Abstract: A safety device is provided for removably fastening to a safety line a rope grab which contains both inertia and positive locking features. A roller is provided in angled guide tracks to provide an inertia locking effect while a pivot arm can bear against the roller to provide positive locking as well.

Abstract: A glove for escapement is disclosed, which is used for escapement along a rope at the time of occurrence of a fire or an earthquake. The glove comprises a glove body, a base member mounted on the palm side of the glove body and provided on the inner side with teeth, and a wing member having one edge pivoted to the base member and provided on the inner side with teeth capable of meshing with the teeth of the base member. The rope thus can be clamped in a meandering fashion between the teeth, and the user can smoothly slide down along the rope by reducing the clamping force applied to the rope.

Abstract: A descent apparatus to control the descent of people or materials from physical heights, for example, buildings, aircraft, ships, trees or mountains and may be used for business, pleasure, and military purposes, under routine or emergency circumstances. The apparatus employs a movable lever arm spring bias toward the braking disposition which influences the amount of friction between various sections of the cable used for lowering as the various sections of the cable interactively contact one another in opposed directions about multiple rollers.

Abstract: A sliding descent device for controlling the movement of a user sliding down a rope includes a generally cylindrical housing containing a tubular channel member defining an axial rope path extending through the housing. The device can be installed on a medial segment of a rope without threading an end of the rope through the housing by opening a closure structure and admitting the rope to the axial rope path through a lateral rope entry path. The closure structure is moved to a closed position to capture the rope in the axial path. A brake member is mounted for movement relative to the housing into the axial rope path to apply a braking force to the rope. A first control member supports the weight of the user and moves the brake member to increase the braking force to halt the device. A second control member is manually operated to move the brake member and reduce the braking force for a sliding descent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an anti-falling device with rapid insertion and withdrawal of the retaining cord at any position of this latter. A cover is provided, on the side opposite its hinges (8), with lugs (9) coacting with recesses (10) of the corresponding wall of the case (1) for closing and opening the cover (6), which is slidably mounted on its hinges (8) so as to move the lugs (9) below the rim of the wall of the case (1) outside the position of the recesses (10), the cover (6) being adapted to be maintained in this position for releasing the lugs (9) by means of two locks (11) with sequential action coacting with the hinges (8).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rappel line clamp and harness with which the descent down a rope may be readily controlled.The rappel line clamp and harness of the present invention includes a first and a second elongated juxtaposed plate. The pair of plates includes opposing and remote sides. The plates define corresponding first and second longitudinal marginal portions and a corresponding first and second transverse end marginal portions. The first pair of corresponding longitudinal marginal portions include a means for pivotally interconnecting the plates for limited swinging apart of a second pair of corresponding longitudinal edge portions. The opposing sides of the plates include full length opposing and registered longitudinal open ended grooves formed therein approximately intermediate between the plate longitudinal marginal portions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-contained and self-sufficient device for lowering and raising oneself vertically without relying on any mechanical power, or any man power external to the system wherein the direction and speed in the vertical movement of a person is fully controlled with ease by that person himself or herself. The sky-ride vertical mobiity system of the present invention comprises a frictionally controlled rope release device secured to an upper level and a closed loop of rope depending from the frictionally controlled rope release device that is wrapped around a friction drum included in the frictionally controlled rope release device. Exertion of a pull of very small magnitude on one member of the closed loop of rope depending from the frictionally controlled rope release device creates a frictional braking of very large magnitude that is capable of suspending a heavy object secured to the other member of the closed loop of rope motionlessly in midair or lower it at a safe speed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an emergency escape system for escape from elevated structures such as sky-scrapers, high-rise apartment or office buildings, etc., which system enables one to lower oneself from any level of a high-rise building to ground level all by oneself without requiring any help from rescue crews wherein, with the minimum amount of physical effort, the descending motion and speed is completely controlled by the descending person. The sky-ride emergency system comprises a closed loop of rope or cable wound on a friction drum over a number of complete laps in a substantially tight relationship. The cylindrical surface of the friction drum nonrotatably secured to an elevated level has a high friction coefficient. The closed loop of rope depending from the friction drum includes at least one securing means such as a hook or ring affixed to the rope. The lower extremity of the closed loop of rope depending from the friction drum reaches down to a lower level such as ground level.

