Abstract: A shock absorber for fall protection systems is described. It is comprised of elongated first and second side-by-side inelastic elements having proximal and distal ends; means for attaching the distal end of said first inelastic element to the proximal end of said second inelastic element; a plurality of paired opposing first and second openings extending along the length of said first and second inelastic elements; and, a plurality of energy absorbing cables, extending, respectively, through said plurality of opposing pairs of openings, said energy absorbing cables having at each end thereof means to prevent withdrawal of said energy absorbing cables through the openings and said energy absorbing cables being of progressively longer lengths, whereby application of above normal shock loads on said shock absorber will cause the energy absorbing cables to break in sequence beginning with the shortest length shock absorbing cable.

Abstract: A shock load indicator for use with a safety cable comprising a casing surrounding a section of the cable, having severable top and bottom sections connected through a shearing means. The casing normally supports the weigth of the user of the cable, and encloses a length of the cable such that, when the cable is extended as a result of the severance of the casing due to a fall induced shock load, the top and bottom sections separate by a predetermined distance indicating that the cable has been subjected to a shock load.

Abstract: A cable winch having a pair of cable-gripping assemblies movably mounted on a support member adapted to be secured to a fixed point. An operating handle is pivoted to the support member, and linkages interconnect the handle with each of the assemblies to effect movement of the assemblies on the support member. A cable is winched by the assemblies alternately gripping, pulling, releasing and re-gripping the cable as the handle is operated. A kicker bar is pivotally supported adjacent to one of the gripping assemblies and coacts therewith to ensure that the movable gripping surface of the assembly positively releases its grip on the cable to ensure passage of the cable therethrough, while the remaining gripping assembly maintains its grip on the cable.

Abstract: A safety system which permits the free movement of the user, assists the ascent of the user and provides a reduced, controlled rate of descent in the event of an emergency descent or a fall, includes a cable attachable at one end to the user and secured at the other end to a moveable counterweight assembly. Intermediate its ends the cable passes over a pulley in a controlled descent device which also includes a centrifugally-actuated clutch coupling the pulley to a speed-multiplying gearing system and a centrifugally-operated braking assembly. Under normal-use conditions, the pulley is rotated at sufficiently low speeds to preclude engagement of the clutch, and the user has free movement, with a component of the counterweight assisting the ascent of the user. In the event of a rapid rate of descent, the increased rotational speed of the pulley is coupled to and actuates the braking assembly to reduce the rotation of the pulley and slow the descent to a lower, controlled rate.