Abstract: Disclosed is a smart emergency escape backpack, comprising a harness bound to a user and a controlled descent mechanism; wherein the controlled descent mechanism includes an anchor support, a hub mounted on the anchor support, and a centrifugal speed reduction damper fitted with the hub, a cable being wound around the hub; wherein a cable take-up actuating mechanism is further provided on the anchor support, and the cable take-up actuating mechanism includes an electric motor, a transmission structure connected to the electric motor, and a synchronous wheel connected to the transmission mechanism, the synchronous wheel actuating the hub to rotate reversely.

Abstract: A vertical fall arrest safety device travels along a rail of a vertical track and is configured for quick attachment and detachment anywhere along the rail. The device has a mounting body having side rail engagements configured for slidably engaging behind the edges of a rail of the vertical track in use. The engagements are spaced and staggered so as to receive the rail therebetween when the mounting body is at an angle, and then slidably attach to the rail when the mounting body is twisted into alignment with the rail. The device also has a lever pivotally coupled to the mounting body at a fulcrum. As such, when a downward force is applied to a connection point of a distal end of the lever, an opposite distal end of the lever frictionally engages the rail.

Abstract: A belay descender device for a rope comprising a cam mounted rotating on a fixed flange to perform locking of the rope when said rope is under tension, and a lever articulated on the cam to perform progressive unlocking of the rope with a geared-down effect at the beginning of unlocking travel of the lever. The operating lever comprises transmission means collaborating with a guide ramp of the flange to interrupt the mechanical link with the cam after an intermediate position of the lever has been passed resulting in freeing from said ramp outside the gearing-down area. The end of the guide ramp of the flange corresponds to the anti-panic position of the transmission means, enabling automatic locking of the cam as soon as the gearing-down area has been passed.

Abstract: A nozzle for a retractable fall arrest defines a passage extending through the nozzle between a top surface and a bottom surface of the nozzle through which a retractable cable or lifeline can extend. The passage has a passage axis, an elongate entrance, and an elongate exit. The passage defines a constricted portion having opposed end sections and a middle section. The end sections of the constricted portion define a width greater than a width of the middle section of the constricted portion, and the width of the middle section of the constricted portion is less than a width of at least one of the entrance and exit to the passage. A perimeter of the passage defines a plane which intersects said passage axis at an angle greater than zero.

Abstract: A rope self-locking descender has a first flange, a cam movable with respect to the first flange successively between a first position, a clamping position of the rope and a running position of the rope in the first flange, a handle movable with respect to the first flange successively between a stowing position, a first position of use clamping the rope and a running position of the rope. A first spring is connected to the first flange and to the handle to return the handle to the stowing position. The cam is mechanically connected to the handle in intermittent manner so that movement of the cam from the first position to its clamping position of the rope results in movement of the handle from its stowing position to the first position of use. The handle is not mechanically connected to the cam between the first position and a running position.

Abstract: A descender (10) comprises a rear or base plate (20), a front plate (22) which is fixedly mounted to the base plate, generally parallel to and spaced from the base plate and an arm (30) which is pivotally mounted to the base plate and/or the front plate for movement between the two plates. The arm (30) defines a generally curved channel (38) through which a rope (14) may pass. The channel is defined between a sheave (34) and a wall (37) of the arm and defines an entrance (38a) and an exit (38b) for the rope. The sheave (34) is pivotable about an axis, the sheave being lightly biased towards a first or rest position. Pivoting of the sheave about the axis in a first direction, away from the rest position, causes an increase in the friction applied to the rope passing through the channel, typically by causing the exit of the channel to narrow.

Abstract: A fall protection and buffering device includes a retaining strip, and a buffer strip having a length shorter than the retaining strip. The buffer strip has first and second strip sections between two ends and includes first and second textile layers overlappedly affixed with each other. The first and second textile layers are separated at one end of the buffer strip at the first strip section thereof and are affixed to top and bottom ends of the retaining strip respectively. The first and second textile layers are torn from each other sequentially along the first and second strip sections of the buffer strip in response to a falling force applied to the retaining strip. A tensile strength of tearing the first and second textile layers at the first strip section is different from a tensile strength of tearing the first and second textile layers at the second strip section.

