Abstract: A velocity control device for controlling the velocity of a load on a flexible tension member. The device can include a chassis having a chassis peripheral surface, with a portion of the chassis peripheral surface defining an exit aperture. The device can also include a capstan, the capstan having a proximal face joined to the chassis and a distal face separated at a distance from the proximal face. A peripheral capstan surface can be tapered from a greatest diameter near the distal face to a smallest diameter near the proximal face. The device can include a throttle, the throttle being attached to the chassis. The throttle can an interior surface defining an opening through which the tension member can pass with the interior surface being in at least partial contact with the tension member. Heat produced by kinetic energy in the flexible tension member is transferred to the throttle, and the change in system internal energy produces work in the form of a drag force on the flexible tension member.

Abstract: A control bar stopper includes a stopper body having a sleeved line receiving slip groove that allows sleeved line slippage. The stopper body has an underlying control bar bumper. A brake body is provided having a sleeved line receiving stop groove that resists sleeved line slippage. The brake body is smaller than the stopper body and is positioned above and at a distance from the control bar bumper with the stop groove facing the slip groove. A pivotal link connects the stopper body and the brake body. In response to a control bar striking the control bar bumper, the slip groove allows the stopper body to slide along a sleeved line and as the stopper body slides along the sleeved line, the brake body pivots about the pivotal link into stop contact with the sleeved line with the stop groove resisting further slippage.

Abstract: A self-retracting lanyard including a main body and a retractable line. The retractable line is coupled to the main body so as to be extendible and retractable relative to the main body and to be restricted from extending relative to the main body in response to a user of the self-retracting lanyard falling. The self-retracting lanyard further includes a manual control operable by the user to initiate controlled descent of the retractable line relative to the main body. The manual control may be operable by the user to deliver a fluid (e.g. compressed gas) from a fluid supply disposed in a housing of the manual control to an actuator of the main body to initiate controlled descent. Solar panel(s) may be disposed on the main body. When the retractable line is retracted, the housing may dock with and be charged by a solar powered charger disposed on the main body.

Abstract: A descender (1) for controlling descent of a person down a rope fixed to an anchor point, the descender comprising a rope entry guide (6) and a rope exit, an eccentrically mounted swivellable camlock (4) having a rope braking surface operable to releasably lock the rope in position against the entry guide (6) in response to movement of the rope towards the exit, and means to adjustably unlock the camlock, said unlock means including a swivellable handle (3) drivingly connected to an inner drive cam (8), the inner drive cam having bearing surfaces co-operable with the cam surfaces of an outer drive cam (11) within or on the body of the camlock (4), the arrangement being such that the reaction forces applied to the inner cam (8) via the handle (3) are transmitted to the cam surfaces of the outer cam (11) to thereby provide a mechanical advantage for causing the camlock (4) to open to thereby release the rope and thereafter allow further descent from the anchor point.

Abstract: A fall arrester (10) including a body (20), a pawl (18) mounted to the body (20) for movement between a disengaged position and an engaging position wherein the pawl (18) engages a catching stop (16) in a guide rail (12), a first connecting element (41) operably connected to the pawl (18), and a second connecting element (60) operably connected to the pawl (18), wherein the pawl (18) is configured to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position in response to a first predetermined force applied to the first connecting element (41) in a first direction and to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position in response to a second predetermined force applied to the second connecting element (60) in a second direction that is different than the first direction.

Abstract: Rappelling device having a casing (12) that is movable along a rope (18) and in which a pulley (16) and a guide roller (14) are supported rotatably, such that the rope, during rappelling, is held in frictional contact with the periphery of the pulley (16), the device having a braking device (36) for the pulley (16) and a coupling device (28) for suspending a load (74) to be rappelled, the casing (12) forms a rope channel (26) that extends between the guide roller (14) and the pulley (16) and into which the rope (18) can be placed in extended state, and in that the coupling device (28) is arranged at the casing (12) in a position that is offset from the rope passage (26) towards the side of the pulley (16).

