Abstract: Rapid evacuation of individuals from any building can be problematic. A hospital even more so as patient's often have the necessary motor skills but limited mobility. However, babies within neo-natal intensive care, infants and toddlers are particularly problematic as even under imminent danger they exhibit limited or no coordinated motor skills. In such situations an embodiment provides for evacuation devices for use by a single operator to move multiple infants or toddlers simultaneously both across a floor and down one or sets of stairs. Another embodiment provides for evacuation devices for moving intensive care neo-natal babies allowing the evacuation device to be moved by a single operator but allow another to be adjacent to the evacuation device to manually assist breathing both across the floor and within a stairwell as the evacuation device is taken down one or more sets of stairs.

Abstract: An offshore oil and gas platform has equipment and piping associated with an oil and gas installation. A method for optimising fire protection for the platform includes arranging the platform to have an evacuation time of at most 15 minutes or less using one or more evacuation route(s) via a gangway or bridge allowing personnel to escape to a vessel or to another platform, determining a maximum evacuation time for the platform, assessing the risk to personnel using the evacuation route(s) in accordance with the determined maximum evacuation time in the event of a fire, and providing passive fire protection to equipment and/or piping on the platform in order to prevent escalation of the fire that would create a risk to personnel on the evacuation route(s) during the determined evacuation time.

Abstract: A descent assist device for powered ascenders is discussed herein. In one embodiment, the descent assist device can include a base plate having a first guide surface, a capstan peg, a second guide surface, and a retention loop extending from the first guide surface to the second guide surface configured to retain a rope on the descent assist device. Where the angle of wrapping of the rope around the first guide surface and the capstan peg is constant during use and the angle of wrapping of the rope around the second guide surface is adjustable by the user of the device to increase or decrease the frictional drag of the rope.

Abstract: A method for installation and maintenance of cell site components on a cell tower with a robotic device includes causing the robotic device to traverse the cell tower to a desired location proximate to the cell site components; at the desired location and stabilized to the cell tower, causing manipulation components to perform one or more of installation and maintenance of the cell site components; and, subsequent to the one or more of installation and maintenance of the cell site components, causing the robotic device to scale down the cell tower.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for lifting and/or removing a rotor blade to and from a wind turbine. In one embodiment, the system includes an up-tower pulley mounted on an up-tower location of the wind turbine, first and second ground winches, a pulley cable from the first ground winch over the up-tower pulley and attached to the rotor blade, a guide line attached between an up-tower location of the wind turbine and the second ground winch, a guide pulley mounted on the guide line, and a guide cable from the guide line over the guide pulley to the rotor blade. Thus, the guide pulley is configured to move along the guide line during lifting and removing of the rotor blade so that the guide cable can control an orientation of the rotor blade relative to the tower during lifting and removing of the rotor blade.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an emergency descent system according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a cable connector non-slidably connected to an emergency escape cable and a housing connected to the cable connector and configured to enclose a controlled descent system and at least a portion of a length of rope. The housing may comprise an outer protective layer, an inner wall section substantially enclosed by the outer protective layer forming an open interior portion, and a cover configured to be selectively attached to an upper portion of the outer protective layer. The cover may be configured to be selectively attached to an upper portion of the outer protective layer. The cover may be configured to cover at least a portion of the controlled descent system and protect the open interior portion from environmental conditions.

Abstract: A movable cable loop descent system comprises a cable for forming into a loop, a receiver for attachment to a structure having a receiver pulley for engaging the cable loop, a brake assembly, having a drive pulley for being rotated by the cable loop, the brake assembly for slowing a rate of travel of the cable loop and a carriage supporting a load for attachment to the cable loop at a point and for movement between the structure and the ground. A rotor and substantially parallel conductive frame is mounted on an axle through the drive pulley. Magnets on a surface of the rotor and/or the frame induce eddy currents, as they are relatively rotated, which create a rotational braking force controlling descent of the carriage and load. The brake assembly may be removably positioned by a drive-on anchor. The cable is removable and the system may form a kit.

