Emergency building access apparatus

Claim 2

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a railcar for carrying people; 2. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 3. a power source comprised of a portable electric generator; 4. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 5. a coupling means to join the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; and c. a railcar position control means comprising: 1. a drive means operably connected to the railcar to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad comprising: a. a rail climbing hoist structure; b. a means attaching the rail climbing hoist structure to the vertical railroad in sliding engagement therewith; c. an electrically driven traction wheel operably secured to the rail climbing hoist for engagement with the vertical railroad for raising and lowering the rail climbing hoist structure on the vertical railroad; d. a power transmission means operatively connecting the portable generator with controls for the electrically driven traction wheel and with controls for an electrically driven hoist; e. a control means operatively connected to the electrically driven traction wheel; f. an electrically driven hoist operatively secured to the rail climbing hoist structure; g. a hoist rope operably connecting the hoist and the railcar such that operation of the hoist will raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad; and h. an anchoring device operatively attached to the rail climbing hoist structure to anchor it to the building; 2.

Claim 3

a means operably connecting the drive means with the power source; and 3. a means operably connecting the railcar control means with the drive means so that operation of the railcar control means will start, stop, or reverse the drive means to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad comprising: a. a control busbar system extending for substantially the length of the vertical rail system; b. insulated supporting means attaching the control busbar system to the vertical rail system; c. a first set of contact brushes operably connecting the electrically driven hoist with the control busbar system; d. insulated supporting means attaching the first set of contact brushes to the hoist structure for operative engagement with the control busbar system; e. a second set of contact brushes operably connecting the control busbar system with the control means in the railcar; and f. insulated supporting means attaching the second set of contact brushes to the railcar for operative engagement with the control busbar system.

Claim 4

a means operably connecting the drive means with the power source; and 3. a means operably connecting the railcar control means with the drive means so that operation of the railcar control means will start, stop, or reverse the drive means to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad comprising: a. a control busbar system extending for substantially the length of the vertical rail system; b. insulated supporting means attaching the control busbar system to the vertical rail system; c. a first set of contact brushes operably connecting the electrically driven hoist with the control busbar system; d. insulated supporting means attaching the first set of contact brushes to the hoist structure for operative engagement with the control busbar system; e. a second set of contact brushes operably connecting the control busbar system with the control means in the railcar; and f. insulated supporting means attaching the second set of contact brushes to the railcar for operative engagement with the control busbar system.

Claim 5

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a railcar for carrying people; 2. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 3.

Claim 6

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a railcar for carrying people; 2. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 3.

Claim 7

a power source comprised of a portable generator; 4. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 5. a coupling means to join the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; and c. a railcar position control means comprising: 1. a drive means operably connected to the railcar to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad comprising: a. a rail climbing hoist structure; b. a means attaching the rail climbing hoist structure to the vertical railroad in sliding engagement therewith; c. an electrically driven traction wheel operably secured to the rail climbing hoist for engagement with the vertical railroad for raising and lowering the rail climbing hoist structure on the vertical railroad; d. a power transmission means operatively connecting the portable generator with controls for the electrically driven traction wheel and with controls for an electrically driven hoist; e. a control means operatively connected to the electrically driven traction wheel to start, stop, and reverse the traction wheel comprising: 1. a climbing control busbar system extending for substantially the length of the vertical rail assembly; 2. insulated supporting means attaching the climbing control busbar system to the vertical rail assembly;

Claim 8

a power source comprised of a portable generator; 4. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 5. a coupling means to join the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; and c. a railcar position control means comprising: 1. a drive means operably connected to the railcar to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad comprising: a. a rail climbing hoist structure; b. a means attaching the rail climbing hoist structure to the vertical railroad in sliding engagement therewith; c. an electrically driven traction wheel operably secured to the rail climbing hoist for engagement with the vertical railroad for raising and lowering the rail climbing hoist structure on the vertical railroad; d. a power transmission means operatively connecting the portable generator with controls for the electrically driven traction wheel and with controls for an electrically driven hoist; e. a control means operatively connected to the electrically driven traction wheel to start, stop, and reverse the traction wheel comprising: 1. a climbing control busbar system extending for substantially the length of the vertical rail assembly; 2. insulated supporting means attaching the climbing control busbar system to the vertical rail assembly;

