Abstract: An apparatus for lowering people from a building or platform which includes a lowering line that is looped through a block member having a cylindrical ratchet with a grooved rim that is rotatably mounted on a shaft centrally positioned between two side plates forming the sides of the block member. The block member includes a longitudinal axis extending through the center of the shaft mounting the cylindrical ratchet and includes an attaching device which is offset a predetermined distance to one side of the longitudinal axis. On the opposite side of the block member from the attaching device is a pair of spaced pivots which make up a narrow entry and exit opening through which the incoming and outgoing ends of the lowering line extend. The pivots are equally spaced on either side of the longitudinal axis with the outgoing end of the lowering line passing adjacent to the pivot which is arranged on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis from the attaching device.

Abstract: The invention refers to a lifeline device which is designed to lower persons from a burning building, after evacuation through a window, distinguished by the lifeline (A) having a length which corresponds to the mounting height of the equipment above the ground over a friction pulley (B) having a circumferential groove (C), which will cause braking said lifeline is threaded to occur under the weight of the person being lowered. The friction pulley of the pulley and lifeline (B) has a centered over-dimensioned axle hub (D) and runs between two bolts (E,E') attached to the sideplates (F) forming a pulley housing, which is fastened with a bracket (G) to a window sill or other structure. Under loading, the line (A) locks the friction pulley (B) against the bolts (E,E') so that the line is pulled through the friction pulley's groove (C) and the line passes between two bolts (H) placed in the lower end of the housing (F) to hold the line within the groove (C).