Abstract: A rope structure adapted to engage a bearing structure while under load comprises a plurality of fibers, a matrix, and lubricant particles. The plurality of fibers is adapted to bear the loads applied to the ends of the rope structure. The matrix surrounds at least a portion of some of the plurality of fibers. The lubricant particles are supported by the matrix such that at least some of the lubricant particles are arranged between at least some of the fibers to reduce friction between at least some of the plurality of fibers and at least some of the lubricant particles are arranged to be between the bearing structure and at least some of the plurality of fibers to reduce friction between the bearing structure and at least some of the plurality of fibers.

Abstract: A plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers are provided. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is greater than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. Abrasion resistance characteristics of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A gripping ability of the second fibers is greater than a gripping ability of the first fibers. The first fibers and the second fibers are passed through a convergence duct such that the first fibers pick up the second fibers. A false twist is imparted to the combination of the plurality of first fibers and the plurality of second fibers. The false twist is removed from the combination of the plurality of first fibers and the plurality of second fibers to form the blended yarn.

Abstract: A blended yarn comprises a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is greater than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. Abrasion resistance characteristics of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A gripping ability of the second fibers is greater than a gripping ability of the first fibers. The plurality of second fibers are combined with the plurality of first fibers such that the first fibers extend along the length of the blended yarn and the second fibers do not extend along the length of the blended yarn at least a portion of the second fibers are engaged with and extend from the plurality of first fibers effectively to define surface characteristics of the blended yarn.

Abstract: A rope structure adapted to engage a bearing structure while under load comprises a plurality of fibers, a matrix, and lubricant particles. The plurality of fibers is adapted to bear the loads applied to the ends of the rope structure. The matrix surrounds at least a portion of some of the plurality of fibers. The lubricant particles are supported by the matrix such that at least some of the lubricant particles are arranged between at least some of the fibers to reduce friction between at least some of the plurality of fibers and at least some of the lubricant particles are arranged to be between the bearing structure and at least some of the plurality of fibers to reduce friction between the bearing structure and at least some of the plurality of fibers.

Abstract: A rope structure adapted to engage an intermediate structure while loads are applied to ends of the rope structure comprises a primary strength component and a coating. The primary strength component comprises a plurality of fibers adapted to bear the loads applied to the ends of the rope structure. The coating comprises a mixture of a lubricant portion and a binder portion. The lubricant portion comprises particles having an average size of within approximately 0.01 microns to 2.00 microns. The binder portion is applied to the primary strength portion as a liquid and dries to support the lubricant portion relative to at least some of the fibers. The matrix supports the lubricant portion such that the lubricant portion reduces friction between at least some of the plurality of fibers and between at least some of the plurality of fibers and the intermediate structure.

Abstract: A blended yarn comprises a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is greater than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. Abrasion resistance characteristics of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A gripping ability of the second fibers is greater than a gripping ability of the first fibers. The plurality of second fibers are combined with the plurality of first fibers such that the first fibers extend along the length of the blended yarn and the second fibers do not extend along the length of the blended yarn at least a portion of the second fibers are engaged with and extend from the plurality of first fibers effectively to define surface characteristics of the blended yarn.

Abstract: A blended yarn comprises a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is greater than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. Abrasion resistance characteristics of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A gripping ability of the second fibers is greater than a gripping ability of the first fibers. The plurality of second fibers are combined with the plurality of first fibers such that the first fibers extend along the length of the blended yarn and the second fibers do not extend along the length of the blended yarn at least a portion of the second fibers are engaged with and extend from the plurality of first fibers effectively to define surface characteristics of the blended yarn.

Abstract: A rope structure adapted to engage an intermediate structure while loads are applied to ends of the rope structure comprises a primary strength component and a coating. The primary strength component comprises a plurality of fibers adapted to bear the loads applied to the ends of the rope structure. The coating comprises a mixture of a lubricant portion and a binder portion. The lubricant portion comprises particles having an average size of within approximately 0.01 microns to 2.00 microns. The binder portion is applied to the primary strength portion as a liquid and dries to support the lubricant portion relative to at least some of the fibers. The matrix supports the lubricant portion such that the lubricant portion reduces friction between at least some of the plurality of fibers and between at least some of the plurality of fibers and the intermediate structure.