Claim 9

a control switching apparatus at street level operatively connected to the climbing control busbars; 4. a set of contact brushes operably connecting the climbing control busbar system with the control means for the traction wheel so that operation of the control switching apparatus at street level will cause the traction wheel to start, stop, or reverse thus causing the raising, lowering, or stopping of the climbing hoist structure on the vertical rail assembly; and 5. insulated support means attaching the set of contact brushes to the rail climbing hoist structure for operative engagement with the control busbar system; f. an electrically driven hoist operatively secured to the rail climbing hoist structure; g. a hoist rope operably connecting the hoist and the railcar such that operation of the hoist will raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad; and h. an anchoring device operatively attached to the rail climbing hoist structure to anchor it to the building; 2. a means operably connecting the drive means with the power source; and 3. a means operably connecting the railcar control means with the drive means so that operation of the railcar control means will start, stop, or reverse the drive means to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the

Claim 10

a control switching apparatus at street level operatively connected to the climbing control busbars; 4. a set of contact brushes operably connecting the climbing control busbar system with the control means for the traction wheel so that operation of the control switching apparatus at street level will cause the traction wheel to start, stop, or reverse thus causing the raising, lowering, or stopping of the climbing hoist structure on the vertical rail assembly; and 5. insulated support means attaching the set of contact brushes to the rail climbing hoist structure for operative engagement with the control busbar system; f. an electrically driven hoist operatively secured to the rail climbing hoist structure; g. a hoist rope operably connecting the hoist and the railcar such that operation of the hoist will raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad; and h. an anchoring device operatively attached to the rail climbing hoist structure to anchor it to the building; 2. a means operably connecting the drive means with the power source; and 3. a means operably connecting the railcar control means with the drive means so that operation of the railcar control means will start, stop, or reverse the drive means to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the

Claim 11

vertical railroad. 3. An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a railcar for carrying people; 2. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 3. a power source comprised of a portable electric generator; 4. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 5. a coupling means to join the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; and c. a railcar position control means comprising: 1. a drive means operably connected to the railcar to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad comprising: a. a rail climbing hoist structure; b. a means attaching the rail climbing hoist structure to the vertical railroad in sliding engagement therewith; c. an electrically driven traction wheel operably secured to the rail climbing hoist for engagement with the vertical railroad for raising and lowering the rail climbing hoist structure on the vertical railroad; d. a power transmission means operatively connecting the portable generator with controls for the electrically driven traction wheel and with controls for an electrically driven hoist comprising:

Claim 12

vertical railroad. 3. An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a railcar for carrying people; 2. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 3. a power source comprised of a portable electric generator; 4. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 5. a coupling means to join the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; and c. a railcar position control means comprising: 1. a drive means operably connected to the railcar to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad comprising: a. a rail climbing hoist structure; b. a means attaching the rail climbing hoist structure to the vertical railroad in sliding engagement therewith; c. an electrically driven traction wheel operably secured to the rail climbing hoist for engagement with the vertical railroad for raising and lowering the rail climbing hoist structure on the vertical railroad; d. a power transmission means operatively connecting the portable generator with controls for the electrically driven traction wheel and with controls for an electrically driven hoist comprising:

Claim 13

a power inlet fitting at street level operatively connected to the portable generator; 2. a power busbar system extending for substantially the length of the vertical rail assembly and operatively connected to the power inlet fitting; 3. insulated supporting means attaching the power busbar system to the vertical rail assembly; 4. a set of contact brushes operably connecting the power busbar system to the controls for the electrically driven hoist; and 5. insulated supporting means attaching the contact brushes to the rail climbing hoist structure for operative engagement with the power busbar system; e. a control means operatively connected to the electrically driven traction wheel; f. an electrically driven hoist operatively secured to the rail climbing hoist structure; g. a hoist rope operably connecting the hoist and the railcar such that operation of the hoist will raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad; and h. an anchoring device operatively attached to the rail climbing hoist structure to anchor it to the building;

