Abstract: Some embodiments describe a system for rope-based localization. The system includes a rope; a first tag, and a second tag coupled to the rope at an interval from the first tag. A reader includes a reader tag sensor to detect the first tag and record a rope ID or a tag ID. The rope ID includes identifying information for the rope. The tag ID includes identifying information for first tag. An orientation measurement unit records orientation data for the reader. The reader is aligned with the rope. The reader orientation is taken as the rope orientation. The orientation data includes azimuth measurement and attitude measurement of the reader. A navigation device includes a navigation tag sensor to detect the first tag and a navigation processor to receive positioning data of the first tag.

Abstract: A descender device, typically for use in a fall arrest system, that enables a suspended body to be lowered, and includes a descent line and a release element to be actuated by a person. The release element is arranged in a restraint configuration to inhibit the descent line from being deployed and in a release configuration to permit the descent line to be deployed. A restraint arrangement is arranged prior to deployment of the descent line, to clamp or pinch a length of flexible line thereby to inhibit deployment of the descent line, the restraint arrangement being reconfigurable upon release of the release element to permit the descent line to be deployed.

Abstract: A descent rescue device with a double brake with back and forth control comprising an outer shell, a tyra mechanism, a wedge wheel and a double braking mechanism, wherein the double braking mechanism comprises an outer braking component, an inner braking component and a locking mechanism, the inner braking component is operatively associated with the energy conversion adjusting screw of the tyra mechanism, the wedge wheel is disposed between the inner braking component and the outer braking component, a bundle of steel wire rope is wrapped around the wedge wheel, and when no force or a force beyond a maximum threshold acts on the outer braking component, the steel wire rope wrapped on the wedge wheel is locked; when a force lower than the maximum threshold acts on the outer braking component, the steel wire rope is unlocked.

Abstract: A descent device according to embodiments of the present invention includes a housing; an inlet capstan; a drive wheel coupled to a centrifugal brake, the drive wheel rotatable with respect to the housing about an axis, the drive wheel including a groove formed along its outer perimeter, the groove having a first inner side wall, a second inner side wall, and a bottom, a distance between the first and second inner side walls decreases from the outer perimeter to the bottom in a direction toward the axis, wherein at least a portion of a radial extent of the inner side walls includes a pattern of protrusions positioned between inner side walls to form an irregular rope path along the groove; an outlet capstan; and a rope extending through the rope inlet, around the inlet capstan, around the drive wheel, around the outlet capstan, and through the rope outlet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a safety device for use in a single rope technique arrangement. The device includes a clamping mechanism including a plurality of clamping segments interconnected by a flexible spine arrangement. A release mechanism is coupled to the clamping mechanism. A reduction mechanism is coupled to the release mechanism. The reduction mechanism includes a body portion having a rope slot configured to accommodate the single rope and a housing portion disposed over the body portion. The housing portion includes a cammed groove configured to accommodate the single rope. The cammed groove is rotatably aligned with the rope slot. The reduction mechanism is movable with at least two degrees of freedom between the clamping position and the released position. The reduction mechanism is configured to frictionally engage the single rope in the released position.

Abstract: A method of rappelling loads (18) from a platform, includes the steps of lowering a rappelling rope (22) from the platform, controlled rappelling of a tension weight (26), that is connected to the rope (22) by a brake unit (28) for limiting the rappelling speed, into a lower end position on the rope, and rappelling at least one load (18) via the rope (22) before the tension weight (26) has reached its lower end position.

Abstract: A fall restraint device for attachment to an extendable or telescoping ladder platform has a safety rope for attaching a slidable lanyard fixed to a climber. The length of the rope lies on tops of the exposed rungs of the ladder and extends with the ladder as the ladder is deployed and wherein upon retraction of the ladder the rope follows the ladder and toward the base or turntable of the ladder. The lanyard for attachment to a climber of the ladder and for slidable attachment to the safety rope has a locking element at the slidable attachment to the rope. The locking element slides freely unloaded, but locks the lanyard to the safety rope when under load of a falling or slipping climber.