Abstract: An anchor retrieval device comprising a frame forming a closed loop and having a proximal end and a distal end, and a handle overlaid onto the frame on a top part of the frame. The frame comprises an upper rope guide flange that forms an upper rope guide groove, the upper rope guide flange and upper rope guide groove being situated on the distal end of the frame. The frame further comprises a lower rope guide flange that forms a lower rope guide groove, the lower rope guide flange and lower rope guide groove being situated rearward of the upper rope guide flange and upper rope guide groove on a bottom part of the frame.

Abstract: A rappelling apparatus and method are provided, for controlling the rate of movement of a person along a safety line away from an anchored end of the safety line, through use of a control bar having an attachment at one end thereof for a harness safety belt, or the like connected to the person, an operating handle at an opposite end thereof, and provisions between the opposite ends of the control bar for passage of the safety line through the control bar in serpentine pattern. The operating handle is pivoted away from the safety line to reduce the severity of the serpentine pattern and allow controlled movement of the safety line through the control bar. Some forms of the control bar include a one-way clutching arrangement. Some forms of the control bar also include a hand-actuated braking arrangement.

Abstract: A rope climbing apparatus includes two spaced side members. Each side member has a climbing rope end and a tethering end. The climbing rope ends each include a pair of spaced apertures. The tethering ends each include a cooperative aperture. Two friction elements are disposed between the spaced side members. The friction elements are axially disposed between the pair of spaced apertures in the climbing rope end for receiving a rope therebetween the friction elements. A tether connector is axially disposed between the cooperative apertures in the tethering end for connecting a tether thereto. The climbing apparatus is useable as a brake while descending a rope through angular movement of the tethering end relative to the rope.

Abstract: In a rappelling device (10) for braking a load guided on a cable which can be fixed to the rappelling device (10), the cable (14) is friction-guided over a distance (22) and the cable (14) which runs through the rappelling device (10) is guided over a brakable shaft (24). The cable (14) is pressed onto the brakable shaft (24) by means of a pre-definable pressing force (29). The braking elements for the brakable shaft (24) can be kept small in weight and design because an additional braking of the cable (14) takes place over the friction-guided distance in the rappelling device (10).

Abstract: A descent control device is disclosed manufactured with a bar having holes for guiding a rope used in descent, and a lever designed to pivot or move relative to the bar and compress the opening of one of the holes. Compressing the opening increases friction and slows or stops descent. Control can be from manually moving the lever or by connecting the lever to the descending weight, thereby automatically moving the lever. Hole and pivot geometry may be altered to provide multiple braking options, accommodate varying ropes, and alter normal operating friction.

Abstract: A device for controlling movement of a rope has a main part and a bar part. The main part has first and second side members and first and second end members. The bar part defines an opening, and the first side member extends through the opening. The bar part is displaced to allow a portion of the rope to be arranged within the central opening and at least partly around the bar part. The bar part is displaced such that the main part and the bar part define first and second opening portions of the central opening and the portion of the rope extends through the first and second opening portions and at least partly around the bar part.

Abstract: A LAD assembly having a cam with engaging teeth rotatably mounted in a housing, the distal end of the cam assembly having an eye with a central opening. An axis passing through the central opening is parallel to parallel planes defined by the inside sides of the housing. This results in an eye that is rotated 90° relative to the eyes of other rope grabs. In addition, the cam assembly may be elongated, thereby placing the eye further from the body than the eyes of prior art rope grab devices. The orientation and optional extension of the eye allows a carabiner or the like attached to the eye to lie in a plane orthogonal to the plane of a carabiner attached to a prior art rope grab device. This, in combination with the extension of the eye away from the body, allows easier access to and operation of the cam assembly by a user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a follow-up fall prevention device used with a cord designed to secure a person. The device includes a blocking system having a pressure mechanism configured, during running of the cord, to be between the free weight and the bearing surface and to bias a free weight toward the cord and away from a bearing surface, thereby enabling the free weight to be always in contact with the cord and remain in the lower part of a cavity without touching the bearing surface, whatever the inclination of the cord and whatever the position of the device. The pressure mechanism includes a spring.

