Strand-engaging, With Descent Retarder Patents (Class 182/5)
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Publication number: 20140262610Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an assisted braking belay system with a housing, a camming mechanism, and a lever mechanism with a lever disengagement mechanism. The housing may include a substantially enclosed rope channel through which a rope may extend to the climber. The camming mechanism is moveably coupled to the housing and configured to automatically engage a camming surface upon the rope across the rope channel if the rope translates through the channel at a particular speed. The lever mechanism enables a belayer to selectively disengage the camming mechanism and release the camming surface from the rope thereby allowing the rope to translate through the rope channel. The lever disengagement mechanism is configured to automatically disengage the lever mechanism from the camming mechanism thereby enabling the camming mechanism to automatically reengage the camming surface upon the rope across the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: BLACK DIAMOND EQUIPMENT, LTD.Inventors: Paul Oddou, Jake Hall, Bill Belcourt, Ben Walker
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Patent number: 8820487Abstract: A rope arresting apparatus for use with a rope having a first end and a weighted second end is disclosed. The rope arresting apparatus includes a cam portion for exerting frictional force on the rope and a pinching portion. The cam portion has a resting position and a pinching position. At the resting position, the cam portion is in frictional contact with the rope when the tension on the weighted second end of the rope is less than or equal to tension on the first end of the rope. A pinching point is formed when the cam portion at the pinching position engages the rope against the pinching portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Kearney-National Inc.Inventors: Joseph M. Bowman, Charles R. Huffman, Jr.
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Patent number: 8794379Abstract: An ascender device for a double rope is composed of two identical ascenders, the flanges of which are reversed by pivoting through 180° with respect to one another along a vertical axis extending parallel to the two troughs. The two grips are symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis so as to be able to be held at the same time by the user's right hand and left hand.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: ZedelInventors: Alexandre Bronnaz, Alain Maurice, Paul Petzl
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Patent number: 8794392Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Spidescape Products, Inc.Inventor: Ulrich Kowatsch
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Publication number: 20140209409Abstract: A multi-functional lifting device, comprising a lifting device body; a power source; an electromagnetic DC motor; a decelerator connected to the DC motor; a main moving wheel positioned on an output axle of the decelerator; a rope element twined into the main moving wheel; a resilient wheel brake unit on one side of the main moving wheel locking the rope element into position; an intermediate wheel having a rope groove complementary to the rope groove of the main moving wheel; and a speed control module and a PCB board connected to the DC motor. The multi-functional lifting device is capable of providing controllable upward and downward movement when the power to the DC motor is connected or disconnected to the power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Dongguan Tiannan Optical Tech. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Quan NIE, Youtao HU, Yong GE
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Publication number: 20140174850Abstract: It is described a belay, of static or dynamic type, and descender, of self-blocking type and not, device for securing one or more ropes comprising a main body composed of at least two or more flat plates constrained one to another according to planes preferably parallel, or slightly tilted, by a plurality of spacer pins. The rope/s is/are inserted inside the body of the device which further comprises a first karabiner hooked to the main body by passing through an opening in the device body. The karabiner is movable in the opening between an unlocking position of the rope, that is the usual use condition, and an emergency position wherein the rope is blocked, and vice versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: ALUDESIGN S.p.A.Inventor: Carlo Paglioli
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Publication number: 20140166395Abstract: A load balancing descending device for controlling the descent of a user descending on a rope carrying a load is provided. The rope has a decreasing rope free end as the user descends. The load balancing descending device comprises a first plate and a second plate. A first pin is positioned between the first plate and the second plate with the first pin spacing the first plate from and pivotally connecting the first plate to the second plate and the combined first plate and second plate having a first side and a second side. A second pin is positioned between the first plate and the second plate with the second pin spaced from the first pin. An attachment mechanism is formed in the first side of the combined first plate and second plate for attaching a user and/or load. The rope is wrapped in a serpentine manner about the first pin and the second pin between the first plate and the second plate with the rope free end exiting the combined first plate and second plate from the second side.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Great Trango Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Barnett Tracy
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Patent number: 8733504Abstract: Method and Apparatus for a Compact Descender used in conjunction with a rope. The invention includes a first plate and a second plate arranged adjacent to one another and pivotally connected to one another by a rope post at the top ends of the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and the second plate are selectively and pivotally opened and closed and are interlocked when closed by attachment of a carabiner through a hole in the bottom end of the first plate and an adjacent hole in the bottom end of the second plate. The first plate and the second plate include a rope channel adjacent to a lever, where the lever is pivotally attached to a pivot pin affixed to the first plate. A substantially rectangular shaped rope clamping cam is pivotally attached above the lever on the same pivot pin.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Inventor: Kirk Martin Mauthner
