Abstract: A descender 10 having a resistance feed arrangement 14, 15 for a rope 5, a self-acting brake (12, 14, 15, 18) to automatically apply a braking force to the rope 5 in certain circumstances such as an emergency when the user is knocked unconscious, and a variable braking mechanism 21 which allows the user to selectively vary the braking force by moving a braking surface 24 in a direction away from the rope 5 to allow a controlled reduction of the braking force, and which will automatically return to a position for maximum braking force when released. Preferably, the variable braking mechanism 21 is in the form of a cam 22 selectively pivotal by means of a handle or lever 23 which may be connected to the tail end of the rope 5 by a retention arrangement 25 to allow easy actuation of the mechanism 21.

Abstract: A rappelling descender having an elongated, substantially hexagonal ring, a capstan attached to a first long side of the ring, and a hand grippable handle attached to a second long side of the ring, opposite the capstan. The hand grippable handle is at least substantially one palm width in length. A first ear extends from one side of the capstan, and a second ear extends from an opposite side of the capstan as the first ear, both ears extending transversely to the capstan.

Abstract: A system and method of use for attaching a safety rope to an elevated portion of a tower, e.g., an electric power transmission tower, so that the rope extends along the tower's leg from the elevated portion to a lower portion, e.g., the ground, to enable a worker may be secured to the rope by a safety device, e.g., a rope grab, to protect the worker from a fall. The system comprises an air rifle for shooting a projectile having a light weight flexible filament secured to it over the elevated portion of the tower, the safety rope, and plural rope-retaining gates. Once the projectile has been shot over the tower to carry the filament over the elevated portion the safety rope is connected to the filament and pulled over the elevated portion of the tower. The safety rope is then secured in place extending vertically between the elevated portion and the ground.

Abstract: A device for ascending along a rope comprises a pair of ascenders and a leg loop in the form of a pedal cooperating with a cord passing over two pulleys to form a tackle device authorizing a gearing down effect of the effort exerted on the leg loop. The effort required for an ascending step corresponds to two thirds of the weight of the climber, whereas the leg travel when moving from the standing position to the sitting position is about one and a half times the distance of an ascending step.

Abstract: The descender comprises a first flange for support of a pulley and a pad, and an auxiliary braking lever mounted with limited pivoting near the pulley between an inactive unlocking position for a first winding direction of the rope in the passage space, and an active locking position in which a jamming surface of the lever presses the rope against the pulley. Pivoting of the lever to the active position takes place automatically in case of incorrect winding of the rope according to a second direction opposite to the first direction, and in the presence of a tension on the rope when the descender is on load.

Abstract: A rope friction exercise device is described which is in the form of a member 12 (FIG. 2) having multiple bars (51-62) about which a rope (30) can extend in multiple wrappings to provide frictional resistance against pulling of the rope. The member has an elongated longitudinally-extending first side (42) and has a first plurality of bars (51-54) spaced along the first side, with each bar having a first end (80) mounted on the side and a second end (74) which is free, so a rope can be wrapped and unwrapped from a bar by merely installing and removing it from the free end, to thereby change resistance to rope pulling. A plurality of parallel bars enables a rope section to extend over and under the bars in a small angle of wrap to enable a small change in rope pulled resistance, in an arrangement that makes it easy to understand how to change rope pulling resistance. A handle 36 (FIG. 6) allows easy adjustment of rope length.

Abstract: A rescue system is provided which includes a hoist having a backplate and a rope drum mounted on said backplate, with the rope drum adapted to receive a rope wound at least one and one half times about a rope engaging surface on the drum. The drum is rotatable in one direction when a pulling force is exerted on a control end of the rope and blocked against rotation in an opposite direction when a pulling force is exerted on a load end of the rope, so that the rope drum provides a braking force on said rope when a force is exerted on the load end of the rope. The hoist includes an arcuate rope guide fixed to the backplate and extending at least 200.degree. about the drum, and the drum itself is provided with a rope engaging surface including a cylindrical portion and a tapered portion, with the tapered portion lying closest to said backplate. Additional system components for use in conjunction with the hoist include a centrifugal brake mechanism, a swivel pulley and a handled acsender.