Abstract: A rope management device includes features allowing for transition from a rope clamping position to a rope unclamped position when under load. Included is a teeter bar having a pivot axis allowing for application of friction on a section of rope to hold a load in place and then when rope is pulled through the device the load is maintained while allowing the teeter bar to pivot to eliminate friction on the rope.

Abstract: A device for providing a controlled maximum rate of descent down a rope and fall arrest. The device includes a movable cam that in response to tension on a rope pivots into a closed position, jamming the rope within the device and arresting a fall. Force applied to a torque arm coupled to the cam allows the cam to be pivoted to its open position, which allows rope travel. As cam is opened, the rope travels a more sharply angular path through the device, which creates a frictional force on the rope sufficient to limit the maximum rate of descent.

Abstract: An ascending/descending assembly is simple, strong, safe, easy to use, and can be used with either single rope or double rope technique. The assembly includes at least first, second, and third (and preferably fourth and fifth) clamping elements. Each element has a first side edge, a first end edge, a main opening large enough for a rope extending in a first dimension through it, and a slot extending between the first side edge and the opening, the slot allowing a rope to pass through the slot into the opening. A connecting element (such as a chain) is operatively pivotally connected adjacent the first end edges of each of the clamping elements.

Abstract: An ascender device for belaying on a fixed rope, comprising a body with a trough, and an actuating lever having a pivot, a cam for clamping the rope, and a hole for attaching a safety means. A connecting arm with a button-hole is articulated between the pivot and body to move the actuating lever between an inactive position facilitating insertion of the rope in the trough and an active position wherein the ends of the pivot are housed in aligned recesses acting as bearings. A double lock comprises a first lock and a second lock to secure the two opposite ends of the pivot in the recesses, each lock being associated with an unlocking tab for releasing same.

Abstract: A fire escape system includes at least one guide post and an escape platform slidably carried by the at least one guide post and comprising a platform plate; a pair of handlebars pivotally carried by the platform plate; a pair of guide rollers carried by the pair of handlebars, respectively, and adapted to detachably engage the at least one guide post; and a pair of brake assemblies carried by the escape platform and adapted to engage the at least one guide post.

Abstract: A system for descending a rope regardless of the tension on the working end of the rope. The system comprises a frame having first, second, third and fourth sides, the first and third sides being relatively positioned at a first angle and the second and fourth sides being relatively positioned at a second angle. In some embodiments, the sum of the first angle and the second angle equals 180 degrees. The system also includes a plurality of friction nodes associated with the first side for: (1) receiving a rope, (2) enabling the frame to selectively move up or down relative to the rope, and (3) applying a select amount of friction to the rope according to the relative position of the frame to the rope.

Abstract: A device for the safe descent of people or cargo along the cable, for example, for the salvation of people in case of fire in high-rise building. To provide the salvation of a few people during the same rescue operation, the device ensures movement along the cable in both directions, downwards and upwards. There is no need for any extensive preparation before using the device. The cable, with or without a handing device, is fixed in the point of lowering, dropped downwards with the weight and then is reeled three times upon the contact disk. Such connection ensures moving the contact disk along the cable without sliding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a belayer/descender safety device (1), cooperating with a rope (2), comprising means (5) to hold said rope (2) and rotationally fixed to a chassis (6) on which enclosure means (10) for said rope (2) are mounted with pivoting and cooperating with said holding means (5). The enclosure means (10) and the chassis (6) comprise a housing (12) in opposition in the locking position which cooperates with a hook means, in particular, a spring hook, wherein said holding means (5) has the form of a pulley housing means for regulation of the speed of rotation thereof.

Abstract: A device for controlling movement of a rope comprises a main part and a bar part. The main part defines a central opening, first and second side portions, first and second end portions, at least one projection portion extending from each end portion, and a friction surface formed at junctures of each end portion and the at least one projection portion adjacent thereto. The bar part is movably attached to the first side portion. The bar part is displaced to allow a portion of the rope to be arranged within the central opening and at least partly around the bar part. The bar part is displaced such that the main part and the bar part define first and second opening portions of the central opening and the portion of the rope extends through the first and second opening portions and at least partly around the bar part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a follow-up fall prevention device used with a safety rope (1) for securing a tower worker, a climber or the like. The device of the invention is characterised in that the blocking system comprises: on one side of the rope (1), at least one cavity (5) including in the lower portion thereof at least one free counterweight (7) and defining in the upper portion thereof at least one bearing surface (6) inclined towards the rope (1), the free counterweight being capable, during a controlled running of the rope (1), of being in contact with the rope (1) and remaining in the lower portion of the cavity (5) without touching the inclined bearing surface (6), and said free counterweight (7) being capable, during a fast running of the rope (1) of moving towards the inclined bearing surface (6) until the rope (1) is blocked between the free counterweight (7) and the bearing surface (4) of the rope. The present invention provides a fall-prevention follow-up blocking and descending safety device.

