Abstract: The present invention relates to a rope type elevating device, and more particularly, to a rope type elevating device that can mechanically and safely control the falling speed even if a breakage occurs in the brake being electrically controlled during the elevating and descending operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a rope grab comprising a body, and a cover member pivotally coupled to the body. The rope grab also comprises a cam pivotally coupled to the body for grabbing a rope or other lifeline. The rope is grabbed or engaged within a recess defined by the body. The rope grab is designed to provide fall protection, work positioning, and a moveable and temporary anchor point on the lifeline.

Abstract: A gripping device comprises a body having a longitudinal axis and including at least one elongate opening for receiving an elongate element, a gripping element, and means for bringing the gripping element into engagement with an elongate element located in the said opening, wherein the gripping element is mounted for translational movement in a slot having a longitudinal axis, and the longitudinal axis of the slot is set at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the opening, and wherein a force component exerted on an elongate element located in the said opening causes the gripping element to move in the slot and towards the elongate element, and wherein said opening is defined by walls and wherein one of the walls includes two intersecting surfaces lying at an angle to one another, the angle between the two surfaces being concave.

Abstract: An anchor arrangement for a safety line system is for use with a bracket to secure to a structure for mounting the safety line. The anchor arrangement either includes an alignment collar arranged to seat in a seat provided on the bracket, the alignment collar being able to seat in a plurality of different orientations with respect to the bracket; a resilient biasing means acting between the bracket and a reaction member provided as part of the anchor arrangement or a tension indicator for the safety line, which has a part of the bracket aligned adjacent and indicia zone on the anchor arrangement.

Abstract: A rope grab for a vertical fall protection system is provided. The rope grab includes a housing with an elongated member passage. The elongated member passage is configured to receive an elongated member. A locking cam is pivotally coupled to the housing and selectively engages an elongated member received in the elongated member passage. A cam biasing member positioned to provide a relatively slight biasing force on the locking cam in a direction towards an elongated member received in the elongated member passage. A locking arm, pivotally coupled to the housing, has a first end that is configured to be coupled to a safety harness of a user and a second end that selectively engages the locking cam to lock the locking cam on an elongated member in the elongated member passage during a fall event.

Abstract: A rope grab for a vertical fall protection system is provided. The rope grab includes a housing with an elongated member passage. The elongated member passage is configured to receive an elongated member. A locking cam is pivotally coupled to the housing and selectively engages an elongated member received in the elongated member passage. A cam spring is coupled between the housing and the locking cam to provide a relatively slight biasing force on the locking cam in a direction towards an elongated member received in the elongated member passage. A locking arm, pivotally coupled to the housing, has a first end that is configured to be coupled to a safety harness of a user and a second end that selectively engages the locking cam to lock the locking cam on an elongated member in the elongated member passage during a fall event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elevator wire rope braking apparatus, and more particularly, to a rope braking apparatus which prevents partial abrasion of the wire rope while increasing braking efficiency by preventing a deviation in the pressure applied to the wire rope by a pressure plate moving in a straight line to apply pressure to the wire rope. Since the pressure application is based not on a hydraulic method but on a purely mechanical structure using only a spring elastic force, environmental pollution caused by hydraulic oil may be prevented and product cost may be reduced.

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

Abstract: A fall arrest device comprising a body having a rope guide path therethrough defined between a cam and a cooperating abutment. The cam is pivotally mounted on the body about a pivot axis extending perpendicular to the rope guide path. The device is provided with an attachment means for attaching the device to a harness, a rope jamming portion of the cam being arranged to be urged towards the abutment to a rope jamming position to arrest movement of the rope through the rope guide path under the action of a load applied to the attachment means. A rope engaging surface of the rope guide path remote from said rope jamming portion of the cam is adapted to grip the rope when the rope acts thereagainst by virtue of a downward load applied to the attachment means.

Abstract: The trolley is used in a fall arrest system and comprises a frame, a channel formed within the frame for engagement therein of a lifeline, and a self-blocking mechanism carried by the frame. The self-blocking mechanism comprises a brake movable between a braking position wherein the brake extends within the channel for frictionally engaging the lifeline; and an enabling position wherein the brake clears the channel for clearing the lifeline. The self-blocking mechanism also comprises a manually operable enabling actuator connected to the brake and capable of forcing the brake towards the enabling position.

Abstract: A seatbelt tension adjustment device includes an elongated upper body having a downward facing protrusion that is pivotally secured to a lower body having a box-like shape. The lower body including an upper surface for receiving the protrusion and an internal cavity for positioning a rotatable drum therein. The rotatable drum working in unison with the downward facing protrusion to engage a seatbelt in an adjustable manner.