Claim 14

a power inlet fitting at street level operatively connected to the portable generator; 2. a power busbar system extending for substantially the length of the vertical rail assembly and operatively connected to the power inlet fitting; 3. insulated supporting means attaching the power busbar system to the vertical rail assembly; 4. a set of contact brushes operably connecting the power busbar system to the controls for the electrically driven hoist; and 5. insulated supporting means attaching the contact brushes to the rail climbing hoist structure for operative engagement with the power busbar system; e. a control means operatively connected to the electrically driven traction wheel; f. an electrically driven hoist operatively secured to the rail climbing hoist structure; g. a hoist rope operably connecting the hoist and the railcar such that operation of the hoist will raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad; and h. an anchoring device operatively attached to the rail climbing hoist structure to anchor it to the building;

Claim 15

means operably connecting the drive means with the power source; and 3. a means operably connecting the railcar control means with the drive means so that operation of the railcar control means will start, stop, or reverse the drive means to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad.

Claim 16

means operably connecting the drive means with the power source; and 3. a means operably connecting the railcar control means with the drive means so that operation of the railcar control means will start, stop, or reverse the drive means to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad.

Claim 17

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a railcar for carrying people; 2. an access opening in a wall or ceiling of the railcar; 3. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 4. a power source comprised of a portable electric generator; 5. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 6. a coupling means to join the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; and c. a railcar position control means comprising; 1. a drive means operably connected to the railcar to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad comprising: a. a rail climbing hoist structure; b. a means attaching the rail climbing hoist structure to the vertical railroad in sliding engagement therewith; c. an electrically driven traction wheel operably secured to the rail climbing hoist for engagement with the vertical railroad for raising and lowering the rail climbing hoist structure on the vertical railroad; d. a power transmission means operatively connecting the portable generator with controls for the electrically driven traction wheel and with controls for an electrically driven hoist; e. a control means operatively connected to the electrically driven traction wheel and operatively attached to the climbing hoist structure in cooperative arrangement with the access opening in the railcar so that an operator within the railcar can use the controls to raise, lower, or stop the rail climbing hoist structure and railcar as a unit; f. an electrically driven hoist operatively secured to the rail climbing hoist structure; g. a hoist rope operably connecting the hoist and the railcar such that operation of the hoist will raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad; and h. an anchoring device operatively attached to the rail climbing hoist structure to anchor it to the building; 2. a means operably connecting the drive means with the power source; and 3. a means operably connecting the railcar control means with the drive means so that operation of the railcar control means will start, stop, or reverse the drive means to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad.

Claim 18

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a railcar for carrying people; 2. an access opening in a wall or ceiling of the railcar; 3. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 4. a power source comprised of a portable electric generator; 5. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 6. a coupling means to join the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; and c. a railcar position control means comprising; 1. a drive means operably connected to the railcar to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad comprising: a. a rail climbing hoist structure; b. a means attaching the rail climbing hoist structure to the vertical railroad in sliding engagement therewith; c. an electrically driven traction wheel operably secured to the rail climbing hoist for engagement with the vertical railroad for raising and lowering the rail climbing hoist structure on the vertical railroad; d. a power transmission means operatively connecting the portable generator with controls for the electrically driven traction wheel and with controls for an electrically driven hoist; e. a control means operatively connected to the electrically driven traction wheel and operatively attached to the climbing hoist structure in cooperative arrangement with the access opening in the railcar so that an operator within the railcar can use the controls to raise, lower, or stop the rail climbing hoist structure and railcar as a unit; f. an electrically driven hoist operatively secured to the rail climbing hoist structure; g. a hoist rope operably connecting the hoist and the railcar such that operation of the hoist will raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad; and h. an anchoring device operatively attached to the rail climbing hoist structure to anchor it to the building; 2. a means operably connecting the drive means with the power source; and 3. a means operably connecting the railcar control means with the drive means so that operation of the railcar control means will start, stop, or reverse the drive means to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad.