Abstract: Safety appliance, in particular climb-safe runner, which runs in accompaniment with a person to be secured, on a movable or fixed guide, in particular securing rail, safety ladder or securing rope, which serves as a securing device, with a housing (10) and with a first wheel (12) which is mounted rotatably about a first axis (20) on the housing (10) and which is arranged in such a way that it rolls on the securing device, the first wheel (12) having a clutch, in particular a centrifugal (12) he clutch, being designed and arranged in such a way that it connects the first wheel (12) to a second wheel (14) in a force-transmitting manner when a predetermined rotational speed and/or linear acceleration and/or angular acceleration and/or linear speed of the first wheel (12) is overshot, the second wheel (14) being arranged and designed in such a way that it corotates with the first wheel (12) during force-transmitting connection to the first wheel (12) via the centrifugal clutch and actuates a catch (16) in such a

Abstract: This fall-prevention device comprises a body on which, mounted so as to rotate about a shaft, there is a wheel designed to press and roll on a belay support, and means for locking the body of the fall-prevention device on the belay support, the wheel comprising at least one centrifugal engagement device that can be moved between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The locking means comprise at least one locking member mounted so as to rotate on the body about the rotation shaft of the wheel, the locking member comprising a chock arranged to be inserted between the belay support and the wheel when the engagement device is in its engaged position, so as to immobilize the fall-prevention device on the belay support.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy-absorbing device for a safety fixing system, comprising two parts which can move frictionally in relation to one another such as to absorb energy. The invention is characterised in that the device comprises means for adjusting the frictional force between the two parts. The invention also relates to a safety fixing system comprising said energy-absorbing device. The invention is suitable for safety systems which, for example, make use of a lifeline.

Abstract: A method for fitting a safety line cable on a tensioner, wherein a section of the cable is crimped in a sleeve (11) formed by the tensioner. According to the invention, the following operations are carried out: passing the cable through the sleeve (11), keeping the cable under tension at its end projecting from the sleeve (11), crimping the cable in the sleeve (11). A tensioner for a safety line capable of carrying out this method is disclosed. Application to the installations for the safety of personnel working under dangerous conditions.

Abstract: Escape device that comprises a sliding box worn by each escaping person, such that the escape device is combined with an escape cable. The sliding box comprises a supporting structure; a driven wheel supported in the structure for rotation, and adapted to be in engagement with the escape cable and to be driven thereby into rotation. The rotary speed correspond to the speed of the motion of the sliding box relative to the escape cable, and therefore, corresponds to the speed of descent of the escaping person; means for measuring the rotary speed of the driven wheel and therefore, the speed of descent of the escaping person; and braking means, for slowing the rotation of the driven wheel, and therefore the speed of descent of the escaping person, whenever it is required to maintain the speed of descent within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A simple, economical, and highly effective auto locking belay device is presented, certain embodiments of which contain no moving parts. The simplicity of the device is due to the fact that it derives certain functionality from its attachment carabiner that would normally be found within an auto-locking belay device itself. In its simplest form, the Device (10) comprises only a Body (14) with an Inner Channel (16) and a Pin (12). The attachment carabiner supports the path of the rope through the device, constrains an axis of rotation around which the device rotates, and provides one of two surfaces between which the rope is pinched. The device is able to extract these functions from the carabiner due to a unique, and counter-intuitive, placement of the carabiner within the same geometric plane as the path of the rope through the device.