Abstract: A descender for use when sliding down a rope during an abseil, the descender including a self acting brake mechanism, which will slow the rate of decent unless the brake is held in the release position. The descender has a fixed braking surface and a pair of sheaves mounted on a support member which is pivotable about an axis passing through a lower one of the sheaves such that a rope passing around the lower sheave, between the two sheaves, around the upper sheave and finally between the upper sheave and the braking surface, will cause the pivotable member to be pivoted to press the rope between the upper sheave and the braking surface when a tension is applied to the upper end of the rope. The descender is also provided with a handle to reduce the braking force by pivoting the upper sheave away from the braking surface and a retaining plate pivotable between a position in which a rope is retained in the descender and a position in which the rope is able to be inserted into and removed from the descender.

Abstract: A descent control device is provided for lowering a person, animal or object from a first position of height to a second position substantially lower, especially as during escape from fire. The device comprises an assembly of three interacting parts including a strap, a brake block, and a friction ring. The strap, brake block, and friction ring interact and cooperate causing frictional engagement among themselves when the device is assembled. The resulting friction is used to control the descent from the place of height. The device may be utilized in two modes of operation: in the first, a descender utilizes the brake block and friction ring to slide downward upon the substantially stationary strap; in the second, the strap is used to lower a person, animal or object by attaching same to one end of the strap and utilizing the brake block and friction ring as a brake to control the lowering of the strap.

Abstract: A device for lowering a person or a load on a rope which automatically arrests further movement of the person or load on the rope regardless of which direction the rope passes through the device, which is capable of accommodating ropes of different diameters. The device of this invention includes a friction cylinder disposed on a base plate, a friction body, and a pivotally mounted control lever. The rope is wrapped around at least a portion of the circumference of the friction cylinder and also around the friction body, and the rope thereafter passes between a concave braking surface disposed on the friction body and one end of the control lever. The end of the control lever is provided with two camming surfaces which are positioned on opposite sides of the axis of rotation of the lever. Regardless of the direction of movement of the rope, friction between one of the camming surfaces and the rope causes the rope to be wedged between that camming surface and the concave braking surface on the friction body.

Abstract: A rescue and glider device for use of persons operating at great height from which they might fall comprises a casing through which is passed a rope which is automatically clamped in the casing, so braking the fall of the person to whom the device is attached, the rope being affixed at some point at the height at which the person operates or even higher up.

Abstract: An escape glove comprising a glove having a palm portion with a heat-insulating layer thereon, together with a heat- and wear-resistant elastic guide member attached to the palm portion, the elastic guide member having a lateral groove therein proportioned to receive an escape rope therein. The elastic member is located substantially at the center of the heat-insulating sheet layer and permits the user to control relative movement between the rope and the guide member by exerting varying amounts of pressure by his hand movement.

Abstract: A steel wire is extended from one end of a belt to a ring of a buckle through a small escape device inserted a pair of control plates, pulling speed of said wire being controlled by a rack gear with roller and a pair of control plates constituted with a fixed control plate and a moving control plate, wherein said moving control plate is controlled by control bolts positioned on the side surface of a small escape device, and said small escape device is disassembled from said buckle in an emergency.

Abstract: A personal lowering device having two lines, a housing through which the lines so move that the housing descends along the lines when the lines are suspended from an elevated position, a sheave assembly and two brakes disposed within the housing, and two pairs of cinching sheaves biased toward a position for reducing the flow of the lines into the housing. The brakes are so associated with the sheave assembly and the housing that a slight biasing force on the two pairs of cinching sheaves reduces the flow of line into the housing, forcing the sheave assembly into pivoting motion, thereby forcing the brakes against the housing and thus halting the descent of the housing along the lines. A control member is provided for moving the cinching sheave pairs away from the reducing position.

