Abstract: A top bracket for supporting a safety cable of a vertical climbing fall protection system, the bracket including a base plate and a pivotally deflectable plate that is integrally and pivotally connected to the base plate by a neck. The top bracket may also include an abutment plate with a forward abutment surface that is separated from a rearward abutment surface of the pivotally deflectable plate by an elongate gap.

Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline assembly (10) includes a housing (12), a shaft (14) fixed to the housing (12) against rotation, a drum (18) mounted for rotation on the shaft (14) and including a compartment (20) within the drum (18), a lifeline (22) wound on the drum (18), a brake module (24) carried on the shaft (14) and mounted within the compartment (20), and a pawl mechanism (26) mounted on the drum (18) for rotation therewith. The pawl mechanism (26) is mounted within the compartment (20) and configured to selectively engage the brake module (24).

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: An elevated location descent apparatus comprising a descending device, a braking device and a power transmitting device; the descending device comprising sprockets positioned in a vertical plane, a suspension chain positioned around the sprockets and a payload-suspending means attached to the suspension chain, the braking device comprising a fluid pump converting the rotational movement of a crankshaft into the reciprocal movement of pistons, which reciprocal movement causes the fluid pump to receive a fluid from an inlet and discharge the fluid through an outlet, a fluid circulating conduit connecting the outlet of the fluid pump with the inlet of the fluid pump wherein the fluid discharged from the fluid pump circulates, a flow-restricting valve adjusting the amount of the fluid passing through the outlet of the fluid pump to generate the fluid resistance, and a rotational governor controlling the flow-restricting valve based on the rotational speed of the sprocket; the power transmitting device comprising

Abstract: The escape device is lowered via a cable which can be anchored above and outside a window of a burning building. The descent of the device is regulated by a speed regulating brake or by a valve mounted in a hydraulic line for manual operation by the user. A guide device for the cable is connected to a rigid seat on which the occupant would be seated while descending along a burning building. A pair of wheels are also provided at a lower end of the seat to space the seat from the building and to provide stability while descending along the height of the building. In another embodiment, a sling is suspended from the guide device in order to receive the occupants with the seat regulating brake and emergency brake located in an overhead manner. In another embodiment, a hydraulic energy absorber controls the unwinding of the cable from a reel mounted under the seat of the device.

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: An automatic cable delivery system that can lower heavy weights from some heights with automatically controlled deceleration. This device is capable of sensing the amount of the load being lowered and therefore automatically adjust the resistance on a continuous basis thereby controls the descending speed to a desirable rate regardless of the weight. This automatic descending system is very useful during evacuation in case of emergency from high-rise building and similar structures. This unit is very portable and does not require any permanent fixture. This unit consists of a translucent clutch, hydraulic or mechanical, in conjunction with a unidirectional retractable cable spool coupled trough a planetary gear system. This unit is fitted with a retractor, which retracts the cable once it is released. This retraction is faster than the controlled release of the cable during lowering of load.

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 controlled descent apparatus includes a cable which is wound on a spool and is unwound from the spool by the weight of a person to effect the descent. To limit the rate of descent, the spool turns as the cable is unwound and drives a positive displacement pump the output of which is through a flow control valve. A secondary braking system is designed to provide a smooth transition between the systems. The cable is guided through an opening, such as a window, by an arm which is formed by inner and outer sections pivotally connected to each other with the inner arm pivotally connected relative to the wall so that the arm may be placed in a compact stored condition. The release of a latch permits the arm to self-deploy into an active position.

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 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, the rope is hardly brought into contact with one corner edge, because of the easy slippage due to the number of convex and concave portions, it is possible to provide a novel refuge device from a high place which is superior in safety aspect and in which the local cutting force is hardly generated in the rope.

