Abstract: A fall protection device and its safety belt base. The fall protection device adapted to be connected to a safety belt includes a frame, a shaft, and a safety belt base, wherein the frame has a receiving place. The shaft is disposed on the frame. The safety belt base fits around the shaft and is located in the receiving place. The safety belt base includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a ring, and the second portion has a sleeve and a reinforcement portion connected to the sleeve. The sleeve is surrounded by the ring and is adapted to be connected to the safety belt. The reinforcement portion is embedded in the ring. With the reinforcement portion, the structural strength of the safety belt base could be reinforced, and the first portion and the second portion could be prevented from disengaging from each other.

Abstract: There is provided a height rescue apparatus comprising a safety line (1) which is attached at (3) to a flexible elongate element (2) which has a lower tensile strength than the safety line 1 which is wound on a drum (9) which is part of a speed control means. A friction device (5) acts on a portion of the safety line (1) to reduce tension in said portion of the safety line by at least 50% in a full arrest situation. The drum (9) or the speed control means is held in a first position which prevents rotation of the drum and release means can be actuated after the fall arrest to allow the drum to provide a controlled lowering action.

Abstract: An adjustable hang ladder includes a main ladder section and a hang ladder section secured to the main ladder section. The hang ladder section has a hang ladder insert pivotally secured to an attachment section and locked in place by a locking mechanism. The hang ladder section is provided with a fall arresting and damping arrangement designed for connection to a roofer using the ladder for providing a cushioning effect in the event the roofer falls from the ladder.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring compliance with the 100% tied off rule for climbers using personal fall protection equipment. The personal fall protection monitoring system includes a remote monitoring module that monitors multiple harness systems. Each harness system includes sensors that detect the engagement of the lanyard with anchorage points and the harness. The system also includes a harness module that monitors the sensors and indicates an alarm condition to the climber and to the remote monitoring module. The harness module includes a transmitter that communicates with the remote monitoring module. The remote monitoring module communicates with multiple harness systems to indicate and log the status of each harness system.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for safely lowering a user from a structure. The apparatus includes a frame; a spool including a cable rotatably mounted on the frame; a securing device attached to the cable and adapted to securely attached to the structure; a user support adapted to support the user and securely attached to the frame; and a pair of centrifugal hydraulic brake systems adapted to slow a rotation of the spool to cause the user support, spool and frame to descend at a safe rate for the user. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame; a spool including a cable rotatably mounted on the frame; a securing device attached to the frame and adapted to securely attached to the structure; a user support adapted to support the user and attached to the cable; and a pair of centrifugal hydraulic brake systems adapted to slow a rotation of the spool to cause the user support to descend at a safe rate for the user.

Abstract: The invention presents devices for controlled descent from buildings. Such a device includes a housing having a primary spool about which a cord is wound, a payload coupler for attaching a harness assembly to the housing, and an unwind control assembly for controlling the rate of exit of the cord from the housing. An inventive device kit may include a convertible storage unit used to protectively store a device and which, upon deployment, may be used as a protective helmet. In using an inventive device, a user attaches the device to a fixture in a building, dons a harness and the converted helmet, attaches the device to the harness, and exits the building from a window or roof.

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 solution is supposed to be achieved with a rappelling device (1) for permitting persons (3) to be rescued from high buildings, towers, and the like, having a suspension strap (2), suspension vest, or the like, to be worn by the person in question, wherein a rope container (8) having a device to release the rope length (4) is provided on the suspension strap (2), which solution is supposed to be easy to operate, on the one hand, and to be made available to the persons in question at any time, and easy to handle for them, whereby the person using the device can essentially move both hands freely, in a stable rappelling position.

Abstract: A controlled descent device for use in industrial or recreational settings for controlled descent of a user from an upper level to a lower level. The device comprises principally a steel housing, an internal spring-loaded drum on which a webbing line is wound, and an attachment to a harness worn by a user. A centrifugal brake mechanism which acts upon the drum to limit the rate of descent includes a manufactured one-way bearing. The line constituent provides increased shock absorbing capabilities and is field replaceable.

Abstract: A modified hole is simply fitted and retained to a rotary shaft so that a pulley may be coupled so as to be rotated together with the rotary shaft, in particular, pulley forming plates are coupled in a rotation preventing manner but slidably to the rotary shaft, an interval of a pulley groove may be formed to be variable with ease, even if the rope is loosened in an initial stage upon descending and so on and a rope has the minimum winding diameter at once due to the change in the pulley groove interval so that the rope is brought into pressing contact with the rotary shaft outer circumferential surface.

Abstract: A small and easily portable apparatus for safely descending from a high elevation, comprising a drum rotatably mounted on a mounting frame; a body securing device for securing the mounting frame to the body of a user; and a line wound around the drum, having an end for attachment to a fixed object at the high elevation; such that the user may attach the line to a fixed object and safely descend from the high elevation.

