Manufacturers Display New Wares at APS/CHC

October 19, 2006 • North American lifting equipment manufacturers exhibited a number of new products at the jointly held Aerial Platform Safety (APS) Conference and Crane and Hoist Conference (CHC) earlier this month. The Crosby Group, TuffTronix, Pewag, and Web Devices were among those exhibitors that displayed new wares.

Enlarge Image New VitaLife Bio-Lube is produced from high-quality, non-toxic biodegradable base fluids.

The Crosby Group, Tulsa, Okla., showed both the VitaLife® 400 and the new VitaLife® Bio-Lube wire rope lubricants at the CHC Expo. Available in 12-ounce spray cans, 5-gallon pails, and 55-gallon drums, VitaLife 400 adheres to the surface of strands to form an outer film to protect against corrosion while penetrating to the core of the wire rope and lubricating every strand. This allows for inner strand preservation and lubricity; visual inspection of the rope; reduced friction between the strands; and extends the rope life. It is also non-tacky and will not attract dust. VitaLife Bio-Lube offers much of the same benefits as VitaLife 400 but it is produced from high-quality, non-toxic, biodegradable base fluids.

 

The Crosby Group is the official global marketer for VitaLife 400 and Bio-Lube, which is manufactured by American Oil & Supply International, LLC.

TuffTronix Tower Crane Comms hardhats have built-in hearing protection and noise-canceling microphones.

TuffTronix, Miami, Fla., recently introduced its Tower Crane Communications Solution as an alternative to two-way radios. Two-way radios are often half duplex, requiring users to push a button to talk, they do not work well in noisy environments, and are subject to crosstalk from remote sites. Tower Crane Comms from TuffTronix allows the crane operator and two signal persons to communicate in a full duplex conference call at the push of a button.

 

During operation, the signal persons wear wireless headsets integrated into hardhats with built-in hearing protection and noise-canceling microphones, allowing the signal persons to work hands-free. The crane operator uses a standard microphone and speaker to communicate. He can initiate or hang up the call by pressing a foot pedal, allowing him to safely maintain contact with the crane controls at all times.

 

Tower Crane Comms uses 80215 Blue Tooth technology on an unlicensed frequency-hopping spectrum, which means there are no requirements to order or manage licensed two-way radio frequencies. Additionally, Tower Crane Comms includes a rugged PC installed in the crane cab, which has 24-hour recording capabilities similar to an aircraft “Black Box.” This feature can be used for security or post-accident investigations.

 

The entire system installs in less than 15 minutes, and no special configuration or training is required. Main power 30-minute back-up is available as an option.

Enlarge Image Pewag's Grade 120 self-locking hook automatically closes and locks under load.

Pewag, Inc., Burr Ridge, Ill., showed its recently introduced Grade 120 self-locking hook, which automatically closes and locks under load for higher safety. The Grade 120 self-locking hook exceeds the 4:1 NACM design factor if G80 work load limits are used, and it also meets the NACM standard for 400° F heat resistance. Additionally, the Grade 120 meets the 20,000 cycle ASTM-Standard fatigue-test for Grade 100.

Houston, Texas-based Web Devices displayed its Leg Up suspension trauma device at the APS/CHC Expo. Addressing the serious condition of post-fall arrest suspension trauma, the Leg Up product gives the user relief while waiting to be rescued. The Leg Up consists of a web bridle with foot stirrups and adjuster contained in a pouch. It can easily be retrofitted to any full body harness without alteration.

During fall arrest, the Leg Up will partially deploy, making it easy for the user to fully pull it from the pouch. The user would then place his or her feet in the two stirrups. With legs lifted, the user will then tighten the adjuster strap and cleat it. The user can now stand or maintain a seated position. In the seated position, the user can slightly loosen the leg straps to achieve a more comfortable position while waiting for rescue.