Abstract: A rescue system includes a hoist including a backplate; a rope drum mounted on the backplate for rotation about an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the backplate, the rope drum having a rope engaging surface located between a pair of circular end flanges; a rope guide fixed to the backplate, the rope guide formed by a pair of elongated laterally spaced legs connected at opposite ends of the rope guide to define therebetween at least one rope slot, the rope guide having an arcuate shape conforming substantially to the circular end flanges of the rope drum; a generally T-shaped rope lock bar mounted on a forward end of the rope guide, the lock bar including a stem and a cross bar, the cross bar extending substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the rope drum; and a lock mounted on the backplate for movement between engaged and disengaged positions, the lock including a cam which, when in the engaged position, permits movement of a rope in one direction but not in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A safety device comprises a body delimiting a passage having a safety rope passed through it, a ring connected by a strap to a belt, a brake and a system for locking the device to the rope should the worker fall. The device comprises a transverse spindle on which a toothed wheel is a relatively tight fit to constitute said brake, a cam mounted on the spindle and having teeth to cooperate with the safety rope and a weight cooperating with a pawl held away from a toothed ring attached to the cam by a spring, the weight being mounted in such a way that if the toothed wheel rotates at a speed greater than a specific threshold it causes engagement of the pawl with the toothed ring so that the cam teeth lock the safety rope into the passage.

Abstract: A rope grab for protecting a worker at an elevated position from a fall. The rope grab is disposed on a vertically extending safety line and is connected to the worker by a lanyard. The rope grab includes housing having a pivotable actuator mounted thereon. The actuator includes an serrated extension for engaging the safety line. A rupturable capsule containing an indicating liquid is located in the housing. The actuator is connected to the lanyard to secure the worker to the rope grab and is pivotable upon a downward pull thereon to move the serrated extension from a first position to a second position. When the serrated extension is in the first position it engages the safety line slightly to permit the rope grab to be slid therealong.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering people from a building or platform which includes a lowering line that is looped through a block member having a cylindrical ratchet with a grooved rim that is rotatably mounted on a shaft centrally positioned between two side plates forming the sides of the block member. The block member includes a longitudinal axis extending through the center of the shaft mounting the cylindrical ratchet and includes an attaching device which is offset a predetermined distance to one side of the longitudinal axis. On the opposite side of the block member from the attaching device is a pair of spaced pivots which make up a narrow entry and exit opening through which the incoming and outgoing ends of the lowering line extend. The pivots are equally spaced on either side of the longitudinal axis with the outgoing end of the lowering line passing adjacent to the pivot which is arranged on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis from the attaching device.

Abstract: A safety device for climbing ladders which has a body member with a rail receiving portion which is formed of cast metal such as aluminum and has a rail receiving opening which is at least partially lined with neoprene inserts so as to allow the safety device to easily slide on the rail. A pivoted clamping portion is mounted in the safety device and is biased by a spring into engagement with the rail such that the clamp locks to the rail. A safety chain is connected to the clamp device and to a belt attached to a user such that in the event of a misstep or fall, the clamping device will lock the clamp to the rail and thus arrest the climber's fall. Two or more neoprene sleeves are mounted in the safety device which engage the rail so as to allow the safety device to move smoothly over the rail when in the unclamped position.

Abstract: A central conduit includes a plurality of spaced first and second support housings mounted to the conduit, with the first and second housings pivotally mounting a respective first and second brake rod. Each brake rod including a brake pad surface for projection through a first and second slot for communication with a rope through the conduit to slow descent by an individual utilizing the apparatus to descend a rope member. A modification of the invention includes a seat member mounted to the conduit, as well as a further assembly positioned below to include further brake rods for use by an individual's feet in controlling descent downwardly along a rope member.