Abstract: A zipwire trolley having a plurality of zipwire engaging rollers, a swivelable brake block assembly adjacent to one of the rollers, the brake block having a zipwire-engaging cam by which the roller can be at least partially lifted off the zipwire when the trolley is moving in a rearward direction, the cam having a pair of tapered sidewalls tending to pinch respectively opposite sides of the upper part of the zipwire as the brake block progressively rotates when the trolley is moving in a rearward direction, thereby preventing or inhibiting further rearward movement of the trolley.

Abstract: A nozzle for a retractable fall arrest defines a passage extending through the nozzle between top and bottom surfaces of the nozzle and an elongate opening within the passage. The opening has opposed end sections and a middle section; wherein the width of the middle section of the opening is narrower than the width of the end sections of said opening, giving the opening a generally dog-bone shape in plan.

Abstract: A descent control device to facilitate rapid descent and abseil (rappelling) maneuvers, including a body, a handle integrally affixed to the body to define a longitudinal axis for the device, an attachment lug disposed on the body, and a combination of through holes through the body through which a safety line is threadably inserted in a specific pattern, and shallow channels between the through holes, thereby giving rise to configurations that allow the safety line to payout freely through the descent device, to be locked in relation to the descent device, or to payout in a controlled pace, all configurations depending on the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the device to the anchored upper portion of the safety line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for installing software onto a client in the NIM environment and corresponding client. Said method includes: initializing said client, wherein a virtual mapping device associated with a memory driver of the client is created, the virtual mapping device for scheduling between the client's memory driver and the remote NIM server with respect to the I/O operation for running the software so as to direct the I/O operation for running said software to the client's memory driver or the remote NIM server; running said software on the client; acquiring the resources desired for running software; and conducting data migration operation from the NIM server to the client while running said software, wherein the migrated data is the resource data obtained from NIM server and desired for installing said software; and the software installation being completed when all the data desired for installing said software are migrated to the memory driver of the client.

Abstract: A self-locking device for a mountaineer or a speleologist climbing up a rope is provided herein. The device includes a main body having an inner face with a sliding seat for the rope. The sliding seat is partially defined by a part of the body of the device folded upon itself and partially defined at a bottom and laterally by the inner face of the body of the device. The device includes a cam member associated with the body and able to tilt around an axis X from an open position to a position holding the rope. The self-locking device also includes one or more pulleys associated with the body. The one or more pulleys are arranged so that a longitudinal axis Z lies on a plane parallel to a plane a of major extension of the body and perpendicular to a sliding direction of the rope.

Abstract: An ascender/descender appliance for ascending and descending on a rope, comprising a body having attachment means to be connected to the user's harness and a clamping device able to be released on load. The clamping device is arranged outside the body and comprises a chain of metal links constituted by a succession of friction elements articulated on one another by connecting rods to form a series of gaps for the rope to pass in zigzag manner. Means are associated with the top link to trigger clamping of the ascender device.

Abstract: A descent control device is disclosed manufactured with a bar having holes for guiding a rope used in descent, and a lever designed to pivot or move relative to the bar and compress the opening of one of the holes. Compressing the opening increases friction and slows or stops descent. Control can be from manually moving the lever or by connecting the lever to the descending weight, thereby automatically moving the lever. Hole and pivot geometry may be altered to provide multiple braking options, accommodate varying ropes, and alter normal operating friction.

Abstract: The rescue harness is a personal use device for donning by an individual requiring escape from an elevated location in a building structure or the like. The harness includes a front latch and bracket having a removable combination glass cutter and hammer, and a removable explosive charge. A rope brake is also secured to the bracket, and a rope passes through the brake. The user of the harness removes the glass cutter and hammer combination, and scribes an opening on a glass window panel. The explosive charge is placed on the glass in the scribed area. A timer permits the user to momentarily leave the immediate vicinity. The hammer is used to break out any remaining glass shards after the explosion blows out the scribed area of glass. The user exits the structure through the hole in the panel, using the rope brake to control his or her descent.