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: A continuous assist braking and control system (10) operable to control the movement, speed and acceleration of a zipline rider (32) traversing a zipline (12). A brake line (40) is entrained around first and second reels (50, 52), and suspended above the zipline (12). The rider (32) is tethered to the brake line (40). A brake (56) is coupled to at least one of the reels (50, 52). When the brake (56) is disengaged, the brake line (40) is pulled along with the rider (32) as the rider (32) traverses the zipline (12). When the brake (56) is engaged, the reels' rate of rotation is slowed, thereby slowing the brake line (40) and the rider (32). When the brake (56) is engaged to stop the reels' rotation, the brake line (40) is brought to a stop, thereby arresting the motion of rider (32).

Abstract: A brake and capture system for zip lining are disclosed. The brake has a housing with first and second ends. Inside the brake are a number of fixed guide plates, each with an angled slot. A number of wheels are mounted are movably mounted within the housing so as to be guided by the angled slots. When the brake is struck by a trolley with sufficient momentum, the wheels within the brake are driven inwardly by the angled slots, into rolling engagement with the zip line, to slow the trolley. The trolley and brake may be provided with complementary engaging structures, such that the brake may be sent out on the zip line to capture the trolley if it has insufficient momentum.

Abstract: A deceleration device includes a driving device and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a driving member, a first active subassembly, a second active subassembly, a first transmission member, a second transmission member and two regulatory mechanisms. The driving member is connected to the driving device. The first transmission member connects the driving member to the first active subassembly, and is driven by the driving device, and rotates the first active subassembly. The second transmission member connects the first active subassembly to the second active subassembly, and is driven by the first active subassembly, and rotates the second active subassembly. The two regulatory mechanisms elastically resist the first transmission member and the second transmission member, respectively.

Abstract: A continuous assist braking and control system (10) operable to control the movement, speed and acceleration of a zipline rider (32) traversing a zipline (12). A brake line (40) is entrained around first and second reels (50, 52), and suspended above the zipline (12). The rider (32) is tethered to the brake line (40). A brake (56) is coupled to at least one of the reels (50, 52). When the brake (56) is disengaged, the brake line (40) is pulled along with the rider (32) as the rider (32) traverses the zipline 12). When the brake (56) is engaged, the reels' rate of rotation is slowed, thereby slowing the brake line (40) and the rider (32). When the brake (56) is engaged to stop the reels' rotation, the brake line (40) is brought to a stop, thereby arresting the motion of rider (32).

Abstract: A limb lowering system can hold the weight of large tree limbs while lowering them from a tree. The system does away with tree-mounted devices and wrapping ropes around trees which often leads to knotted ropes as well as the snatching and jerking of ropes. The system includes a rope guide that attaches to a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The rope guide has prongs on it to keep the rope from overlapping, allowing the rope to glide smoothly and keeping the rope from knotting. The system installs quickly and easily by a single pin.

Abstract: An energy absorber comprises an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The intermediate portion and the first and second ends are on the same plane. The intermediate portion includes curved portions configured and arranged to deform and begin to straighten when subjected to a pre-determined load to absorb energy from the pre-determined load. Should a user fall, the energy absorber will deform (begin to straighten) to absorb energy from the fall. Optional pins prevent material from getting caught in the energy absorber, assist in stiffening the energy absorber, and assist in pre-stressing the energy absorber so that it will not open up when subjected to a load less than the pre-determined load. Optional tabs and slots or protrusions and notches prevent material from getting caught in the energy absorber.