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Patent number: 8701840Abstract: A self-belay device for controlling climbing and descending along a rope. The self-belay device comprises a hollow casing, a linear frictionless track fixed inside the casing and a braking unit disposed in the casing and mounted on the track for reciprocating sliding movement along the track between a first position and a second position. The braking unit is normally biased to the first position. The braking unit has a passage there through for passing of the rope. The rope is moveable through the passage in the braking unit in the first position, while the movement of the rope through the passage in the braking unit prevented in the second position thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Inventor: Samantha Allen
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Patent number: 8678134Abstract: A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long nylon rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Inventor: Norman E. Wood
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Publication number: 20140054109Abstract: A load balancing descending device for controlling the descent of a user descending on a rope carrying a load is provided. The rope has a decreasing rope free end as the user descends. The load balancing descending device comprises a first plate and a second plate. A first pin is positioned between the first plate and the second plate with the first pin spacing the first plate from and pivotally connecting the first plate to the second plate and the combined first plate and second plate having a first side and a second side. A second pin is positioned between the first plate and the second plate with the second pin spaced from the first pin. An attachment mechanism is formed in the first side of the combined first plate and second plate for attaching a user and/or load. The rope is wrapped in a serpentine manner about the first pin and the second pin between the first plate and the second plate with the rope free end exiting the combined first plate and second plate from the second side.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventor: Tracy Barnett
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Patent number: 8651235Abstract: A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long, thin composite rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Inventor: Norman E. Wood
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Publication number: 20140041960Abstract: A descender device, typically for use in a fall arrest system, for enables a suspended body to be lowered, and includes a descent line and a release element to be actuated by a person. The release element is arranged in a restraint configuration to inhibit the descent line from being deployed and in a release configuration to permit the descent line to be deployed. A restraint arrangement is arranged prior to deployment of the descent line, to clamp or pinch a length of flexible line thereby to inhibit deployment of the descent line, the restraint arrangement being reconfigurable upon release of the release element to permit the descent line to be deployed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2011Publication date: February 13, 2014Inventors: Owain Jones, Karl Jones
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Patent number: 8616333Abstract: A descent control device is disclosed manufactured with a bar having holes for guiding a rope used in descent, and a lever designed to pivot or move relative to the bar and compress the opening of one of the holes. Compressing the opening increases friction and slows or stops descent. Control can be from manually moving the lever or by connecting the lever to the descending weight, thereby automatically moving the lever. Hole and pivot geometry may be altered to provide multiple braking options, accommodate varying ropes, and alter normal operating friction.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Sterling Rope Company, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. Schwarzenbach, Samuel Morton
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Publication number: 20130327592Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for climbing, and more particularly but not by way of limitation an apparatus and method for ascending and descending a rope, for use by individuals with disabilities. The method and apparatus generally includes a combination of devices and a combination of steps which enables an individual climber to ascend and descend a rope while benefiting from the mechanical advantage of a rope assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventors: Mark H. Gerner, Michael Decavalcante
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Publication number: 20130306405Abstract: A device for controlling movement of a rope has a main part and a bar assembly. The bar assembly is pivotably connected to a first side portion of the main part for rotation between a first position in which the bar assembly is not in contact a second side portion of the main part and a second position in which the bar notch receives the second side portion. The bar assembly is arranged in the first position to allow a portion of the rope to be arranged within a central opening and at least partly around the bar part. The bar part is arranged in the second position such that the main part and the bar part define first and second opening portions of the central opening and the portion of the rope extends through the first and second opening portions and at least partly around the bar part.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: Conterra, Inc.Inventor: Rick Lipke