Abstract: A LAD assembly having a cam with engaging teeth rotatably mounted in a housing, the distal end of the cam assembly having an eye with a central opening. An axis passing through the central opening is parallel to parallel planes defined by the inside sides of the housing. This results in an eye that is rotated 90° relative to the eyes of other rope grabs. In addition, the cam assembly may be elongated, thereby placing the eye further from the body than the eyes of prior art rope grab devices. The orientation and optional extension of the eye allows a carabiner or the like attached to the eye to lie in a plane orthogonal to the plane of a carabiner attached to a prior art rope grab device. This, in combination with the extension of the eye away from the body, allows easier access to and operation of the cam assembly by a user.

Abstract: A descent control device is disclosed manufactured with a bar having holes for guiding a rope used in descent, and a lever designed to pivot or move relative to the bar and compress the opening of one of the holes. Compressing the opening increases friction and slows or stops descent. Control can be from manually moving the lever or by connecting the lever to the descending weight, thereby automatically moving the lever. Hole and pivot geometry may be altered to provide multiple braking options, accommodate varying ropes, and alter normal operating friction.

Abstract: A device for providing a controlled maximum rate of descent down a rope and fall arrest. The device includes a movable cam that in response to tension on a rope pivots into a closed position, jamming the rope within the device and arresting a fall. Force applied to a torque arm coupled to the cam allows the cam to be pivoted to its open position, which allows rope travel. As cam is opened, the rope travels a more sharply angular path through the device, which creates a frictional force on the rope sufficient to limit the maximum rate of descent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universal belay device for providing safety to mountain and rock climbers. The belay device allows a belayer to selectively operate the device in any of a plurality of modes. In an auto-locking mode, a fall by a climber automatically stops the rope without requiring the belayer manually apply any holding or stopping force. In a frictional mode, a fall by a climber is stopped by the belayer applying a minimal amount of pressure. The belay device includes a housing in which a rope pin and cam are contained. The cam is rotable to a first position which allows the rope pin to frictionally secure the rope against the housing and stop the rope. The cam is rotable to a second position which substantially prevents the rope pin from fully securing the rope and requires the user to apply a stopping force to stop the rope.

Abstract: A belaying device for a rope comprises a metal body having at least one slit for passage of a loop of a rope, and a retaining element in the form of a bow integral to the body without being articulated on the latter, and designed to control the relative separation movement of the body with respect to a carabiner passing through the loop. The device further comprises flexible means arranged to move the body towards the carabiner when blocking of the rope takes place, and to move the body away automatically when the rope is released.

Abstract: A belay device for a rope, comprising a plate having at least one slot for a loop of the rope to pass through, a retaining element integral to the plate, and a carabiner connected to the retaining element by means of a securing part rendering it captive with respect to the plate. The carabiner is fitted with bidirectional sliding in the securing part to come up against the stop formed by the plate when blocking the rope or to move away from the latter when releasing is performed.

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: An ascender/descender appliance for ascending and descending on a rope, comprising a body having attachment means to be connected to the user's harness and a clamping device able to be released on load. The clamping device is arranged outside the body and comprises a chain of metal links constituted by a succession of friction elements articulated on one another by connecting rods to form a series of gaps for the rope to pass in zigzag manner. Means are associated with the top link to trigger clamping of the ascender device.

Abstract: A belaying device for a rope comprises a cam able to rotate between a securing position corresponding to securing the rope by jamming effect against the stud and a separated position allowing the rope to run freely in the gap between the cam and the stud. The cam is associated with a triggering ratchet able to occupy either a locked position blocking the cam in the separated position or an unlocked position following a deliberate control action releasing said cam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universal belay device for providing safety to mountain and rock climbers. The belay device allows a belayer to selectively operate the device in any of a plurality of modes. In an auto-locking mode, a fall by a climber automatically stops the rope without requiring the belayer manually apply any holding or stopping force. In a frictional mode, a fall by a climber is stopped by the belayer applying a minimal amount of pressure. The belay device includes a housing in which a rope pin and cam are contained. The cam is rotable to a first position which allows the rope pin to frictionally secure the rope against the housing and stop the rope. The cam is rotable to a second position which substantially prevents the rope pin from fully securing the rope and requires the user to apply a stopping force to stop the rope.

