Abstract: Integrated climb assist and fall arrest system and methods to assist users climbing ladders and vertical paths are disclosed. The integrated systems and comprise a controller connected to a user's harness, a static fall arrest cable, and a movable climb assist belt. The connection of the fall arrest components and the climb assist components may include physical connection, electronic connection, communication, or any combination thereof. The climb assist belt can be driven by a motor to provide an upwards climb assistance force to a user along a vertical path. The motor can be dynamically adjusted to continuously provide a level of climb assistance. The integrated controller is also configured to mechanically detect downwards movement and engage an overspeed braking mechanism when a threshold velocity or acceleration is detected.

Abstract: A device configured to join two ropes includes a device body that extends from a first end to a second end along a central axis, the device body including an inner surface defining a through hole that extends through both the first end and the second end, the device body defining an inner dimension. The device defines an unassembled configuration in which the first and second ropes are positioned outside the through hole and the inner dimension is smaller than both the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter. The device defines an assembled configured in which a portion of each of the first and second ropes are positioned in the through hole, and the inner dimension is greater than both the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter.

Abstract: Integrated climb assist and fall arrest system and methods to assist users climbing ladders and vertical paths are disclosed. The integrated systems and comprise a controller connected to a user's harness, a static fall arrest cable, and a movable climb assist belt. The connection of the fall arrest components and the climb assist components may include physical connection, electronic connection, communication, or any combination thereof. The climb assist belt can be driven by a motor to provide an upwards climb assistance force to a user along a vertical path. The motor can be dynamically adjusted to continuously provide a level of climb assistance. The integrated controller is also configured to mechanically detect downwards movement and engage an overspeed braking mechanism when a threshold velocity or acceleration is detected.