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 safety apparatus for personnel on an oil drilling rig includes a cylindrical quick disconnect switch having a receptacle and a plunger. The receptacle has an open circuit pair of electrical wires. The plunger is configured to attach to a derrick man. The plunger and the receptacle are configured to mate when the plunger is inserted into the receptacle and to remain frictionally mated until pulled apart. The mating results in closing the circuit between the pair of electrical wires.

Abstract: A runner 7 has a housing 21 with two runner wheels 23 attached to the housing. The housing includes a sleeve 25 that can freely turn around the longitudinal axis 27 in a channel 29 present in the housing. The sleeve constitutes an elongated guide opening by which the runner can be moved over the guide cable. Longitudinal slots extending in axial direction are present in the walls 21A, 25A of the channel 29 and of the sleeve 25. Each slot has a middle section 31A, 33A. The width 34 of the middle section 33A of the longitudinal slot in the sleeve is smaller than the width 32 of the middle section 31A of the longitudinal slot in the housing, and, furthermore, the width 34 of the middle section 33A of the slot 33 in the sleeve is smaller than the diameter of the guide cable 3 the runner 7 is suitable for.

Abstract: Improvements in a braking system for a zip line are presented. Braking occurs when a zip line rider makes contact with a braking carriage that slides along the zip line. The braking carriage pulls on a rope. The rope pulls on a length of chain in a chain reservoir to slide and lift the claim through the chain reservoir. The chain reservoir is an elongated tube that is mounted at an angle. As the zip liner moves further into the landing platform they lift a continuing greater amount of chain from the chain reservoir. The angle of the chain reservoir, coefficient of friction between the chain and the chain reservoir affects the pull-back. After the zip liner comes to a complete stop they remove the carriage from the zip line and gravity returns the brake mechanism. Minimum pull-back makes removal of the cable trolley easier.

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 single cable descent control device comprises a pair of rotors with corresponding frames of conductive material mounted on a common central axle on either side of a drive pulley. The pulley is adapted to sit above a single descent cable. An enclosure is suspended from the device. Disposed along at least one surface of each of the rotors or of the corresponding frames or both, is a series of magnets such that rotation of the rotors relative to the frames induces eddy currents that oppose the magnetic field and create a rotational braking force providing precise and controllable descent of the enclosure with little or no mechanical wear or risk of overheating. In this configuration, constraints on the size of the enclosure are dispensed with, as are corresponding limitations on the positioning and angle of descent of the cable. Further, significant labor and material savings in manufacturing the enclosure may be obtained from the resulting simplicity of design.

Abstract: A descent control device for controlling rotational motion of an object includes: at least one drive assembly for rotationally engaging the rotating object; a first substantially planar ferromagnetic moving element in rotationally locked engagement with at least one drive assembly and comprising at least one recess formed in a surface thereof having at least one magnet fixedly disposed therein; a second substantially planar ferromagnetic moving element in rotationally locked engagement with at least one drive assembly, and comprising at least one recess formed in a surface thereof having at least one magnet fixedly disposed therein; and at least one conducting plate disposed proximate the first and second moving elements. A magnetic field may be induced by rotational movement of the first or second moving element relative to at least one conducting plate in a direction to oppose acceleration of at least one drive assembly as it rotationally engages the object.

Abstract: A supported davit arm extension assembly for a descent apparatus comprising an escape shuttle suspended from a cable defining a descent path from an initial point at a receiver of a platform to a terminal point proximate to a ground surface. The extension assembly comprises a davit arm extending above the platform and secured to the receiver, and a fall arrest trolley operatively coupled to the shuttle at a first end and terminating at a second end extending substantially away from the terminal point. The second end of the fall arrest trolley has a securement point for connection to and support of a load, such as a worker, by an overhead fall arrest. While the shuttle is docked with the receiver, the fall arrest trolley extends over the platform, supported by the davit arm, and facilitates substantially unfettered movement of the worker around the platform. As the worker enters the shuttle, it is disengaged from the receiver and follows the descent path of the cable toward the ground surface.

