Abstract: A descent assist device for powered ascenders is discussed herein. In one embodiment, the descent assist device can include a base plate having a first guide surface, a capstan peg, a second guide surface, and a retention loop extending from the first guide surface to the second guide surface configured to retain a rope on the descent assist device. Where the angle of wrapping of the rope around the first guide surface and the capstan peg is constant during use and the angle of wrapping of the rope around the second guide surface is adjustable by the user of the device to increase or decrease the frictional drag of the rope.

Abstract: A rigid structure such as a ladder is disclosed having rotating hinges that allow the ladder to fold up and/or be disassembled and assembled. The hinge or hinges can be provided between ladder sections with one ladder section having a male hinge element, and another having a female hinge element. A cam element provided with the female hinge element can be moved between an unlocked position in which the ladder sections can rotate with respect to each other, and a locked position in which the structure is rigid.

Abstract: A descent assist device for powered ascenders is discussed herein. In one embodiment, the descent assist device can include a base plate having a first guide surface, a capstan peg, a second guide surface, and a retention loop extending from the first guide surface to the second guide surface configured to retain a rope on the descent assist device. Where the angle of wrapping of the rope around the first guide surface and the capstan peg is constant during use and the angle of wrapping of the rope around the second guide surface is adjustable by the user of the device to increase or decrease the frictional drag of the rope.

Abstract: A rigid structure such as a ladder is disclosed having rotating hinges that allow the ladder to fold up and/or be disassembled and assembled. The hinge or hinges can be provided between ladder sections with one ladder section having a male hinge element, and another having a female hinge element. A cam element provided with the female hinge element can be moved between an unlocked position in which the ladder sections can rotate with respect to each other, and a locked position in which the structure is rigid.

Abstract: A rigid structure such as a ladder is disclosed having rotating hinges that allow the ladder to fold up and/or be disassembled and assembled. The hinge or hinges can be provided between ladder sections with one ladder section having a male hinge element, and another having a female hinge element. A cam element provided with the female hinge element can be moved between an unlocked position in which the ladder sections can rotate with respect to each other, and a locked position in which the structure is rigid.

Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.

Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a powered rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor where the rotating drum has a longitudinal axis and a circumference. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the powered rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.

Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.

Abstract: A multiple-rope or multiple-cable pulling device is provided for positioning a load. The device can include an electronic controller that interprets a user's input from an interface such as a trigger or a joystick, and activates electronically controlled motors that drive one or more rope pulling mechanisms, such as winches. When the winches pull in or pay out cable in accordance with the controller's demand, the load is moved along the desired trajectory as specified by the user through the device interface.

Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a powered rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor where the rotating drum has a longitudinal axis and a circumference. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the powered rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.

Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a powered rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor where the rotating drum has a longitudinal axis and a circumference. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the powered rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.

Abstract: A device capable of pulling an object (e.g., a person) by or up a tensioning member (e.g., a rope) is provided. The device can be configured to mate to any location of the tensioning member, and subsequently interface with a rotational power source (such a mechanical drill). Once interfaced, an output of the rotational energy source can be rotationally coupled to a rotating drum of the device wherein the drum is in communication with the tensioning member. With the addition of power, the drum(s) can pull the tensioning member through the device and allow for a continuous force to be applied to an object attached to the device or attached to the tensioning member. The use of such a convenient and low-cost power source allows for an economic, portable, and simple to use device capable of lifting and/or pulling heavy loads.

Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a powered rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor where the rotating drum has a longitudinal axis and a circumference. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the powered rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.