Abstract: The invention relates to a descent control device comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprises a rope entrance and a rope exit located at opposite sides of the housing, a channel having at least one curvature of at least 180 degrees, for accommodating the rope internally in the housing, and an element arranged in the center of the curvature, limiting the inner radius of the channel. The element is non-concentrically rotatable between a free position and a stop position, and provided with an arm protruding out through the housing for controlling the rotating between free and stop position. The channel in the curvature is narrower along substantially its whole length when the element is in stop position than in free position.

Abstract: A toggle-type suture anchor that incorporates individual suture tensioning and locking without knot tying. The anchor includes an elongate toggle body having a working suture pre-threaded into a first passage and back up and out a second passage with a length running longitudinally adjacent the side of the anchor. A locking suture loop is pre-threaded into a third passage between the first and second passage and includes a collapsible loop that encircles a portion of the length of suture running longitudinally adjacent the side of the anchor. With the loop open, the working suture can slide through the anchor, however, when the loop is closed the working suture is locked in position to retain tension on the working suture. The anchor can be utilized in a pre-strung connected array of anchors.

Abstract: A contoured saddle assembly includes a saddle with a closed loop formed by an upper strap, a lower strap, a first lateral strap and a second lateral strap. Each of the upper and lower straps has a forward edge lying in a forward plane and rearward edge lying in a rearward plane. A panel comprising a flexible material is attached to and extends from the first lateral strap to the second lateral strap. A receiving section of the panel traverses a space between the upper and lower straps. The receiving section has a concavely shaped interior surface facing the forward plane. A belt strap is attached to the saddle adjacent to the upper strap and a pair of leg straps each has an attached end attached to the saddle.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of novel line dispensing devices and methods for dispensing and retracting a line of a line dispensing device.

Abstract: A safety restraint system for use by a worker working in a bucket, including a primary tether line that securely encircles the bucket at a position adjacent to the upper rim thereof; at least a pair of straps connected to the tether line on opposite sides of the bucket; a safety harness or aerial belt adapted to be worn by the worker and having at least a pair of clips attached thereto; and at least a pair of straps that interconnect the harness buckles to the straps on the tether line, thereby interconnecting the harness to the tether line.

Abstract: The self-blocking descender-belay device (1) according to the invention comprises: a first lateral guide flange (6) for the rope, comprising a braking nose (4e), a second lateral guide flange (7) for the rope, which is separated from the first flange (6) by a transverse gap (8) for passage of the rope, and can be displaced between a spaced position for putting into place and removal of a rope, and a closed position in which the rope is trapped in the transverse gap (8) for passage of the rope, a cam (4d) which is engaged between the first and second flanges (6, 7) and is mobile towards and away from the braking nose (4e), and is thrust towards the braking nose (4e) by a cam return spring, the transverse gap (8) for passage of the rope extending between a rope input in the vicinity of the braking nose (4e), and a rope output opposite, the rope output having a large opening such as to permit free orientation of the rope output end between a blocking orientation in which the rope surrounds the cam (4d), and a

Abstract: An ascender device for a double rope is composed of two identical ascenders, the flanges of which are reversed by pivoting through 180° with respect to one another along a vertical axis extending parallel to the two troughs. The two grips are symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis so as to be able to be held at the same time by the user's right hand and left hand.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for a Compact Descender used in conjunction with a rope. The invention includes a first plate and a second plate arranged adjacent to one another and pivotally connected to one another by a rope post at the top ends of the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and the second plate are selectively and pivotally opened and closed and are interlocked when closed by attachment of a carabiner through a hole in the bottom end of the first plate and an adjacent hole in the bottom end of the second plate. The first plate and the second plate include a rope channel adjacent to a lever, where the lever is pivotally attached to a pivot pin affixed to the first plate. A substantially rectangular shaped rope clamping cam is pivotally attached above the lever on the same pivot pin.

Abstract: A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long nylon rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use.

Abstract: A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long, thin composite rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use.

Abstract: A device for controlling movement of a rope has a main part and a bar part. The main part has first and second side members and first and second end members. The bar part defines an opening, and the first side member extends through the opening. The bar part is displaced to allow a portion of the rope to be arranged within the central opening and at least partly around the bar part. The bar part is displaced such that the main part and the bar part define first and second opening portions of the central opening and the portion of the rope extends through the first and second opening portions and at least partly around the bar part.

