Abstract: A tool attachment system is provided. The tool attachment system includes a tool attachment device and a receiver that cooperate to lock or secure, for example, a bag or pouch. When the tool attachment device is coupled to the receiver, a locking mechanism locks the tool attachment device to the receiver in a locked position. To remove the tool attachment device, a user applies a force to a button to cause the tool attachment device to disengage from the receiver.

Abstract: A fall arrest device includes a bracket having first and second side panels, a rotating member rotatably mounted to the bracket, a safety belt wound around the rotating member, a brake wheel engaged with the rotating member and having a groove, a brake block pivotally connected to the brake wheel and located between an inner surface of the brake wheel and an outer surface of the first side panel, and a restoring spring. A stopper is disposed on the outer surface of the first side panel. In this way, the groove could accommodate a part of a body of the restoring spring, preventing the brake block from propelling away from a surface of the brake wheel by the restoring spring, preventing the brake block from rubbing against the first side panel.

Abstract: A fall protection device includes a frame, a rotation unit, a safety belt, a braking plate, a braking block and a restoring spring. The frame includes a first lateral plate, and a stopping block is formed on an exterior surface of the first lateral plate. The rotation unit is rotatably disposed with the frame. The safety belt is wound around the rotation unit. The braking plate is engaged with the rotation unit and includes an interior surface which faces the exterior surface of the first lateral plate. The braking block is pivotally disposed on the braking plate and located between the interior surface of the braking plate and the exterior surface of the first lateral plate. The present invention could ensure the braking block to abut against the stopping block as the braking block is at an expanding position, and thereby to improve a reliability of the lockup function.

Abstract: A hybrid work machine includes a controller and a temperature sensor that detects an electric storage device temperature. In a case where (Tp+Tc)?Te_min, the controller carries out a first comparison in which the controller compares a value of [(Tp+Tc)?Te_min] with a value of Ta_SOC, and the controller then selects a lower value of the first comparison. The controller then carries out a second comparison in which the controller compares the selected lower value of the first comparison with a value of [(Tp+Tc)?Te_max)]. The controller then sets a higher value of the second comparison as the torque of the assist motor Ta, wherein Tc is an accessory torque, Ta_SOC is an adjustment assist motor torque based on a current state of charge of the electric storage device, Ta is the torque of the assist motor, and Te_max is an engine maximum torque.

Abstract: An auto-arresting safety device includes a shell member, an axle connected to the shell member, a wire rope drum assembly attached to and rotatable on the axle, a fall arrest assembly coupled to and rotatable on the axle, and a brake assembly connected to the shell member and stopped at the fall arrest assembly. When the wire rope drum assembly receives a fall load over a threshold load, the wire rope drum assembly and the fall arrest assembly are joined together, and at the same time, the brake assembly brakes the rotation of the wire rope drum assembly and the fall arrest assembly intermittently until the wire rope drum assembly stops rotating. The auto-arresting safety device of the invention allows the wire rope drum assembly to rotate intermittently until fully stoppage, thereby effectively reducing and dispersing the instantaneously produced maximum fall load.

Abstract: A fall arrester (100) for reducing injuries of a user (108) thereon when falling comprising a rotatable spool (314) with webbing (200) wound thereon, the webbing (200) being protracted from and retracted back upon the spool (314), a torsion bar (310) operationally connected to the webbing (200) through the spool (314) to generate a generally constant reaction force on the spool (314) as the torsion and bar and spool (314) rotate to absorb kinetic energy of the fall; the fall arrester (100) according to claim 1 further including a counting mechanism (500) to maintain a reserve amount of webbing (200) on the spool (314) to enable the torsion bar (310) to twist through its operational range without encountering an end-of-webbing condition.