Abstract: A descender device, typically for use in a fall arrest system, for enables a suspended body to be lowered, and includes a descent line and a release element to be actuated by a person. The release element is arranged in a restraint configuration to inhibit the descent line from being deployed and in a release configuration to permit the descent line to be deployed. A restraint arrangement is arranged prior to deployment of the descent line, to clamp or pinch a length of flexible line thereby to inhibit deployment of the descent line, the restraint arrangement being reconfigurable upon release of the release element to permit the descent line to be deployed.

Abstract: A rope grab for a vertical fall protection system is provided. The rope grab includes a housing with an elongated member passage. The elongated member passage is configured to receive an elongated member. A locking cam is pivotally coupled to the housing and selectively engages an elongated member received in the elongated member passage. A cam spring is coupled between the housing and the locking cam to provide a relatively slight biasing force on the locking cam in a direction towards an elongated member received in the elongated member passage. A locking arm, pivotally coupled to the housing, has a first end that is configured to be coupled to a safety harness of a user and a second end that selectively engages the locking cam to lock the locking cam on an elongated member in the elongated member passage during a fall event.

Abstract: A safety rope blocker having a body provided with a through hole for the passage of an anchoring ring and a curved groove opening into the through hole for the passage of the safety rope through the anchoring ring, the body being able to rotate between a blocking position in which the safety rope is blocked by the anchoring ring against the body and a releasing position in which the safety rope slide in the curved groove, the groove includes a deviation element to allow, in the releasing position, the safety rope to slide in the curved groove and outside the through hole.

Abstract: A self-locking device for a mountaineer or a spelaeologist climbing up a rope is provided herein. The device includes a main body with a sliding seat for the rope. The device also includes a cam member associated with said body and able to tilt around an axis X from an open position to a position holding said rope. Further, the device includes a means for containing said rope inside said seat, in that said containment means comprise one or more pulleys associated with said body, which define to the top at least partially said sliding seat of the rope.

Abstract: A descender system, typically for use in a fall arrest system, for enabling a suspended body to be lowered includes a rotatable descent line drum, and a release element arranged in a restraint configuration to inhibit the descent line from being deployed and in a release configuration to permit the descent line to be deployed. A rotating brake applies a braking force to the rotatable descent line drum; a gear train connects the brake to the drum. The gear train is provided in a substantially watertight sealed space. Typically, a substantially watertight seal is provided between a backplate of the rotating drum and a chassis of the device. Typically, the substantially watertight seal is of a material that is deformable/compressible, preferably at temperatures at or below ?20 Celsius.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fall protection system for use when working on an elevated structure. The system includes an anchor rope which is securable on opposite sides of the elevated structure so that the anchor rope extends from one side of the structure to the opposite side of the structure. A safety rope, which is connectable to the anchor rope and to a harness worn by a user, is also provided. The system further includes a rope length adjustment device which is connectable to the safety rope and adapted to allow the safety rope to pass therethrough so that the effective length of safety rope extending between the rope length adjustment device and the anchor rope can be adjusted up to a certain length determined by the user in order to define a safe working area. The anchor rope may be connected to anchor points on the structure by means of belay-fall arrest-descending devices which allows a user to be lowered in a controlled manner down to ground level in the event of a fall occurring.

Abstract: A brake assembly for use with a retractable lifeline assembly comprises a brake hub, a pressure plate, a first friction disk, a brake plate, a second friction disk, and a lock nut. The brake hub includes a flange extending outward from an at least partially threaded shaft. The pressure plate is positioned on the at least partially threaded shaft proximate the flange. The first friction disk is positioned on the at least partially threaded shaft proximate the pressure plate. The brake plate is positioned on the at least partially threaded shaft proximate the first friction disk. The second friction disk is positioned on the at least partially threaded shaft proximate the brake plate. The lock nut is threaded onto the at least partially threaded shaft, and the lock nut is set to a desired torque at which the brake plate slips prior to final assembly of the retractable lifeline assembly.

