Abstract: A controlled descent apparatus includes a cable which is wound on a spool and is unwound from the spool by the weight of a person to effect the descent. To limit the rate of descent, the spool turns as the cable is unwound and drives a positive displacement pump the output of which is through a flow control valve. A secondary braking system is designed to provide a smooth transition between the systems. The cable is guided through an opening, such as a window, by an arm which is formed by inner and outer sections pivotally connected to each other with the inner arm pivotally connected relative to the wall so that the arm may be placed in a compact stored condition. The release of a latch permits the arm to self-deploy into an active position.

Abstract: A controlled descent apparatus for lowering a person from an elevated place includes a cable which is wound on a drum and is unwound from the drum by the weight of the person to effect the descent. To limit the rate of descent, the drum turns as the cable is unwound and drives a positive displacement pump the output of which is through a flow control valve. The latter is set to permit a preselected maximum rate of flow so that the drum turns at a correlated maximum speed and thus limits the rate at which the cable is paid out during the descent. In the unlikely event that the valve fails to limit the speed of the drum, a centrifugally operated brake is automatically energized at a somewhat higher speed of the drum whereby the descent continues at a faster but still a safe rate.