Abstract: A retractable lifeline assembly includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion separated by a plate portion having an aperture. The aperture places a first cavity of the first portion in fluid communication with a second cavity of the second portion. A shaft extends through the aperture into the first cavity and the second cavity, and a seal proximate the shaft and the plate portion seals the first cavity from the second cavity. The first portion contains a cable assembly and the second portion contains a brake assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a height rescue apparatus (4) comprising a flexible load element (6) for attachment at end (6a) to a safety line (3). The other end is attached to a flexible elongate element (10) wound on a drum (8) which is part of a speed control means. A flexible harness element (7a) is attached to a bracket (11) and is connected to a harness (2) arrangement. The flexible load element (6) is releasably connected to the bracket (11) and is intended to take the fall loads associated with a user falling. After such a fall the load element is released to allow a controlled descent using the elongate element (10) and the speed control means.

Abstract: A combination of a drive mechanism associated with a fall arrest device. The drive mechanism includes a drive motor, a rope drive wheel, and a freewheel having a sleeve with axial recesses and clamping faces on an inner surface, which the clamping bodies are guided in a cage and are located in the recesses. The fall arrest device includes a drum onto which a safety rope is wound, a return spring configured to be tensioned during the unwinding of the safety rope from the drum, and a locking device configured to lock the drum against rotation in the safety rope in an unwinding direction in the event of a fall of a person carried by the safety rope.

Abstract: A self-retractable lifeline (“SRL”) having the combination of an active fall arrest braking system and a passive restraint distance limiting mechanism that allows a user to pretension and preset the distance that its cable is capable of paying out. The SRL's cable limiting mechanism includes a pretension assembly, which may include a pair of aligned plates and an actuator that temporarily mobilizes an arbor when the lever is opened. The arbor is affixed to the SRL housing and to an interior of a power spring that rewinds the cable back into the housing when the cable is paid out. The other end of the arbor is in a mechanical relationship to one of the aligned plates that prohibits rotational movement of the arbor when the aligned plates are engaged but allows rotational movement of the arbor when the aligned plates are temporarily disengaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crash safety device having a safety rope (105) wound onto a drum, a recuperating spring tensioned by the drum during the winding of the rope, and a locking device for blocking the drum from rotation in the rope unwinding direction during the crash of a person secured by the rope. A rope drive mechanism is provided in order to unwind the rope (105) from the drum and to slowly move the rope end having a hook (290) attached thereto toward such that a person can hook onto the safety rope (105). The drive mechanism has a motor (140) driving a rope drive wheel (210) via a freewheel (200) for lowering the rope end having the hook (290). In order to rewind the rope, the motor (140) is operated in a reverse direction of rotation at a controlled rotational speed in order to limit the speed at which the rope (105) is pulled up by the tensioned recuperating spring.

Abstract: A braking system for a self-retracting lifeline assembly is provided. The braking system includes a housing, a ratchet cam and a clutch assembly. The housing includes sidewalls that form, at least in part, a cavity. The sidewalls of the housing terminate in a connecting surface that extends around the cavity. The sidewalls have a plurality of notches spaced along interior surfaces of the sidewalls. Each notch extends from the connecting surface a select distance in the interior surfaces of the sidewalls of the housing. The ratchet cam includes an inner edge that defines a central cam opening. The inner edge of the ratchet cam has a plurality of inward extending teeth. The ratchet cam further has an outer edge. The outer edge has a plurality of outward extending fingers. Each finger terminates in a finger tip. Each finger tip is received in an associated notch in the interior surface of the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring compliance with the 100% tied off rule for climbers using personal fall protection equipment. The personal fall protection monitoring system includes a remote monitoring module that monitors multiple harness systems. Each harness system includes sensors that detect the engagement of the lanyard with anchorage points and the harness. The system also includes a harness module that monitors the sensors and indicates an alarm condition to the climber and to the remote monitoring module. The harness module includes a transmitter that communicates with the remote monitoring module. The remote monitoring module communicates with multiple harness systems to indicate and log the status of each harness system.