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Patent number: 8584799Abstract: A fall-arresting safety harness assembly includes a lanyard including a pair of lanyard straps, at least one strap breakaway area attaching the lanyard straps to each other and a strap separation area generally adjacent to the at least one strap breakaway area; a lanyard ring extending between the lanyard straps at the strap separation area of the lanyard; a harness carried by the lanyard; and at least one resilient shock-absorbing member carried by the harness and engaging the lanyard ring.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Inventor: Mark Dennington
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Patent number: 8522918Abstract: The rescue harness is a personal use device for donning by an individual requiring escape from an elevated location in a building structure or the like. The harness includes a front latch and bracket having a removable combination glass cutter and hammer, and a removable explosive charge. A rope brake is also secured to the bracket, and a rope passes through the brake. The user of the harness removes the glass cutter and hammer combination, and scribes an opening on a glass window panel. The explosive charge is placed on the glass in the scribed area. A timer permits the user to momentarily leave the immediate vicinity. The hammer is used to break out any remaining glass shards after the explosion blows out the scribed area of glass. The user exits the structure through the hole in the panel, using the rope brake to control his or her descent.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Inventor: Adel Abdulmuhsen Al-Wasis
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Publication number: 20130213736Abstract: A personal escape and rescue device comprising a descent mechanism having a pair of plates having opposing undulating faces each comprising at least one peak and at least one trough defined along the length of the undulating face, and a control mechanism for displacing the plates relative to one another in a direction along the length of the undulating faces thereby adjusting the disposition of the opposing undulating faces relative to one another thereby setting the distance between the trough and the opposing peak; a body harness to support a descender, the descent mechanism being attached at an upper location of the harness whereby the descender is in a stable position; and a strap/cable, of a length to provide descent to safety, reeved between the faces of the descent mechanism, and comprising an anchoring arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Inventor: Shlomo Add
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Publication number: 20130192923Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to an apparatus so designed that when properly used may aid in the prevention of injury and or even death. This device is so designed that a fallen hunter is left hanging facing the tree, allowing mobility and movement. With the attached (DOWN E-Z) device, one may lower himself to the ground with little or no effort. This final step is very important due to the documented factual records of hunters dying while being left hanging for hours and blood begins to clot.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Inventor: Mickey McArthur Kennedy
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Patent number: 8495800Abstract: A device for controlling movement of a rope has a main part and a bar part. The main part has first and second side members and first and second end members. The bar part defines an opening, and the first side member extends through the opening. The bar part is displaced to allow a portion of the rope to be arranged within the central opening and at least partly around the bar part. The bar part is displaced such that the main part and the bar part define first and second opening portions of the central opening and the portion of the rope extends through the first and second opening portions and at least partly around the bar part.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Conterra, Inc.Inventor: Rick Lipke
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Publication number: 20130180800Abstract: Method and Apparatus for a Compact Descender used in conjunction with a rope. The invention includes a first plate and a second plate arranged adjacent to one another and pivotally connected to one another by a rope post at the top ends of the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and the second plate are selectively and pivotally opened and closed and are interlocked when closed by attachment of a carabiner through a hole in the bottom end of the first plate and an adjacent hole in the bottom end of the second plate. The first plate and the second plate include a rope channel adjacent to a lever, where the lever is pivotally attached to a pivot pin affixed to the first plate. A substantially rectangular shaped rope clamping cam is pivotally attached above the lever on the same pivot pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Inventor: Kirk Martin Mauthner
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Patent number: 8464832Abstract: A LAD assembly having a cam with engaging teeth rotatably mounted in a housing, the distal end of the cam assembly having an eye with a central opening. An axis passing through the central opening is parallel to parallel planes defined by the inside sides of the housing. This results in an eye that is rotated 90° relative to the eyes of other rope grabs. In addition, the cam assembly may be elongated, thereby placing the eye further from the body than the eyes of prior art rope grab devices. The orientation and optional extension of the eye allows a carabiner or the like attached to the eye to lie in a plane orthogonal to the plane of a carabiner attached to a prior art rope grab device. This, in combination with the extension of the eye away from the body, allows easier access to and operation of the cam assembly by a user.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventor: James Rullo
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Publication number: 20130068561Abstract: A self-rescue system and a method for providing self-rescue to fall-victims suspended in fall-arresting safety harnesses following an accidental fall enables such suspended fall victims to descend to the ground or other place of safety at a controlled, safe velocity, without assistance from anyone else. In addition, the invention can also address applications in many types of elevated locations where a controlled descent is needed in order to escape emergency conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventor: Rano J. HARRIS, JR.