Abstract: A small and easily portable apparatus for safely descending from a high elevation, comprising a drum rotatably mounted on a mounting frame; a body securing device for securing the mounting frame to the body of a user; and a line wound around the drum, having an end for attachment to a fixed object at the high elevation; such that the user may attach the line to a fixed object and safely descend from the high elevation.

Abstract: An emergency escape device for buildings in accordance with the present invention comprises a rotatably supported axle, a reel mounted on the shaft to rotate therewith, a string wound around the axle and having a first end securely attached to the axle and a second end, a weight means securely attached to the second end of the string, a cable wound around the reel and having a free end, the cable having a winding direction opposite to that of the string, a basket securely attached to the free end of the cable and having a weight smaller than that of the weight means, a hydraulic pump including a fluid path and an output shaft, a control valve mounted to the fluid path for controlling opening and closing of the fluid path to thereby control rotational movement of the output shaft, a transmission member for transmitting rotational movement of the output shaft to the axle, a rod mounted to the control valve for actuating the control valve, and a pull string having an end attached to the rod and a second end loca

Abstract: A driven barrel of a winch device includes a closed cylindrical space (16) which is concentric with the barrel and accommodates a piston (17) which can move on an axis (12) from one end of the cylindrical space to the other and is in non-rotatable connection (19, 20) with the inside of the barrel. The axis (12) has screw threads (15) and the piston (17) has a center bore with screw threads meshing with the screw threads of the axis. The cylindrical space encloses a fluid and the piston (17) is given a leak from one side of the piston to the other. In order to stop the loaded rope unwinding from the barrel if the rotation speed of the barrel should increase over a certain value the leak is in the form of a canal (21) which accommodates a valve means including a valve housing and a valve body (22). The valve means stops the fluid flow over the valve body in one direction at a certain pressure drop over the valve body.

Abstract: A controlled weight-lowering device is presented which allows an individual to descend from a building at a predetermined rate of descent. The device can be permanently attached to the building or it can be portable. The device has an outer bracket which is securely attached to the inside of the building. Rotating about a shaft attached to the bracket is a cylindrical winding drum. The drum has a rope wound around it that is attached to a harness. The individual puts on the harness he desires to descend. Inside the winding drum is an inner gear pump and valve mechanism which is surrounded by an oil reservoir. Oil is allowed to go into the gear set chamber and circulates past the gears. The rate of flow of the oil out of the gear set chamber is regulated by a spring biased tapered piston. As the strength of the spring biasing is set on the piston, the rate of flow of oil within the gear set chamber is regulated.

Abstract: The device for roping down includes a shaft 2 with a central portion which forms a reel 5 for coiling up band rope 6. The two end sections of shaft 2 form brake rotors 9 and 10, which are equipped with wings 11. The wings 11, which rotate during the uncoiling of the band rope operate in brake chambers 31 enclosed by brake housings 12 and 13, these brake chambers being partly or completely filled with sand.In case of roping down, braking devices 7 and 8 operate automatically and produce a comparatively high braking power which heavily increases as the rate of descending increases. Thus, a constant roping-down rate as a function of the respective load is achieved which rate is used for a safe impact on the ground.

Abstract: A fast-lowering hydraulic equipment is described, fully automatic (10) which includes a box (11) with two chambers (12, 13) separated by a partition wall (14) where a central supporting shaft (19) is arranged. A chain (42), rope (71) or steel cable (66) with safety belt (80, 85) working on a pulley (30 or 72) or spool (65), drives a gear device (34, 35, 39, 40), amplifying the rotation at the central shaft (19) which, in its opposite end presents a propeller with blades (24) submerged in the oil chamber (12), retarding thus the lowering speed.The hydraulic equipment in reference is adequate to be used in rescuing, maintenance or other jobs at any height, at the facade of buildings or similar situations, and may be stored in a sealed deposit box (140) for equipment protection, attached to the wall at strategic sites, propitiating higher safety in tall buildings and constructions.

Abstract: The invention provides an escape system that enables automatic and unmonitored lowering of a body from a building or other height. The system includes a frame portion installed in a building so that it can be placed in or moved to a window in an emergency, and includes a track or slide portion extendable through the window a short distance from the exterior surface of the building. A length of special fire-resistant cord or rope is fed from a supply reel on the frame, along the track, through the window, and to the ground below. A descent regulator device incorporating an escapement mechanism is attached to the rope, and the user is secured to the descent regulator by a harness. The user then steps (or is placed) out the window, and the descent regulator incrementally moves down the rope, serving to lower the user to the ground. Once on the ground, the descent regulator is disconnected from the rope, and the user is removed from the harness, making way for other users similarly descending the rope from above.