Abstract: A movable cable loop descent system comprises a cable for forming into a loop, a receiver for attachment to a structure having a receiver pulley for engaging the cable loop, a brake assembly, having a drive pulley for being rotated by the cable loop, the brake assembly for slowing a rate of travel of the cable loop and a carriage supporting a load for attachment to the cable loop at a point and for movement between the structure and the ground. A rotor and substantially parallel conductive frame is mounted on an axle through the drive pulley. Magnets on a surface of the rotor and/or the frame induce eddy currents, as they are relatively rotated, which create a rotational braking force controlling descent of the carriage and load. The brake assembly may be removably positioned by a drive-on anchor. The cable is removable and the system may form a kit.

Abstract: A method and device to facilitate the transporting of a person between a plurality of fixed platforms provides a revenue generating activity for owners of nature directed resorts. In one embodiment, a first platform is proportionately higher than a second platform and is connected by a dynamic cable system that allows for cable height adjustments to address environmental and mechanical variables. The method and device provides for an individual to traverse a distance between a plurality of fixed, elevated platforms, while moving along a suspended cable at desired velocities and body positions.

Abstract: A mid-span fall protection system including a remotely attachable fall protection latching mechanism for attachment to an elevated horizontal strand. The fall protection latching mechanism may be used with an elongated rigid structure for extending between a support surface and the elevated horizontal strand, where the fall protection latching mechanism is attached to an upper end of the elongated rigid structure. The fall protection latching mechanism includes a hook portion for engaging over the elevated horizontal strand to provide a support for the fall protection latching mechanism, and a fall protection line coupling structure attached to the hook portion for providing a direct connection between the hook portion and a fall protection line. A fall protection line is also provided having an upper end attached to and supported by the coupling structure, and includes a lower end located adjacent a lower end of the elongated rigid structure at the support surface.

Abstract: Device for evacuating persons, for example from a multi-storey building on fire, from an evacuating location to a secure location, comprising: a balloon provided to be filled with a gas lighter than air for moving the balloon between the secure location and the evacuating location; guide means connected to the balloon for guiding the balloon between the secure location and the evacuating location; and transport means connected to the balloon for transporting persons from the evacuating location to the secure location; wherein the device further comprises a cable provided to be connected between the secure location and the evacuating location and that the balloon is provided to be movably mounted on the cable between the secure location and the evacuating location.

Abstract: A pipe holder includes a body member and a support member connected to and extending away from the body member. The body member defines an opening proximate a first end of the body member.

Abstract: Device for evacuating persons, for example from a multi-storey building on fire, from an evacuating location (4) to a secure location (3), comprising: a balloon (1) provided to be filled with a gas lighter than air for moving the balloon (1) between the secure location (3) and the evacuating location (4); guide means (5, 6) connected to the balloon (1) for guiding the balloon between the secure location (3) and the evacuating location (4); and transport means (7; 11, 13) connected to the balloon for transporting persons (8) from the evacuating location (4) to the secure location (3); wherein the device further comprises a cable (2) provided to be connected between the secure location (3) and the evacuating location (4) and that the balloon (1) is provided to be movably mounted on the cable (2) between the secure location (3) and the evacuating location (4).

Abstract: There is provided a roof safety system for facilitating a unencumbered lateral movement of a user's safety tether line along a length of a roof truss. The system comprises first and second elongated anchor members that are respectively positioned at first and second locations along the length of the roof truss. Moreover, a tension line is engaged to the first and second elongated members to extend therebetween and is further slidably connectable by the user's safety tether line. By doing so, the tension line facilitates the unencumbered lateral movement of the user's safety tether line between the first and second positions along the length of the roof truss.

