Abstract: A rope structure comprising a plurality of rope subcomponents, a plurality of bundles combined to form the rope subcomponents, a plurality of first yarns and a plurality of second yarns combined to form the bundles. In one embodiment, the first yarns have a tenacity of approximately 25-45 gpd and the second yarns have a tenacity of approximately 6-22 gpd. In another embodiment, the first yarns have a breaking elongation of approximately 2%-5% and the second yarns have a breaking elongation of approximately 2%-12%.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied as a line structure for use as a mud line assembly. In this case, the line structure comprises a plurality of strands, and each of the strands comprises a core portion, a jacket portion, and a barrier portion. The barrier portion is arranged between the core portion and the jacket portion to inhibit movement of contaminate material into the core portion.

Abstract: A fire resistant rope and method of making the same. The fire resistant rope comprises high tensile strength fibers, high temperature resistant fibers, and a fire retardant coating. The fire retardant coating is applied to at least one of the high tensile strength fibers and the high temperature resistant fibers. The high tensile strength fibers are combined to form a core. The high temperature resistant fibers are combined to form a jacket that at least partly covers the core. The jacket is configured to inhibit movement of air to the core. The coating is configured to inhibit movement of air to the core.

Abstract: A line tensioning system for regulating tension on a line having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is operatively connected to a drum. The line tensioning system comprises a frame, a first and second sets of rollers, and first and second sets of displacement assemblies. The frame defines first and second side edges. Each first and second displacement assembly is arranged to displace at least one of the first and second rollers relative to the first and second side edges of the frame, respectively. The line is arranged such that the line contacts the first and second rollers. The first and second displacement assemblies displace the first and second rollers relative to the first and second edges based on a tension on the line.

Abstract: A rope and method of making the same. The rope is adapted to engage a structural member and comprises a plurality of yarns. At least one of the yarns comprises a first set of first fibers and a second set of fibers. The first and second sets of fibers are combined using a false twisting process such that the second fibers do not extend the length of the rope and the second fibers indirectly bear tension loads on the rope. The first fibers substantially determine load bearing properties of the rope. The second fibers substantially determine abrasion resistance properties and a coefficient of friction of the rope. Abrasion resistance properties of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is less than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers.

Abstract: A fire resistant rope and method of making the same. The fire resistant rope comprises a core formed of high tensile strength fibers and a jacket formed of high temperature resistant fibers, where the jacket covers the core. The core comprises a plurality of strands, where each strand comprises a plurality of yarns and each yarn comprises a plurality of high tensile strength fibers. The jacket comprises a plurality of strands, where each strand comprises a plurality of yarns and each yarn comprises a plurality of high temperature resistant fibers. Optionally, a fire retardant material may be applied to the rope.

Abstract: A rope and method of making the same. The rope comprises a plurality of yarns. At least one of the yarns comprises first and second sets of fibers. The first fibers are formed of a first material, and the second set of second fibers at least partly surrounds the first fibers. The second fibers are formed of a second material. The first material defines a set of operating characteristics adapted to bear tension loads on the rope. The second material defines a set of operating characteristics adapted to affect at least one surface characteristic of the rope.

Abstract: A controlled failure rope and method of making the same. The controlled failure rope comprises first and second portions. The first portion is formed of a first material having a first set of tension failure characteristics. The second portion is formed of a second material having a second set of tension failure characteristics. The first and second sets of tension failure characteristics differ such that, when the rope is subjected to tension loads above a tension threshold, the first portion of the rope begins to fail before the second portion of the rope, therefore providing a prior indication of possible rope failure before the rope becomes completed separated.