Abstract: A belay device includes a body having (i) a channel configured to receive a rope and (ii) a notched bottom. The channel includes a groove swept along an arced path in an upper portion of the channel opposite the notched bottom. The groove is configured to restrain movement of the rope when the rope is placed into contact with sides of the groove. The notched bottom includes a notch. The belay device is configured so that the notch in the notched bottom receives a portion of a carabiner in order to pinch the rope between the notched bottom and the carabiner in response to tension on the rope. The notch could extend upward from a bottom of the belay device towards an end of the groove located along a side of the belay device.

Abstract: A slide displaced along a life-line. The slide includes a body provided with a guide duct through which a cable passes. The slide further includes a handle that is capable of interacting with an attached connecting mechanism. The handle is articulated relative to the body such that the handle has a freedom of rotary movement of axis in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the guide duct and different from a direction of traction of the connecting mechanism of the handle.

Abstract: An ascender device for belaying on a fixed rope, comprising a body with a trough, and an actuating lever having a pivot, a cam for clamping the rope, and a hole for attaching a safety means. A connecting arm with a button-hole is articulated between the pivot and body to move the actuating lever between an inactive position facilitating insertion of the rope in the trough and an active position wherein the ends of the pivot are housed in aligned recesses acting as bearings. A double lock comprises a first lock and a second lock to secure the two opposite ends of the pivot in the recesses, each lock being associated with an unlocking tab for releasing same.

Abstract: A fire escape system includes at least one guide post and an escape platform slidably carried by the at least one guide post and comprising a platform plate; a pair of handlebars pivotally carried by the platform plate; a pair of guide rollers carried by the pair of handlebars, respectively, and adapted to detachably engage the at least one guide post; and a pair of brake assemblies carried by the escape platform and adapted to engage the at least one guide post.

Abstract: A search line rescue system for use by rescue personnel to facilitate a safe search and rescue mission through an area of low to zero visibility is disclosed. The search line rescue system comprises a search rope having a first end configured to be attachable to a fixed point at an entry point, a central portion with at least one distance marker and a second end. The system further comprises a search device handle with a leading end and a trailing end wherein the search device handle is slidably coupled to the search rope. The search device handle comprises a rigid body, an automatic lock mechanism coupled to the rigid body wherein the automatic lock mechanism comprises a manual lock mechanism release, and at least one tag line attachment anchor. At least one locking directional indicator is securely coupled to the search rope at a desired location, and is configured to releasably engage with the automatic lock search mechanism of the search device handle.

Abstract: A device for controlling movement of a rope comprises a main part and a bar part. The main part defines a central opening, first and second side portions, first and second end portions, at least one projection portion extending from each end portion, and a friction surface formed at junctures of each end portion and the at least one projection portion adjacent thereto. The bar part is movably attached to the first side portion. The bar part is displaced to allow a portion of the rope to be arranged within the central opening and at least partly around the bar part. The bar part is displaced such that the main part and the bar part define first and second opening portions of the central opening and the portion of the rope extends through the first and second opening portions and at least partly around the bar part.

Abstract: A descender comprises a base plate (20) having a point of connection (24A) to a harness and a pivoting plate (22) mounted pivotally on the base plate (20) about an axis with the pivoting plate (22) having two spaced rotating pulleys (25 and 26) for engaging a rope (39). The base plate (20) has a rotating stationary pulley (27) mounted thereon to provide opposition to rotating pulleys (25 and 26) which are mounted on the pivoting plate (22). A control handle (23) with a cam surface (41) presses against the pivoting plate (22) which increases the space between rotating pulleys (25 and 26) on the pivoting plate (22) and the stationary pulley (27) that is secured to the base plate (20), thereby relieving the clamping effect. A speed regulator (34) stops the control handle (23) from full travel, allowing less than maximum rate of descent. A door plate (21) protects the internal parts when secured closed.

Abstract: A rescue lanyard is described herein to be used with a safety harness worn by a person. The lanyard comprises a main strap having a first attachment portion for attaching the main strap to a structure and a second attachment portion for attaching the main strap to the harness, and a secondary strap secured to the main strap adjacent the first attachment portion and having a third attachment portion to be attached to the harness via an emergency descent control device. In a safety mode of operation, the first attachment portion of the main strap is attached to the harness and the second attachment portion is attached to a structure so as to retain the person wearing the harness during a fall. In a self rescue mode of operation following a fall, while the person hang from the main strap, the third attachment portion is first attached to the harness via the emergency descent control device and the main strap is then cut so as to allow the person to descent from the structure using the descending device.

