Abstract: A case or support cradle (10) for a fall arrest device has a shape or configuration enabling rolling of the case or cradle (10) along an arcuate path. The rollable case or cradle (10) allows the fall arrest device received therein to smoothly follow a user's movements around a work site, thereby protecting the device from damage due to dragging or scraping along a floor surface.

Abstract: A fall protection device is used to connect with a safety belt, including a frame having a receiving space, a shaft disposed on the frame, a decelerating member connected to the shaft and disposed in the receiving space, and a safety belt base fitted around the decelerating member. An outer peripheral surface of the decelerating member has a plurality of friction surfaces arranged at intervals. The safety belt base has an outer peripheral surface adapted to be wrapped by the safety belt and an inner peripheral surface being in contact with the friction surfaces thereof. With the design describing above, the friction surfaces rub the inner peripheral surface to generate a rolling friction, thereby to slow down an unwound speed of the safety belt.

Abstract: An ant-falling device includes a shell, a first axle and a second axle supported therein, a buffer unit coupled at the first axle, and a reel spring for retracting the buffer unit. The buffer unit includes a rope reel and a driven gear. The second axle includes a driving gear, a first buckling member, and a handle that controls the driving gear to engage with the driven gear for retracting a rope via the rope reel. The shell includes a button, having a second buckling member, movably mounted thereon and being pushed by a spring. When the driving gear is engaged with the driven gear, the button is actuated to couple the second buckling member with the first buckling member to enable the rope being smoothly retracted. As the button is pressed, the first buckling member is released to disengage the driving gear with the driven gear.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved reel assembly for use in conjunction with an occupant restraint system. The assembly employs a dual locking arrangement whereby an occupant can be restrained during both major and minor incidents. After a major incident, the reel assembly remains locked until the occupant disengages the reel via a push button. After a minor incident, the reel assembly can be conveniently unlocked, without the need for accessing the push button, by applying counter tension to the webbing.

Abstract: A fall protection arrangement including a rotatable hub and a lifeline having a first end attached to the hub and a second end for removable attachment to a user, an engagement mechanism to prevent rotation of the hub upon activation, and a braking arrangement to brake the payout of the lifeline during a fall event.

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

Abstract: A fall arrest block has a drum (40) on which a lifeline is wound and from which the line can be drawn off or drawn back on, as the work man moves towards and away from the block. One end of the lifeline is permanently secured to the drum, and the drum has sockets (50) for securing ends of more than one different type of lifeline. The block also has a brake (24) in the form of a sealed unit which can be removed and replaced with a fresh unit, when servicing of the brake is required.

Abstract: An eddy-current braking mechanism including a rotor, rotatable about a rotor axis; at least one electrically conductive member coupled to the rotor for rotation therewith; at least one magnet configured to apply a magnetic field extending at least partially orthogonal to the plane of rotation of the conductive member, and characterized in that upon rotation of the rotor, the conductive member is configured to move at least partially radially from the rotor axis into the applied magnetic field.

Abstract: A retractable fall arrest device comprises a unit housing, a spring sub-assembly, a brake/clutch sub-assembly, and a drum assembly. The spring and brake/clutch sub-assemblies each include shaft portions which extend into the housing and are removably connected together or to the drum assembly, and support the drum assembly in the housing. The spring and brake/clutch assembly are themselves removably connected to the unit housing. Finally, the unit housing comprises two wall members (i.e., clam shells) which are removably connected together. This fall arrest device allows for replacement of any of the four constituent components of the device in the field, thus reducing the down time between repairs or recertification of a particular fall arrest device.

Abstract: In a rappelling device (10) for braking a load guided on a cable which can be fixed to the rappelling device (10), the cable (14) is friction-guided over a distance (22) and the cable (14) which runs through the rappelling device (10) is guided over a brakable shaft (24). The cable (14) is pressed onto the brakable shaft (24) by means of a pre-definable pressing force (29). The braking elements for the brakable shaft (24) can be kept small in weight and design because an additional braking of the cable (14) takes place over the friction-guided distance in the rappelling device (10).