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: 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 device for safely lowering persons from upright structures such as buildings during an emergency at a safe, predetermined speed of no more than about four feet per second irrespective of the weight of the person being lowered. The device has a drum about which a cable is wound, a gear pump driven by the drum via a reduction gear train, and a hydraulic circuit which includes the gear pump and a flow control valve which maintains a constant hydraulic fluid flow through the circuit irrespective of the weight of the person being lowered and, therefore, also irrespective of the fluid pressure generated by the pump during operation. The hydraulic circuit is in fluid communication with a hydraulic fluid tank having an exterior surface dimensioned to cool the hydraulic fluid and prevent its temperature from rising by more than about 200.degree. F. above the ambient temperature during operation of the device.

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: The device serves to convert rotary motion to hydraulic pressure and vice versa. A piston assembly is entirely located within a cylinder, including a piston head and a piston stem fixed to the piston head. The piston assembly divides the cylinder into two distinct variable volume chambers to be filled with a fluid. The piston assembly is prevented from rotating relative to the cylinder. A rotary shaft extends through one closed end of the cylinder and has an inner portion in telescopic and threaded engagement with the piston stem. Two fluid ports communicate with the respective chambers for allowing a fluid to alternatively exit from and enter into the chambers. Rotation of the shaft causes longitudinal displacement of the piston assembly relative to the cylinder or vice versa. The device can have different applications: for instance, if a throttle valve is connected across the two ports, controlled braking of the shaft rotated by an external torque, is obtained.

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 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 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: An escape apparatus for lowering persons down a structure includes an upper pulley and a lower pulley, both of which are secured to the structure. An endless loop cable passes around the pulleys such that movement of the cable causes the lower pulley to rotate. A hydraulic speed control system is provided which includes a hydraulic reservoir containing hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic pump, and conduits for interconnecting the pump and the reservoir such that the pump removes hydraulic fluid from the reservoir and returns the fluid under pressure to the reservoir. The output of the pump is restricted by means of a valve, and the pump is driven by the lower pulley such that downward movement of the cable causes the lower pulley to rotate and therefore the pump to force fluid through the restricting valve. This flow restriction of hydraulic fluid pumped by the pump limits the speed of the pump and thereby the speed of the cable. A friction clamp for supporting a person on the cable is disclosed.

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: The invention herein described is directed to an emergency escape system, such as for use in exiting from a high-rise building. Such system includes a personnel lowering device adapted to be clamped to a vertically mounted I-beam running the full height of the building from which a quick escape is desired. The lowering device, which controls the rate of descent of the user thereof through a contained braking system, includes a (1) spring-biased pivotal clamping mechanism, activated by contact with the outer face of the I-beam, and (2) knurled roller which rolls along said face and drives two drums enclosed in a viscous fluid, such as silicon oil having a viscosity of 300 SSU. As the rate of descent of the lowering device begins to increase through gravity and the weight of the descending personnel, drum RPM increases and fluid shear increases. In a short period of time after the descent begins the fluid shear forces on the roller driven drums are balanced such that the rate of descent is controlled.

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: An escape device for allowing an endangered person to be safely lowered from a drilling tower or other elevated structure includes an automatic brake which controls the descent of a trolley assembly downwardly along an escape cable extending from the elevated structure to a ground level anchor remote from the structure. The automatic brake includes a reel rotatably secured to the elevated structure and a brake cable wound about the reel and attached at one end to the trolley assembly. A fluid pump coupled to the reel causes the reel to rotate at a constant speed when the trolley assembly descends the escape cable. The effective diameter of the reel decreases as the brake cable is unwound therefrom, thereby slowing the rate of descent of the trolley assembly as it approaches the lower end of the escape cable. The escape device is adapted to be used with both the upper and lower stations of a derrick or similar elevated structure.

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: A life saving equipment for roping down persons along a rope has a rack with an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the rope so that the rope passes the rack when the person is roped down. A rope pulley is rotatably mounted within the rack and has on its circumference a groove for the rope. The rope is guided in the groove for a looping angle of more than 180.degree.. The rope pulley can be braked by at least one brake member, the braking force of which can be adjusted by a setting mechanism influenced by the weight of the person to be roped down. A monitoring means checks the presence of the rope within the rack and has a movable sensor member pressed again the rope, preferably by means of at least one spring. The sensor member acts on a rope clamping device for clamping the rope when a rope shortage occurs.

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.