Abstract: An elevator car braking apparatus includes a gear drive assembly for compressing one or more springs which are coupled by a cam follower to one or a pair of brake shoes. When the springs are released from a compressed state, the brake shoes engage and grip hoisting ropes, part of the hoisting apparatus or the car guide rails, within a predetermined time from the start of a brake application cycle. During a brake application cycle, the springs move the cam follower along cam surfaces shaped and disposed to cause the cam follower to move at least one of the brake shoes toward the other brake shoe. The gear assembly includes clutch means for disengaging from and engaging with a gear or axle of the gear assembly during decompression and compression of the springs, respectively. A resilient material in the braking apparatus initially accelerates movement of the cam follower when the springs begin to decompress, and may protect gears of the gear assembly from damage at the end of a brake release cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for the controlled descent or lifting of objects includes a main longitudinal member that is attached at one end thereof to a receiver hitch. A plurality of spaced-apart side extensions of round material stock extend from opposite sides of the main longitudinal member and, together with a nose portion, provide locations that an operator can accomplish multiple wraps with a rope of a block and tackle to vary the friction between the rope and the apparatus sufficient to minimize a magnitude of resistance that is exerted by an operator to the rope to control the rate of descent of the object. The descent rate of heavy objects, such as severed tree limbs, can be easily and safely controlled. By securing the rope to the apparatus and driving a vehicle that the receiver hitch is attached to forward, the apparatus can be used to lift heavy objects.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for protection during ascent, in particular, for climbing electricity poles, trees or other high structures. The device, including a non-fixed rope that is to be carried by the ascending person, includes a retaining means for fixing the device to a fixed anchoring point in a predetermined position. A structural configuration enables the introduction of the rope into the device, fixed in the predetermined position, from below. A first redirecting means is provided by which the rope can be guided through the device on a curved path. A mechanism automatically locks off the rope when the speed of movement of the rope through the device exceeds a predetermined limit value. A second redirecting means is provided by which the rope emerging from the device can be guided out of the device in the direction of ascent. A laterally arranged flat first bearing surface is provided.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A friction brake which is suitable for applying friction to one or more load-bearing ropes in the implementation of arbor rigging or other procedures in some embodiments includes a tree engaging frame, a frame attachment mechanism carried by the tree engaging frame, a shaft receptacle carried by the tree engaging frame, an assembly mount shaft releasably inserted in the shaft receptacle and a rope engaging frame carried by the assembly mount shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking apparatus and an elevator system comprising the braking apparatus for grasping or gripping a hoisting rope of the elevator. The system comprises a pair of brake shoes, a motorized rotatable camshaft with at least one cam surface for pressing against a push plate to compress a spring means and keep the shoes apart or when the motor is disengaged cause the cam shaft to not push on the push plate such that the springs expand cause the brake shoes to come together and grip the hoisting rope.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device including a casing, fastening means for fastening the casing to a fixed point, a first cable portion wound inside the casing, connection means attached to the first cable portion and designed to be connected to a lifeline, a friction ring mounted on the first cable portion so as to exert a clamping force on the latter, and stop means against which the friction ring is designed to bear, where the clamping force exerted by the friction ring on the first cable portion is predetermined so as to allow a relative displacement of the first cable portion in relation to the friction ring when the friction ring is bearing against the stop means and when a traction force above a predetermined value is exerted on the connection means.

Abstract: A fall arrest device has an upright use position and an inverted position. The fall arrest device comprises a body (1) including means providing a curved region (3) defining a path through the device for a track. The fall arrest device also comprises anti-inversion means (19, 43) comprising a housing (21, 45) provided on the body adjacent to the path. The housing includes an aperture (23) formed through the housing and a pin (25, 57) slidably mounted in the aperture. The arrangement is such that the pin slides into the housing when the fall arrest device is in the upright position, but slides outwardly from the housing when the fall arrest device is in the inverted position so as to block the path through the device.

Abstract: A continuous assist braking and control system (10) operable to control the movement, speed and acceleration of a zipline rider (32) traversing a zipline (12). A brake line (40) is entrained around first and second reels (50, 52), and suspended above the zipline (12). The rider (32) is tethered to the brake line (40). A brake (56) is coupled to at least one of the reels (50, 52). When the brake (56) is disengaged, the brake line (40) is pulled along with the rider (32) as the rider (32) traverses the zipline 12). When the brake (56) is engaged, the reels' rate of rotation is slowed, thereby slowing the brake line (40) and the rider (32). When the brake (56) is engaged to stop the reels' rotation, the brake line (40) is brought to a stop, thereby arresting the motion of rider (32).

Abstract: A deceleration mechanism includes a transmission assembly and a driving device. The transmission assembly includes a driving member, a first driven assembly, a second driven assembly, a first transmission member, and a second transmission member. The first transmission member coils around the driving member and the first driven assembly. The second transmission member coils around the first driven assembly and the second driven assembly. The driving device rotates the driving member, the driving member rotates the first driven assembly, and the first driven assembly rotates the second driven assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking apparatus and an elevator system comprising the braking apparatus for grasping or gripping a hoisting rope of the elevator. The system comprises a pair of brake shoes, a motorized rotatable camshaft with at least one cam surface for pressing against a push plate to compress a spring means and keep the shoes apart or when the motor is disengaged cause the cam shaft to not push on the push plate such that the springs expand cause the brake shoes to come together and grip the hoisting rope.

Abstract: An elevator car braking apparatus includes a gear drive assembly for compressing one or more springs which are coupled by a cam follower to one or a pair of brake shoes. When the springs are released from a compressed state, the brake shoes engage and grip hoisting ropes, part of the hoisting apparatus or the car guide rails, within a predetermined time from the start of a brake application cycle. During a brake application cycle, the springs move the cam follower along cam surfaces shaped and disposed to cause the cam follower to move at least one of the brake shoes toward the other brake shoe. The gear assembly includes clutch means for disengaging from and engaging with a gear or axle of the gear assembly during decompression and compression of the springs, respectively. A resilient material in the braking apparatus initially accelerates movement of the cam follower when the springs begin to decompress, and may protect gears of the gear assembly from damage at the end of a brake release cycle.

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 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.