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Publication number: 20130056695Abstract: A portable ascender device on a rope comprising an actuation element, manual or motor-driven, a nautical winch provided with a self-tailing arrangement, rotated by the actuation element, and at least one first forced passage of the rope in proximity to the winch. The first forced passage is arranged upstream of the winch with respect to the rope winding direction. A method for hoisting oneself by means of such device along a generally vertically stretched rope, and two methods for descending along the rope by means of the same device, respectively in active mode and in passive mode, are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2010Publication date: March 7, 2013Inventors: Michele Cazzaro, Andrea Merello
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Publication number: 20130056303Abstract: Rappelling device having a casing (12) that is movable along a rope (18) and in which a pulley (16) and a guide roller (14) are supported rotatably, such that the rope, during rappelling, is held in frictional contact with the periphery of the pulley (16), the device having a braking device (36) for the pulley (16) and a coupling device (28) for suspending a load (74) to be rappelled, the casing (12) forms a rope channel (26) that extends between the guide roller (14) and the pulley (16) and into which the rope (18) can be placed in extended state, and in that the coupling device (28) is arranged at the casing (12) in a position that is offset from the rope passage (26) towards the side of the pulley (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2010Publication date: March 7, 2013Inventors: Uwe Bergmann, Dirk Bergmann
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Patent number: 8387751Abstract: Disclosed is a follow-up fall prevention device used with a cord designed to secure a person. The device includes a blocking system having a pressure mechanism configured, during running of the cord, to be between the free weight and the bearing surface and to bias a free weight toward the cord and away from a bearing surface, thereby enabling the free weight to be always in contact with the cord and remain in the lower part of a cavity without touching the bearing surface, whatever the inclination of the cord and whatever the position of the device. The pressure mechanism includes a spring.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventor: Olivier Miceli
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Patent number: 8387218Abstract: A belaying system includes a fastening component suspended on a securing means. The fastening component secures a load connected to the fastening component. The fastening component includes a bar. The fastening component and the bar hold the securing means. When unlocked, the bar rotates to enable the fastening component to be removed from the securing means. When locked, the bar cannot rotate and the fastening component cannot be removed from the securing means. The bar is unlocked with an unlocking element. The bar is locked with a locking element. The unlocking element and the locking element are fastened directly or indirectly by and/or on the securing means separately from one another. When the unlocking element is fastened to the fastening component the bar is unlocked and the fastening component remains suspended from the unlocking element. When the locking element is fastened to the fastening component the unlocking element is unfastened.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventor: Philipp Strasser
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Patent number: 8376081Abstract: A descent control device is disclosed manufactured with a bar having holes for guiding a rope used in descent, and a lever designed to pivot or move relative to the bar and compress the opening of one of the holes. Compressing the opening increases friction and slows or stops descent. Control can be from manually moving the lever or by connecting the lever to the descending weight, thereby automatically moving the lever. Hole and pivot geometry may be altered to provide multiple braking options, accommodate varying ropes, and alter normal operating friction.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Sterling Rope Company, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. Schwarzenbach, Samuel Morton
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Publication number: 20130032433Abstract: Safety devices for sports and mountaineering activities which are equipped with an anti-panic mechanism are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: CAMP S.p.A.Inventor: Antonio Codega
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Publication number: 20130015017Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventors: Robert A. Apel, Jeffrey Wu, James Zhan
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Patent number: 8348014Abstract: A safety-featured ladder, including taut rope wrapped over top of the top rung and under bottom of the bottom rung and fixedly connected to the ladder when downward force is applied to the rope in front of the ladder. In a first embodiment, a sleeve including a pulley subsystem is attached to a body harness worn by a climber and can move or slide along the rope only when climbing up ladder. In a second embodiment, a sleeve including a different pulley subsystem including a centrifugal brake is attached to a body harness worn by a climber and can move or slide along the rope when climbing up or climbing down. However, if the climber loses footing and starts to fall the sleeve grabs the rope, and/or the rope grabs the sleeve, which prevents the climber from falling more than a few inches and from injury. Hooks at top of the ladder can hook around transverse cables atop poles.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventor: George O. Kerstetter, Jr.