Claim 19

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising; 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising:

Claim 20

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising; 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising:

Claim 21

a railcar for carrying people; 2. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 3. a power source; 4. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 5. a coupling means to join the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; and c. a railcar position control means comprising: 1. an electrically driven hoist; 2. supporting means attaching the hoist to the building for an operative relationship with the vertical rail assembly; 3. a hoist rope depending from the hoist and operatively connected therewith; 4. an electrical power inlet fitting at the base of the building; 5. hoist control means operatively connected to the electrically driven hoist for causing the hoist to start, stop, and reverse; 6. a power transmission means operatively connecting the power inlet fitting with the electrically driven hoist assembly through the hoist control; 7. a means to operatively connect the power source with the electrical power inlet fitting to provide electrical power to the hoist; 8. a means to operatively connect the railcar to the hoist rope so that operation of the hoist will raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical rail assembly; and 9. a means to operatively connect the control means in the railcar with the hoist control means.

Claim 22

a railcar for carrying people; 2. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 3. a power source; 4. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 5. a coupling means to join the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; and c. a railcar position control means comprising: 1. an electrically driven hoist; 2. supporting means attaching the hoist to the building for an operative relationship with the vertical rail assembly; 3. a hoist rope depending from the hoist and operatively connected therewith; 4. an electrical power inlet fitting at the base of the building; 5. hoist control means operatively connected to the electrically driven hoist for causing the hoist to start, stop, and reverse; 6. a power transmission means operatively connecting the power inlet fitting with the electrically driven hoist assembly through the hoist control; 7. a means to operatively connect the power source with the electrical power inlet fitting to provide electrical power to the hoist; 8. a means to operatively connect the railcar to the hoist rope so that operation of the hoist will raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical rail assembly; and 9. a means to operatively connect the control means in the railcar with the hoist control means.

Claim 23

An emergency building access apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the means to operatively connect the control means in the railcar with the hoist control means comprises a control busbar means operatively connected to the hoist control means and extending for substantially the length of the vertical rail assembly; insulated supporting means attaching the control busbar means to the vertical rail assembly, a set of contact brushes operatively connected to the control means in the railcar, and insulated supporting means attaching the set of contact brushes to the railcar for operative engagement with the control busbar means.

Claim 24

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a railcar for carrying people; 2. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 3. a power source; 4. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 5. a coupling means to join the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; and c. a railcar position control means comprising: 1. a mechanically driven hoist; 2. supporting means attaching the hoist to the building for an operative relationship with the vertical rail assembly;

Claim 25

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a railcar for carrying people; 2. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 3. a power source; 4. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 5. a coupling means to join the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; and c. a railcar position control means comprising: 1. a mechanically driven hoist; 2. supporting means attaching the hoist to the building for an operative relationship with the vertical rail assembly;

Claim 26

a hoist rope depending from the hoist and operatively connected thereto; 4. a means to operatively connect the railcar to the hoist rope so that operation of the hoist will raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad; 5. a mechanical power inlet fitting operatively connected to the hoist; 6. a means to operatively connect the power source to the mechanical power inlet fitting for operation of the hoist by the power source; 7. an electrical hoist control means operatively connected to the mechanically driven hoist for causing the hoist to start, stop, and reverse; and 8. a means to operatively connect the control means in the railcar with the hoist control means.

Claim 27

a hoist rope depending from the hoist and operatively connected thereto; 4. a means to operatively connect the railcar to the hoist rope so that operation of the hoist will raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad; 5. a mechanical power inlet fitting operatively connected to the hoist; 6. a means to operatively connect the power source to the mechanical power inlet fitting for operation of the hoist by the power source; 7. an electrical hoist control means operatively connected to the mechanically driven hoist for causing the hoist to start, stop, and reverse; and 8. a means to operatively connect the control means in the railcar with the hoist control means.