Abstract: A fall arrest device used with a fixed safety rope comprises a support arm articulated on a first spindle of the body, a roller in the form of a cylindrical wheel mounted rotating free on a second spindle securedly attached to the support arm, and a centrifugal coupling arranged between a drive member of the roller and the support arm so as to occupy a disengaged position or an engaged position. The centrifugal coupling comprises at least one flyweight movable along a ramp of the drive member against a compression spring, and a connecting interface engaged inside a cylindrical rim of the support arm to transmit the elastic force of the spring to the flyweight.

Abstract: A load lowering descent controller having a fixed cylindrical body or capstan about which a rope or cable is turned. The descent controller allows for lowering of the load at a controlled rate by adjusting the amount of friction between the controller and the rope or cable as a function of rope or cable turning and relative contact with rope or cable engagement surfaces in the controller.

Abstract: A safety anchor (20) for securing a user to a substantially vertical safety structure, e.g., elevator cable (21). Safety anchor (20) includes a back plate (26) to which are pivotally mounted a roller (28), inner cam assembly (30) and outer cam assembly (32). Each cam assembly (30,32) includes a lever arm (50,36) to which is mounted a cam (52,42). A user (25) is secured by means of carabiners and a short tether cable, for example, to the free ends of lever arms (50,36). Cable (21) threads between cams (52,42) which are pivoted to compress the cable in response to downward force exerted against the lever arms (50, 36).

Abstract: A movable fall-preventing device (1) for a belay support (6) includes an axis-retaining groove which retains the belay support (6) by means of a lever (16) that pivots between an open position and a closed position. One end of the lever comprises a locking cam and the other end is provided with a hole intended to receive a snap hook (5). An end stop system limits the pivoting movement of the lever (16) in an intermediary position when switching from the closed position to the open position. The end stop system comprises a retractable, movable stop (50).

Abstract: A Safe Auto-Locking Belay Override Mechanism (24) is provided which causes an auto-locking belay device to lock a rope against movement if a belayer panics, as sometimes happens if a climber falls, after the belayer has overridden the normal function of the auto-locking belay device. The mechanism of the subject invention makes use of the realization that a belayer tends to grip an auto-locking belay device tightly when the belayer panics. The subject invention contains a pressure sensitive activation mechanism that acts on an override mechanism such that the normal function of the belay device will be overridden by only one of three different force levels. At either relatively low or relatively high levels of force exerted by the belayer on the pressure sensitive activation mechanism, the auto-locking belay device will function normally and lock a rope against further movement in the event that the rope exerts sufficient force on the auto-locking belay device such as when a climber falls.

Abstract: A safety device (100) includes a base (110), a handle (120) pivotally mounted on the base, a cleat (130) pivotally mounted on the base, and a cover (140) pivotally mounted on the base. A rope (99) is routed between the cleat and a bearing surface on the base, then between the cleat and a hub on the handle, then around the hub and between the hub and another bearing surface on the base, then between the cleat and the hub again. The handle may be squeezed against the base to control or limit descent along the rope, and in the event of excessively rapid descent, the device is urged toward a locked position relative to the rope.

Abstract: A belay device for climbing with at least one rope is provided. The belay device comprises a first plate having a first lobe with the rope wrapping at least partially about the first lobe and a second plate having a second lobe. A connection mechanism connects the first plate to the second plate through a rotation point with the rotation point positioned inside the second lobe. A first channel is defined by the first plate and the first lobe and the second plate and the second lobe with the rope moveable through the first channel wherein tension on the rope rotates the first plate and the second plate relative to each other thereby narrowing the first channel and impeding movement of the rope through the first channel.

Abstract: A fall arrest safety device for workers on transmission towers and the like includes a “matched” safety rail and brake trolley. The rail has a profile which includes a non-symmetrical profile portion and the trolley has a passageway of complimentary profile so that the trolley cannot be installed on the rail up-side down. A full body harness worn by a user of the device is clipped to the trolley and the trolley incorporates a brake which is spring-biassed into frictional engagement with the rail. The brake can be disengaged from the rail only by the user deliberately overriding the biassing effect.