Abstract: A system includes a support including an extending rigid member and a first attachment at a first position on the rigid member to which a first self-retracting lifeline is attached. The first self-retracing lifeline includes a first housing from which a first lifeline exits. The first housing is movable relative to the rigid member. The system also includes at least a second attachment at a second position on the rigid member to which a second self-retracing lifeline. The second self-retracting lifeline includes a second housing from which a second lifeline exits. The second housing is movable relative to the rigid member independent of the movement of the first housing. The first position is spaced from the second position. The system further includes a connector attached to the frame to connect the frame to an article (for example, a safety harness such as a full body safety harness) worn by a user.

Abstract: A lifeline system includes a lifeline and a drum assembly around which the lifeline is coiled. The drum assembly is rotatable about a first axis in a first direction during extension of the lifeline and in a second direction, opposite of the first direction, during retraction of the lifeline. The lifeline system further includes a tensioning mechanism in operative connection with the drum assembly to impart a biasing force on the drum assembly to bias the drum assembly to rotate about the first axis in the second direction. The lifeline system further comprises a braking mechanism in operative connection with the drum assembly. The braking mechanism includes a catch that is rotatable relative to the drum assembly about a second axis that is not concentric with the first axis. The second axis is operatively connected to the first axis so that the second axis rotates about the first axis in the same direction as the drum assembly when the drum assembly is rotating about the first axis.

Abstract: A retractable fall arrest device comprises a unit housing, a spring sub-assembly, a brake/clutch sub-assembly, and a drum assembly. The spring and brake/clutch sub-assemblies each include shaft portions which extend into the housing and are removably connected together or to the drum assembly, and support the drum assembly in the housing. The spring and brake/clutch assembly are themselves removably connected to the unit housing. Finally, the unit housing comprises two wall members (i.e., clam shells) which are removably connected together. This fall arrest device allows for replacement of any of the four constituent components of the device in the field, thus reducing the down time between repairs or recertification of a particular fall arrest device.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed fall-protection safety devices comprising a load-bearing housing comprised of a composite polymeric material, and also comprising a load-bearing anchorage plate connected to the load-bearing housing by at least one load-bearing connector.

Abstract: A fall protection system comprising a line wound onto a rotatable pulley having a centrifugal clutch which activates a gearbox which in turn drives an input shaft of a hydraulic actuator whereby the hydraulic actuator controls the rate of rotation of the pulley, and a secondary brake which slows the rotational speed of the pulley should it exceed a predetermined speed, whereby in use, the line is attached to a user to restrain a fall and then the system facilitates unwinding of the line at a controlled speed to effect descent.

Abstract: A fall arrest block has a drum (40) on which a lifeline is wound and from which the line can be drawn off or drawn back on, as the work man moves towards and away from the block. One end of the lifeline is permanently secured to the drum, and the drum has sockets (50) for securing ends of more than one different type of lifeline. The block also has a brake (24) in the form of a sealed unit which can be removed and replaced with a fresh unit, when servicing of the brake is required.

Abstract: A fall protection safety device including a braking mechanism comprises a first component, a second component configured and arranged to move relative to the first component, and at least one magnet operatively connected to one of the components and another of the components being at least partially made of a non-ferromagnetic and electrically conductive material. The at least one magnet and the non-ferromagnetic and electrically conductive material creating an electromagnetic field force when the second component moves at a rate greater than a predetermined rate relative to the first component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crash safety device having a safety rope (105) wound onto a drum, a recuperating spring tensioned by the drum during the winding of the rope, and a locking device for blocking the drum from rotation in the rope unwinding direction during the crash of a person secured by the rope. A rope drive mechanism is provided in order to unwind the rope (105) from the drum and to slowly move the rope end having a hook (290) attached thereto toward such that a person can hook onto the safety rope (105). The drive mechanism has a motor (140) driving a rope drive wheel (210) via a freewheel (200) for lowering the rope end having the hook (290). In order to rewind the rope, the motor (140) is operated in a reverse direction of rotation at a controlled rotational speed in order to limit the speed at which the rope (105) is pulled up by the tensioned recuperating spring.

Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline includes a common, central brake hub having teeth on opposing sides and a lifeline assembly on each side of the brake hub. The lifeline assemblies include centrifugal clutch assemblies with pawls. The pawls are configured and arranged to engage the teeth of the brake hub to stop the lifeline assemblies when there is a sudden acceleration or a high rate of speed at which the lifeline assemblies turn to pay-out lifeline which causes the pawls to pivot and engage the teeth. The self-retracting lifeline may be operatively connected to a safety harness with a connector interconnecting the bottom of the self-retracting lifeline and the straps of the safety harness proximate a dorsal pad assembly and straps interconnecting the housing of the self-retracting lifeline and the straps of the safety harness above the dorsal pad assembly. The lifelines of the self-retracting lifeline exit the housing proximate the top.

Abstract: A safety device for use in a fall arrest system, has a safety line drum mounted for rotation and a speed responsive engagement mechanism responsive to the speed of rotation of the drum, which is activated above a predetermined rotational speed of the drum to deploy an energy absorber. A rotational transmission member (which may be in the form of a shaft) is coupled, via the speed responsive engagement mechanism, when activated, to rotate with the drum. The energy absorber is deployed in response to operation of the rotational transmission member. The speed responsive engagement mechanism may be mounted intermediate the drum and the energy absorber for ease of replacement.

Abstract: A self-retractable lifeline (“SRL”) having the combination of an active fall arrest braking system and a passive restraint distance limiting mechanism that allows a user to pretension and preset the distance that its cable is capable of paying out. The SRL's cable limiting mechanism includes a pretension assembly, which may include a pair of aligned plates and an actuator that temporarily mobilizes an arbor when the lever is opened. The arbor is affixed to the SRL housing and to an interior of a power spring that rewinds the cable back into the housing when the cable is paid out. The other end of the arbor is in a mechanical relationship to one of the aligned plates that prohibits rotational movement of the arbor when the aligned plates are engaged but allows rotational movement of the arbor when the aligned plates are temporarily disengaged.

Abstract: A position securing system for restraining an occupant in a vehicle includes a harness placed about an occupant's body and including a two-part lap belt defining two lap belt straps, two leg loops, a rear belt, two shoulder belts, a back belt, and a belly-side center buckle. Anchored to the vehicle and interacting with the lap belt straps are a plurality of retractors connectable to the vehicle and interacting with the shoulder belts and the belt straps of the lap belt in one-to-one correspondence, wherein at least the retractors interacting with the lap belt straps are each constructed to include a winding drum for winding in a reel-in direction a traction member which is integrated in the lap belt strap, with the winding drum loaded by a spring in the reel-in direction. Rotation of the winding drum at least in a pay-out direction of the traction member is automatically blocked by a locking mechanism, when the occupant assumes the seated position.

Abstract: A mobile aircrew restraint system includes a track system and a trolley which runs along the track and carries a retractor which releases a webbing strap attached to a harness. The track is preferably an extruded or sectioned track which follows contours of an aircraft interior and may be removable and/or retractable to allow additional room for oversize cargo. The trolley includes an interlock pin which cooperates with interlock holes spaced one to two feet apart along the track, and includes a release handle for disengaging the interlocking pin. The strap retractor is attached to the trolley and is controllable to limit the payout of the webbing strap. The harness is worn by an aircrew member and is attached to the webbing strap by releasable buckles.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing escape of many persons from a multistory building over a short period of time. The method and system include strategic placement and use of anchor points and components in conjunction with escape kits or devices so as to allow increased efficiency and safety of escape from the building for a plurality of persons in a coordinated manner, including escape of multiple escapees simultaneously or near simultaneously. The system and method include determining a strategic escape plan and configuration that incorporates consideration of building features, including features possibly interfering with escape routes, and three dimensional aspects of both building characteristics and anchor and escape kit and device features.

Abstract: A cover apparatus for reducing the force of impact between a lanyard reel and a head of a user. The cover apparatus includes a housing comprising a perimeter wall defining an interior space of the housing. The interior space is designed for receiving the lanyard reel whereby the housing is positioned around the lanyard reel. The housing is designed for being positioned between the lanyard reel and the head of user for inhibiting injury to the head of the user when the lanyard reel impacts the head of the user.