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Patent number: 8348016Abstract: A device for providing a controlled maximum rate of descent down a rope and fall arrest. The device includes a movable cam that in response to tension on a rope pivots into a closed position, jamming the rope within the device and arresting a fall. Force applied to a torque arm coupled to the cam allows the cam to be pivoted to its open position, which allows rope travel. As cam is opened, the rope travels a more sharply angular path through the device, which creates a frictional force on the rope sufficient to limit the maximum rate of descent.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventors: Richard W. Lewis, Lance Wolf
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Patent number: 8333357Abstract: An adjustment assembly to quickly and efficiently adjust the length of a lanyard used in conjunction with aircraft umbilical connector release mechanisms. The lanyard cable includes at least two retaining mechanisms spaced apart thereon. The adjustment assembly includes a cam portion that retains one of the retaining mechanisms when in the locked position, and allows movement of the retaining mechanisms through the adjustment assembly when in the released position. The cable length can be adjusted when in the released position.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventor: Patrick John Laughlin
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Patent number: 8325053Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: JCJ Inc.Inventors: William N. Flynt, Shawn A. Remington, Jacob M. Martin, Timothy Vile
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Patent number: 8316989Abstract: The present invention provides a universal belay device for providing safety to mountain and rock climbers. The belay device allows a belayer to selectively operate the device in any of a plurality of modes. In an auto-locking mode, a fall by a climber automatically stops the rope without requiring the belayer manually apply any holding or stopping force. In a frictional mode, a fall by a climber is stopped by the belayer applying a minimal amount of pressure. The belay device includes a housing in which a rope pin and cam are contained. The cam is rotable to a first position which allows the rope pin to frictionally secure the rope against the housing and stop the rope. The cam is rotable to a second position which substantially prevents the rope pin from fully securing the rope and requires the user to apply a stopping force to stop the rope.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: The University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: Eberhard Bamberg, Nathaniel Young
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Patent number: 8312965Abstract: A belaying device for a rope comprises a metal body having at least one slit for passage of a loop of a rope, and a retaining element in the form of a bow integral to the body without being articulated on the latter, and designed to control the relative separation movement of the body with respect to a carabiner passing through the loop. The device further comprises flexible means arranged to move the body towards the carabiner when blocking of the rope takes place, and to move the body away automatically when the rope is released.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: ZedelInventors: Paul Petzl, Laurent Perrod
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Publication number: 20120285770Abstract: A fall arrest apparatus comprising a brake assembly (comprising a main body and a clamping mechanism) and a lifeline comprising an elongate first lifeline member and an elongate second lifeline member, the lifeline members overlapping with each other along a section of the lifeline. The main body has a passage extending therethrough, the overlapping section of the lifeline extending through the passage. The configuration is such as to provide from opposite sides of the passage a clamping force to compress together opposed surfaces of the two overlapping lifeline members to prevent these from moving with respect to each other until pulled in relatively opposite directions by a fall of the worker, causing the compressed overlapping members to slidingly contact each other so that energy of the fall is dissipated by sliding friction between said opposed surfaces. The main body has first and second portions on opposite sides of the passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: Checkmate LimitedInventors: Oliver AUSTON, Duncan BARRIER
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Publication number: 20120261212Abstract: The present invention consists of a descender intended to slow down and regulate the descent of a user along a cable, provided with cable blocking systems which intervene when the user releases the descender completely or grasps it in panic, characterised in that the descender also allows for ascent, making said cable transition to an opposite direction, without actuating any of the aforesaid blocking systems which would prevent said ascent.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventor: Marco Bonaiti
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Patent number: 8272476Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Rapid Egress Descent Systems Ltd.Inventors: Gregory A. Hartman, Dan S. Smith
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Patent number: 8261877Abstract: A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, packed within an exterior rope pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the exterior/outer rope pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Inventor: Charles Christopher Botti
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Patent number: 8261881Abstract: A belay device for a rope, comprising a plate having at least one slot for a loop of the rope to pass through, a retaining element integral to the plate, and a carabiner connected to the retaining element by means of a securing part rendering it captive with respect to the plate. The carabiner is fitted with bidirectional sliding in the securing part to come up against the stop formed by the plate when blocking the rope or to move away from the latter when releasing is performed.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: ZedelInventors: Pierre Plaze, Paul Petzl