Abstract: A rope structure adapted to engage an external structure comprising a primary strength component and a coating. The primary strength component comprises a plurality of fibers. The coating comprises a lubricant portion and a binder portion that fixes the lubricant portion relative to at least some of the fibers. The coating is applied to the primary strength component such that the lubricant portion reduces friction between adjacent fibers and reduces friction between fibers and the external structure.

Abstract: A blended yarn comprises a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is greater than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. Abrasion resistance characteristics of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A gripping ability of the second fibers is greater than a gripping ability of the first fibers. The plurality of second fibers are combined with the plurality of first fibers such that the first fibers extend along the length of the blended yarn and the second fibers do not extend along the length of the blended yarn at least a portion of the second fibers are engaged with and extend from the plurality of first fibers effectively to define surface characteristics of the blended yarn.

Abstract: A rope comprising a plurality of yarns, where at least one of the plurality of yarns is a blended yarn comprising a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. Abrasion resistance properties of the blended yarn are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A coefficient of friction of the first fibers is less than a coefficient of friction of the second fibers. The second fibers substantially define abrasion resistance and coefficient of friction characteristics of the at least one blended yarn. When the rope contacts a structural member, the first set of fibers of the at least one blended yarn substantially bear tension loads on the at least one blended yarn and at least a portion of the second fibers of the at least one blended yarn substantially lie between the set of first fibers and the structural member.

Abstract: A rope comprising a plurality of yarns, where at least one of the plurality of yarns is a blended yarn comprising a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. Aabrasion resistance properties of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is less than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. The second fibers substantially define abrasion resistance and coefficient of friction characteristics of the at least one blended yarn. When the rope contacts a structural member, the first set of fibers of the at least one blended yarn substantially bear tension loads on the at least one blended yarn and at least a portion of the second fibers of the at least one blended yarn substantially lie between the set of first fibers and the structural member.

Abstract: A rope structure adapted to engage an external structure comprising a primary strength component and a coating. The primary strength component comprises a plurality of fibers. The coating comprises a lubricant portion and a binder portion that fixes the lubricant portion relative to at least some of the fibers. The coating is applied to the primary strength component such that the lubricant portion reduces friction between adjacent fibers and reduces friction between fibers and the external structure.

Abstract: A blended yarn and method of making the same. The blended yarn is formed into a rope adapted to engage structural member and comprises a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. The abrasion resistance properties of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is less than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. The first fibers extend along the length of the blended yarn and the second fibers do not extend along the length of the blended yarn. A plurality of blended yarns are combined to form the rope such that, when the rope contacts the structural member, the second fibers of the blended yarn are primarily in contact with the structural member and the first set of fibers substantially bear tension loads on the rope.

Abstract: A rope and method of making the same. The rope is adapted to engage a structural member and comprises a plurality of yarns. At least one of the yarns comprises a first set of first fibers and a second set of fibers. The first and second sets of fibers are combined using a false twisting process such that the second fibers do not extend the length of the rope and the second fibers indirectly bear tension loads on the rope. The first fibers substantially determine load bearing properties of the rope. The second fibers substantially determine abrasion resistance properties and a coefficient of friction of the rope. Abrasion resistance properties of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is less than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers.

Abstract: A rope and method of making the same. The rope comprises a plurality of yarns. At least one of the yarns comprises first and second sets of fibers. The first fibers are formed of a first material, and the second set of second fibers at least partly surrounds the first fibers. The second fibers are formed of a second material. The first material defines a set of operating characteristics adapted to bear tension loads on the rope. The second material defines a set of operating characteristics adapted to affect at least one surface characteristic of the rope.

Abstract: A controlled failure rope and method of making the same. The controlled failure rope comprises first and second portions. The first portion is formed of a first material having a first set of tension failure characteristics. The second portion is formed of a second material having a second set of tension failure characteristics. The first and second sets of tension failure characteristics differ such that, when the rope is subjected to tension loads above a tension threshold, the first portion of the rope begins to fail before the second portion of the rope, therefore providing a prior indication of possible rope failure before the rope becomes completed separated.