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: A failsafe mechanism for a lanyard comprising a backing plate, a pawl rotatably mounted on the backing plate and having an engagement portion and a cam portion, and a sperrad mounted on the backing plate in proximity to the pawl. The sperrad has engagement and cam portions and rotates relative to the pawl to define an engagement zone where the pawl and sperrad engage. The sperrad and pawl engagement portions engage when the pawl engagement portion is within the engagement zone and the sperrad engagement portion rotates into engagement. The pawl is configured to rotate only between a first arc in which the engagement portion remains at least partially within the engagement zone and a second arc in which the pawl halts the sperrad rotation should the pawl be held within the second arc.

Abstract: A fall arrester (100) for reducing injuries of a user (108) thereon when falling comprising a rotatable spool (314) with webbing (200) wound thereon, the webbing (200) being protracted from and retracted back upon the spool (314), a torsion bar (310) operationally connected to the webbing (200) through the spool (314) to generate a generally constant reaction force on the spool (314) as the torsion and bar and spool (314) rotate to absorb kinetic energy of the fall; the fall arrester (100) according to claim 1 further including a counting mechanism (500) to maintain a reserve amount of webbing (200) on the spool (314) to enable the torsion bar (310) to twist through its operational range without encountering an end-of-webbing condition.

Abstract: The Lifesaver apparatus as herein described addresses the problem people can face in circumstances similar to those experienced by the people trapped in the World Trade Center. When lower levels in a building are inaccessible to people trapped in its upper levels, the lifesaver apparatus will provide these people with a means for escaping from the building by descending from its outside to safety.

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: A personal escape device which can be used by men, women, and children, including physically disabled persons, to descend in a controlled and secure manner from high structures such as office buildings, multistory homes, and the like. The device is designed for a relatively low-cost, small size which may be used by payloads of variable weights. The rescue device of the invention may be a single-use device or a multi-use device.

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

Abstract: Herein are disclosed fall-protection safety devices comprising a load-bearing housing comprised of a composite polymeric material, and also comprising a load-bearing anchorage plate connected to the load-bearing housing by at least one load-bearing connector.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a centrifugally-operated apparatus that comprises at least a shaft with an axis of rotation and a pawl that is coaxially mounted on the shaft with at least a portion of the pawl being movable radially inwardly and outwardly from the shaft. The axis of rotation of the shaft passes through the pawl, at a location that is radially offset from the center of mass of the pawl. Rotation of the shaft and pawl above a predetermined speed can cause at least the movable portion of the pawl to be moved radially outward from the shaft, in which position an engaging end of the movable portion of the pawl may engage with a component such as a ratchet.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a preassembled and pretorqued friction brake comprising at least a pressure plate, a ratchet ring, a friction ring, and a backing plate. Further disclosed is a centrifugally-operated safety device comprising the preassembled and pretorqued friction brake, and methods of making.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a centrifugally-operated apparatus that comprises at least a shaft with an axis of rotation and a pawl that is coaxially mounted on the shaft with at least a portion of the pawl being movable radially inwardly and outwardly from the shaft. The axis of rotation of the shaft passes through the pawl, at a location that is radially offset from the center of mass of the pawl. Rotation of the shaft and pawl above a predetermined speed can cause at least the movable portion of the pawl to be moved radially outward from the shaft, in which position an engaging end of the movable portion of the pawl may engage with a component such as a ratchet.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method have a speed-limiting braking mechanism. The apparatus may use a leash to limit a velocity of movement of a pet relative to a velocity of movement of a user of the apparatus. The speed-limiting braking mechanism within the apparatus may prevent the relative velocity from exceeding a predetermined threshold without abruptly stopping unwinding of the leash. The speed-limiting braking mechanism may have a rotatable pinion component connected to one or more brake shoes. The leash may be connected to a spool. Unwinding of the leash may rotate the spool, and rotation of the spool may rotate the pinion component. If the relative velocity exceeds the predetermined threshold, the one or more brake shoes may engage a braking liner to maintain the relative velocity at the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A self-rescue device includes a rope operatively connected to a lifeline connector. The lifeline connector is releasably operatively connected to a frame member of the self-rescue device, and should a fall occur, the user releases the lifeline connector from the frame member. A centrifugal braking mechanism controls the rate at which the rope is paid out, which controls the rate of the user's descent.

