, towers for wind installations, buildings, high-bay warehouses, etc., has a longitudinally extended, rail-like profile (7) or guide member, and at least one portable lift element which is fastenable re-releasably to the profile, consisting of a driving part (3) which is movable up and down along the profile or guide member and a platform (5) for receiving at least one person or loads.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for safely lowering a user from a structure. The apparatus includes a ring structure configured to coaxially surround a pole structure including a spiraling inclined surface, wherein the ring structure includes a circular track; a brake mechanism having a first portion configured to travel along the spiraling inclined surface and a second portion configured to travel along the circular track when the apparatus is descending; and a user support assembly for supporting a user when the apparatus is descending, wherein the user support assembly is securely attached to the ring structure. The user support assembly includes a seat or net securely coupled to a vertically-adjustable member which is, in turn, coupled to a fixed member by way of a ratchet interface. The apparatus also includes a torque limiting mechanism configured to prevent or reduce axial rotation of the ring structure when the apparatus is descending.

Abstract: Provided herein are wind turbine tower assembly and maintenance systems and schemes. In particular, wind tower maintenance platforms are provided in order to allow service personnel to perform assembly and maintenance tasks on wind turbine towers. Some platforms disclosed herein adjust to the outer diameter of the tower, which varies tuned to the general conical shape of the tower. Other platforms provide a platform shape that allows the platform to encircle both the tower and wholly or partially encircle the turbine blade to allow personnel easy access to the blade. Other variations disclosed herein provide powerful climbing mechanisms to allow the turbine service platform to externally climb the tower carrying service personnel, parts, or even turbine blades. Gripping or braking mechanisms are provided to secure the service platform to the tower. A system is provided for lowering or raising turbine blades to and from the hub without requiring a crane.

Abstract: A system and associated method are provided for lifting tower-top components from ground level to atop a wind turbine tower. A platform assembly is configured at least partially around a base of the wind turbine tower. Lifting cables are connected to the platform assembly and run to the top of the wind turbine tower and back down to ground. The platform assembly has a forward loading portion configured for securement of a tower-top component intended to be lifted to atop the wind turbine tower, wherein the platform assembly is engaged around the wind turbine tower and lifted by the cables to a position adjacent the top of the wind turbine tower for transfer of the tower-top component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hoist having a guideway, a car which is movable along the guideway, and a cable extending between the car and a base station of the guideway, wherein at least one section of the cable is stored in a cable container in the region of the base station. The cable is guided by at least one deflecting device of a cable trolley which is movable along the guideway. A method for assembly and disassembly of a hoist of this type is also presented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a scaffold installed within a large structure such as a pressure vessel or a tank of a ship, and an insulation system construction method using the same. The scaffold for use in performing desired work within a large structure includes a supporting structure installed adjacent to both side surfaces and a top surface of the large structure, and a carrying unit installed movable along the supporting structure to allow materials to be carried or to provide a working space for a worker thereon, wherein the supporting structure is installed to be movable along a wall surface of the large structure.

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 fire escape system includes at least one guide post and an escape platform slidably carried by the at least one guide post and comprising a platform plate; a pair of handlebars pivotally carried by the platform plate; a pair of guide rollers carried by the pair of handlebars, respectively, and adapted to detachably engage the at least one guide post; and a pair of brake assemblies carried by the escape platform and adapted to engage the at least one guide post.

Abstract: A power ramp for a vehicle and a control method thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: An evacuation system for a building including at least one selectably lowerable, collapsible, generally vertical transporter arranged for selectable communication with at least one floor of a building and a controller for selectably lowering at least one platform of the transporter from the at least one floor to a level at which egress of persons may safely occur.

Abstract: An evacuation system for a building including at least one vertical transporter including multiple platforms arranged for selectable communication with multiple floors of the building for loading of persons onto the multiple platforms and at least one building mounted stabilizing element cooperating with the transporter for stabilizing the transporter against lateral forces.

