Abstract: A descent controller (30) for lowering a load along a rope (32). Controller is a friction cylinder or capstan (31) of a length adapted to receive a plurality of turns of rope (32) between top and bottom end plates (34, 35) adjacent the upper and lower ends of said cylinder which overhang the cylinder (31) and define radial slots (40, 41) sized to loosely receive the rope. An upwardly narrowing tapered slot (44) defined diametrically through the capstan (31) receives and releasably grips the rope. An annular clamp ring (48) is slidably mounted on the cylinder (31) and defines a radial aperture (49) which loosely receives the rope as it exits from the tapered slot (44). A spring (41) biases the ring (48) upwardly along the said friction cylinder (31) for releasably wedging the rope (32) in the tapered slot.

Abstract: A descent controller for lowering a load along a rope from an elevated position to a relatively lower position. The controller is a friction cylinder or capstan or a length adapted to receive a plurality of turns of rope between top and bottom end plates attached respectively adjacent the upper and lower ends of said cylinder. The end plates overhang the cylinder and define radial slots sized to loosely receive the rope. An upwardly narrowing tapered slot defined diametrically through the capstan receives and grips the rope. An annular clamp ring is slidably mounted on the cylinder and defines a radial aperture which loosely receives the rope as it exits from said tapered slot. A spring biases the ring upwardly along said friction cylinder for releasably wedging the rope in the tapered slot. A gripping cylinder is secured to the ring for sliding said ring along the friction cylinder to release said rope from the narrow end of said tapered slot.

Abstract: A releasable fastener for securing together lap belt straps, shoulder harness straps and a parachute ripcord lanyard. The fastener includes a buckle member or release assembly on one lap belt interengageable with a tongue member or link assembly on the other lap belt. A key on the end of the ripcord lanyard is releasably attached to the link assembly. The shoulder harness straps are engaged with the release assembly before it is coupled with the link assembly. The fastener provides for automatic release of the lap belt and shoulder harness straps to release the user from an aircraft ejection seat after its ejection from the aircraft, while retaining the parachute ripcord in attachment to the ejection seat for initiating automatic deployment of the parachute. Upon manual release of the fastener, the lap belt and shoulder harness straps are released and the ripcord lanyard key is positively ejected from the fastener to ensure its release.