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: This fall-prevention device comprises a body on which, mounted so as to rotate about a shaft, there is a wheel designed to press and roll on a belay support, and means for locking the body of the fall-prevention device on the belay support, the wheel comprising at least one centrifugal engagement device that can be moved between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The locking means comprise at least one locking member mounted so as to rotate on the body about the rotation shaft of the wheel, the locking member comprising a chock arranged to be inserted between the belay support and the wheel when the engagement device is in its engaged position, so as to immobilize the fall-prevention device on the belay support.

Abstract: A self-retracting lanyard having a housing; a rotatable drum in that housing; a line for winding about that drum; and an improved braking mechanism for preventing the drum in that housing from ratcheting due to line rebounding after a fall arrest event. The braking mechanism has a plurality of pawl lockout elements for flexibly engaging with a stationary component of the lanyard to keep at least one pawl in a locked position during reverse rotation of the drum thereby preventing ratcheting from occurring.

Abstract: A retractable lanyard mechanism that includes a housing, a frame and a drum that is rotatably supported from the frame mounted within the housing. The drum includes a pair of spaced apart disks, the spaced apart disks being attached to opposite ends of a spool, each spaced apart disk having a perimeter including at least one sperrad.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system having a pulley attached to a building. A closed loop of cable is installed around the pulley. The loop is of sufficient length so as to reach, when deployed outside of the building, below the pulley to where emergency personnel gather in an area next to a base of the building (when responding to a disaster situation in the building). A winch around which the loop is to be operatively installed is located in the area next to the base. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An escape device (10) including a cable (18), a rotatable cable dispensing assembly (22) from which the cable (18) is dispensed under load, a braking mechanism (28) operatively connected to the rotatable cable dispensing assembly (22), whereby a braking response of the braking mechanism (18) is proportional to the rate at which cable (18) is dispensed from the rotatable cable dispensing assembly (22).

Abstract: A retractable lifeline safety device usable as heights above the ground. The safety device is attached to the structure on which the worker is performing the task, and a lifeline such as a cable is withdrawn from the housing thereof, the end of which is attached to a belt or harness worn by the worker. The cable may be easily drawn out of the housing in response to the worker moving about normally in the appropriate work space, and the cable is automatically drawn back into the housing of the safety device as the worker draws closer thereto. However, should the worker fall, a brake mechanism within the safety device is automatically engaged by a sprocket and pawl system, stopping the worker's descent.

Abstract: A building evacuation device is provided for lowering a load (e.g. a person or another object) from a multi-story building to the ground at a controlled rate. The device includes a cable that may be unwound from a spool to allow for the load to be lowered to the ground, where the spool is connected to a rate governor to control the rate at which the cable may unwind and, in turn, the rate at which the load will be lowered to the ground. The unwinding of the cable imparts a corresponding rotational motion on the rate governor, which, in turn, translate such motion to a braking device that imparts a braking force on the rotation of the spool to control the rate at which a person is lowered to the ground.

Abstract: A rappelling apparatus providing controlled constant speed to a cable unwinding from a rotating spool in frictional engagement with a stationary arcuate surface. Rotations of the spool are responded to by a centrifugal brake acting in inverse proportion to the rotations. An addition brake is provided for selective actuation by a person using the apparatus.

Abstract: The Escape-Right is an emergency escape system comprising: a passenger harness, a cable, a reel, a shaft fixed to the reel permitting rotation of the reel as the cable is unrolled, a reduction gear assembly, a centrifugal brake assembly, a housing enclosing the brake assembly, and a mounting mechanism. The escape right is a mechanism to escape or descend from the upper floors of a building when the usual exits are unavailable. The Escape-Right may be anchored to prepared points, heavy objects within the building, or a ladder placed near the exit portal. The braking mechanism may be attached to the anchor point or the user. In some configurations of the Escape-Right multiple descents may be accomplished without rewinding the cable.

Abstract: An emergency escape system includes an escape apparatus and a door. The escape apparatus is connected to the door. The escape apparatus includes a cord and a release mechanism. The release mechanism is configured to provide a controlled lowering of a person being lowered on the cord.