Abstract: An energy absorber is provided that includes a first energy absorbing webbing, a second energy absorbing webbing and a plurality of connecting fibers. The plurality of connecting fibers couple at least a portion of the first energy absorbing webbing to at least a portion of the second energy absorbing webbing. The plurality of connecting fibers are configured and arranged to form at least two different tear strength areas in the at least one portion of the first energy absorbing webbing coupled to the at least one portion of the second webbing. The at least two different tear strength areas having select tear strengths.

Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline comprises a drum including first and second sides operatively connected to a base. A rotor includes a receiving portion and is operatively connected to the base. A pawl is pivotally operatively connected to the rotor, and a biasing member is positioned between the rotor and the pawl to place a biasing force upon the pawl. A bracket member includes a cavity and a stop member extending into the cavity. The cavity is configured and arranged to receive the drum, the rotor, the pawl, and the spring. The drum is rotatably operatively connected to the bracket member and the pawl is positioned proximate the stop member. The pawl and the biasing member are held in place by the first side of the base, the rotor, and the bracket member.

Abstract: A self-rescue system and a method for providing self-rescue to fall-victims suspended in fall-arresting safety harnesses following an accidental fall enables such suspended fall victims to descend to the ground or other place of safety at a controlled, safe velocity, without assistance from anyone else. In addition, the invention can also address applications in many types of elevated locations where a controlled descent is needed in order to escape emergency conditions.

Abstract: A gusset connector plate for anchoring a safety line to a roof truss, a roof truss and an anchoring system incorporating the same. The plate is substantially planar and includes an attachment region and an anchor portion. Teeth extend from the attachment region and into the sides of truss members that form the peak of the roof truss. The anchor portion extends laterally beneath the peak and a hole defined therein receives the connector for the security line. The hole is disposed below the lower surfaces of the truss members and vertically beneath the peak. The plate is permanently engaged with the truss. A single plate or a pair of plates may be incorporated in the roof truss and utilized in the anchoring system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire escape device which can be controlled wirelessly. The device comprises a rope winding unit having a rope, a carrying unit fixed to one end of the rope, a main control unit fixed onto a building, through which the rope is connected to the man-carrying unit so as to control a descent process of the carrying unit, and at least one wireless remote control capable of communicating with the main control unit and operating the same.

Abstract: A pulley system particularly useful for lifting or lowering an injured worker includes an upper pulley assembly adapted to be secured to a fixed structure and a lower pulley assembly adapted to be secured to the worker being lifted or lowered and further includes a rope having one end secured to one of the pulley assemblies. The rope is arranged in a substantially conventional manner around the pulleys whereby when a force is exerted on the free end of the rope, the worker can be raised and when a force is removed from the free end of the rope, the worker can be lowered. A pulley wheel forming part of one of the pulley assemblies has outwardly flared internal side walls. The lifting rope passes around the pulley wheel for only approximately 180.degree.. The dimensions of the rope and the pulley wheel are such that the rope engages the side walls of the pulley wheel.

Abstract: A lifting device for raising a load intended for support by a roof of a building utilizing a ladder. Device includes a sled having first portion for slidingly contacting the ladder and a second portion providing a platform for a load. The sled is movable along the ladder generally in an up and down direction. A brace member connects to the ladder end, adjacent the roof. The brace possesses a flange which contacts the roof. An arm rotatably connects to the brace. The brace arm includes a first support surface for the sled when the arm is rotated toward the roof and a second support surface for contacting the roof. The sled is motivated along the ladder by motivating mechanism such as a crank operated cable.

Abstract: An inspection indicator for a fall prevention safety device of the type which includes a housing, a drum rotatably mounted in the housing, a cable adapted to be wound around the drum, and a centrifugally operated brake mechanism which is activated in response to an initial fast rotation of the drum in the unwinding direction and brakes the rotation of the drum to prevent further unwinding thereof. The inspection indicator comprises a pin which is secured to and extends from the brake mechanism and a spring loaded member which is releasably secured to the housing of the safety device against the restoring force of a spring. The pin is adapted to release the spring loaded member thereby causing the same to be ejected outwardly from the safety device in order to indicate that the safety device has been activated and/or to indicate that the safety device has been in use for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A fall-arresting apparatus comprising a pair of connected spaced-apart shell with a flange and pulley rotatably mounted thereto via a common shaft. The flange being movable between two operative positions in which abutment portions break and stop a flexible linkage, and an inoperative position wherein the flexible linkage slides through a channel in the pulley.

