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RC Climber Integrates Fall Protector

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

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ICM has introduced the On-Board Fall Protector, replacing the company’s standard fall protector and saving time and expense.

The new system puts the fall protection device on the system’s remote-controlled Climber, eliminating a separate set-up and about $20,000 in costs. All that is needed is a point through which to pass the rope, the manufacturer reports.

ICM

The Climber has an On-Board Fall Protector, eliminating the need to buy and set up separate components.

A demonstration video shows how the system works. 

Climbing Machines

The Climber itself is electric powered, requiring 110-volt, 15-amp service. The unit weighs about 30 pounds, measures 24 by 24 by 16 inches, and has a pull-off strength of more than 225 pounds. Set-up typically takes about 15 minutes.

The remote-controlled Climbers can climb over surface obstacles, uneven surfaces and surface contours.

With the new approach provided by the On-Board Fall Protector, a static climbing rope is simply run from some point above where the Climber will be traversing the surface to a point on the ground.

The Climber moves freely along that rope as a means to accomplish fall protection, as the on-board Uniscender grips the rope lightly. If the vacuum adhesion to surface is lost or if power is lost, the Uniscender locks onto the rope, preventing the Climber from falling.

Multiple Applications

Applications for the new on-board fall protection system include inspection, cleaning, coating or repairs of military, government or private stacks; wind-turbine and other towers; nuclear storage facilities; and any other  climbing work that is fundamentally straight up and down.

Ithaca, NY-based ICM (International Climbing Machines) was founded in April 2001 as a developer of small, remote-controlled devices that could climb vertical surfaces, particularly those with obstructions commonly found in field conditions.

Today, the company says, its equipment can scale virtually any vertical or inverted surface, including walls, tanks, ships, dams and towers, while being operated safely from the ground.

ICM says its machines can be employed on lead paint removal; surface decontamination; removal of radiological, chemical and biological agents; and other dangerous projects. They can also be used to perform testing, inspections and surveys.

More information: www.icm.cc.