Abstract: A release device (10) is provided for use with a fall protection unit (12) having a lifeline (14) that can be deployed N in a fall direction to protect a worker (16) in a fall event, and includes a frame (22) configured to fix the release device (10) to a fall protection unit (12), a release member (24) mounted for movement from a lock position to a release position, a connection member (26) configured to connect the deployable lifeline (14) of the fall protection unit (12) to another piece of fall protection equipment connected to the worker (16), the connection member (26) having a locked condition wherein the connection member (26) is prevented from moving in a fall direction relative to the frame (22) and a released condition wherein the connection member (26) is free to move in the fall direction relative to the frame (22); the connection member (26) having a stop surface (34); and a stop link (28) mounted to the frame (22) to move from a engaged position to a disengaged position in response to the relea

Abstract: An external energy absorber may include a hub having a line associated therewith, the line including a first end directly or indirectly attached to the hub and a second end opposite the first end attached to a user, an energy absorbing arrangement directly or indirectly attached to the hub, the energy absorbing arrangement comprising an outer ring directly or indirectly attached to the hub, an inner ring directly or indirectly attached to a housing, and at least one energy absorbing member positioned between the outer ring and the inner ring, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member is configured to generate friction between the outer ring and the inner ring upon rotation of the hub, and the housing configured to hold the hub and energy absorbing arrangement.

Abstract: A descent control device for controlling rotational motion of an object includes: at least one drive assembly for rotationally engaging the rotating object; a first substantially planar ferromagnetic moving element in rotationally locked engagement with at least one drive assembly and comprising at least one recess formed in a surface thereof having at least one magnet fixedly disposed therein; a second substantially planar ferromagnetic moving element in rotationally locked engagement with at least one drive assembly, and comprising at least one recess formed in a surface thereof having at least one magnet fixedly disposed therein; and at least one conducting plate disposed proximate the first and second moving elements. A magnetic field may be induced by rotational movement of the first or second moving element relative to at least one conducting plate in a direction to oppose acceleration of at least one drive assembly as it rotationally engages the object.

Abstract: An improved fall protection system has been developed. The system functions by: (1) arresting the fall of such users, thereby protecting them from impact with the ground which could cause serious injury or death; (2) providing a method of recovery and escape from a fall-arresting device by providing a user with a controlled descent back to the ground or to a lower place of safety at a safe and gradual rate of descent; (3) providing greater simplicity and wearer comfort in fall-arresting and self-recovery devices; and (4) incorporating gear storage capability into such protective devices, in order to eliminate the need to wear a separate gear storage pack, vest, tool belt, or other such garment or accessory.

Abstract: A retractable lifeline assembly includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion separated by a plate portion having an aperture. The aperture places a first cavity of the first portion in fluid communication with a second cavity of the second portion. A shaft extends through the aperture into the first cavity and the second cavity, and a seal proximate the shaft and the plate portion seals the first cavity from the second cavity. The first portion contains a cable assembly and the second portion contains a brake assembly.

Abstract: A personal fall limiter arrangement having a user connection arrangement, including: a body attached to at least a portion of the frame and having a recess configured to receive at least a portion of a user connector; at least one tab pivotally attached to a first portion of the body; and at least one biasing member engaged with the at least one tab and configured to urge the at least one tab towards a locked (or closed) position; wherein, in operation, the at least one tab is pivotal between: (1) an open position to permit passage of at least a portion of the user connector into or out of the recess; and (2) the locked position to prevent passage of at least a portion of the user connector out of the recess.

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: A magnetic descent control device is disclosed. The device comprises an input shaft affixed to a rotating driven sheave acting as a drive assembly, which grips a cable guiding the descent path of a body carrying cage. The input shaft has a shoulder upon which rests a rotor. The rotor is encased within a front and back enclosure of conductive material. Disposed along at least one surface of the rotor and/or at least one of the conductors, is a series of magnets such that rotation of the rotor relative to the conductors creates relative motion between the magnets' magnetic field and the conductor inducing eddy currents in the conductor that oppose the magnetic field creating a rotational braking force. As a result, very precise and/or controllable descent may be obtained over a broad range of descent angles and/or distances with little or no mechanical wear or risk of overheating. Preferably, the sheave gripping the cable may have a circumferential groove to better improve traction and grip of the cable.

Abstract: A manually-releasable apparatus for arresting a hunter's fall from a tree stand is described herein. The apparatus comprises a satchel with two compartments, one compartment containing a controlled descent device and the other compartment containing a reel upon which a safety strap is wound. The safety strap is attached to the tree and passes through the controlled descent device and then is wound onto the reel. The hunter's safety harness is attached by means of a tether to an eye in the controlled descent device, which is attached to a safety belt secured to a tree. The apparatus quickly arrests a hunter's fall and then allows the hunter to manually release the braking mechanism within the controlled descent device once the hunter has freed himself from obstructions and is in a position to descend to the ground.