Abstract: An emergency escape apparatus allows safe escape from a tall building on fire. It includes a case carried by a user on his back. A wire wound around a reel mounted in the case has one end secured to the case. With the other end of the wire secured to the building, the user jumps down. The wire is drawn out of the case, and a brake device in the case applies a braking force to the wire, allowing the user land softly.

Abstract: An emergency descent device includes a fluid-filled chamber with telescopic vanes of variable vane surface for self-adjusting the retarding force of the fluid, and an annular friction member in the chamber for simultaneous rotation with the vane members when the centrifugal force of the vane members is increased and the vane members extend radially outward to reach and engage with the annular friction member.

Abstract: A descent slowing device is disclosed that includes a housing having an input driving shaft and a driving pulley fitted thereon and accommodating therein a gear train and an impeller adapted to be driven through the gear train by a driving pulley about which is trained a rope or line. When one end of the line descends owing to a load acting thereon to rotatively drive the driving pulley and hence the impeller, the rotation of the impeller is restrained by rotation control oil or similar viscous fluid in which the impeller is immersed, thereby controlling the descent of the load at a constant slow speed. According to the invention, the impeller comprises four blades, the rotating speed ratio of the impeller to the input driving shaft being more than 40:1. Moreover, the driving pulley is formed with a rope receiving groove comprising line abutting projections and non-contact recesses alternately arranged.

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.

Abstract: A fire escape device is disclosed for use in lowering persons from high-rise structures. The device comprises a frame having a spool rotatably mounted thereon, with a cable being wound around the spool. There is a first sprocket wheel fixed to the spool and a second sprocket wheel disposed on a fluid pump adjacent the spool. The first sprocket rotates as the cable is dispensed from the spool, thereby driving the small sprocket wheel on the fluid pump. The small sprocket wheel is provided with means for moving fluid through a fluid circuit in which a pressure compensated flow control valve is disposed for maintaining a constant speed of revolution of the spool independently of the weight of a person being lowered to the ground by the cable being unwound from the spool. In some embodiments a fluid reservoir is provided in the fluid reservoir for cushioning shock waves and breaking up bubbles.

Abstract: An improved descent device including a rotating spool on which is wound a cable is provided with a fluid rotation-retarding means having a plurality of vane members mounted for rotation in a fluid-filled chamber. The vane member is comprised of a vane shell receiving a vane core which is normally biassed in a radially inward direction and is extensible from the vane shell by centrifugal force. The retarding force depends on the contact surfaces between the vane members and the fluid which vary with centrifugal force.

Abstract: A climbing assist apparatus for oil derricks and the like comprises a cable which is attached to the worker and is trained over a sheave at the crown portion of the rig, then connected to a counterweight in order to remove slack from the cable as the worker is climbing. The sheave is keyed to a motor drive shaft which is free wheeling in one direction of rotation in response to advancement of the cable as the workman is climbing but will impose a controlled resistance in the opposite direction, this resistance being established through a hydraulic motor for the drive shaft and a hydraulic control circuit which includes a flow controller to resist the rotation of the motor in the opposite direction to that earlier described when the worker descends or should accidentally fall from the derrick.

Abstract: A portable descent device for lowering an object at a controlled speed has a rotating spool carrying wrapped cable mounted within a casing. The spool rotates about a fixed shaft in a sealed chamber containing a viscous liquid. A series of alternating, closely adjacent, flat, parallel, rotatable and non-rotatable discs are mounted in the sealed chamber and extend radially of the shaft. As cable is payed out from the device, movement of the rotatable discs through the fluid creates a frictional drag which slows the descent rate to a relatively constant, safe speed.

Abstract: A personnel escape mechanism for emergency evacuation of a high-rise building. An escape support for personnel in the form of harnesses or a protective cage is suspended from a trolley, riding on a rail extending externally from the building. The escape support is suspended by cable from a constant speed rotationally braked cable payout mechanism mounted in the trolley. The support and trolley are impelled to the outside of the building through a frangible wall opening, and then lowered to a safe ground location by the braked cable pay-out mechanism. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a steel cage is provided on wheels near window of safety glass. This cage is suspended from a cable wound on a cable drum, which is rotationally coupled to a hydraulic pump controlled by a restricted, closed loop flow path. The cable drum and pump are mounted in a trolley which rides on an I-beam projecting out of the building through the safety glass.

Abstract: A winch for use in safely lowering a person from an elevated position comprising a cylindrical casing, a rotatable shaft mounted on a pair of bearings located in the casing, a spool affixed to the shaft, a cam plate affixed to the shaft, a brake disc affixed to the shaft, a first gear affixed to the shaft, an air pump having a piston rod activated by the cam plate, a disc brake assembly activated by the air pump, a cable wound upon the spool, a centrifugally operated clutch mounted on the casing including a second gear meshed with the first gear, and means including a crank attached to one end of the shaft for rewinding the cable onto the spool.