Claim 28

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; 4. a cantilevered top sheave structure; 5. a support means operatively attaching the cantilevered top sheave support structure to the building; 6. sheave means operatively connected to the cantilevered top sheave support structure; 7. a temporary messenger line running over the sheave means and operatively anchored to the building near its base; and b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a railcar for carrying people; 2. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical rail assembly for vertical motion thereon; 3. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical rail assembly; 4. a portable engine as a power source; 5. a first hoist winch drum; 6. a control means operatively connecting the first hoist winch drum to the engine so that the engine may drive the drum in either direction or cause it to stop; 7. a second hoist winch drum; 8. a control means operatively connecting the second hoist winch drum to the engine so that the engine may drive the drum in either direction or cause it to stop; 9. an operating hoist line rope carried in reeled storage on the first winch drum; 10. a means attaching a first end of the hoist messenger line to the operating hoist line after the first end of the messenger line has been released from its anchor upon coupling the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; 11. a means attaching the second end of the messenger line to the second winch after the second end of the messenger line has been released from its anchor so that upon coupling the mobile unit to the vertical railroad, the messenger line can be reeled onto the second winch, the end of the operating hoist line drawn over the sheave means, released from the messenger line, and attached to the railcar; and 12. a means to operatively connect the control means in the railcar with the control means for the first winch so that operation of the control means in the railcar can cause the first winch drum to drive in either direction or stop.

Claim 29

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; 4. a cantilevered top sheave structure; 5. a support means operatively attaching the cantilevered top sheave support structure to the building; 6. sheave means operatively connected to the cantilevered top sheave support structure; 7. a temporary messenger line running over the sheave means and operatively anchored to the building near its base; and b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a railcar for carrying people; 2. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical rail assembly for vertical motion thereon; 3. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical rail assembly; 4. a portable engine as a power source; 5. a first hoist winch drum; 6. a control means operatively connecting the first hoist winch drum to the engine so that the engine may drive the drum in either direction or cause it to stop; 7. a second hoist winch drum; 8. a control means operatively connecting the second hoist winch drum to the engine so that the engine may drive the drum in either direction or cause it to stop; 9. an operating hoist line rope carried in reeled storage on the first winch drum; 10. a means attaching a first end of the hoist messenger line to the operating hoist line after the first end of the messenger line has been released from its anchor upon coupling the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; 11. a means attaching the second end of the messenger line to the second winch after the second end of the messenger line has been released from its anchor so that upon coupling the mobile unit to the vertical railroad, the messenger line can be reeled onto the second winch, the end of the operating hoist line drawn over the sheave means, released from the messenger line, and attached to the railcar; and 12. a means to operatively connect the control means in the railcar with the control means for the first winch so that operation of the control means in the railcar can cause the first winch drum to drive in either direction or stop.

Claim 30

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a railcar for carrying people;

Claim 31

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a railcar for carrying people;

Claim 32

a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 3. a power source comprised of a portable electric generator; 4. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 5. a coupling means to join the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; and c. a railcar position control means comprising: 1. a drive means operably connected to the railcar to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad comprising: a. a rail climbing hoist structure; b. a means attaching the rail climbing hoist structure to the vertical railroad in sliding engagement therewith; c. an electrically driven traction wheel operably secured to the rail climbing hoist for engagement with the vertical railroad for raising and lowering the rail climbing hoist structure on the vertical railroad; d. a power transmission means operatively connecting the portable generator with controls for the electrically driven traction wheel and with controls for an electrically driven hoist; e. a control means operatively connected to the electrically driven traction wheel; f. an electrically driven hoist operatively secured to the rail climbing hoist structure; g. a hoist rope operably connecting the hoist and the railcar such that operation of the hoist will raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad; and h. an anchoring device operatively attached to the rail climbing hoist structure to anchor it to the building;

Claim 33

a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 3. a power source comprised of a portable electric generator; 4. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 5. a coupling means to join the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; and c. a railcar position control means comprising: 1. a drive means operably connected to the railcar to raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad comprising: a. a rail climbing hoist structure; b. a means attaching the rail climbing hoist structure to the vertical railroad in sliding engagement therewith; c. an electrically driven traction wheel operably secured to the rail climbing hoist for engagement with the vertical railroad for raising and lowering the rail climbing hoist structure on the vertical railroad; d. a power transmission means operatively connecting the portable generator with controls for the electrically driven traction wheel and with controls for an electrically driven hoist; e. a control means operatively connected to the electrically driven traction wheel; f. an electrically driven hoist operatively secured to the rail climbing hoist structure; g. a hoist rope operably connecting the hoist and the railcar such that operation of the hoist will raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad; and h. an anchoring device operatively attached to the rail climbing hoist structure to anchor it to the building;