Abstract: A security device for providing a detachable and adjustable connection of a workman's safety belt lanyard to a safety line or the like. The device includes a pair of vertically spaced pivotally mounted cams having serrated cam faces directed into a vertical channel adapted to receive a safety line. The cams are joined by a link to maintain their parallel relation and are spring loaded toward a line engaging position. A pivoted eye connected to the link provides an attachment point for a lanyard. The frame of the device includes pivotally connected front and rear frame portions which may be opened to apply the device to or remove it from a safety line. A latch mechanism provides a secure locking of the frame portions in their closed line clamping position, but may be readily released to allow removal of the device from a line.

Abstract: A rope grip which comprises a shell (12) and a plate (16) defining a first gripping surface and a cylinder (20) defining a second gripping surface is disclosed. The two surfaces are in a facing spaced relationship and define a passage (30) for receiving a rope. The cylinder travels in an angular field of motion with respect to the plate which causes a rope of appropriate size to become jammed between the plate and the cylinder depending upon the position of the cylinder. An operating arm (18) is mechanically coupled to the cylinder in order to control its position and accordingly, the distance between the surfaces of the plate and the cylinder.

Abstract: A safety system which permits the free movement of the user, assists the ascent of the user and provides a reduced, controlled rate of descent in the event of an emergency descent or a fall, includes a cable attachable at one end to the user and secured at the other end to a moveable counterweight assembly. Intermediate its ends the cable passes over a pulley in a controlled descent device which also includes a centrifugally-actuated clutch coupling the pulley to a speed-multiplying gearing system and a centrifugally-operated braking assembly. Under normal-use conditions, the pulley is rotated at sufficiently low speeds to preclude engagement of the clutch, and the user has free movement, with a component of the counterweight assisting the ascent of the user. In the event of a rapid rate of descent, the increased rotational speed of the pulley is coupled to and actuates the braking assembly to reduce the rotation of the pulley and slow the descent to a lower, controlled rate.

Abstract: A device enabling a person's fall to be braked and/or held comprising a body (2) bounding a channel (3) inside which a bearing surface (4) is formed and a swivelling component (6) comprising opposite arms (7, 8) fitted so as to swivel inside the channel (3) of the said body opposite the said bearing surface (4), with the said rope running between the bearing surface (4) and the swivelling component (6), the said rope, when it is stretched taut, making the swivelling component (6) swivel so that the cam-shaped outer profile (9) of its arm (7) moves towards the bearing surface (4) and presses the rope against this bearing surface (4).

Abstract: A safety system (10) for protecting workers at high altitudes from falling to the ground is disclosed. The system features a rope grip (12) having a rotably mounted wedge (18) in spaced facing relationship with a retaining member (20). The safety line (14) is jammed between the retaining member and the wedge. The rope grip is able to pass by an anchor (16) by virtue of the fact that the retaining member is held in place by rotating slotted wheels (44 and 46).

Abstract: This invention relates to a stationary drum friction-type descent control device for use with a rope and a load-supporting harness characterized by a dogleg arm hanging from one end of a cylindrical friction drum in acute angular relation to its axis cooperating therewith to leave the other end open so that turns of an unloaded medial section of a rope can be added or subtracted therefrom while under load without having to unthread and subsequently rethread the free end of the rope hanging therebeneath or even access the latter. The free end of the drum carries an upstanding post to keep the rope wound around the drum from coming off when slack and to permit the system to be tied off during the descent. A gate in an eye associated with the dogleg arm is either an integral part thereof or an attachment receives the unloaded portion of the rope and cooperates with the post to prevent the rope from uncoiling off the open drum end.