Abstract: A casing incorporates a spool having a cable wound thereon. One end of the cable is fixed to the spool and the other end passes from the casing. A safety belt is secured to the casing and arranged to support a human body. The extending free end of the cable terminates in a hook or other device for attaching the same to a high rise building. In the event of fire or other emergency, a person can lower himself by paying out the cable from the casing. Appropriate viscous fluid in the casing provides a drag so that the rate of descent is controlled.

Abstract: A device and method for safely removing occupants of multi-story buildings under conditions of fire and catastrophe by allowing one occupant at a time to don a harness attached to the device and safely jump, with his rate of descent controlled so that he reaches the ground safely. The device has a rigid frame in which a rotatable shaft is positioned. On the shaft are mounted two drums. On each drum is wound enough cable to reach the ground from the height of installation of the device. Each drum has its cable wound in a direction of rotation opposite from that of its mate. A drag element acts on the shaft to limit the rotational velocity of the shaft, and thereby the rate of fall of the escaping occupant, to a speed which will not injure the occupant on contacting the earth. Only one user at a time will be able to occupy the apparatus since the cable end of the second cable is hidden under the first cable and is not accessible until the first cable has been completely unwound.

Abstract: A reel for a life-line comprising a frame, a winding member rotatably journalled in said frame and damping means connected on the one hand with the frame and on the other hand with the winding member for counteracting the rotation of the winding member, said damping means comprising at least two piston pumps axially arranged side by side in a pump housing and cam discs, the cylinder chambers of said piston pumps communicating with one another by an axial channel forming a restriction and the pistons being in contact with the surfaces of the cam discs relatively off-set by half a cam interval, said winding member extending around the damping means, said cam discs being formed by rings and each piston pump being radially arranged inside a ring, while the axial channel is in line with a bore extending from a head face of the pump housing.

Abstract: A safety device for lowering persons and loads comprises a two-piece casing, the two halves of which are symmetrical forming a cylinder therebetween, in which a piston provided with flow channels for a medium is fitted to move axially, the circumference of the piston having a sinusoidal groove in which are engaged one or several pins which are moved by a cable drum which is rotated by the cable around the outer circumference of the cylinder and in which there is a guide roll arrangement for the cable or rope, both ends of the cable hanging freely and one of them being loaded. The arrangement may further comprise three guide rolls with both ends of the cable passing over the central roll on opposite sides of it and then between it and one of the other guide rolls on either side of it, so arranged that the loaded cable presses the central guide roll against the unloaded part of the cable which is thereby pressed against one of the guide rolls producing an additional braking effect by friction.

Abstract: A fire escape device includes a housing with a reel journalled for rotational movement within the housing. A cable is fixed at one end thereof to the reel and is wound upon the reel with the other end thereof extending through an opening in the housing. The housing can be connected to a fixed position on an elevated structure and a harness which is carried at the free end of the cable is used for supporting a human body. A fluid pump is carried by the housing for pumping fluid from a sump reservoir through an orifice. The rotor of the pump is coupled with the reel for retarding and impeding free rotational movement of the reel so that the cable unwinds at a controlled rate of speed which is in direct proportion to the amount of fluid being pumped through the orifice.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reel for a life-line comprising a frame, a winding member journalled in said frame so as to be rotatable about a rotary axis, damping means connected on the one hand with the frame and on the other hand with the winding member and counteracting the rotation of the winding member, said damping means comprising at least one cam member and a plurality of piston pumps rotatably co-operating herewith along a relative path of movement with respect to one another and each having a cylinder and a piston displaceable therein and being in contact with the cam member, while of each pair of pumps, whose pistons are moved in opposite senses by the cam member, the cylinders communicate with one another through a channel having a restriction.

Abstract: An apparatus for persons to be lowered to a ground from upper stories of buildings, in case of a fire, or the like; the device including a frame suspended outside a window, two heels of ropes supported on the frame, a seat on the end of each rope, one rope winding up automatically as the other unwinds, and a speed-damping mechanism to retard too fast descent of a lowering person.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a fire emergency descent device utilizing straps is securable onto a persons back, and a spool-mounted line (wire) is controllably releasable through overhead wire guide supports adjustable to alter the hanging position of the strapped-in person, and rate of descent being controllable either manually by a manually-adjustable variable valve and a second valve normally preset to correspond to a persons weight to controllably regulate release of compressed air from a piston cylinder housing in which air becomes compressed by piston action resulting from spinning of the spool (spindle) during descent.