Claim 34

a means operably connecting the railcar control means with the drive means so that operation of the railcar control means will stop, start, or reverse the drive means to stop, raise, or lower the railcar on the vertical railroad.

Claim 35

a means operably connecting the railcar control means with the drive means so that operation of the railcar control means will stop, start, or reverse the drive means to stop, raise, or lower the railcar on the vertical railroad.

Claim 36

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a cantilevered top sheave support structure; 2. a support means operatively attaching the cantilevered top sheave structure to the building; 3. a first sheave means operatively connected to the cantilevered top sheave support structure; 4. a temporary rail messenger line running over the first sheave means with each end anchored near the base of the building;

Claim 37

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a cantilevered top sheave support structure; 2. a support means operatively attaching the cantilevered top sheave structure to the building; 3. a first sheave means operatively connected to the cantilevered top sheave support structure; 4. a temporary rail messenger line running over the first sheave means with each end anchored near the base of the building;

Claim 38

a second sheave means operatively connected to the cantilevered top sheave support structure; 6. a hoist rope means running over the second sheave means with each end of the hoist rope means temporarily anchored near the base of the building; 7. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a portable engine as a power source; 2. a first hoist winch drum; 3. a control means operatively connecting the first hoist winch drum to the engine so that the engine may drive the drum in either direction or cause it to stop; 4. a second hoist winch drum; 5. a control means operatively connecting the second hoist winch drum to the engine so that the engine may drive the drum in either direction or cause it to stop; 6. an operating rail rope carried in reeled storage on the first winch drum; 7. a means attaching a first end of the temporary rail messenger line to the operating rail line after the first end of the rail messenger line has been released from its anchor upon coupling the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; 8. a railcar for carrying people; 9. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the operating rail line after the second end of the messenger line has been released from its anchor, secured to the second winch drum, the operating line drawn over the first sheave means and anchored at each end; 10. a third hoist winch drum; 11. a control means operatively connecting the third hoist winch drum to the engine so that the engine may drive the drum in either direction or cause it to stop; 12. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 13. means operatively connecting a first end of the hoist rope to the railcar after disconnecting the hoist rope from the anchor; 14. means operatively connecting the other end of the hoist rope to the third hoist winch drum so that operation of that winch can raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad; and 15. means connecting the controls for the third winch drum to the control means in the railcar.

Claim 39

a second sheave means operatively connected to the cantilevered top sheave support structure; 6. a hoist rope means running over the second sheave means with each end of the hoist rope means temporarily anchored near the base of the building; 7. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a portable engine as a power source; 2. a first hoist winch drum; 3. a control means operatively connecting the first hoist winch drum to the engine so that the engine may drive the drum in either direction or cause it to stop; 4. a second hoist winch drum; 5. a control means operatively connecting the second hoist winch drum to the engine so that the engine may drive the drum in either direction or cause it to stop; 6. an operating rail rope carried in reeled storage on the first winch drum; 7. a means attaching a first end of the temporary rail messenger line to the operating rail line after the first end of the rail messenger line has been released from its anchor upon coupling the mobile unit to the vertical railroad; 8. a railcar for carrying people; 9. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the operating rail line after the second end of the messenger line has been released from its anchor, secured to the second winch drum, the operating line drawn over the first sheave means and anchored at each end; 10. a third hoist winch drum; 11. a control means operatively connecting the third hoist winch drum to the engine so that the engine may drive the drum in either direction or cause it to stop; 12. a control means in the railcar to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 13. means operatively connecting a first end of the hoist rope to the railcar after disconnecting the hoist rope from the anchor; 14. means operatively connecting the other end of the hoist rope to the third hoist winch drum so that operation of that winch can raise, lower, or stop the railcar on the vertical railroad; and 15. means connecting the controls for the third winch drum to the control means in the railcar.