Abstract: A retrieval assembly is configured and arranged for use with a retractable lifeline assembly including a cable assembly. The retrieval assembly is releasably engagable with the cable assembly to pay out or retract the cable during rescue.

Abstract: A safety apparatus (11) comprising a first housing (25) supporting a first spool (17) and a second spool (21) coaxially mounted and independently rotatable. The safety apparatus (11) also comprises a support line (29) extending from the first spool (17) to the second spool (21) via a second support assembly (27). The safety apparatus (11) also comprises a locking device (35) operably movable between a locked condition wherein the first spool (17) and second spool (21) are locked relative to each other and a released condition wherein the first spool (17) and second spool (21) may rotate independently. The locking device (11) is maintained in a locked condition, locking the first spool (17) relative to the second spool (21), when a load of predetermined value, such as the weight of a fallen operator, is exerted upon the support line (29).

Abstract: There is provided height rescue apparatus comprising a casing which incorporates a bracket for attachment to a harness. The bracket can be releasably attached to a load element which is attached to a safety line which in turn can be attached to a secure anchorage. There is also a release means in the form of a pull cord for releasing the load element from the bracket after a fall and speed control means for controlling the rate of deployment of an elongate element stored within the casing and thus controlling the descent of a user.

Abstract: A retractable lifeline assembly includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion separated by a plate portion having an aperture. The aperture places a first cavity of the first portion in fluid communication with a second cavity of the second portion. A shaft extends through the aperture into the first cavity and the second cavity, and a seal proximate the shaft and the plate portion seals the first cavity from the second cavity. The first portion contains a cable assembly and the second portion contains a brake assembly.

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. This is achieved in that the rope drum (7) that forms the rope container (8), in the wearing position on the back of the person using the device, is provided with a rope guide device (13) for passing the rope to a release position in the chest region of the person using the device.

Abstract: An anchoring system includes an anchor member to anchor the lifeline and at least one extending unit to extend the anchor member out to a working position beyond (horizontally) and above (vertically) an edge to provide for an overhead anchoring point. The anchoring system preferably further includes a support to which the extending unit is attached. The support immobilizes the overhead anchoring system so that the anchor member remains at the working position (even in the case of a fall by the worker). A method of anchoring a fall protection lifeline for use by a worker working at or beyond an edge includes the steps: elevating an anchor member to position the lifeline above the head of a worker and supporting the anchor member at the working position. The method can also include the step of extending the anchor member to a working position horizontally beyond and above the edge.

Abstract: A fishing pole support or harness for connecting a user to a fishing pole to support and control the fishing pole.

Abstract: A pulley system particularly useful for lifting or lowering an injured worker includes an upper pulley assembly adapted to be secured to a fixed structure and a lower pulley assembly adapted to be secured to the worker being lifted or lowered and further includes a rope having one end secured to one of the pulley assemblies. The rope is arranged in a substantially conventional manner around the pulleys whereby when a force is exerted on the free end of the rope, the worker can be raised and when a force is removed from the free end of the rope, the worker can be lowered. A pulley wheel forming part of one of the pulley assemblies has outwardly flared internal side walls. The lifting rope passes around the pulley wheel for only approximately 180.degree.. The dimensions of the rope and the pulley wheel are such that the rope engages the side walls of the pulley wheel.

Abstract: An emergency escape device is composed of a cap, a cylindrical main body, a conical movable body, and a rope. The cap is provided with an operation pin and a plurality of movable handles capable of triggering the operation pin so as to actuate the escape device. The main body is provided therein with a conical receiving hole for disposing movably the conical movable body. The rope is wound around the conical movable body such that the rope is in contact with the inner wall of the conical receiving hole of the main body. The moving speed of the escape device is dependent on the extent of the friction between the rope and the inner wall of the conical receiving hole of the main body. The top end of the rope is fastened with a safety hook engageable with a fixed object located in a building. The main body is provided with a plurality of retainers for holding carriers intended for use in carrying escapees.

Abstract: A single rope descending device, especially a portable descending device for use of a single person, comprises a receiving housing, a cap, an adjusting nut, and a rope windlass. The receiving housing is made up of a left and a right semi-circular hollow halves within which the rope windlass having a rope wound and raveled thereon is housed. Each half of the receiving housing is provided with a tapered protruding end wherein corresponding serrated clamping edges define the assembling part thereof to boost up the resistant force of the rope passed through the twist and turn formed thereby. The cap is screwed up to conic outer threads of the tapered protruding ends to clamp tight the tapered protruding ends against the rope.

