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 personnel lowering or descent control device. The device includes a housing adapted to be secured to a person intending to descend from a higher to a lower elevation, and containing a line adapted to be secured at one end to a fixed point at said higher elevation. The line is wound on a reel rotatably mounted in said housing. A brake assembly, including a centrifugal brake controls the rate of rotation of said reel and thereby the rate of descent. A mechanical brake on said housing provides a manual control of the rate of rotation of the line supply reel. The descent line is trained on a plurality of capstans mounted within the housing for absorbing energy and providing a capstan ratio effective to reduce applied line tension to slow the descent of an object supported by the said descent device.

Abstract: A descent control device for lowering a load along a rope from an elevated position at which said rope is anchored to a relatively lower position. The device includes a vertical friction capstan such as a drum, shaft or cylinder, of a length adapted to receive a plurality of turns of rope wrapped therearound. Top and bottom end plates are attached respectively adjacent the upper and lower ends of the capstan; each having a portion overhanging the surface of the capstan and defining apertures sized to loosely receive the rope. The bottom aperture includes arcuate slot which tapers as it follows the contour of the capstan. A hook or eye depends from the lower end of the capstan for attaching a load carrying device. A locking end plate is rotatably mounted on the capstan below the lower end plate and includes an aperture for loosely receiving the rope.