Patent No.: 8,579,085 (get PDF)

Title: Suspended access chair with rescue system

Assignee: Sky Climber LLC

Abstract: A suspended access chair with a rescue system that may be utilized to access a wind turbine blade while mounted on a tower for purposes such as inspection, maintenance, cleaning, and repair of the blade is provided. The suspended access chair generally includes a chair frame assembly. Upper frame and lower frame assembly rollers are secured to the chair frame assembly and are configured for rolling contact along an edge of the blade. The suspended access chair further includes primary dextral and primary sinistral gripping arms. The gripping arms may be adjusted to conform to the shape of the blade and include rollers configured for rolling contact along a portion of the blade. A hoist is provided to raise and lower the chair along a suspension rope. The rescue system is used to lower the suspended access chair from an elevated position to the ground during emergency situations.