Abstract: A load lowering descent controller having a fixed cylindrical body or capstan about which a rope or cable is turned. The descent controller allows for lowering of the load at a controlled rate by adjusting the amount of friction between the controller and the rope or cable as a function of rope or cable turning and relative contact with rope or cable engagement surfaces in the controller.

Abstract: A Prusik knot has several helical wraps around a tether line or a lifeline, a longitudinal loop extending over the wraps, and free end portions tucked or threaded under the loop. A special cover encases the free end portions of the knot.

Abstract: A method for descending and/or lowering objects from a height employing a device that includes a fixed strand, a locking carabiner, and a simple harness.

Abstract: A belaying descending device for belaying a leading or second mountain climber, and for controlled descending along a single or double rope, including a metal body having a pair of slits at least one slit for the rope to pass through, a first opening in the form of a securing bow for receiving a first snap-hook in a manner that at least one loop of the rope may pass through the first snap-hook, a second suspension opening for receiving a second snap-hook in the case of belaying of the second climber, and fixed stop means transversely offset with respect to said openings for limiting the movement of the rope through the slits.

Abstract: A belay device for climbing with at least one rope is provided. The belay device comprises a first plate having a first lobe with the rope wrapping at least partially about the first lobe and a second plate having a second lobe. A connection mechanism connects the first plate to the second plate through a rotation point with the rotation point positioned inside the second lobe. A first channel is defined by the first plate and the first lobe and the second plate and the second lobe with the rope moveable through the first channel wherein tension on the rope rotates the first plate and the second plate relative to each other thereby narrowing the first channel and impeding movement of the rope through the first channel.

Abstract: A load lowering descent controller having a fixed cylindrical body or capstan about which a rope or cable is turned. The descent controller allows for lowering of the load at a controlled rate by adjusting the amount of friction between the controller and the rope or cable as a function of rope or cable turning and relative contact with rope or cable engagement surfaces in the controller.

Abstract: A device for controlling movement along at least one rope. The belay/rappel device comprises a main body having an open first end and an open second end. A rope securement mechanism adjacent the open second end retains the looped portion of the rope with the rope slidable about the rope securement means and the first rope strand and the second rope strand extending through the open first end. A carabiner is received within at least one carabiner opening formed in the main body with the first rope strand being positioned between the carabiner and the main body. The main body is rotatable to a released position allowing the rope to slide about the rope securement means through the main body and upon release of the main body and automatically rotatable to a locked position with the carabiner pinching the first rope strand against the main body inhibiting movement of the rope relative to the main body.

Abstract: A safety anchor (20) for securing a user to a substantially vertical safety structure, e.g., elevator cable (21). Safety anchor (20) includes a back plate (26) to which are pivotally mounted a roller (28), inner cam assembly (30) and outer cam assembly (32). Each cam assembly (30,32) includes a lever arm (50,36) to which is mounted a cam (52,42). A user (25) is secured by means of carabiners and a short tether cable, for example, to the free ends of lever arms (50,36). Cable (21) threads between cams (52,42) which are pivoted to compress the cable in response to downward force exerted against the lever arms (50, 36).

Abstract: A safety device (100) includes a base (110), a handle (120) pivotally mounted on the base, a cleat (130) pivotally mounted on the base, and a cover (140) pivotally mounted on the base. A rope (99) is routed between the cleat and a bearing surface on the base, then between the cleat and a hub on the handle, then around the hub and between the hub and another bearing surface on the base, then between the cleat and the hub again. The handle may be squeezed against the base to control or limit descent along the rope, and in the event of excessively rapid descent, the device is urged toward a locked position relative to the rope.

Abstract: A Prusik knot has several helical wraps around a tether line or a lifeline, a longitudinal loop extending over the wraps, and free end portions tucked or threaded under the loop. A special cover encases the free end portions of the knot.

Abstract: A belaying descending device for climbing or mountaineering,

Abstract: The rappelling rope controller of this invention includes a U-shaped rod supporting three bars of circular cross section movable along the arms of the rod, enlarged abutments on the free ends of the rod preventing removal of the bars. A rappelling rope may be reeved over the three arms in various configurations, and a person to be rappelled is connected to the closed end of the U-shaped rod.