Abstract: A fire escape device enabling persons to be lowered from tall structures. The device features a cable spool about which a cable is wound for at least one revolution. A helical channel is defined on the outer surface of the cable spool for the cable to ride in and a spool casing is provided to prevent the cable from riding out of the channel. A housing having first and second ends supports the cable spool and spool casing. Housing openings and channel openings are provided to allow the cable to pass into the channel about the spool. Harness supports are also provided at the first and second ends of the housing to hold the harness straps. A person is secured in the harness straps and may be lowered from the structure at a controlled rate by passing the cable through the housing. It is possible for the person to control their own rate of descent although it could also be controlled by a person in the structure or a person on the ground.

Abstract: The elevating and lowering apparatus comprises a baseplate (1) on which a freely rotatable lowering pulley (2) including a back-run safety is mounted. A toothed crown (7) is mounted on the side of the lowering pulley facing the baseplate, the teeth (7a) of the toothed crown cooperating with a ratchet member (9) in such a manner that in the freewheeling direction, the ratchet member is lifted, and in the reverse direction, the ratchet member blocks said toothed crown, i.e. the lowering pulley. Said ratchet member is accommodated in the baseplate. Such an additional back-run safety results in an increased security, and in some countries, it is mandatory for certain operations involving the apparatus.

Abstract: The rope grab safety device of the present invention releasably attaches a workman's safety belt lanyard to a vertically extending safety rope. The device includes a primary frame assembly constructed of an elongated U-shaped bracket having a pair of spaced apart parallel side plates which is adapted to fit around the rope. A secondary frame assembly also comprised of a pair of side plates is adapted to fit within the U-shaped bracket after the rope is inserted. The secondary frame assembly carries a brake lever and brake shoe which is adapted to engage the rope in the event of a fall. An elongated bent pin connected between the primary and secondary frame assemblies allows for limited pivotal and axial movement between them to thereby allow the rope to be inserted into the U-shaped bracket. A separate locking pin passes through aligned openings in the primary and secondary frame members to secure them together.

Abstract: A life-saving device includes a reel wound with rope or steel wire accommodated within a housing which has a lower portion for supporting the user. The housing has a plurality of connecting rods which, when their position is changed, can alter the pressure exerted by a number of pressure rollers on the rope, so that the rope is drawn out and hence the resistance against the housing is changed. The housing further comprises a pair of handles whereby the ropes can be checked if desired.

Abstract: An emergency descent device includes a casing, a rotation retarding device, a suspension gear pulley, a cable extending around the suspension gear pulley and a cable guiding unit. The cable guiding unit includes a pair of spaced upper rollers and a lower roller provided under a point between the two spaced rollers. A cable has a descending portion and an ascending portion, which is frictionally passed around the suspension gear pulley. Each of the two end portions of a cable pass between one of the pair of spaced rollers and the lower roller. When one end of the cable is pulled, an additional frictional force occurs which arrests the fall of the pulled end of the cable.

Abstract: A device whereby personnel or other loads may descend from an elevated position at a controlled and variable speed, comprising a restraining member (12) having a series of slots (13). A tape stored in a container (20) passes through the slots (13) to a hook (10) for attachment of the device to a fixed point. A user wearing a harness (21) removably attached to the restraining member (12) may descend at a controlled rate determined by a light load applied to the tape (11) below the restraining member (12) owing to the frictional contact of the tape (11) passing around the edges of slots (13). After the descent a quick release shackle (16) releases the harness (21) from the device.

Abstract: A visually inspectable shock absorbing safety lanyard to reduce the shock of gravity when a person wearing a safety support system falls from an elevated position. The lanyard comprises a length of material having a first end adapted to be connected to the person, e.g., via a safety belt or harness, and a second end adapted to be connected to a fall prevention device, e.g. a rope grab, and a shock absorbing mechanism located therebetween. The shock absorbing mechanism is disposed within an inner cover to hold the mechanism in place, to keep it clean and to provide a visual indicator that the mechanism may have been tampered with or previously actuated. A readily openable second cover formed of a flexible material and including a releasably securable opening is disposed about the inner cover and is arranged when opened to provide visual access to the inner cover.