Abstract: A platform escape vehicle, particularly for rapid escape of a derrickman from his monkey-board on a drilling rig, consisting of two sheaves with double grooves mounted on parallel shafts, to take a wire rope, one sheave being provided with a dynamic brake and the other sheave being provided with hand-operated shoe brake; the sheaves being connected by parallel supporting straps, the sheaves plus aforesaid supporting straps together being connected to the mid-point of the body of the vehicle which is made up of two like-shaped pieces consisting of upper supports from one end of the pieces tubular members run towards one another and around the bottom of a seat and from the other end of which tubular members run down to practically meet at the mid-point of handle-bars which are provided with levers for hand-operation of shoe brake, from the meeting point of the tubular members springs another tubular member that curves outward while running down through a hole at the forward end of the seat until the end thereof

Abstract: Personnel evacuation apparatus for use with an offshore platform. A launching ramp that is mounted to the platform by a gimbal is stowed in a vertical position with a survival vessel secured in the entry end of the ramp. A release mechanism activatable from the deck of the platform enables flotation members secured to the exit end of the ramp, to pivot the ramp about the gimbal to its deployed position. The gimbal further permits the ramp to maintain a usable orientation in spite of inclination of the deck of the platform by 25.degree. due to pitch, roll or yaw. The exit end will pivot under wave action so as to gravity launch the survival vessel downwind and, upon release of the boat securement, carry the vessel safely away from the platform.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rapid emergency escape system from elevated structures such as the fire-escape system from the top of a sky scraper to the ground level, which rapid descending system includes a vertical wire rope securely anchored to an over-hanging structure secured to the desired level of the elevated structure wherein said wire rope branches to at least two wire ropes with the lower ends of each reaching down to the ground level. The lower end of each of the branching wire ropes includes a connecting means and is connected to the free end of each of the horizontal wire ropes wherein each of the horizontal wire ropes is reeled up into two reels immovably secured and widely separated from each other. The reels include braking means for releasing the horizontal wire ropes while maintaining a certain level of the controlled tension on the wire ropes and means for rewinding the wire ropes back into the reels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rapid emergency escape system from an elevated structure which could be used as a fire-escape system from different levels of high rise building to its ground level. The sky-slide emergency escape system of the present invention includes a guide wire rope branching to at least two braking wire ropes wherein the upper end of the guide wire rope is secured to an elevated structure and each of the branching wire ropes reaching down to the ground level is reeled on each of a plurality of take-up reels equipped with a braking means for releasing the branching wire ropes under a preset tension and a means for rewinding the branching wire ropes on the reels. These take-up reels with braking means and rewinding means are widely separated from each other and immovably secured at the ground level.

Abstract: An evacuation system for nonambulatory patients from a multistory hospital or the like. A trackway is secureable to a wall of a stairwell and includes a hanger rail support. A hanger is rotatably associable with the hanger rail support and has elongated elements suspended from same for securement to a wheelchair, stretcher, or the like. A brake system is associated with the hanger to normally brake rollers, wheels, or the like of same against movement. A brake release apparatus is operatively associated with the brake system from the hanger for actuation by a patient or attendant to permit the hanger to carry the patient along the trackway.

Abstract: A climbing assist apparatus for oil derricks and the like comprises a cable which is attached to the worker and is trained over a sheave at the crown portion of the rig, then connected to a counterweight in order to remove slack from the cable as the worker is climbing. The sheave is keyed to a motor drive shaft which is free wheeling in one direction of rotation in response to advancement of the cable as the workman is climbing but will impose a controlled resistance in the opposite direction, this resistance being established through a hydraulic motor for the drive shaft and a hydraulic control circuit which includes a flow controller to resist the rotation of the motor in the opposite direction to that earlier described when the worker descends or should accidentally fall from the derrick.