Abstract: A fall arrest device used with a fixed safety rope comprises a support arm articulated on a first spindle of the body, a roller in the form of a cylindrical wheel mounted rotating free on a second spindle securedly attached to the support arm, and a centrifugal coupling arranged between a drive member of the roller and the support arm so as to occupy a disengaged position or an engaged position. The centrifugal coupling comprises at least one flyweight movable along a ramp of the drive member against a compression spring, and a connecting interface engaged inside a cylindrical rim of the support arm to transmit the elastic force of the spring to the flyweight.

Abstract: A descent controller for lowering a workman or other person along a vertically extending rope from an elevated position to a relatively lower position includes a friction device that may be in the form of a cylinder having a plurality of turns of rope wrapped therearound or a plurality of spaced apart horizontal bars with the rope woven between the bars. The friction device interacts with said rope to retard the movement of the controller along the rope. A lever operated pawl is mounted beneath the friction device and is used by the workman to applying an adjustable force on said rope in order to control his descent down the rope. A centrifugal brake is mounted below the lever centrifugal brake. The centrifugal brake includes a wheel mounted for rotation and has the rope passing around at least a portion of said wheel. Included within the brake is a pawl brake mounted for rotation with the wheel and a fixed stop member.

Abstract: A fire escape system includes a frame assembly that is for coupling to a window frame. A suspension member is coupled to the frame assembly. The suspension member is suspended from the frame assembly such that the suspension member is for supporting a user escaping from the building. The suspension member is extendable between the frame assembly and the ground. A boom assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The boom assembly has a support member. The support member of the boom assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The suspension member is coupled to the boom assembly such that the boom assembly is for suspending the suspension member a distance from a wall of the building for inhibiting the user from is burned by the burning building.

Abstract: A rappel tool for use in conjunction with rappel rope, the tool comprising generally rectangularly-shaped and substantially planar rigid body having first and second side edges and first and second end edges. A first opening extends through the body and is proximate and spaced from the first end edge and is spaced from the first and second side edges. A second opening extends through the body and is proximate and spaced from the second end edge and is spaced from the first and second side edges. A third opening extends through the body and is disposed between the first and second openings and is spaced from the first and second side edges. Each of the openings is of sufficient size to permit passage therethrough of a plurality of rappel ropes of a diameter of no more than about nine millimeters.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a safety device with a rope, comprises a metal body equipped with a first orifice of ellipsoidal shape allowing two strands of rope to cross without clearance, and a second reverse V-shaped orifice of decreasing cross-section in the direction of the first orifice. The second orifice has a portion of reduced width of a smaller dimension than the diameter of the rope, and two convergent edges for centering the rope when the turn is tightened during sliding. The lanyard may be used for rock-climbing, or for working at heights.

Abstract: A cable grab safety device which releasably attaches a workman's safety belt or harness lanyard to a vertically extending safety steel cable or the like. The device includes a primary frame assembly constructed of an elongated U-shaped bracket having a pair of spaced apart parallel side plates which is adapted to fit around the cable. A secondary frame assembly also comprised of a pair of side plates is adapted to fit within the U-shaped bracket after the cable is inserted. The secondary frame assembly carries a brake mechanism in the form of a pulley mounted in an elongated slot so as to be movable toward or away from the cable and a lever adapted to be attached to a worker's lanyard for moving the pulley so as to engage the cable in the event of a fall. An elongated bent pin connected between the primary and secondary frame assemblies allows for limited pivotal and axial movement between them to thereby allow the cable to be inserted into the U-shaped bracket.

Abstract: An abseil device including an integral main body (1) with two generally parallel main flanges (3, 4) joined together via a longitudinal connecting flange (6) and provided with two apertures (13, 14) engaged by a hook ring (2). The apertures (13, 14) include slanted edges (12) along which the hook ring (2) is slidable for wedging an intermediate portion (17) of a rope (5) and thereby locking the abseil device thereon. The device can be released by pivoting the main body (1). A self-locking abseil device suitable for mountaineering, caving, rock climbing or work in places high above the ground is thus provided.