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 rappelling apparatus providing controlled constant speed to a cable unwinding from a rotating spool in frictional engagement with a stationary arcuate surface. Rotations of the spool are responded to by a centrifugal brake acting in inverse proportion to the rotations. An addition brake is provided for selective actuation by a person using the apparatus.

Abstract: An emergency escape system includes an escape apparatus and a door. The escape apparatus is connected to the door. The escape apparatus includes a cord and a release mechanism. The release mechanism is configured to provide a controlled lowering of a person being lowered on the cord.

Abstract: An emergency escape pulley structure includes a main shaft on which a plurality of rope wheels are mounted. The main shaft actuates a deceleration gear set, so as to link a braking wheel. The rope wheels are controlled by a control member to turn independently on the shaft, thereby enabling two or more persons to use the emergency escape pulley structure at the same time.

Abstract: A speed responsive coupling device for locking a first member with respect to a second against relative rotation in at least one direction, which device comprises a ratchet wheel carried by said first member which is engageable by a pawl carried by the second member, and in which the pawl is arranged as a mechanical toggle switch which is biased to flip between a “free” condition in which such relative rotation is permitted and a “lock” condition in which the pawl engages the ratchet wheel to disallow such relative rotation, said pawl being linked to a rocker which is so shaped and disposed that when the pawl is in the free condition, such relative rotation causes the rocker to rock and that when the speed of such relative rotation exceeds a threshold value, the strength of the rocking motion imparted causes the rocker to flip the pawl to the lock condition.

Abstract: A centrifugal braking apparatus for a baitcasting reel comprises a spool, pivot shafts, brake levers, and a ring-shaped braking member. The spool is rotatably supported between both side plates of a reel main body. Each of the pivot shafts is disposed on the spool so as to be arranged apart from a rotation axis of the spool in a radius direction thereof and extended at right angles to a straight line parallel with the rotation axis of the spool. Each of the brake levers has a tip end portion and a root end portion that is pivotably supported by the pivot shaft so that the tip end portion of the brake lever is movable toward a standard plane, which includes a central axis of the pivot shaft and is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the spool, under a function of centrifugal force produced by rotation of the spool. The ring-shaped braking member is provided on the reel main body so that the tip end portion of the brake lever can be brought into contact with the ring-shaped braking member.

Abstract: A roping device having an automatic emergency brake includes a generally elongate body having an attachment means at one end, a first rotatable sheave mounted on the body having an annular groove defining a generally semi-circular guide path for a rope, and a braking mechanism mounted to the body generally adjacent the first sheave for selectively braking the rope which, in use, passes therethrough. The braking mechanism is biased towards an engaged position in which the rope is prevented from moving in a first direction through the device.An emergency release mechanism holds the braking mechanism away from its engaged position during normal operation of the device so that the rope is allowed to move through the device in the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractable lifeline safety device in which the side of the housing thereof comprises at least two extruded metal housing member which are connected to form the side of the housing. The present invention also provides a retractable lifeline safety device comprising a roller disposed in housing to reduce friction and abrasion. The present invention further provides a retractable lifeline safety device comprising a pawl clip means for maintaining the pawl adjacent the drum flange. The present invention also provides a ratchet brake assembly comprising abutment means extending radially outward therefrom to abut the housing and prevent rotation of the ratchet brake assembly relative to the housing. The present invention also provides retractable lifeline safety device comprising a drum assembly in which the drum flanges are removable from the drum hub to facilitate changes in the lifeline type.

Abstract: A rope traction device has locking units that include a sheave on which a traction rope is wound. The rope traction device is adapted to be moved along with the traction rope and includes a traction rope inlet for feeding the traction rope to the sheave a traction rope outlet for feeding out the traction rope, a traction rope locking device for locking the traction rope when an increase in the speed of the traction rope is detected, and an auxiliary rope locking device provided in the vicinity of the traction rope inlet for detecting relative moving speed of an auxiliary rope suspended from the rope traction device. An interconnection is provided between the traction rope locking device and the auxiliary rope locking device in order to provide simultaneous engagement of the separate locking devices.