Abstract: A combined casing and mounting assembly for a descent device to be contained by the assembly when not in use and to be suspended from the assembly when in use includes an enclosed hollow casing which has a rear panel to be fixed to a wall of a building, a side panel having one edge hinged to the rear panel, and a cover panel hinged to another edge of the side panel opposite the rear panel. The side panel and the cover panel can be turned from an enclosing storage position relative to the rear panel to an open position in which the cover panel extends through an opening in the wall. The descent device is to be suspended from the cover panel of the assembly when in use. The assembly further includes a positioning device to maintain the cover panel in the openn position and a fastening device to maintain the cover panel in the storage position.

Abstract: It is an escaping device from a high building, whereby an escapee can descend slowly along a rope from a high building; an escapee merely holds the grips of the device to push up or down so as to have the clamping blocks turned so as to clamp or release the rope; then, the device can move downwards quickly or slowly, or stop so as to let an escapee hooked on the device descend to the ground safely.

Abstract: A controlled descent device is disclosed, including an elongate guide assembly that has an upper portion, a lower portion and a generally helical track that extends from the upper portion to the lower portion. A carriage includes a primary bearing that is engaged with and movable within the track. A harness is secured to the carriage and the carriage is descendible along the track to lower a person fastened in the harness from the upper portion of the guide assembly to the lower portion thereof.

Abstract: A self-jamming descender for a rope comprises a first base flange equipped with an articulation spindle and a first fixed pulley, a mobile support plate with an operating lever pivotally mounted on the spindle, and a second pulley securedly united to the support plate and eccentric with respect to the spindle. The second pulley comprises a boss cooperating with a first braking surface of the first pulley when the lever is in a first jamming position. The pivoting support plate is provide with a jamming cleat, separated from the second pulley by a space through which the rope passes, and cooperating with a second braking surface when the handle is moved to a second jamming position. Unjamming of the descender takes place in an intermediate position of the operating lever.

Abstract: A descent controller for lowering a load along a rope from an elevated position to a relatively lower position. The controller is a friction cylinder or capstan or a length adapted to receive a plurality of turns of rope between top and bottom end plates attached respectively adjacent the upper and lower ends of said cylinder. The end plates overhang the cylinder and define radial slots sized to loosely receive the rope. An upwardly narrowing tapered slot defined diametrically through the capstan receives and grips the rope. An annular clamp ring is slidably mounted on the cylinder and defines a radial aperture which loosely receives the rope as it exits from said tapered slot. A spring biases the ring upwardly along said friction cylinder for releasably wedging the rope in the tapered slot. A gripping cylinder is secured to the ring for sliding said ring along the friction cylinder to release said rope from the narrow end of said tapered slot.

Abstract: A device for ascending and descending following a vertically disposed rope comprises a handle assembly including a pair of handles, a stirrup asssembly including a pair of foot-holds and a harness depending from the handle assembly, wherein the handle assembly attached to the rope in a sliding relationship grabs the rope when the pair of handles are pulled down and the stirrup assembly attached to the rope in a sliding relationship grabs the rope when the pair of foot-holds are stepped on; whereby a person wearing the harness climbs the rope by repeating the movements of pulling up the stirrup assembly by bending the knees while pulling down the pair of handles and then pushing up the handle assembly while standing up on the pair of foot-holds, or slides down on the rope at a controlled speed by exerting a required amount of braking applied by means of the handle assembly and/or the stirrup assembly.

Abstract: A roofing safety device, adapted to be used in connection with substantially all roof configurations comprises an upright support, adapted to be secured to the roof of a building, having at least one self-braking mechanism and cable assembly attached thereto. Disposed at the free end of the cable is a fastening device which may be secured to one of a plurality of heavy rings secured to a belt. The plurality of rings provided on the belt enables the worker to attach the cable of the self-braking mechanism to either side of his body, thereby allowing the worker to perform his task on the roof without being chafed by the cable. A pair of stabilizing struts, each having a rectangular foot at the distal ends thereof which are rotatable about a pair of orthogonal axes enables the device to conform to substantially any rooftop configuration.