Abstract: An escape and rescue device used in a multistory building during a terrorist threat or a fire to: a) evacuate a person or persons attached to an expandable disc support with an attachment that is lowered from an upper level of a building through a vertical tube, by using a lesser pressure at the top of the tube and a higher pressure at the bottom of the tube, using a door at the top or a door at the bottom to maintain pressure or by artificial air pressure, thereby permitting the fast evacuation of many people in a short time, b) it can be used by firemen in training in its use and benefits, c) also at amusement parks, where there would be a ride that would teach the users about its reliability and safety, and d) to transport firemen in a fast way from the ground to the upper floors without interfering with the evacuation in process at the congested stairways of the building.

Abstract: A portable elevator climbing system removably attachable to a cantilevered overhang on an adjacent structure, whereby an elevator car travels up and down a plurality of roller chains. The roller chains are engaged with sprockets and guide rollers attached to an axle driven by a motor. The orientation and alignment of the sprockets, guide rollers and roller chains provide for a stable elevator car and for a system free of backlash in both directions. The elevator climbing system includes a dampening assembly to control the rate of decent in the event of transmission, motor or other failure. The elevator climbing system may be controlled so that the start and stop of the motor is coordinated with the release and application of a braking assembly. The efficiency of the elevator climbing system may be varied by adjusting the offset between the sprockets and the guide rollers.

Abstract: A hoisting system for high-rise buildings which incorporates upright rails mounted on outer walls of the building, a lifting block for each rail. A truss section attached to two lifting blocks to form a loading platform for people or hardware. Doors and windows provide access from the building to the platform, which may be enclosed. The rails are secured on metallic trusses mounted in upright position inside the building structure. The metallic truss can have stairs or elevators for transporting people. The platform can be divided into compartments for holding trays. Guide rollers on the sides of the trays and drive wheels under the trays move the trays into and between the compartments. In this manner cars may be parked in limited space by being lifted to a floor and moved to an open compartment. The platform can be used for emergency evacuation, for construction, parking, or fire fighting.

Abstract: An elevator system for a wind turbine is provided. The elevator system comprises a suspension device and an elevator car. The elevator car is suspended to the suspension device wherein the suspension device is mountable to a mounting section of a nacelle of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A pulley suspension assembly for assisting a user to vertically transport a cable to an elevated location may include a base member adapted to be positioned at the elevated location. A plurality of prongs may be statically coupled the base, extended upwardly therefrom, and seated adjacent to a rear edge thereof. A rectilinear guide rail may be statically mated to the prongs and spanned therebetween. Additionally, a plurality of stabilizing brackets may be statically affixed to the top surface and front of the base member. Further, a rectilinear shaft may be connected to the brackets and spanned therebetween. A plurality of pulleys may be journaled about the rectilinear shaft and rotatable thereabout. Such pulleys may be uniformly juxtaposed side-by-side and freely reciprocated along the shaft while rotating about the fulcrum axis. Anchor cables may be included and engaged with the prongs and an existing support surface at the elevated location.

Abstract: A system for the evacuation of persons from a multi story structure during circumstances in which the normal escape mechanisms such as stairs and elevators are unusable for any reason. The system mounts externally of the affected structure and provides at least one evacuator upon which a person may ride in a controlled descent from an area of danger to an area of relative safety. The evacuator rides on a post and the evacuee may control the speed of his or her descent with a simple braking mechanism. A safety belt and foot rests provide a sense of security during the descent from danger.