Abstract: A self-contained emergency escape device includes a first larger jaw, a second smaller jaw, a bolt mounting the jaws for relative movement, a yoke defined at the upper end of the first jaw, and a take-up spool secured within said yoke. Several brake plugs are secured to the interior edges of the jaws, and complementary cut-outs are defined in the opposing edges of the jaws. A sturdy cable is an integral part of the escape device, and extends through the device in a tortuous path extending over the brake plugs and subsequently being stored, when not in use, on the spool. A sling is secured to the jaws so that the user can not be separated from, or fall away from, the emergency escape device. Also, a fail-safe mechanism prevents the jaws from being forced too far apart. One uses the device by applying manual pressure to the jaws to increase the frictional resistance on the cable and thus controlling the rate of descent.

Abstract: A rope grip which comprises a guide means and operator means defining a channel for receiving a rope. The guide means defining a first gripping surface and the operator means defines a second gripping surface. The two surfaces are in a facing spaced relationship. Between these two surfaces a restricting means is disposed. The restricting means is springingly connected to an operating arm which influences its position. The extremities of the gripping surfaces are at different distances from one another, which causes a rope of appropriate size to become jammed between a gripping surface and the restricting means, depending upon the position of the restricting means.

Abstract: A slide for frictionally engaging a flexible line to control a person's descent along the line. An outer shell has a helical opening in one side with a longitudinal offset at its lower end for receiving the line. An inner friction member, which is adjustable rotationally and longitudinally inside the outer shell, has a transverse slot in its inner end and a helical screw thread behind for frictionally receiving the line. Indicia on the friction member are visible at an opening in the outer shell to show the body weight for which the slide has been adjusted. The slide has a fail-safe lock acting between the outer shell and the friction member.

Abstract: A descent device for sliding frictional engagement with a rope and including an elongate vertical shaft with a head structure at the upper end of the shaft and a base structure at the lower end of the shaft. Both structures contain u-shaped, rope receiving slots having an inner wall and opposed side walls. A removable tubular shell extends over the head and base structures to close the rope-receiving slots.One of said rope-receiving slots contains a brake shoe which is movable between a retracted position in which the outer surface thereof is contiguous with the inner wall of the slot and an extended position in which said outer surface is adjacent to the tubular shell so as to retain the rope between said shell and the brake shoe. The brake shoe is yieldably biased toward the extended position, and an external handle is provided for manually moving the brake shoe to the retracted position.

Abstract: This manually operated conveying apparatus for lowering loads is easy to operate, light in weight and most of all it is safe for use.The apparatus has a rope made into a big loop. It is supported by a shaft with a roller inside the frame. When a load is applied to said rope it produced tension that causes the shaft housings to swing in the direction going with the load and the shafts that are fixed to the shaft housings pressed said rope against the rollers. These pressures tend to hold the rope and stop the load from going down but as the weight of the load exceeds this pressures the load goes down producing another sets of forces, the forces of friction between the rope and the rollers, between the shaft and the rope and between the roller and the shafts. The combined forces produced by the pressures and the frictions are going in the opposite direction that tend to hold and stop the load from going down.

Abstract: A novel controlled descent device is disclosed which not only aids in the ascent of a human being from a lower elevation to an upper elevation but also provides for the safe descent of a human being from the upper level to the lower level. The apparatus comprises a round cable, a counterweight, a controlled descent pulley having a ratchet and pawl brake system and a conventional pulley; all operating conjunctly dependently on the position and situation of the human being. The controlled descent pulley and conventional pulley are held in a plate structure which is secured to the upper elevation. The counterweight is raised and lowered from the upper elevation to the lower elevation and vice-versa by means of a guy wire which is anchored and held in relatively taught position between said upper elevation and said lower elevation.