Abstract: A personal portable life-saving device includes a housing, a reel set, at least a guide roller, a control disk, a braking unit, a metal strap and a body fastening means. In case a fire accident happens in a high building, the user may fasten the metal strap to any fixed object in the building, tie the body fastening means about his/her body and jump off the building by holding the housing. The user may adjust the dropping speed and land safely.

Abstract: A portable slow-descending device is provided in which a lifeline in the form of a tape is selectively dispensed from a reel around which the lifeline is wound. A planetary gear mechanism and a centrifugal brake mechanism are housed within a cylinder portion of the reel and a manual control member may be provided in connection therewith for locking the centrifugal brake mechanism during descent of the device. All operable elements of the device are within reach of and descend with a victim so that the victim may personally ensure his safe, controlled descent. The lifeline is preferably formed of aramid fibers which may be formed into a tape of at least 100 m in length and is resistant to elemental fatigue. Heat transfer from the centrifugal brake to the gear mechanism may be reduced by projecting the centrifugal brake from one side of the device and appearance thereof may be streamlined by encapsulating the device within a unitary housing.

Abstract: The slow-descending device of this invention is so small and light that anybody can easily carry it in a traveling bag, or the like. Therefore, it is useful as an emergency evacuation device which enables him to escape from a fire in a hotel, apartment house, office building, etc., or from a disaster in a high level road or highway, etc.

Abstract: A fire escaping apparatus being of a small bulk, requiring no energy source and capable of continuously transporting escaping persons is provided. The apparatus includes a housing attached to a place from where relevant persons can escape a fire, a hollow active shaft rotatably mounting therein a following shaft and securing thereon a driving member, an escaping loop rope positively circulating on the periphery of the driving member, a speed-increasing mechansim mounted between the active and following shafts, and a speed-limiting mechanism mounted on the following shaft so that the escaping person grasping on the rope can be rapidly and safely transported from the place to a ground surface.

Abstract: A load lowering or rescue device for lowering a load or person from an elevated location, has a drum rotatably mounted on a frame. One end of a rope or cable is secured at the elevated location. The other end of the rope or cable is secured to the drum and a portion of the rope or cable is wound around the drum. A spring biased drum brake cooperates with the drum for controlling the lowering speed or for stopping the drum rotation. First and second brake action control members permit controlling the brake action in opposite directions, for example, one control member permits reducing the brake force for accelerating the lowering speed, while the other control member permits selectively increasing the brake force and stopping the lowering.

Abstract: A self-braking apparatus is provided for cases of emergency in which a rapid descent of persons threatened by fire or danger is required on the outside of buildings or the like. The apparatus can be secured to a fixed point from which the descent is to be made and comprises a rotor on which a rope is wound which is mounted coaxially and inwardly of a drum. A heat-resistant handle and a brake which can be actuated by the user are secured to the drum by brackets. The rotor is provided with a plurality of radial holes each containing a spring urging a brake pad outwardly against the inner surface of the drum. The brake which can be actuated by the user is formed by a pair of levers pivotally connected to each other and acting with one of their ends on rods having an inclined plane in turn acting on brake pads urged against the lateral surface of the drum by the rods.

Abstract: A building safety survival rescue cable device includes a large pulley having two pulley halves which are biased toward each other for guiding the rescue device over a cable that is strung from a building. The inner surface of each pulley half is provided with a rough, file-like texture so as to increase friction between the pulley and the cable.

Abstract: This specification describes a portable manually operated rescue and lowering device. It consists of a coaster-brake bicycle hub with its flanges extended enough to form a drum to accommodate about 40 meters of fine aircraft cable. To permit hand operation a novel brake securing and releasing lever replaces the standard bicycle sprocket. This modified assembly is mounted into a rigid frame so that the free end of the cable proceeds up away from the hub to be secured to a building part or object within the building. A fastener for hooking onto a sling is hung from the frame by means of a cable--the length of which is correct for holding a user within easy reach of the brake securing and releasing lever. With this lever, the operator can cause the cable to unwind quickly or slowly or to brake to a complete halt. To prevent the cable from accidentally unwinding constant counterclockwise tension is provided to the lever by two springs.

Abstract: A fire escape descender capable of controlling the descending speed, thereby ensuring that the escaper can escape from the burning building at a desired speed, wherein the speed controlling is effected either manually or automatically.

Abstract: A lightweight apparatus for lowering a load at a controlled rate utilizes an elongated load-carrying strand and a slider assembly mounted on the strand to support a load for controlled downward sliding movement along the strand. The slider assembly includes a brake which is manually operable to control movement of the slider from a complete stop to substantially free fall conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the brake is spring-loaded to an intermediate position to permit a load to be lowered at a safe, relatively slow rate without actuation of the brake. When such preferred embodiment is used by a person to lower himself, a brake control lever may be manually displaced from the intermediate position to increase or decrease the rate of descent.

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.