Abstract: A belay device for a rope, comprising a plate having at least one slot for a loop of the rope to pass through, a retaining element integral to the plate, and a carabiner connected to the retaining element by means of a securing part rendering it captive with respect to the plate. The carabiner is fitted with bidirectional sliding in the securing part to come up against the stop formed by the plate when blocking the rope or to move away from the latter when releasing is performed.

Abstract: A fall protection apparatus is described which allows for a user to effectuate a controlled descent after a fall has been arrested. The apparatus includes a tether line secured above a protected position of the user and a cinch line which frictionally engages the tether. The cinch line is attached to the user, and when the user falls, the frictional engagement of the cinch line and the tether line increase and arrests the fall. The user then pulls on a slip line attached to the cinch line to descend. Pulling on the slip line decreases the frictional engagement of the cinch line and the tether line so the user can control their descent rate based on how hard they pull on the slip line.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a simple and convenient way to ascend and descend a rope without using a belayer. Embodiments of the invention can smoothly transition from a rope clamping position to a rope unclamping position, conveniently providing an effective rope control device.

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 belaying device for a rope comprises a metal body having at least one slit for passage of a loop of a rope, and a retaining element in the form of a bow integral to the body without being articulated on the latter, and designed to control the relative separation movement of the body with respect to a carabiner passing through the loop. The device further comprises flexible means arranged to move the body towards the carabiner when blocking of the rope takes place, and to move the body away automatically when the rope is released.

Abstract: Escape device that comprises a sliding box worn by each escaping person, such that the escape device is combined with an escape cable. The sliding box comprises a supporting structure; a driven wheel supported in the structure for rotation, and adapted to be in engagement with the escape cable and to be driven thereby into rotation. The rotary speed correspond to the speed of the motion of the sliding box relative to the escape cable, and therefore, corresponds to the speed of descent of the escaping person; means for measuring the rotary speed of the driven wheel and therefore, the speed of descent of the escaping person; and braking means, for slowing the rotation of the driven wheel, and therefore the speed of descent of the escaping person, whenever it is required to maintain the speed of descent within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A belaying device for a rope comprises a cam able to rotate between a securing position corresponding to securing the rope by jamming effect against the stud and a separated position allowing the rope to run freely in the gap between the cam and the stud. The cam is associated with a triggering ratchet able to occupy either a locked position blocking the cam in the separated position or an unlocked position following a deliberate control action releasing said cam.

Abstract: A reinforcement pad for protecting a liner of a pool from damage caused by a user ascending and descending a pool ladder having two upper ends and two lower ends. The reinforcement pad has a substantially oval pad base and a substantially cylindrical socket extending therefrom. The socket, which has a centrally located bore, is mateable with only one lower ladder end. A user inserts one lower ladder end into the bore of the socket of one reinforcement pad. The user then repeats this step with the other lower ladder end and another reinforcement pad. Next, the user positions the pad base against the pool liner and attaches the upper ladder ends to the pool deck. The pad distributes pressure applied to the ladder over the wider area of the lower surface of the pad base, thereby preventing the liner from becoming damaged.

Abstract: An improved Belay Device is provided consisting of a Base (14), Rope Locking Ring (36), Cover (48), and Connecting Pin (58). The Base (14) contains a Protruding Cylindrical Core (18) with a Base Rope Channel (20). The Protruding Cylindrical Core (18) is received within a Central Hole (34) of the Rope Locking Ring (36). The Rope Locking Ring (36) contains an Upper Ring Rope Channel (38) and Lower Ring Rope Channel (40) that, in normal operating configuration, align with the Base Rope Channel (20) thus forming one continuous rope channel. An abrupt force on a rope passing through the device causes the Rope Locking Ring (36) to rotate with respect to the Protruding Cylindrical Core (18) thus destroying the alignment of the Lower Ring Rope Channel (40), Base Rope Channel (20), and Upper Ring Rope Channel (38). The rope thus becomes pinched or locked in the transition regions between these rope channels.

