Abstract: An extension rod assembly for manually positioning a tool head in contact with a work surface comprises an extension rod, a pivotable tool head, and a control linkage for locking the tool head in a selected angular position relative to the extension rod. The control linkage comprises an elongate connecting member which extends through the rod, a manually operable handle at the control end of the rod, and a clutch mechanism which is operated by the handle. The clutch has a first position in which it is disengaged from the connecting member, and a second position in which it is frictionally engaged to the connecting member in order to exert a linearly-directed force on the connecting member so as to actuate a locking assembly which locks the tool head in position. In the disengaged position, the clutch permits linear movement of the connecting member past the clutch and handle as tubular portions of the extension rod are telescoped to a desired length.

Abstract: A fire escape having a cable-carrying drum mounted for rotation on a fixed shaft supported by a frame wherein the speed of rotation on the drum when the cable is laid out is governed by a centrifugally-operated braking device, one braking element of which is fixed rigidly to the shaft and the other element of which is slidably and rotatably mounted on the rigid shaft and provided with a gear connection to the drum, movement of the rotating brake element into frictional engagement with the fixed braking element by a centrifugal governor rotatably mounted on the shaft and rotated by virtue of geared connection to the drum.