Abstract: A fall arresting device attached to a climber's safety harness having an open-sided elongated housing joined together near its center by a spindle, a drum rotatably mounted on the spindle, a clove hitch knot formed in a safety rope and tied around the drum, and a centrifugal clutch assembly on one end of the drum to halt rotation of the drum with respect to the housing plates if the rotation of the drum exceeds a predetermined rate. The housing is comprised of two housing plates which may be counterrotated about the spindle to "open" the device and allow the clove hitch knot to be tied around the drum. When the housing is "closed", by realigning the housing plates, and attached to a climbers harness via carabiners, the clove hitch knot may not be removed from the drum. When the climber pulls the device against the anchored rope at slow speeds, the clove hitch knot slips on the rotation drum and the device travels freely along the rope.

Abstract: A personnel lowering or descent control device. The device includes a housing adapted to be secured to a person intending to descend from a higher to a lower elevation, and containing a line adapted to be secured at one end to a fixed point at said higher elevation. The line is wound on a reel rotatably mounted in said housing. A brake assembly, including a centrifugal brake controls the rate of rotation of said reel and thereby the rate of descent. A mechanical brake on said housing provides a manual control of the rate of rotation of the line supply reel. The descent line is trained on a plurality of capstans mounted within the housing for absorbing energy and providing a capstan ratio effective to reduce applied line tension to slow the descent of an object supported by the said descent device.

Abstract: A portable assembly comprising a nylon flame retardant support rope, an adjustable size waist band and crotch harness and a lever controlled brake rope friction device. The user securely fastens the rope at the point of departure, threads the rope through the friction device and fastens the device to the harness. The lever on the friction device regulates the rate of descent from a full stop to the limiting rate prescribed by the friction ring assembly. Alternately, the user may hand hold the friction device for lowering a load fastened to the harness.

Abstract: The invention refers to a lifeline device which is designed to lower persons from a burning building, after evacuation through a window, distinguished by the lifeline (A) having a length which corresponds to the mounting height of the equipment above the ground over a friction pulley (B) having a circumferential groove (C), which will cause braking said lifeline is threaded to occur under the weight of the person being lowered. The friction pulley of the pulley and lifeline (B) has a centered over-dimensioned axle hub (D) and runs between two bolts (E,E') attached to the sideplates (F) forming a pulley housing, which is fastened with a bracket (G) to a window sill or other structure. Under loading, the line (A) locks the friction pulley (B) against the bolts (E,E') so that the line is pulled through the friction pulley's groove (C) and the line passes between two bolts (H) placed in the lower end of the housing (F) to hold the line within the groove (C).

Abstract: This invention relates to an emergency descending device having a life line, one end of which is adapted to be fixed at a high position, the other end of which is adapted to be extended to a low position, and a descending apparatus movably affixed around the life line and usually kept at a high position before operation. The descending apparatus is adapted to suspend a person and carries the person along the life line at a low speed from a high position to a low position. The improvement is characterized by the descending apparatus comprising a decelerating element which is a tubular member axially passed by the life line, forming a contact surface within the tubular member, and in addition, the contact surface being corrugated so as to increase the friction between the contact surface and the life line and reduce the descending speed of the descending apparatus while it suspends a person and lowers him/her from the high position.

Abstract: A descent control device for lowering a load along a rope from an elevated position at which said rope is anchored to a relatively lower position. The device includes a vertical friction capstan such as a drum, shaft or cylinder, of a length adapted to receive a plurality of turns of rope wrapped therearound. Top and bottom end plates are attached respectively adjacent the upper and lower ends of the capstan; each having a portion overhanging the surface of the capstan and defining apertures sized to loosely receive the rope. The bottom aperture includes arcuate slot which tapers as it follows the contour of the capstan. A hook or eye depends from the lower end of the capstan for attaching a load carrying device. A locking end plate is rotatably mounted on the capstan below the lower end plate and includes an aperture for loosely receiving the rope.

Abstract: A safety grab protection device that both operates bi-directionally for connecting a safety belt lanyard to a vertical safety rope and has contoured cam surfaces that engage the safety rope in such a way that the shape of the braking surfaces engage the rope without damaging it.