Abstract: A fire escape device in the form of an elongated flexible member adapted to be mounted at its upper end to a building structure, or the like and a slide mounted on the flexible member having a sling attached thereto by which a person occupying the building may safely lower himself along the exterior surface of the building in the event of a fire or other emergency situation with the length of the flexible member being sufficient to enable such a person to reach ground level or some other lower level by which the person may safely escape. The slide includes a pair of hingedly attached plate members having a unique hinge connection with a loop on one end thereof to which the sling is connected and an adjustable screw threaded member interconnecting the opposite side edges of the plate members to enable variation in the frictional gripping engagement between the plate members and the flexible member, thereby enabling a person to vary their rate of descent along the flexible member.

Abstract: A fire escape device includes a housing with a reel journalled for rotational movement within the housing. A cable is fixed at one end thereof to the reel and is wound upon the reel with the other end thereof extending through an opening in the housing. The housing can be connected to a fixed position on an elevated structure and a harness which is carried at the free end of the cable is used for supporting a human body. A fluid pump is carried by the housing for pumping fluid from a sump reservoir through an orifice. The rotor of the pump is coupled with the reel for retarding and impeding free rotational movement of the reel so that the cable unwinds at a controlled rate of speed which is in direct proportion to the amount of fluid being pumped through the orifice.

Abstract: A fall protection safety device is disclosed which is suitable for use in environments wherein suspended particulate matter is present. The device comprises an elongated tubular housing having an upper end guide block with a centrally located opening therein and a lower end guide block with a centrally located opening therein. The lower guide block has a plurality of openings spaced apart from and around its centrally located opening. A safety line is threaded within the tubular housing and movement thereof is prevented by camming a line-gripping ball and cage arrangement associated with a piston upwardly within a conical bore of a wedging ring. The piston has a centrally located opening through which the safety line is threaded and a serrated outer surface adjacent to and circumscribed by the inner surface of the elongate tubular housing.

Abstract: There is claimed a descent control device which comprises a rope along which a person desires to descend from an elevated position; a housing substantially cylindrical in shape; attachment means to attach the person to the housing; a guide means mounted axially within the housing and providing an open channel between the two ends of the housing, and having the rope passing through the open channel thereby slidably attaching the housing to the rope; a crank which has a knuckle formed into a rotating shaft so that rotation of the crank urges the knuckle against the rope, thereby providing friction between the rope and the housing so as to provide a safe descent along the rope for the person; and a spring which urges the knuckle against the rope so as to make use of the device safe for an incapacitated person.

Abstract: A device for escaping from elevated locations, particularly in an emergency, is provided. The device controls the travel of a weight, e.g., a human passenger, on an essentially 1:1 ratio of rope or cable length to the distance of travel. The invention can be employed for either vertical or horizontal travel. Further, this invention can be operated by a passenger or from a lower location such as the ground or any other place towards which the weight is to travel. The device contains at least one roller, preferably a plurality, around which the cable or rope is run. The roller is generally tapered from at least one side towards a middle location and grooved at the latter to facilitate proper operation, good braking ability, low heat generation during operation and braking, and easy release from a stationary position.

Abstract: A torque limiter means for controlling rotary motion is disclosed, comprising a casing, a shaft rotatively mounted in the casing, a pulley fixedly secured to the shaft and a coaxial rotor also secured to the shaft. The rotor has an odd number of radial cam projections which engage a pair of pins, these latter oscillating in transverse back and forth movement. A transversely oriented follower plate is rigidly secured to the pins and consequently also oscillates in back and forth movement thereby producing a braking action on the shaft.

Abstract: An instantaneously acting fall preventing device comprises a casing containing a locking mechanism, in the form of a series of rings which are adapted to co-operate with a retaining cord, and a connecting element for attachment to a harness or safety belt. The upper ring of the series of rings is provided with a lever which passes through a wall of the casing and extends into a guidance member for the connecting element. When the device is in the unlocked position, the lever is held against an abutment in the guidance member and said lever moves away from the abutment in the event of a fall to permit the rings to engage the cord and lock the device.

