Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus includes an arm section pivotable about a pivoting shaft; a tape guide section provided on the arm section for guiding a magnetic tape; a capstan section for driving the magnetic tape so as to run; and a maintaining section provided on the capstan section. The arm section is pivotable between a first location and a second location. The first location is a location at which the information recording to and/or information reproduction from the magnetic tape is possible. The second location is a location at which the information recording to and/or information reproduction from the magnetic tape is not possible. When the arm section pivots from the second location to the first location, the maintaining section maintains a relative position of the arm section, which is in the first location, to the capstan section.

Abstract: A failsafe device for raising/lowering articles includes a frame and a fastener for attaching the frame to a ceiling or wall to elevated an article above the floor. A pulley or sheave is mounted on the frame about a substantially horizontal axis when the frame is mounted on the ceiling or wall. A cable is entrained over the pulley and has a substantially vertical lifting cable portion attachable to the article to the lifted and a substantially vertical pulling cable portion arranged to be pulled downwardly by a user to elevate the article and raised upwardly to lower the article. A cam is mounted on the frame on one side of the pulling cable portion and has a cable engaging surface.

Abstract: In a hoisting device for an elevator, a driving motor is made cylindrical, and a brake system is accommodated radially inwardly of the driving motor. The driving motor and the brake system overlap in a radial direction.

Abstract: A failsafe device for raising/lowering articles includes a frame and a fastener for attaching the frame to a ceiling or wall to elevated an article above the floor. A pulley or sheave is mounted on the frame about a substantially horizontal axis when the frame is mounted on the ceiling or wall. A cable is entrained over the pulley and has a substantially vertical lifting cable portion attachable to the article to the lifted and a substantially vertical pulling cable portion arranged to be pulled downwardly by a user to elevate the article and raised upwardly to lower the article. A cam is mounted on the frame on one side of the pulling cable portion and has a cable engaging surface.

Abstract: A tie down device having a pulley incorporating a ratchet and a security lock. The tie down device has a housing which encloses a pulley over which is reeved a plastic jacketed metallic stranded cable, a ratchet wheel and associated pawl, and a key operated lock. The housing is formed in two parts united by rivets, and is devoid of externally accessible tool operated fasteners such as screws. A crank handle affords a user mechanical advantage when imposing tension on the cable. In an alternative embodiment, the tie down device includes a mounting element for securing the tie down device to a transport vehicle. In one alternative embodiment, a hook is provided to suspend the tie down device from an environmental object.

Abstract: A lifting device comprises a rotatable pawl with a pawl arm held in a pawl sleeve. The pawl has an open position in which a rope may be freely adjusted in tightening or loosening directions, and a closed position in which the rope is lockably engaged between the pawl and the pawl sleeve. The pawl has a pawl arm against which the locked rope may be directed to rotate the pawl into an open position. The lifting device also includes a pulley for mechanical advantage, and a base for mounting to a surface. A preferred embodiment of the lifting device of the invention comprises a plurality of pulleys for additional mechanical advantage, and is pivotally attached to an overhead surface.

Abstract: An improved block and tackle system comprising a stationary-block housing (10) having attached pulleys (14 & 18) and cam cleat (22), and a moving-block housing (12) with attached pulley (16) and cam cleat (20) Said invention allows a load (8) to be raised, moved, or lowered with a minimal amount of rope (6).

Abstract: A lifting device comprises a rotatable pawl with a pawl arm held in a pawl sleeve. The pawl has an open position in which a rope may be freely adjusted in tightening or loosening directions, and a closed position in which the rope is lockably engaged between the pawl and the pawl sleeve. The pawl has a pawl arm against which the locked rope may be directed to rotate the pawl into an open position. The lifting device also includes a pulley for mechanical advantage, and a base for mounting to a surface. A preferred embodiment of the lifting device of the invention comprises a plurality of pulleys for additional mechanical advantage, and is pivotally attached to an overhead surface.