Abstract: A freestanding space elevator tower for launching payloads, tourism, observation, scientific research and communications. The space elevator tower has a segmented elevator core structure, each segment being formed of at least one pneumatically pressurized cell. The pressure cells may be filled with air or another gas. Elevator cars may ascend or descend on the outer surface of the elevator core structure or in a shaft on the interior of the elevator core structure. A payload may be launched from a pod or deck at the upper end of the space elevator tower. The space elevator tower is stabilized by gyroscopic and active control machinery. The space elevator tower maintains a desired pressure level through gas compressor machinery. Methods of constructing the space elevator are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting planar objects which includes an extendable rectilinear elongated frame formed of at least two spaced U-beams, each U-beam defining a longitudinal runway and having an elongated area removed from a forward face below a midpoint of the frame. The removed elongated area defines an entranceway to the longitudinal runway. The entranceway is dimensioned to receive the planar object for placement on a transport carriage while maintaining a top portion of the planar object within the longitudinal runway. The carriage is configured to laterally span the two spaced U-beams such that a portion of the carriage and a portion of the planar object are confined within each interior longitudinal runway at least during transport. A skid is perpendicularly joined to a forward face of the carriage at about its bottom edge. The skid is configured to support the planar object during placement and lifting.

Abstract: A grain bin has a vertical side wall and an inclined roof and a personal lift system is provided for lifting a person to the roof which comprises an upstanding support post or posts tied to the vertical wall with a pulley and cable for lifting a cage containing the person. A counterweight is provided allowing the power for lifting to be provide by the person pulling on the cable. A rail system is provided which allows the cage to move from a lift portion of the rail system at the support post onto the rail to travel horizontally to one or more bins arranged in a row.

Abstract: A lifting platform (10) in the construction field comprises a base (12), which can be set up on a ground (14) and converted into a console, which can be suspended on a structure (18) with distance to the ground (14), and a platform (20), which can be lifted in relation to the base (12) both in the state in which it is set up on the ground (14) and in the state suspended on the structure (18). A method for setting up a lifting platform (10) in the construction field, comprising a base (12) and a platform (20), includes the following steps: Setting up the base (12) on a ground (14) such that the platform (20) can be lifted in relation to the base (12), lifting the base (12), converting the base (12) into a console that can be suspended on a structure (18), and suspending the console on a structure (18) in a state that again allows the platform (20) to be lifted.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system having a pulley attached to a building. A closed loop of cable is installed around the pulley. The loop is of sufficient length so as to reach, when deployed outside of the building, below the pulley to where emergency personnel gather in an area next to a base of the building (when responding to a disaster situation in the building). A winch around which the loop is to be operatively installed is located in the area next to the base. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An elevator roping arrangement includes: hoisting ropes; diverting pulleys; and a fixing and support arrangement. First and fourth diverting pulleys are disposed on the elevator car, while second and third diverting pulleys are disposed in an upper part of an elevator shaft. The hoisting ropes pass from a traction sheave to the diverting pulleys. The fixing and support arrangement is disposed at a top end of elevator car guide rails and includes two support beams. Each support beam is fixed at a first end to a wall of the shaft, extends from the first end to a second end away from the wall, and is fixed to a guide rail between the ends. A vertical plane is defined between the guide rails. At least one of the diverting pulleys is on an opposite side of the plane from the wall, and is disposed at a distance from the plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire escape device which can be controlled wirelessly. The device comprises a rope winding unit having a rope, a carrying unit fixed to one end of the rope, a main control unit fixed onto a building, through which the rope is connected to the man-carrying unit so as to control a descent process of the carrying unit, and at least one wireless remote control capable of communicating with the main control unit and operating the same.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system having a pulley attached to a building. A closed loop of cable is installed around the pulley. The loop is of sufficient length so as to reach, when deployed outside of the building, below the pulley to where emergency personnel gather in an area next to a base of the building (when responding to a disaster situation in the building). A winch around which the loop is to be operatively installed is located in the area next to the base. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rescue assembly including a vehicle that rides upon a track operated by a network of pistons set in a left to right array and connected by slanted bridges for control of said capsule. The vehicle, track, and piston network is all contained within a tube and is continuous vertically the entire height of a tall building or structure. The capsule is powered by an independent power source with regards to the building's or structure's power supply and is controlled via straight aerodynamic controls.