Abstract: A braking device for controlling the slippage of a line therethrough comprises an elongate flat link having a load-carrying eye at each end thereof. A plurality of crossbars connecting longitudinal side members of the link are spaced apart along one side of the link, while swinging brake bars are pivotably connected to one of the longitudinal members of the link, interposed between adjacent crossbars. One end of each swinging brake bar is free to be pivoted away from the other of the longitudinal members, permitting a bight of a line to be passed around each brake bar, providing a serpentine path for the line through the braking device. Applying tension to a free end of the line controls the frictional braking effect of the device as the line is pulled through the braking device by a suspended load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a descent control unit of the kind used for lowering an injured person on a rope. The unit consists essentially of bar around which the rope is wound and a gate arrangement which is hinged to one end of the bar and is detachably secured to the other end of the bar by a locking pin. The bar and gate thus combine to form, in use, a closed loop through which the rope passes. The gate arrangement is formed so as to have a hook which extends beyond the other end of the bar to facilitate a lifting operation using the free end of the rope and a groove is provided in the gate arrangement to guide the free end and facilitate control of the descent rate. A snap hook on the gate provides for connection of the unit to a harness on the injured person and the snap hook is provided with an arm which extends across the groove to retain the rope therein when the unit is under load.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a fire emergency descent device utilizing straps is securable onto a persons back, and a spool-mounted line (wire) is controllably releasable through overhead wire guide supports adjustable to alter the hanging position of the strapped-in person, and rate of descent being controllable either manually by a manually-adjustable variable valve and a second valve normally preset to correspond to a persons weight to controllably regulate release of compressed air from a piston cylinder housing in which air becomes compressed by piston action resulting from spinning of the spool (spindle) during descent.

Abstract: An escape device for allowing an individual to descend from a damaged building. A drum and cable is mounted in a housing. The free end of the cable is secured to a part of the building, allowing the user to descend as the cable plays out and the drum rotates. A multiple gear reduction train mounted to the drum automatically limits the descent speed. A coil spring shock absorber forms the connection between the drum and gear train to reduce shock. A strap is folded inside a separate compartment in the housing below the drum and gear train. The strap is placed about the user's body during the descent. A quick release door in the strap compartment provides access to the strap.

Abstract: A safety clamp appliance is disclosed formed of a cable or rope housing having opposed walls and a generally U-shaped cross-section, the housing interior being adapted to receive a safety rope, and a brake lever having a pivot point, a brake surface and a handle for attachment to a workman's belt. The brake lever is pivotally mounted in the housing. An actuating spring is provided for spring loading the brake lever, thereby maintaining a constant pressure by the brake surface on the rope. The actuating spring is provided with a quick release for converting the safety clamp appliance from a spring loaded mode to a non-spring loaded mode.

Abstract: A rope descent control-brake is in three hingedly interconnected parts with springs at the hinges to urge the parts toward extended condition. Each part has a hole through it, and the rope is threaded in sinuous fashion through the three holes. In extended position, the device acts as a brake; while in collapsed position, the rope can be freely moved through the holes. A further lever assembly can be pivoted intermediate its length to the free end of one of the parts, and a handle can be pivotally mounted on a free end of the lever assembly and provides a control for the speed of descent.

Abstract: An apparatus for descending a rope or cable has a pair of laterally spaced housing parts pivoted together at their upper regions and connected at their lower regions to the upper ends of a scissor linkage provided at its lower ends with a pair of handles. Each of the housing parts carries a plurality of rollers engageable with the rope or cable and engaged by respective brakes for slowing descent of the device down such a rope or cable. One of the handles carries an operating lever connected to at least one of the brakes for reducing the braking force and increasing descent speed when this lever is operated.

Abstract: The machines of the present invention are adapted to brake a rotor or pulley by the action of centrifugal weights or units which are arranged to produce a reactive braking action on the rotor or pulley. In one application, the machine constitutes a fire escape pulley device including a pulley on which a cable is wound to rotate the pulley under the load of a person suspended by the cable. A rotor bodily rotates with the pulley, a stationary annular cam is arranged around the rotor and defines a radially undulating cam surface facing radially inward toward the rotor, and one or more centrifugally responsive units are radially displaceable on the rotor to be centrifugally biased into rotation reactive engagement with the undulating cam surface.