Abstract: A safety system which permits the free movement of the user, assists the ascent of the user and provides a reduced, controlled rate of descent in the event of an emergency descent or a fall, includes a cable attachable at one end to the user and secured at the other end to a moveable counterweight assembly. Intermediate its ends the cable passes over a pulley in a controlled descent device which also includes a centrifugally-actuated clutch coupling the pulley to a speed-multiplying gearing system and a centrifugally-operated braking assembly. Under normal-use conditions, the pulley is rotated at sufficiently low speeds to preclude engagement of the clutch, and the user has free movement, with a component of the counterweight assisting the ascent of the user. In the event of a rapid rate of descent, the increased rotational speed of the pulley is coupled to and actuates the braking assembly to reduce the rotation of the pulley and slow the descent to a lower, controlled rate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multiperson emergency evacuation system characterized by a first rope used for the initial descent down the outside of the building, a combination anchoring and descent control fixture mountable adjacent the escape opening used to both anchor the upper end of a ground or rooftop-anchored fixed rope and for belaying with a second rope the personnel riding the fixed rope down by means of a friction drum mounted thereon, a body harness and a special connection for detachably fastening each individual escapee at spaced points intermediate the ends of the movable belay rope. The invention also encompasses the novel method of evacuating more than one person from the upper floors of a multistory building which comprises first erecting a fixture adjacent the escape opening having a drum-type friction belay feature, and then, assuming no one is on the ground to catch and anchor the fixed rope, sending one or more persons down to receive and anchor it while belaying them from above.

Abstract: A system for moving personnel between two elevations has features that allow control of ascent and descent by the passenger. The system has a cage carried by a load bearing cable that is moved to raise and lower the cage. The cable also has a plurality of electrical conductors within it that are insulated from each other. Passenger controls are connected to the electrical conductors of the cable. The conductors are connected at the other end to the powered lifting device, preferably through a slip ring assembly.

Abstract: A novel controlled descent device is disclosed which not only aids in the ascent of a human being from a lower elevation to an upper elevation but also provides for the safe descent of a human being from the upper level to the lower level. The apparatus comprises a round cable, a counterweight, a controlled descent pulley having a ratchet and pawl brake system and a conventional pulley; all operating conjunctly dependently on the position and situation of the human being. The controlled descent pulley and conventional pulley are held in a plate structure which is secured to the upper elevation. The counterweight is raised and lowered from the upper elevation to the lower elevation and vice-versa by means of a guy wire which is anchored and held in relatively taught position between said upper elevation and said lower elevation.

Abstract: An escape device for allowing an endangered person to be safely lowered from a drilling tower or other elevated structure includes an automatic brake which controls the descent of a trolley assembly downwardly along an escape cable extending from the elevated structure to a ground level anchor remote from the structure. The automatic brake includes a reel rotatably secured to the elevated structure and a brake cable wound about the reel and attached at one end to the trolley assembly. A fluid pump coupled to the reel causes the reel to rotate at a constant speed when the trolley assembly descends the escape cable. The effective diameter of the reel decreases as the brake cable is unwound therefrom, thereby slowing the rate of descent of the trolley assembly as it approaches the lower end of the escape cable. The escape device is adapted to be used with both the upper and lower stations of a derrick or similar elevated structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting personnel or materials from an upper elevation to a lower elevation. Twin guideline means are suspended between the upper and lower elevations from each of which is suspended a carrier means. The two carrier means are simultaneously moveable in opposite directions along their respective guideline means.

Abstract: System for offshore transfer of persons and goods, preferably between a supply vessel and a stationary platform or a moored drilling/production platform or vessel, comprising a rigid gangway of which one end is pivotable on a vertical and a horizontal axis arranged on a vessel. The second end of the rigid gangway having a transition to one end of a collapsible bellowshaped gangway where changes of the total length is approximately equalized between the various elements, while the second end of the gangway can be fixed to the vessel. When the bellow-shaped gangway is in use it is supported by ropes, rods or similar means. Each support is fastened at one end and the second end is fastened to a winch which can compensate for changes in the line tension when the fixing points are moving relative to each other.