Abstract: A motion restricting device restraining rectilinear movement of the ends of a rope and comprised of a post with retainment rings passing the rope at one or both opposite ends of the post, and having at least one and preferably a plurality of radially projecting adjustment bits intermediate the ends of the post for hooked engagement of a section of the rope drawn circumferentially around the post, the post and rings and bits being integrally formed and smooth surfaced for controlled frictional engagement with said rope.

Abstract: A self-belaying descending apparatus (10) comprising a descending control device (12), a safety line (30) and a body support (50) that can consist of a waist belt (74). The apparatus (10) functions by securing the upper end (32) of the line (30) to a fixed elevated structure (90). The lower end (34) of the line (30) is then wrapped around a pair of upper and lower line controls (24,26) attached to the device (12), and the device (12) is secured to the waist belt (74). The apparatus (10) is disclosed in two designs. In the first design, a single person is able to descend from the elevated structure (90). In the second design, the device (12) and safety line (30) function in combination with a modified device (12) and the body support (50) consist of a safety cage (100) that allows at least two persons to descend. In both designs, the descent rate is controlled by applying hand pressure to the safety line (30) wrapped around the upper and lower line controls (24,26).

Abstract: A rope friction exercise device is described which is in the form of a member 12 (FIG. 2) having multiple bars (51-62) about which a rope (30) can extend in multiple wrappings to provide frictional resistance against pulling of the rope. The member has an elongated longitudinally-extending first side (42) and has a first plurality of bars (51-54) spaced along the first side, with each bar having a first end (80) mounted on the side and a second end (74) which is free, so a rope can be wrapped and unwrapped from a bar by merely installing and removing it from the free end, to thereby change resistance to rope pulling. A plurality of parallel bars enables a rope section to extend over and under the bars in a small angle of wrap to enable a small change in rope pulled resistance, in an arrangement that makes it easy to understand how to change rope pulling resistance. A handle 36 (FIG. 6) allows easy adjustment of rope length.

Abstract: A safety system for connection to at least one fixed, elongated, structural component, e.g., an I-beam, of a static structure, e.g., a building being erected, to protect a worker located on the structure from falling thereoff. The system comprising first and second releasably securable mounting assemblies frictionally secured at respective spaced locations on the structural component, a rope or cable connected between the mounting assemblies, and a sliding anchor mounted on the rope. The sliding anchor comprising a tubular member mounted on the rope means for sliding therealong to a desired position whereupon it can be actuated to releasably secured it against further sliding. The worker wears a supporting belt, harness or other device, which is connected, via a lanyard and an associated shock absorber, to the sliding anchor, to thereby prevent he/she from falling more than a predetermined distance away from said sliding anchor.

Abstract: A reversible frictional brake for use with rope or the like is disclosed comprising a brake section rotatably attached to a housing. Rope is threaded between rollers, end links, snap links and an axle in the brake section. The reversible frictional brake for use with rope or the like is suspended by means of a loop attached to the housing. The frictional relationship between the rope and the rollers, end links, snap links and axle brake the travel of the rope through the brake section, thereby allowing a single rope handler to lower heavy weights and individuals attached to the rope in a controlled fashion. After a lowering operation, the brake housing may be simply rotated relative to the housing, thereby readying the reversible frictional brake for use with rope or the like for the next lowering operation.

Abstract: An improved intermediate support is provided for ensuring the safety of a worker while moving relative to a fixed structure at elevated locations, with the worker being secured by a lanyard to a safety or fall restraint cable. The intermediate support is secured to the fixed structure, and includes a supporting plate having a notch along the periphery thereof for receiving the safety cable, and a pair of opposing hook members positioned on opposite sides of the supporting plate. The hook members prevent the safety cable from inadvertently or intentionally moving out of the notch. The method of the present invention ensures that an end of the lanyard secured to the safety cable may be quickly and easily moved sequentially past one hook member, then the supporting plate, and then the other hook member to allow the worker to efficiently and safely move past the intermediate support.

Abstract: A controlled descent device is disclosed, including an elongate guide assembly that has an upper portion, a lower portion and a generally helical track that extends from the upper portion to the lower portion. A carriage includes a primary bearing that is engaged with and movable within the track. A harness is secured to the carriage and the carriage is descendible along the track to lower a person fastened in the harness from the upper portion of the guide assembly to the lower portion thereof.

