‘Man-Down” Alarm Feature Now Available On Cattron Radio Remote Control Systems For Overhead Cranes

Sharpsville, PA, USA – May 1, 2006. Cattron Group International announced today they will offer their “Man-Down Alarm” feature on Radio Remote Control systems for overhead cranes and other industrial machinery. The feature was previously available only on the company’s Locomotive Remote Control systems.

The “Man-Down Alarm” is a backup safety feature designed to activate automatically in the event that an operator using a Radio Remote controller equipped with a tilt switch falls or becomes incapacitated causing the controller to be in a tilted position. If the controller remains in the tilted position for more than five seconds, the Remote Control system will initiate an emergency shutdown of the controlled crane or machinery. At the same time, the Man-Down Alarm function generates a synthesized-voice distress message which is broadcast from a user-supplied two-way radio located on the equipment being controlled over a plant or facility-wide communication network. The distress message is repeated until the Alarm is manually reset or for a maximum of 10 minutes.

As an added feature of the Alarm function, the broadcast distress message includes a “call-sign” indicating which Remote Control controller is causing the alarm. This is particularly useful when more than one Remote Control system is in use within a facility or if the Remote Control application requires two operators, each with their own controller. In the case of certain overhead traveling crane applications, a Pitch-and-Catch function allows two operators to transfer control of the crane between each other typically in situations where it would be unsafe and inefficient for one operator to accompany the load for the entire move. The “call-sign” identification provides immediate indication of which operator has caused the alarm.

The Man-Down Alarm has been a standard feature on Cattron’s Radio Remote Control Systems for locomotive applications and compliments other safety features built into all Cattron products to ensure safe, secure operation of the controlled equipment. The Alarm will be offered as an option on new Remote Control systems and as a retrofit option on certain existing systems. Cattron officials noted that the Man-Down Alarm may not be compatible with all systems and that a plant or facility-wide two-way radio communication system is also required. Cattron officials suggest contacting the company’s sales department or a local representative for more detailed information.

Mandown Alarm