Abstract: A roofing safety device, adapted to be used in connection with substantially all roof configurations comprises an upright support, adapted to be secured to the roof of a building, having at least one self-braking mechanism and cable assembly attached thereto. Disposed at the free end of the cable is a fastening device which may be secured to one of a plurality of heavy rings secured to a belt. The plurality of rings provided on the belt enables the worker to attach the cable of the self-braking mechanism to either side of his body, thereby allowing the worker to perform his task on the roof without being chafed by the cable. A pair of stabilizing struts, each having a rectangular foot at the distal ends thereof which are rotatable about a pair of orthogonal axes enables the device to conform to substantially any rooftop configuration.

Abstract: A load attachment device attaching a person to a safety line to provide a fall-arrest facility, comprises a slipper member for engaging an elongate member for sliding movement therealong, and load sensitive locking member having an unlocked condition perimitting free sliding movement of the device and a locked condition in which a grip portion of the locking member engages and grips an elongate member slidably engaged, in use, with the slipper member, the locking member including biassing member to cause the locking member to be brought automatically into its locked condition when an applied loading, which is required to maintain the locking member in its unlocked condition on an inclined, or a vertical or near vertical elongate member, or portions of an elongate member, is removed.

Abstract: A unidirectional clamping mechanism for clamping a visibility enhancement device such as a strobe light to an aerostat tether subject to deployment and in-haul operation. The clamping mechanism includes diametrically opposed rollers each having a single tooth ratchet and pawl arrangement which allows unlimited rotation in one direction and limited or no rotation in an opposite direction such that when deployed, the strobe lights will not move down the tether but during an in-haul operation the mechanisms may be stacked one on top of the other while the tether is rapidly pulled through them.

Abstract: A rope grip apparatus for use in the field of tying down cargo in delivery trucks, construction, tying down aircraft, mountain climbing, farming, ranching, boating or other similar uses where rope is used and is typically tied in knots to secure articles while in transit, use, or storage. The rope grip apparatus includes a rope-receiving member having a hingeably secured and latchable rope-gripping member. The functional elements of the rope grip apparatus include a springed latch, and a plurality of ratcheted, grooved pulley rollers. In using the apparatus, a rope is threaded between the grooved pulley rollers located within the rope-receiving member and the rope-gripping member and unidirectionally clamped therebetween by latching the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention discloses a self-sufficient device enabling a person to descend and ascend with ease, which device includes a closed loop of cord depending from a frictionally controlled cord release apparatus that exerts braking on the looping movement of the closed loop of cord in one direction releasing the first member and taking up the second member thereof, while it allows substantially free looping movements in the other direction releasing the second member and taking up the first member of the closed loop of the cord, wherein the first member of the closed loop of cord includes a harness securely affixed thereto and the second member includes a handle and a stirrup slidably secured thereto, which handle and stirrup freely slide on the second member of the closed loop of cord when no load is exerted thereon, while the handle and stirrup grabs the second member of the closed loop of cord when a load is exerted thereon.

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: According to one embodiment, the novel escape line clamp assembly comprises primarily as a brake on a fire escape line or rope. The assembly is comprised of a main body block which contains a vertical aperature for the line or rope to pass through. The main body block is divided into two sections bolted together and a slot is cut out of the external section of the main body block. A brake adjustment piece is inserted into the slot with a very close tolerance. A clamp is positioned around the main body of the block and the brake adjustment piece and a tensioning bolt is inserted into a horizontal aperature drilled into the clamp and into the brake adjustment piece. The tension is controlled by the amount of pressure the end of the bolt exerts on the brake adjustment piece against the fire escape line. Handles or harness connection rings are attached the clamp at the outer ends of the clamp.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised of three integral eyes joined end to end for receiving a doubled back segment of a line such that the line becomes wrapped around the device in a symmetrical manner to frictionally slow the rate of descent of the device, and a person attached to it, down the line without imparting any net twist to the line. The line can be attached to the device in several manners, all of which include passing the doubled back line segment through one or more of the eyes and then wrapping it around the device so that it cannot be pulled back through the eyes. In addition to being easily attached to the line intermediate its ends it attaches symmetrically to the line so that the line does not twist as it is played through the device. By turning the device upside down and attaching it to a fixed anchor it can be used to lower a load attached to one end of the line.