Abstract: An improved intermediate support is provided for ensuring the safety of a worker while moving relative to a fixed structure at elevated locations, with the worker being secured by a lanyard to a safety or fall restraint cable. The intermediate support is secured to the fixed structure, and includes a supporting plate having a notch along the periphery thereof for receiving the safety cable, and a pair of opposing hook members positioned on opposite sides of the supporting plate. The hook members prevent the safety cable from inadvertently or intentionally moving out of the notch. The method of the present invention ensures that an end of the lanyard secured to the safety cable may be quickly and easily moved sequentially past one hook member, then the supporting plate, and then the other hook member to allow the worker to efficiently and safely move past the intermediate support.

Abstract: A protective device is disclosed for use with a scaffolding platform of the type which is suspended from an upright structure by means of and movable along at least one cable. The protective device protects an exposed zone of the cable adjacent to the platform against damage. The device comprises a weighted sleeve and means for selectively opening and re-closing the weighted sleeve so that it may be placed around the cable at the exposed zone and thereby protect the same. The weighted sleeve follows said platform under the influence of gravity as the platform is moved along the cable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a line clamping device which may be remotely and repeatedly operated to clamp line passing through the device. Increasing pressure acting on a piston in the clamp housing moves slips to a position clamping the line while compressing a spring. When pressure on the piston is reduced, the spring moves the slips and piston to back to a position not clamping line.

Abstract: A descending life-escaping device for a high-building use, particularly comprising a weight-supporting member as well as a steel cable with its top end firmly fixed somehow on the building and vertically hanged down along the wall thereof, is adapted to enable a person in life-threatening situation to descend from an elevated place safely by holding said weight-supporting member which is removably attached to said cable and guides said cable in a simply winding manner by means of a number of accordingly positioned coil-like parts through which said cable is led so that coil-like parts can produce tremendous frictional force against said cable so to reduce the descending speed of the user to a safe extent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rapid emergency escape system from elevated structures such as the fire-escape system from the top of a sky scraper to the ground level, which rapid descending system includes a vertical wire rope securely anchored to an over-hanging structure secured to the desired level of the elevated structure wherein said wire rope branches to at least two wire ropes with the lower ends of each reaching down to the ground level. The lower end of each of the branching wire ropes includes a connecting means and is connected to the free end of each of the horizontal wire ropes wherein each of the horizontal wire ropes is reeled up into two reels immovably secured and widely separated from each other. The reels include braking means for releasing the horizontal wire ropes while maintaining a certain level of the controlled tension on the wire ropes and means for rewinding the wire ropes back into the reels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rapid emergency escape system from an elevated structure which could be used as a fire-escape system from different levels of high rise building to its ground level. The sky-slide emergency escape system of the present invention includes a guide wire rope branching to at least two braking wire ropes wherein the upper end of the guide wire rope is secured to an elevated structure and each of the branching wire ropes reaching down to the ground level is reeled on each of a plurality of take-up reels equipped with a braking means for releasing the branching wire ropes under a preset tension and a means for rewinding the branching wire ropes on the reels. These take-up reels with braking means and rewinding means are widely separated from each other and immovably secured at the ground level.

Abstract: A descent control device is provided for lowering a person, animal or object from a first position of height to a second position substantially lower, especially as during escape from fire. The device comprises an assembly of three interacting parts including a strap, a brake block, and a friction ring. The strap, brake block, and friction ring interact and cooperate causing frictional engagement among themselves when the device is assembled. The resulting friction is used to control the descent from the place of height. The device may be utilized in two modes of operation: in the first, a descender utilizes the brake block and friction ring to slide downward upon the substantially stationary strap; in the second, the strap is used to lower a person, animal or object by attaching same to one end of the strap and utilizing the brake block and friction ring as a brake to control the lowering of the strap.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved apparatus for one person to use in effecting an escape from a tall building or the like under emergency conditions, such apparatus including a novel load-lowering device in the form of a small cylindrical drum having generally teardrop-shaped apertured endplates on both ends thereof and an eye projecting therebeneath for attachment of a load-carrying sling. The elongate portions of the teardrop-shaped endplates are vertically aligned and project beyond the surface of the drum, such projections containing the apertures. A rope is threaded onto the load-lowering device by first being passed up and in through the aperture in the lower endplate, then wrapped three or four turns around the drum before finally being passed up and out through the aperture in the upper one or vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting personnel or materials from an upper elevation to a lower elevation. Twin guideline means are suspended between the upper and lower elevations from each of which is suspended a carrier means. The two carrier means are simultaneously moveable in opposite directions along their respective guideline means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fire escape for high rise buildings. Cables are automatically lowered from the roof of the building, and once they have descended, brake apparatus is slipped over each cable to be used from various levels of the building. A person is suspended from each brake apparatus, and is controllably lowered to the ground. Since the brake apparatus can be attached anywhere along the cable without prethreading, a plurality of persons can be lowered at the same time, and the same cable can be used repeatedly by many people.