Abstract: A shaft with a gear and a small-diameter drum mounted and a different shaft with a gear and a large-diameter drum mounted are axially mounted in a rotatable condition across the inside of a housing. The gears are engaged with each other. A case has a horizontally long cavity part being open to one side, and rope insertion holes. The cavity part has, in a movable condition, an adjusting tool between an energizing means and a restricting means. The adjusting tool has a rope insertion hole. The rope is wound around the small-diameter drum and the large-diameter drum respectively in the same direction. The externally let-off rope obtained through an upper rope let-off hole has, at an upper end, a hook. The externally let-off rope obtained through a lower rope let-off hole is in a hanging-down condition resulting from insertion of the rope into the above rope insertion holes.

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 figure eight descender for rappelling with a rope includes a first loop, a second loop, a neck connecting the first loop and the second loop, and a clip attached on the neck. The clip surrounds the rope so that the clip contains the rope between the first loop and the second loop, preventing the rope from sliding over the first loop or the second loop. The clip has a U-shaped body, and the body has a first end and a second end. The first end is supported by a hinge provided on the neck so that the body can pivot around the hinge, and the clip is spring-biased so that the second end is forced toward the neck.

Abstract: A rappel device is used in rapidly descending from a height using a rope and then quickly disengaging from the rope. The rappel device comprises a body having a rim which defines a rope opening therein. The body is further adapted to be affixed to a harness. A lock extends across the rope opening. The lock frictionally engages a rope extending through the rope opening. A retracting mechanism manually releases the lock from engagement with the rope. The retracting mechanism is biased to a secured position whereby the lock is engaged with the rope. The retracting mechanism, when actuated, manually releases the lock to an open position whereby the rope is quickly released from the lock.

Abstract: A descender apparatus for lowering a person in a controlled manner from a height to a relatively lower height and for use as a safety equipment for workers and mountain climbers comprising a generally cylindrical housing; a rope arranged in the housing about a vertical axis of the housing in a stack of layers of closely wound coils and a friction core at one end of the housing for controlling a rate of descent and uncoiling the coils of rope as they are withdrawn from the housing; and a camshaft in transverse relationship to the axis of the housing for selectively controlling the rate of descent during the lowering of the person.

Abstract: An easy to use and easy to store rescue apparatus for lowering a person from an upper level to a lower level during an emergency. The rescue apparatus is comprised of a body harness and a decender mounted on a chest portion of the harness in plain view of a wearer. In a first aspect of the invention, a descender is stored in a vertical pocket of the body harness. A rope is tightly coiled inside of the descender and as the rope is withdrawn it passes through a friction core which limits a rate of descent and removes twists from the portion of the rope which is in the process of withdrawal. A camshaft is provided in the decender for accommodating differences in body weight and satisfying the preferences of wearers of the apparatus. In a second aspect of the invention, the decender is attached and exposed the chest portion of the harness. In a third aspect of the invention, an alternate descender is attached to the same body harness in the same manner as the second aspect.

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 descender (10) comprising a base (11) having a connection means (26), a pivotal member (12) pivotally mounted on the base (11) about a pivot axis (1), the pivotal member (12) defining first and second spaced projections (14, 15) for engaging a rope (5), the base (11) defining a stop member (18) and a lever (23) pivotable between first and second end positions, the lever (23) and the pivotal member (12) defining complementary cam surfaces (24) to regulate the distance between the stop member (18) and the second projection (15), a resistance force applied to the rope (5) being at a minimum when the second projection (15) is moved away from the stop member (18) and the lever (23) is located in a mid-position, and is at a maximum when the lever (23) moves towards either end position wherein the rope (5) is pressed between the second projection (15) and a braking surface (22).