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: A Self-Belay And Rappel Device (10) is presented which will arrest the fall of a climber who is solo lead climbing, and will also allow the climber to rappel down a Rope (36). The simple and inexpensive device comprises a Left Side Face (12), a Right Side Face (14), Cylindrical Stand-Offs (16) which separate and join to the two side faces, and a Brake Surface (18) extending between the two side faces. In use for fall arrest, the device is attached, using two karabiners, both to a climber's chest harness and to the climber's waist harness. A third karabiner is clipped through two slots in the device, one slot in each of the two side faces. The fall of a climber causes the third karabiner to be pulled up within the two slots, ultimately locking the device against the climber's Rope (36) by causing the Rope (36) to become pinched between a portion of the third karabiner and the Braking Surface (18).

Abstract: A line clamp or stopping apparatus includes a housing one part of which serves to clamp or wedge a line subjected to high tension upwards of ten tons. The other part of the housing controls the first part. An eccentric wheel rotates freely within the first part in response to movements of the line and is guided within a space or gap between the wheel and a braking element. The control includes a toggle joint that applies significant forces on the brake when a safety is removed and a control lever is in a neutral or locking position. When the control lever is moved to the open or unlock or release position the toggle joint snaps and released the brake to increase the gap in the line receiving space to allow free movement of the line. A hydraulic brake can be used in place of the mechanical toggle joint.

Abstract: A tension device for use with a self-retracting lifeline having a drum includes a lifeline and an elastic member. The lifeline has a retracting end, an intermediate portion, and a connecting end. The retracting end is operatively connected to the drum, and the connecting end is releasably connectable to a user. The elastic member interconnects the retracting end and the connecting end. The elastic member provides tension on the lifeline and prevents the drum from retracting the lifeline when the connecting end of the lifeline rebounds in an upward direction during a fall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thread brake with a holding means (17), a bearing pin (25), which has an assembly section (24) disposed in the holding means (17) and a bearing section (26) projecting out of the holding means (17), two brake elements (33, 34) displaceably disposed on the bearing section (26) and a pretensioning mechanism intended for adjustment of the braking force. The pretensioning mechanism includes a spring (29) pretensioning the assembly section (24), a tension element (39) attached to the bearing section (26) and an adjusting and protecting member (20), which is disposed to be axially displaceable in the holding means (17) and houses the assembly section (24) and the spring (29). The invention additionally relates to textile machines and thread feed devices equipped with such a thread brake (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A fall arrest safety device for workers on transmission towers and the like includes a “matched” safety rail and brake trolley. The rail has a profile which includes a non-symmetrical profile portion and the trolley has a passageway of complimentary profile so that the trolley cannot be installed on the rail up-side down. A full body harness worn by a user of the device is clipped to the trolley and the trolley incorporates a brake which is spring-biassed into frictional engagement with the rail. The brake can be disengaged from the rail only by the user deliberately overriding the biassing effect.

Abstract: A descender apparatus for lowering a person in a controlled manner from a height to a relatively lower height and for use as a safety equipment for workers and mountain climbers comprising a generally cylindrical housing; a rope arranged in the housing about a vertical axis of the housing in a stack of layers of closely wound coils and a friction core at one end of the housing for controlling a rate of descent and uncoiling the coils of rope as they are withdrawn from the housing; and a camshaft in transverse relationship to the axis of the housing for selectively controlling the rate of descent during the lowering of the person.

Abstract: An easy to use and easy to store rescue apparatus for lowering a person from an upper level to a lower level during an emergency. The rescue apparatus is comprised of a body harness and a decender mounted on a chest portion of the harness in plain view of a wearer. In a first aspect of the invention, a descender is stored in a vertical pocket of the body harness. A rope is tightly coiled inside of the descender and as the rope is withdrawn it passes through a friction core which limits a rate of descent and removes twists from the portion of the rope which is in the process of withdrawal. A camshaft is provided in the decender for accommodating differences in body weight and satisfying the preferences of wearers of the apparatus. In a second aspect of the invention, the decender is attached and exposed the chest portion of the harness. In a third aspect of the invention, an alternate descender is attached to the same body harness in the same manner as the second aspect.

Abstract: A bidirectionally locking safety brake apparatus is rotatably connected to a climber's safety harness and slidingly installed approximately centrally on an overlength tree-encircling climbing lanyard line to effectively divide the line into two independently operable tree-encircling climbing line sections extending in opposite directions from the safety brake apparatus in order to permit climbing using one tree-encircling line section until a branch or other obstruction to continued climbing is encountered whereupon the other lanyard line section may be extended around the tree above the obstruction, connected to the safety harness and adjusted for use for continued climbing beyond the obstruction prior to disconnection of the one obstructed lanyard line section, thereby assuring that the climber is continuously and securely tethered to the tree by the tree-encircling climbing lanyard even when passing obstructions.