Claim 40

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a cantilevered top sheave support structure; 2. a means to slidably engage the cantilevered top sheave structure with the vertical rail assembly for vertical motion thereon; 3. a rail climbing means operatively connected to the cantilevered top sheave structure to case the cantilevered top sheave structure to rise on the vertical rail assembly; 4. a means to anchor the cantilevered top sheave structure to the building; 5. a railcar for carrying people; 6. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 7. a control means in the railcar to cuase the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 8. sheave means operatively connected to the cantilevered top sheave support structure; 9. a hoist rope means running over the sheave means; 10. means connecting one end of the hoist rope means to the railcar; 11. a portable engine as a power source; 12. a hoist winch; 13. an anchoring means operatively connected to the winch; 14. winch control means operatively connecting the winch to the engine;

Claim 41

An emergency building access apparatus for evacuating the occupants of the building and to provide access for firemen, which apparatus is self-powered by a portable power plant but dependent structurally upon the building comprising: a. a vertical railroad comprising: 1. a vertical rail assembly; 2. a supporting means attaching the vertical rail assembly to the building in a generally vertical position; 3. emergency access openings providing access between the building interior and the railroad; b. a mobile unit operatively connected to the vertical railroad comprising: 1. a cantilevered top sheave support structure; 2. a means to slidably engage the cantilevered top sheave structure with the vertical rail assembly for vertical motion thereon; 3. a rail climbing means operatively connected to the cantilevered top sheave structure to case the cantilevered top sheave structure to rise on the vertical rail assembly; 4. a means to anchor the cantilevered top sheave structure to the building; 5. a railcar for carrying people; 6. a means to slidably engage the railcar with the vertical railroad for vertical motion thereon; 7. a control means in the railcar to cuase the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on the vertical railroad; 8. sheave means operatively connected to the cantilevered top sheave support structure; 9. a hoist rope means running over the sheave means; 10. means connecting one end of the hoist rope means to the railcar; 11. a portable engine as a power source; 12. a hoist winch; 13. an anchoring means operatively connected to the winch; 14. winch control means operatively connecting the winch to the engine;

Claim 42

means operatively connecting the hoist rope means to the winch; and 16. means connecting the control means in the railcar to the winch control means.

Claim 43

means operatively connecting the hoist rope means to the winch; and 16. means connecting the control means in the railcar to the winch control means.

Claim 44

An emergency building access apparatus as claimed in claim 11 in which the rail climbing means comprises: a. a power source; b. a traction drive means; c. a support means attaching the traction drive means to the cantilevered top sheave structure in operative engagement with the vertical rail assembly; d. a power transmission means operatively connecting the power source with the traction drive means; and e. a control means operatively connected to the rail climbing means such that operation of the rail climbing means may be selected to raise, lower, or stop the cantilevered top sheave structure on the vertical railroad.

Claim 45

An emergency building access apparatus as in claim 12 in which the power source is an engine operatively attached to the cantilevered top sheave structure.

Claim 46

An emergency building access apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which the power source for the rail climbing means is an electric motor operatively connected to an engine driven generator also comprising the engine driven generator.

Claim 47

A railcar for use with emergency building access apparatus comprising: a. a structure for carrying people; b. a control means operatively connected to the structure to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on a vertical railroad; c. a first set of guide rollers operably connected to the railcar and fitted to engage a rigid rail means; and d. a second set of guide rollers operably connected to the railcar and fitted to engage a taut rope rail means whereby the railcar may be readily adapted to either type of rail.

Claim 48

A railcar for use with emergency building access apparatus comprising: a. a structure for carrying people; b. a control means operatively connected to the structure to cause the railcar to rise, lower, and stop on a vertical railroad; c. a first set of guide rollers operably connected to the railcar and fitted to engage a rigid rail means; and d. a second set of guide rollers operably connected to the railcar and fitted to engage a taut rope rail means whereby the railcar may be readily adapted to either type of rail.