Abstract: A device for controlling movement along at least one rope. The belay/rappel device comprises a main body having an open first end and an open second end. A rope securement mechanism adjacent the open second end retains the looped portion of the rope with the rope slidable about the rope securement mechanism and the first rope strand and the second rope strand extending through the open first end. A carabiner is received within at least one carabiner opening formed in the main body with the first rope strand being positioned between the carabiner and the main body. The main body is rotatable to a released position allowing the rope to slide about the rope securement mechanism through the main body and upon release of the main body and automatically rotatable to a locked position with the carabiner pinching the first rope strand against the main body inhibiting movement of the rope relative to the main body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus help people quickly and safely descend from a high-rise building in a severe emergency situation when regular evacuation routes are no longer available. An apparatus is disclosed including a base device, a cover device, and a handle device. The base device can be connected to a rope so that the base device can slide up and down the rope. The cover device can be connected to the base device. The handle device can adjust a position of the cover device with respect to the base device in order to provide an adjustable frictional force to the rope. This adjustable frictional force allows the combination of the base device, cover device and handle device to slide up or down the rope at different speeds.

Abstract: A rescue method and apparatus for rescuing occupants from high rise buildings includes a frame adjacent an escape portion of the building; a dynamic resistance device mounted to the frame; and a removable and replaceable cable cartridge, having a pre-roller cable, which is removably and non-rotatably coupled to a rotatable portion of the dynamic resistance device. The cable is connectable to a person to be rescued. When the person to be rescued goes out from the escape portion of the building, his falling motion causes the cable to move with the same speed as the falling speed, thus causing the rotatable portion of the dynamic resistance device to rotate and to create resistance to the falling speed, until the falling speed of the person reaches a substantially constant value. After a first person is rescued, a new cable cartridge is mounted and the cable thereof is connected to a next person to be rescued.

Abstract: A descent control device for use with a rope for controlling a user's rate of descent down the rope. The device has a frame with a grip, three openings and an internal cavity connecting the openings, wherein two openings form a channel extending along a generally horizontal axis. The grip extends away from the frame along a generally vertical axis. A handle is rotatably mounted to the frame within the internal cavity and extends away from the frame in a direction generally parallel to the grip. One end of the handle is preferably Y-shaped and forms an upper boundary to the channel such that the end of the handle is adapted for modifying the width of the channel upon rotation of the handle. A cover is pivotally mounted to the frame for maintaining the rope in the channel.

Abstract: A descender includes a frame having opposing first and second plates which define a gap therebetween. Three bearing members are movably interconnected between the plates and linked to an operator. A flexible member has opposite end portions which extend in opposite directions, and an intermediate portion which is routed about the bearing members in a manner which forms a knot. Movement of the operator relative to the frame causes the bearing members to move relative to the frame and thereby loosens or tightens the knotted, intermediate portion of the flexible member about the bearing members.

Abstract: A climbing appliance (1) for roping persons up and down using the double rope technique is proposed, which comprises a housing (12) and a clamping jaw (13) mounted pivotally in the housing, wherein a main rope (2) conveyed over an upper reversing point (3) is fastened by its one end (2a) to the housing (12) and is passed by its other end (2b) through a recess (17, 18) between housing (12) and clamping jaw (13) and is movable inside the recess (17, 18) into a clamping position and a release position. The climbing appliance further including a fastening point (21) for a connection rope (8) between the climbing appliance (1) and the person roping up or down provided off center in the outside edge region of the housing (12), that the pivot of the clamping jaw (13) is disposed substantially centrosymmetrically, and that a release rope (10) is fastened to the opposite outside edge region of the housing (12) to the fastening point (21) for the connection rope (8).

Abstract: A force limiting rope brake includes a pair of rigid first and second side-plates in parallel overlaid array sandwiching therebetween a pivotally mounted pulley. The pulley pivots about a pivot axis extending orthogonally between first and second side-plates. A pair of rigid wedges are rigidly mounted between the first and second side-plates on opposite lateral sides of the pulley. The first and second wedges and the pulley when in the first and second positions define, respectively, first and second gaps, the first and second gaps identical in size and sized so that rope segments journalled through the first and second gaps are compressed in either the first or second gaps when the pulley is rotated into either the first or second positions respectively.