Abstract: A lift apparatus, comprising a series of modules arranged one on top of the other, wherein each module comprises a part of a lift shaft and is provided with at least one lift safety door for clearing and closing off the respective part of the lift shaft, while the parts of the lift shaft extending in the respective modules form part of a continuous lift shaft, wherein drive means for a lift car are provided, while the different modules are provided with lift guiding means for guiding the lift car through the lift shaft.

Abstract: A functional compartment is provided in a building, a sliding frame is mounted in this compartment, connected with jack mechanisms; with the help of these mechanisms the sliding frame can slide beyond the outer limits of the building and back. Smooth and safe sliding of the frame is ensured by its supporting wheels sliding in guiding rails mounted in the surfaces of the functional compartment. The sliding frame is equipped in its front part, with a receiving panel with the right and left “pocket” guiders on it. The attachable section of the H-shaped rail is equipped with a mounting panel, with the similar square structure as of the receiving panel. The thickness of the mounting panel is less than a clearance between the “pocket” guiders and the outer surface of the receiving panel. The receiving panel is supplied with beveled guiding sides, and the mounting panel—with lower rounded corners.

Abstract: The elevating device of the present invention is comprised of first, second, and third dovetail members that are interlockingly engaged. First dovetail member is secured to an object or an independent surface such as a tree or a ladder. First and second dovetail members are stationary and third dovetail member is moveable. Slide bars are secured to third dovetail member. Slide bars slidably engage a guide track. There is a gear that engages slots in the second dovetail member elevating third dovetail member as the slide bars slidably engage the guide track. There is a platform for holding people or objects that is secured to third dovetail member. As the gear rotates and elevates third dovetail member, the platform secured thereto is also elevated.

Abstract: The methodology and advantages that are provided in the present invention are intended to provide assistance to fire fighters and other emergency care-givers with life saving tools during fires and other smoke related emergencies that render fire and smoke victims helpless and trapped inside of high-rise buildings. The exterior fire resistance elevator system, having several specialized component devices that are adapted for lifting and rotating the elevator in a vertical and horizontal directions. The elevator is also capable of moving in tandem in a vertical and horizontally direction as directed by an elevator operator or by an operator having location in a central station that is at ground level or near the building.

Abstract: A pole ascension apparatus and associated method are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes a track connected to a pole and a portable platform portion detachably connectable to the track. The portable platform portion may move upwardly and downwardly along the track.

Abstract: An elevator system for traveling on a rail attached to the outside of a high-rise building. One elevator having a telescoping arm attached for reaching any position on or above the building. A platform or cabin attached to the telescoping arm can deliver materials to the building while under construction and thereafter be used for building maintenance such as window washing. The movable platform adjacent a building can take the place of scaffolding for a safer work environment. The telescoping arm may have various attachments for different functions such as for rescuing people trapped in a high-rise during a fire or for positioning fire fighters and hoses or fire fighting equipment next to a fire. The elevators may be raised and lowered by motors connected to cables or under their own power.

Abstract: For fire fighting and emergency rescue in high-rise buildings the building can be equipped with rails on the outside of the building. The rails have elevators, which travel on the rails on the outside face of the building. Two elevators traveling in unison and supporting a platform extending therebetween can provide a corridor and or a scaffold for reaching anyplace on the face of a building. Other elevators or elevators with cranes can be used on the rails in combination with the elevators with the platform to fight fires, rescue people from the upper floors of buildings or perform maintenance or construction tasks.

Abstract: An elevator system for traveling on a rail attached to the outside of a high-rise building. One elevator has a telescopic arm attached for reaching any position on or above the building. The telescopic arm consists of two parts, which are interconnected with a pivoting mechanism. The telescopic arm has a pivot at its end attached to a cramp, by a vertical rotating mechanism. The cramp is pivoted to an outside platform with a barrier, a cabin is hung from the platform and can make a full rotation. The elevator portion has a passenger compartment with sliding doors and a vertical aperture with a staircase connecting with an autonomous rescue elevator.