Abstract: A fire escape device suitable for receiving a person or persons to be safely descended from a relatively high elevation to the ground. The device includes a substantially box-like housing which contains a drum with a supporting cable and gear system. A basket is suspended at the base of the housing whereby a person or persons is/are lowered.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for transporting a person or persons vertically that comprises a closed loop of cord depending from a cylindrical roller with frictional braking means on which roller the cord is wound over a plurality of laps wherein the speed of the lowering motion of one member of the closed loop of cord depending from the cylindrical roller is effortlessly controlled by a small amount of tension exerted on the other member of the closed loop of cord depending from the cylindrical roller as the small amount of tension exerted on the other member of the closed loop of cord controls the magnitude of the frictional braking on the cylindrical roller. Consequently, a person secured to the one member of the closed loop of cord is able to lower oneself at a safe speed with ease by exerting a small amount of pull on the other member of the closed loop of cord.

Abstract: A descending life-escaping device for a high-building use, particularly comprising a weight-supporting member as well as a steel cable with its top end firmly fixed somehow on the building and vertically hanged down along the wall thereof, is adapted to enable a person in life-threatening situation to descend from an elevated place safely by holding said weight-supporting member which is removably attached to said cable and guides said cable in a simply winding manner by means of a number of accordingly positioned coil-like parts through which said cable is led so that coil-like parts can produce tremendous frictional force against said cable so to reduce the descending speed of the user to a safe extent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-sufficient device enabling a person to descend and ascend with ease, which device includes a closed loop of cord depending from a frictionally controlled cord release device wherein a person secured to one member of the closed loop of cord depending from the frictionally controlled cord release device by means of a harness is able to controll one's descending speed by exerting a small amount of tension on the other member of the closed loop of cord in the descending process. In the ascending process, a person secured to one member of the closed loop of cord by a harness is able to elevate oneself by using a stirrup slidably secured to the other member of the closed loop of cord 1 which stirrup includes a locking means that grabs the other member of the closed loop of cord when one stands on the stirrup applying a weight thereon, while the stirrup slides substantially freely on the other member of the closed loop of cord when no weight is applied thereon.

Abstract: A device for controlling the rate of descent of a mountain climber having an oval ring which defines an inner aperture, a rail mounted on the first surface of a size of the ring, clasping means which spans the width of the ring and means by which the device is attached to the mountain climber.

Abstract: The rope (1) is guided through the nip (24) of a pair of pulleys (6, 7) and is otherwise extended in an S-shape about the pulleys (6, 7) of this pair. Each of these pulleys (6, 7) is connected for rotation with two gear wheels (26, 27) meshing with each other in the zone of the nip (24). Thereby high static friction is ensured between the rope (1) and the pulleys (6, 7), and a slippage of the rope (1) on the pulleys (6, 7), which is life-endangering for the descending person, is reliably prevented. A speed-dependent brake (31) and a brake (33-37) stressed by the weight (G) of the downwardly roping person effect a rate of descent that is extensively independent of this weight.

Abstract: A tripod utilized over a manhole or the like to aid in the introduction or removal of a workman or equipment into the hole includes a housing and three legs extending downwardly and outwardly from the housing. An elongated rod extends vertically through the housing and includes a support member in the form of a loop or hook. A fall protection device may be suspended from the support member and includes a cable connected to a harness worn by a workman. In the event of a fall, the weight of the workman pulls the support member and rod downwardly against the force of a spring located within the housing until a limit switch carried by the rod activates an audible and visual alarm. A nut threaded onto the top part of the rod can be moved down against the top of the housing to prevent downward movement of the rod. This allows the tripod to be used to lower heavy equipment without activating the alarm.