Abstract: A device for lowering or raising people and/or loads over heights, in which the rope pulley is rotatably fitted on a base plate via a brake disc. A brake pad is allocated to the brake disc on one side of the base plate and on the other on a pressure plate secured against rotation. Pressure can be applied to the pressure plate by a tension bolt passing through the brake disc bearing and the tension bolt is coupled to the suspension of the device via a power deflection device via which the weight of the person and/or load to be lowered or raised can be converted into a tensile force on the bolt. A concentrically arranged toothed wheel is connected to the brake disc which engages with a gear system also fitted in the base plate via which an additional centrifugal braking device can be actuated.

Abstract: A fire escape device includes a frame, two supports disposed on the frame, a rod having two ends extended through the supports a pulley fixed on the rod, a cable engaged over the pulley, a supporting member coupled to the cable for supporting persons, and a brake mechanism disposed in one of the supports for braking the rod. The brake mechanism includes a brake shoe pivotally supported in a housing, and one or more pushers disposed in the end portion of the rod for pushing the brake shoe to engage with the housing such that the rod is braked intermittently when the rod rotates.

Abstract: A fall-arrest safety anchorage has a safety line drum (10) and braking components assembled to a spine plate (1). The braking components comprise a rotatable brake component (2) and fixed brake components (1,7) one of which is constituted by the spine plate. The rotatable brake component (2) constitutes the driven member of a centrifugal clutch comprising coupling elements (17) which are mounted on the drum and become centrifuged into engagement with abutments (16) on the rotatable brake element if the unwinding speed of the drum exceeds a predetermined value. The rotation of the brake component (2) takes place against a frictional resistance imparted by friction rings (5,6) which are sandwiched under pressure between the rotatable brake component and the fixed brake components (1,7).

Abstract: A safety device for preventing injuries to a worker as a result of a fall includes a housing which is intended to be mounted at an elevated position where the worker is working and a cable which is adapted to be connected to a harness or belt worn by the worker. The housing includes a spring driven drum therein which normally keeps the cable wound thereon but which allows the same to be withdrawn slowly from the housing as more cable is needed by the worker. A centrifugally operated brake senses an initial quick withdrawal of the cable from the housing which results from the worker falling and stops further withdrawal therefrom to thereby prevent the worker from falling further. A manually operated crank mechanism carried by the housing allows a fellow worker to raise or lower the fallen worker to safety.

Abstract: A chain hoist for supporting and selectively raising and lowering a load includes a powered gearwheel that is connected through a frictional lock with one or more friction disks fixed for rotation with the hoist drive shaft so as to provide a slip clutch arrangement. The hoist additionally includes, between one of the friction disks and a pressure spring, a safety brake disk for rapidly halting movement of the load in the event that the rotation of the brake disk attains or exceeds a predetermined speed or rate deemed to be excessive. For this purpose, the brake disk carries a detent pawl that is pivotally displaced by centrifugal force and into engagement with a detent nose or projection defined on the hoist housing when the brake disk rotation exceeds the predetermined speed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aerodynamically braked vehicle deployment device. The deployment device system generally comprises a spool member. A tow line is bifilar wound about the spool member in a manner wherein one end of the tow line is attached to an aircraft while the other end is attached to a towed vehicle. The towed vehicle and the deployment device are deployed simultaneously, and the spool, by nature of its bifilar winding, assumes a position between the aircraft and the towed vehicle. An aerodynamic braking means is interfaced to the spool in a manner operable to provide a braking force during payout of the towed vehicle to control the payout speed of the towed vehicle. At the end of the towed vehicle payout, the deployment device is adapted to disengage itself from the tow line and propel itself away from the tow line and clear of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanically braked vehicle deployment device. The deployment device comprises a spool member having a guide member rigidly connected thereto. A tow line is bifilar wound about the spool member in a manner wherein one end of the tow line extends through the guide member and is attached to an aircraft while the other end extends from the spool member and is attached to a towed vehicle. The towed vehicle and the deployment device are deployed simultaneously, and the spool, by nature of its bifilar winding, assumes a position between the aircraft and the towed vehicle. A braking assembly is interfaced to the spool member in a manner operable to provide a braking force during payout of the towed vehicle to control the rotational speed of the spool during tow line payout. At the end of the towed vehicle payout, the deployment device is adapted to disengage itself from the tow line and propel itself away from the tow line and clear of the towed vehicle.