Abstract: Structures and apparatuses such as tank cars that have ladders associated therewith are disclosed which have, at the ladder top, two arrays of a plurality of horizontal rungs suitable for a climber using a ladder to horizontally grip by hand. The arrays form an opening through which a climber can leave or access the ladder while gripping the horizontal handgrip rungs of the arrays. The cross-section of the horizontal handgrip rungs is substantially round and should not exceed 2 inches in diameter. The preferred cross-section of the rungs is within the range of from about ¾″-1″ in diameter.

Abstract: A fixed ladder has a first plurality of parallel rungs arranged along a lower section thereof and also has a walk-through section with vertical side rails arranged at the top thereof. A second plurality of parallel rungs is arranged along the walk-through section. This second plurality of rungs is attached at one end to the vertical side rails of the walk-through section and is easier to hold then the vertical side rails if a foot or a climber slips near the top of the ladder while mounting or dismounting at the walk-through section.

Abstract: A safety system which permits the free movement of the user, assists the ascent of the user and provides a reduced, controlled rate of descent in the event of an emergency descent or a fall, includes a cable attachable at one end to the user and secured at the other end to a moveable counterweight assembly. Intermediate its ends the cable passes over a pulley in a controlled descent device which also includes a centrifugally-actuated clutch coupling the pulley to a speed-multiplying gearing system and a centrifugally-operated braking assembly. Under normal-use conditions, the pulley is rotated at sufficiently low speeds to preclude engagement of the clutch, and the user has free movement, with a component of the counterweight assisting the ascent of the user. In the event of a rapid rate of descent, the increased rotational speed of the pulley is coupled to and actuates the braking assembly to reduce the rotation of the pulley and slow the descent to a lower, controlled rate.

Abstract: A novel controlled descent device is disclosed which not only aids in the ascent of a human being from a lower elevation to an upper elevation but also provides for the safe descent of a human being from the upper level to the lower level. The apparatus comprises a round cable, a counterweight, a controlled descent pulley having a ratchet and pawl brake system and a conventional pulley; all operating conjunctly dependently on the position and situation of the human being. The controlled descent pulley and conventional pulley are held in a plate structure which is secured to the upper elevation. The counterweight is raised and lowered from the upper elevation to the lower elevation and vice-versa by means of a guy wire which is anchored and held in relatively taught position between said upper elevation and said lower elevation.

Abstract: A fall protection safety device is disclosed which is suitable for use in environments wherein suspended particulate matter is present. The device comprises an elongated tubular housing having an upper end guide block with a centrally located opening therein and a lower end guide block with a centrally located opening therein. The lower guide block has a plurality of openings spaced apart from and around its centrally located opening. A safety line is threaded within the tubular housing and movement thereof is prevented by camming a line-gripping ball and cage arrangement associated with a piston upwardly within a conical bore of a wedging ring. The piston has a centrally located opening through which the safety line is threaded and a serrated outer surface adjacent to and circumscribed by the inner surface of the elongate tubular housing.