Abstract: A fire escape device having an elongated flexible element terminating in an end anchorable to a building structure and having a length sufficient to reach a lower, safe support level. Detachably mounted on the flexible element for longitudinal movement therealong is a slide and sling assembly including a clamp arranged for clampingly engaging the flexible element in such a manner as to form a loop therein. By this arrangement, the rate of descent of a person using the device can be controlled not only by tightening and untightening the clamp itself, but also by pressure applied to the loose end of the flexible element by the user or by any other person below.

Abstract: A rotary speed limiter device particularly useful as a fire escape device. The device has a rotary speed limiter member mounted on a shaft to slide axially on the shaft and to rotate with it. Means, the speed of which is to be controlled, rotates the shaft. As the shaft is rotated, means applies a braking force on the speed limiter member, causing it to compress air in a surrounding support body and to move axially on the shaft, to limit the speed of the shaft rotating means.

Abstract: A safety line for use in industrial and other construction is combined with a take-up reel and braking device. The mechanism is maintained in a housing attached to harness device worn by the worker, with the line being attached to a suitable structural component. When the line is paid out slowly, the take-up mechanism serves to keep the slack line from interfering with normal operations; if the line is paid out rapidly, as when the worker falls, the braking device serves to snub the line before the worker can fall far enough to incur injury. A locking device prevents line movement, if desired.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fire escape which has a base member, a brake device, a flexible elongated member for holding escaping persons and a drive device having at least one drive wheel which drives the brake device by frictional engagement with the flexible elongated member. The fire escape includes an actuator which is pivotally supported by the base member and acts to press the flexible elongated member at the entry side thereof toward the drive wheel to a contacting member disposed on the base member so as add a brake force to the flexible elongated member and to create a tension force in the flexible elongated member by receiving a force from the flexible elongated member at the exit side thereof from the drive wheel owing to a total weight of escaping persons held by the flexible elongated member.

Abstract: A reversible cable connector to connect a lanyard to a vertically suspended cable of the type which combines a U-shaped shoe to hold the cable in the crotch of the shoe with a lever arm pivotally mounted upon a pivot pin between the side plates of the shoe, the lever having a cam surface at the inner end of the lever arm engaging the cable when the lever is pulled downwardly and a connecting means at the outer end of the lever arm connecting with the lanyard.

Abstract: A safety belt for preventing injury to persons working in high places. The belt has straps for attachment to a window frame, scaffold or derrick or other supporting surface such as a ship's deck or hull. A housing secured to the forward portion of the belt is provided with a shaft on which is wound a line attachable to the window ledge, scaffold, derrick, boat deck or hull. A mechanism for lifting the user back to the supporting surface in the event of strap failure is associated with the shaft. The lifting mechanism is operable by the user.

Abstract: A fire escape device comprises a pair of arms pivotally connected together at respective ends for movement between an open position and a closed position. The distal ends of the arms can be fastened together when the arms are in the closed position. The arms are provided with respective means each defining at least a part of a passage and when the arms are in the closed position the respective means cooperate to thereby define a tortuous passageway between the arms for a rope or cable. The fire escape device can be used in a fire escape apparatus including also a length of cable and a harness. In operation a person attaches one end of the cable to a support, attaches the device to the cable and attaches a harness supporting him to the device; he then descends along the cable to the ground with the fire escape device braking his rate of descent.

Abstract: Restraining device intends to protect the workman from falling while working at higher environments. The device consists of a fixed cable stretched along the area of interest. A gripping clamp which slides along the cable is attached permanently to the workman's belt. Clamp consists of a pivotal arm which, when a downward load is applied at the point of attachment of the belt, exerts a frictional force on the cable, sufficient to immediately terminate workman's fall.