Abstract: A device for lowering or raising people and/or loads over heights, in which the rope pulley is rotatably fitted on a base plate via a brake disc. A brake pad is allocated to the brake disc on one side of the base plate and on the other on a pressure plate secured against rotation. Pressure can be applied to the pressure plate by a tension bolt passing through the brake disc bearing and the tension bolt is coupled to the suspension of the device via a power deflection device via which the weight of the person and/or load to be lowered or raised can be converted into a tensile force on the bolt. A concentrically arranged toothed wheel is connected to the brake disc which engages with a gear system also fitted in the base plate via which an additional centrifugal braking device can be actuated.

Abstract: A rescue system is provided which includes a hoist having a backplate and a rope drum mounted on said backplate, with the rope drum adapted to receive a rope wound at least one and one half times about a rope engaging surface on the drum. The drum is rotatable in one direction when a pulling force is exerted on a control end of the rope and blocked against rotation in an opposite direction when a pulling force is exerted on a load end of the rope, so that the rope drum provides a braking force on said rope when a force is exerted on the load end of the rope. The hoist includes an arcuate rope guide fixed to the backplate and extending at least 200.degree. about the drum, and the drum itself is provided with a rope engaging surface including a cylindrical portion and a tapered portion, with the tapered portion lying closest to said backplate. Additional system components for use in conjunction with the hoist include a centrifugal brake mechanism, a swivel pulley and a handled acsender.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering people from a building or platform which includes a lowering line that is looped through a block member having a cylindrical ratchet with a grooved rim that is rotatably mounted on a shaft centrally positioned between two side plates forming the sides of the block member. The block member includes a longitudinal axis extending through the center of the shaft mounting the cylindrical ratchet and includes an attaching device which is offset a predetermined distance to one side of the longitudinal axis. On the opposite side of the block member from the attaching device is a pair of spaced pivots which make up a narrow entry and exit opening through which the incoming and outgoing ends of the lowering line extend. The pivots are equally spaced on either side of the longitudinal axis with the outgoing end of the lowering line passing adjacent to the pivot which is arranged on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis from the attaching device.

Abstract: An emergency descent device includes a casing, a rotation retarding device, a suspension gear pulley, a cable extending around the suspension gear pulley and a cable guiding unit. The cable guiding unit includes a pair of spaced upper rollers and a lower roller provided under a point between the two spaced rollers. A cable has a descending portion and an ascending portion, which is frictionally passed around the suspension gear pulley. Each of the two end portions of a cable pass between one of the pair of spaced rollers and the lower roller. When one end of the cable is pulled, an additional frictional force occurs which arrests the fall of the pulled end of the cable.

Abstract: The device for roping down includes a shaft 2 with a central portion which forms a reel 5 for coiling up band rope 6. The two end sections of shaft 2 form brake rotors 9 and 10, which are equipped with wings 11. The wings 11, which rotate during the uncoiling of the band rope operate in brake chambers 31 enclosed by brake housings 12 and 13, these brake chambers being partly or completely filled with sand.In case of roping down, braking devices 7 and 8 operate automatically and produce a comparatively high braking power which heavily increases as the rate of descending increases. Thus, a constant roping-down rate as a function of the respective load is achieved which rate is used for a safe impact on the ground.

Abstract: An improved descent device including a rotating spool on which is wound a cable is provided with a fluid rotation-retarding means having a plurality of vane members mounted for rotation in a fluid-filled chamber. The vane member is comprised of a vane shell receiving a vane core which is normally biassed in a radially inward direction and is extensible from the vane shell by centrifugal force. The retarding force depends on the contact surfaces between the vane members and the fluid which vary with centrifugal force.