Abstract: An elevated downhill transport system is provided with a cable system and appropriate towers to support the cable along a variable downhill course. A single cable only, being necessary, a cable trolley is also provided that prevents the carriage from accidently leaving the cable during any part of the descent. The system relies on no outside power except gravity for the descent. Ascent can be provided for by pre-existing ski lift equipment. The entire system is simple, inexpensive and transportable, lending itself to portable operation.

Abstract: An improved, self-storing, telescoping fire pole which can be thrust manually, mechanically, or electrically out and away from a building at an angle, to an actuated position to provide a slide pole from a building to the ground; and when actuated into its functioning position, also can provide a safe and effective slide-support chute for carrying children, the physically handicapped, or elderly people to ground level.

Abstract: Improvements in a system for escaping from an offshore drilling or production platform in an emergency situation which includes a stable floating structure forming a safe haven anchored near but at a safe distance from the platform, an aerial cableway extending between the platform and the haven, and a personnel carrier movable along the cableway. The principal improvement is that the haven is a semi-submersible structure for increased stability.

Abstract: A diagonal elevator adapted to move in an inclined path between a lower first station and an upper second station spaced vertically and horizontally from the first station, including an elevator car guided for movement along a diagonal path between the first and second stations and hoisting cable apparatus including a traveling pulley adapted to move horizontally as the cable supporting the elevator car is moved over the traveling pulley, so that the elevator car is moved simultaneously vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: Improved method and system for escaping from an offshore drilling or production platform in an emergency situation. A stable buoyant structure is floated and anchored in a fixed position nearby but at a safe distance from the platform. The structure is constructed to form a safe haven and is connected to the platform by an aerial cableway along which a personnel carrier is movable in either direction. Preferably the haven is in the form of a self-propelled vessel provided with a helicopter platform.

Abstract: Fire rescue equipment for mounting on the roof of a building which includes a boom which is rotatably mounted on the roof for swinging movement over the edge of the roof and on which boom there is a pulley with a cable which is raised and lowered toward ground level and which carries a basket which is connected to the cable and a guide is provided in the form of a tie line which is connected to the cable to guide the basket away from and toward the building so that the basket may be pulled outwardly from the building by a truck at ground level.

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

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically escaping from a derrick comprises a chamber movable along a cable attached at one end to said derrick, and an automatically releasable system for holding the chamber at the derrick end of the cable, said system comprising a release pin connected to be actuated when a person jumps into the chamber. The chamber comprises a light metallic frame and a flexible pocket connected by a chain to said release pin.

Abstract: Mobile rescue apparatus is provided for rescuing individuals from modern high-rise buildings and the like. An elongated reeved telescoping chute is mounted on a mobile platform and is movable to any angle and extent to reach a desired portion of a building or the like from which rescue is to be effected. The chute contains apparatus mounted within for slowing and stopping (near the bottom of the chute) an individual sliding down the chute. The apparatus includes a pair of cable sections that flare out from the top of the chute to the bottom of the chute; an individual to be rescued is placed within a bag device which is clipped onto the cable sections, and then slid down the chute, the divergence of the cable sections slowing and stopping the individual near the bottom. Apparatus is provided for moving the cable sections with respect to each other to control the rate of descent, etc.

Abstract: A guide block of the open breach type particularly adapted for use in connection with a vertically disposed cable. The guide block includes two U-shaped hand plates fixed in parallelism relative one to the other, the plates being separated one from the other a distance at least slightly greater than the diameter of the cable. Each hand plate is provided with a hole centrally thereof, and a slot extending from that hole to one edge thereof. The hole diameters are each substantially greater than the cable diameter, and the slot widths are each only slightly greater than the cable diameter. The hand plates are oriented relative one to the other so that the holes are concentrically disposed, and so that the slots face in opposite directions one from the other. The hand plates are fixed relative one to the other so as to define a mouth which provides access to the two slots for a cable.