Abstract: A safety harness for stairs including a safety belt having a first end portion adapted for adjustable coupling with a torso of a wearer. A second end portion of the safety belt is retractably coupled to a ceiling area at a top of a flight of stairs. An intermediate portion of the safety belt is secured to a wall area adjacent to the flight of stairs. The safety belt will lock when suddenly tugged on to prevent the wearer from falling.

Abstract: A retractable lifeline safety device usable by workers performing tasks at great heights above the ground. The mechanical components of the safety device are contained within a sealed housing that is filled with a viscous fluid. The sealed housing prevents the introduction of dirt, moisture and other foreign matter into the mechanical mechanism of the safety device, reducing the likelihood that those components may be fouled by dirt and corrosion, which in turn could greatly reduce the effectiveness of the safety device. The safety device is attached to the structure on which the worker is performing the task, and a lifeline such as a cable is withdrawn from the housing thereof, the end of which is attached to a belt or harness worn by the worker. The cable may be easily drawn out of the housing in response to the worker moving about normally in the appropriate work space, and the cable is automatically drawn back into the housing of the safety device as the worker draws closer thereto.

Abstract: A light, compact safety tracer carried by fire fighters comprising a novel attaching means for attaching an elongated cord to an object outside or at the entrance of a burning house or at the entrance to a room before a fire fighter conducts searching. As the fire fighter enters the house the fire retardant cord is extended out from the safety tracer clipped on the waist belt of the fire fighter. From the color code on the cord the fire fighter can tell how far he has gone inside. The attaching means is shaped as a wedge so if attached to the hinge of a door it will keep the door open. A light source on the attaching means informs other fire fighters that the room is being searched and a fire fighter is inside. The safety tracer is equipped with a pager so he can alert other fire fighters if he needs help or is in trouble. The extended cord will serve as a guide so even when the smoke is so thick that a fire fighter can not see through he can still easily and quickly find his way out.

Abstract: A safety device for restraining a person who works at great heights. The device comprises a housing, a drum rotatably mounted and contained within the housing, and a lifeline having a first end attached to the drum, and a second end extending outside the housing and adapted to be connected to a restraint. The lifeline is wound around the drum in response to the drum being rotated in a restraining direction, and the lifeline is unwound from around the drum in response to the drum being rotated in an opposite extending direction. The device also includes a spring for biasing the drum to rotate in the retracting direction, and a brake for braking extending rotation of the drum at an angular velocity in excess of some predetermined speed. When the person wears a body harness having crossed safety straps on one of the person's chest or back, the device further includes an attaching plate for slidably connecting the crossed straps to the housing.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a fire escape for the lowering of a plurality of escapees to the ground. Included in the present structure is a shaft, a spool journalled upon the shaft, a cable having a first and second end, the first end secured to the journal of the spool, in which the cable has a length generally equal to the distance of the spool above the ground. Also provided are body securement means affixed to the second end of the cable for use by the escapee. Further provided is a flywheel which is rotationally coupled to the spool; the flywheel constitutes a means for acquiring and storing angular momentum developed therein during descent of the cable to the ground. Also included in the present inventive fire escape are means for rotationally transferring the angular momentum from the flywheel back to the spool to thereby effectuate the rewinding of the cable so that the body securement means can thereby be used by the next escapee. Further provided are descent and ascent angular velocity limit means.

Abstract: A winch has a drum arranged on a rotatable shaft, a rope member connected with the drum and connectable with a load, a speed-changing transmission, a drive element arranged to drive at least one member of the transmission, and a clutch arranged to connect the shaft with the transmission to provide rotation of the drum with one speed and disconnect the shaft from the transmission to provide rotation of the drum with a different speed.

Abstract: A full length and protected body harness attached by cable wire to an apparatus with a controlled pay out for use in escaping mortal danger in high-rise buildings.