Abstract: Improvements in a system for escaping from an offshore drilling or production platform in an emergency situation which includes a stable floating structure forming a safe haven anchored near but at a safe distance from the platform, an aerial cableway extending between the platform and the haven, and a personnel carrier movable along the cableway. The principal improvement is that the haven is a semi-submersible structure for increased stability.

Abstract: Apparatus for use as a chain climbing device or a chain racheting device ludes a pair of spring-closed opposing cams disposed in a rigid structure which supports a pair of cam pins, each of which extends through an elongated aperture in one of the cams. The weight of a person using the chain climbing device is transferred from a pair of cam stops attached to the rigid structure to the cams to the chain. When the device is used for chain racheting the weight of the chain is transferred to the cams to the cam stops to the rigid structure. The shape of the cams and the elongated apertures enable the cams to rotate about and slide upward or downward on the cam pins to selectively allow upward or downward relative motion between the chain and the apparatus or lock the chain and the apparatus in a fixed relationship.

Abstract: Improved method and system for escaping from an offshore drilling or production platform in an emergency situation. A stable buoyant structure is floated and anchored in a fixed position nearby but at a safe distance from the platform. The structure is constructed to form a safe haven and is connected to the platform by an aerial cableway along which a personnel carrier is movable in either direction. Preferably the haven is in the form of a self-propelled vessel provided with a helicopter platform.

Abstract: A safety belt for preventing injury to persons working in high places. The belt has straps for attachment to a window frame, scaffold or derrick or other supporting surface such as a ship's deck or hull. A housing secured to the forward portion of the belt is provided with a shaft on which is wound a line attachable to the window ledge, scaffold, derrick, boat deck or hull. A mechanism for lifting the user back to the supporting surface in the event of strap failure is associated with the shaft. The lifting mechanism is operable by the user.

Abstract: A manually controlled device for lowering people or objects safely from tall buildings having two spaced pulley assemblies, held in place by a cylindrical frame. One end of the frame holding one pulley assembly is rotatable with respect to the other end of the frame. A rope threaded between the two pulley assemblies binds against itself when one pulley assembly is rotated with respect to the other pulley assembly. The rate of descent of a person or object connected to one end of a rope threaded through the device is controlled by the degree of rotation between the two pulley assemblies.

Abstract: Mobile rescue apparatus is provided for rescuing individuals from modern high-rise buildings and the like. An elongated reeved telescoping chute is mounted on a mobile platform and is movable to any angle and extent to reach a desired portion of a building or the like from which rescue is to be effected. The chute contains apparatus mounted within for slowing and stopping (near the bottom of the chute) an individual sliding down the chute. The apparatus includes a pair of cable sections that flare out from the top of the chute to the bottom of the chute; an individual to be rescued is placed within a bag device which is clipped onto the cable sections, and then slid down the chute, the divergence of the cable sections slowing and stopping the individual near the bottom. Apparatus is provided for moving the cable sections with respect to each other to control the rate of descent, etc.

Abstract: A safety device comprising a runner which can be threaded onto a suspended safety line and houses a linegripping member movable between an unlocked condition and a locked condition and an operating member which provides externally of the runner an attachment point for a personal safety belt and is operatively associated with the line-gripping member to cause movement thereof towards locked condition responsive to sudden downward acceleration of the attachment point; with the improvement that the operating member comprises first and second link members pivotally attached to the runner, and a bar member pivotally connected to the link members to form a parallel linkage, and that the attachment point is disposed at least as high as the level of the top of the runner housing when the runner is oriented for use on a vertical line with the operating mechanism in its runner-free position.