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Patent number: 8245817Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.Inventor: Scott C. Casebolt
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Patent number: 8235172Abstract: An ascending/descending assembly is simple, strong, safe, easy to use, and can be used with either single rope or double rope technique. The assembly includes at least first, second, and third (and preferably fourth and fifth) clamping elements. Each element has a first side edge, a first end edge, a main opening large enough for a rope extending in a first dimension through it, and a slot extending between the first side edge and the opening, the slot allowing a rope to pass through the slot into the opening. A connecting element (such as a chain) is operatively pivotally connected adjacent the first end edges of each of the clamping elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Inventor: Morgan Thompson
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Publication number: 20120193166Abstract: A descender (5) for use in abseiling or belaying, comprising a base (10) connected to a harness or the like, with first (16) and second (18) spaced projections engaging a rope, the projections (16, 18) both extending normal to the base (10); an arm (12) pivotally mounted to the base (10) at a pivot axis (14), the arm (12) having a third projection (28) for engaging a rope, the projection (28) extending parallel to the pivot axis (14) and being located so that when the arm (12) is pivoted towards the base (10), the third projection (28) is located between the first (16) and second (18) spaced projections, wherein a fourth projection (156) disposed generally between the first (16) and second (18) projections and adjacent an edge of the base (10) separates a portion of rope passing into the descender (5) and around the first (16) and third (18) projections from the portion of the same rope passing out of the descender (5) between the third (28) and second (18) projections.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventor: Boris Rogelja
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Publication number: 20120186907Abstract: A system for descending a rope regardless of the tension on the working end of the rope. The system comprises a frame having first, second, third and fourth sides, the first and third sides being relatively positioned at a first angle and the second and fourth sides being relatively positioned at a second angle. In some embodiments, the sum of the first angle and the second angle equals 180 degrees. The system also includes a plurality of friction nodes associated with the first side for: (1) receiving a rope, (2) enabling the frame to selectively move up or down relative to the rope, and (3) applying a select amount of friction to the rope according to the relative position of the frame to the rope.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: Kurt A. Brendley, Omar B. Bohsali
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Publication number: 20120181108Abstract: A system for overhead anchor evacuation according to embodiments of the present invention includes a support bar configured to extend overhead of a user, a device mount in sliding engagement with the support bar, the device mount slideable along the support bar between a first position in which the device mount is on an inside of an edge of a building, and a second position in which the device mount is on an outside of the edge of the building, wherein the device mount slides freely between the first and second positions during the user's normal use of the system, and a controlled descent device coupled to the device mount.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventors: Alexis FOREMAN, Jeffrey Kent ALDRED, James E. FAY
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Patent number: 8210311Abstract: A fire escape system includes at least one guide post and an escape platform slidably carried by the at least one guide post and comprising a platform plate; a pair of handlebars pivotally carried by the platform plate; a pair of guide rollers carried by the pair of handlebars, respectively, and adapted to detachably engage the at least one guide post; and a pair of brake assemblies carried by the escape platform and adapted to engage the at least one guide post.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Inventor: Jimmy Rice
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Publication number: 20120118666Abstract: A rope climbing apparatus includes two spaced side members. Each side member has a climbing rope end and a tethering end. The climbing rope ends each include a pair of spaced apertures. The tethering ends each include a cooperative aperture. Two friction elements are disposed between the spaced side members. The friction elements are axially disposed between the pair of spaced apertures in the climbing rope end for receiving a rope therebetween the friction elements. A tether connector is axially disposed between the cooperative apertures in the tethering end for connecting a tether thereto. The climbing apparatus is useable as a brake while descending a rope through angular movement of the tethering end relative to the rope.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventor: Samuel Kevin Raoul Bingham
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Publication number: 20120111665Abstract: It is described a belaying device for blocking a rope comprising a main body formed by two flat plates constrained one to each other preferably according to two parallel planes by means of a plurality of spacing pins. The rope is inserted inside the device body further comprising a carabiner attached to the main body by passing through an opening on the device body. The carabiner allows the belaying device to be constrained to an user, or an anchorage point, and it is movable at the opening between a non-blocking position of the rope, that is the condition of normal use, and an emergency position wherein the rope is blocked, and vice versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: ALUDESIGN S.P.A.Inventor: Carlo Paglioli