Abstract: An elevator for traveling on a rail attached to the outside of a high-rise building supports a telescoping arm for reaching any position on or above the building. A platform attached to the telescoping arm can deliver materials to the building while under construction and thereafter be used for building maintenance such as window washing. The movable platform adjacent a building can take the place of scaffolding for a safer work environment. The telescoping arm may have various attachments for different functions including a cabin for rescuing people trapped in a high-rise during a fire or for positioning fire fighters and hoses or fire fighting equipment next to a fire.

Abstract: A system for mechanically lowering a load from an elevated position to a lower position in a relatively slow and controlled manner using only gravity and frictional forces. The system includes a vertically aligned glide rod, a glide collar that moves longitudinally over the glide rod, two vertically mounted friction rods mounted on opposite sides of the glide rod, a friction collar that moves longitudinally along each friction rod, and a support platform coupled to each friction collar and to the glide collar. The glide rod includes spiral vane along its entire length upon which the glide collar rides when a load is placed on the support platform, allowing the support platform to descend at a safe speed via gravity.

Abstract: An elevator system for traveling on a rail attached to the outside of a high-rise building. One elevator having a telescoping arm attached for reaching any position on or above the building. A platform or cabin attached to the telescoping arm can deliver materials to the building while under construction and thereafter be used for building maintenance such as window washing. The movable platform adjacent a building can take the place of scaffolding for a safer work environment. The telescoping arm may have various attachments for different functions such as for rescuing people trapped in a high-rise during a fire or for positioning fire fighters and hoses or fire fighting equipment next to a fire. The elevators may be raised and lowered by motors connected to cables or under their own power.

Abstract: A system for mechanically lowering a load from an elevated position to a lower position in a relatively slow and controlled manner using only gravity and frictional forces. The system includes a vertically aligned glide rod, a glide collar that moves longitudinally over the glide rod, two vertically mounted friction rods mounted on opposite sides of the glide rod, a friction collar that moves longitudinally along each friction rod, and a support platform coupled to each friction collar and to the glide collar. The glide rod includes spiral vane along its entire length upon which the glide collar rides when a load is placed on the support platform, allowing the support platform to descend at a safe speed via gravity.

Abstract: An elevating system is provided that includes a platform that may travel up and down a tower through the use of a pair of cables, pulleys mounted at the top of the tower and a low profile motor mounted near the bottom of the tower to selectively raise and lower the platform by winding and unwinding of the cables.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system having a pulley attached to a building. A closed loop of cable is installed around the pulley. The loop is of sufficient length so as to reach, when deployed outside of the building, below the pulley to where emergency personnel gather in an area next to a base of the building (when responding to a disaster situation in the building). A winch around which the loop is to be operatively installed is located in the area next to the base. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A storage lift includes two vertically extending tracks mounted to a wall surface such as a garage wall. The tracks guide associated sliding members through vertical motion up and down adjacent the wall. The sliding members are in turn hinged to a platform that serves in alternative embodiments as a storage platform base or a variable-height work surface, and which may also be folded compactly when not in use or during shipping. A full box framework is provided for most applications, and panels are slidable within framework grooves or brackets to fully enclose the platform. A cover may optionally be provided as required. In the preferred embodiment, an electric motor is provided within the storage platform base for motive power, and a key switch control is provided to safely actuate the motor. The electric motor in the preferred embodiment is attached to the tracks through a combination of cables and pulleys, though other techniques are contemplated.

Abstract: A cargo lift for transporting goods between ground level and a raised handling position at the side of a building includes a vertical mast extending between ground level and the handling position alongside the building. A cargo container for carrying the goods is attached to a rolling sleeve carried on the mast. An electric winch raises the cargo container along the mast between ground level and raised handling position.

Abstract: An emergency escape veranda apparatus includes a movable veranda member (1) provided so as to form a veranda in a normal state together with a stationary veranda portion (2) projected outside a building. A lowering device (3) makes the movable veranda member (1) descend vertically in an emergency state.