Abstract: A pulley unit includes a pulley and a rotor concentrically disposed for relative rotation, a one-way clutch interposed in an annular space therebetween, rolling bearings provided on opposite sides of the one-way clutch, and a seal ring for sealing the annular space. An inner diametrical surface of the pulley forms an outer ring raceway of the one-way clutch and the rolling bearing, and an outer diametrical surface of the shaft body forms an inner ring raceway of the one-way clutch and the rolling bearing. An outer diameter side of an annular portion of a retainer of the rolling bearing on the side of the seal ring is reduced so as to increase a storage volume of lubricating oil between the rolling bearing and the seal ring.

Abstract: An improved block and tackle system comprising a stationary-block housing (10) having attached pulleys (14 & 18) and cam cleat (22), and a moving-block housing (12) with attached pulley (16) and cam cleat (20.) Said invention allows a load (8) to be raised, moved, or lowered with a minimal amount of rope (6).

Abstract: A failsafe device for raising/lowering articles includes a frame and a fastener for attaching the frame to a ceiling or wall to elevate an article above the floor. A pulley or sheave is mounted on the frame about a substantially horizontal axis when the frame is mounted on the ceiling or wall. A cable is entrained over the pulley and has a substantially vertical lifting cable portion attachable to the article to the lifted and a substantially vertical pulling cable portion arranged to be pulled downwardly by a user to elevate the article and raised upwardly to lower the article. A cam is mounted on the frame on one side of the pulling cable portion and has a cable engaging surface.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for a device for hauling up/down by rope, in particular one for the safe hauling up and down by rope of persons and loads. The device has a pulley which preferably has a back stop that prevents the pulley from turning during the roping down. The rope brake mechanism has a rope speed measuring device that cooperate with a rope brake, which acts upon the rope to exert a braking force onto the rope when the rope speed increases above a maximum predetermined speed.

Abstract: A load-handling device comprising a pair of pulley assemblies each having a body, at least one pulley supported by the body, and having a peripheral outer surface, a rope secured at one end to a support structure and entrained about each of the outer surfaces to interconnect the pulleys in a load-handling arrangement. Each of the pulley assemblies include a one way clutch acting between the body and the pulley to inhibit rotation relative to the body in one direction. The surfaces of the pulleys thereby providing frictional engagement for the rope in the one direction to facilitate handling of the load.

Abstract: A hoist assembly includes a casing, a pulley mechanism and a latch mechanism. The casing has a pair of identical mating front and rear casing halves. The casing has an aperture formed therethrough and an interior chamber formed therein between said front and rear casing halves. The aperture receives a fastener member therethrough for supporting the casing on a tree at a predetermined height. The casing also has a centering recess formed therethrough in communication with the aperture for receiving a portion of the fastener member therein for balancing the casing thereon. The pulley mechanism includes a pulley and a cable. The pulley is rotatably mounted to and disposed within the interior chamber of the casing. The cable is entrained about the pulley and extends downwardly through the interior chamber and spaced apart openings defined at a lower end of the casing to exteriorly of the casing.

Abstract: A ratchet-type tensioning mechanism for a rope or cord has a rotatable sheave with faces having improved outwardly extending serrations which include alternating primary and secondary projections. The secondary projections are located in valleys between pairs of primary projections. A releasable ratchet mechanism permits rotation of the sheave in one direction but not the other. The projections are positioned at regular intervals around the circumference of the sheave and located so that a primary projection on one face of the sheave faces a secondary projection in a valley on the opposite face of the sheave.

Abstract: A ratchet for use with a cord includes a pair of opposed tear drop shaped members defining a one piece housing for rotatably supporting a one piece ratchet spool, for supporting a pivotally mounted thumb release and for supporting an angularly displacable hook. Opposed circular cavities are disposed within the members to rotatably support corresponding bosses extending from opposed sides of the spool. A plurality of opposed interleaved non-radial ribs extend from opposed surfaces of the spool to frictionally grip a cord partially extending about the spool. A pair of wheels forming the spool are interlocked with and secured to one another through a key and keyway.

Abstract: A ratchet for use with a cord includes a pair of opposed tear drop shaped members defining a one piece housing for rotatably supporting a one piece ratchet spool, a pivotally mounting a thumb release and supporting an angularly displacable hook. Circular cavities are disposed within the members to rotatably support corresponding bosses extending from opposed sides of the spool. A plurality of studs, one of which provides support for the hook, extend from one member into corresponding cavities of the other member and are sonically welded or otherwise permanently fixed therein. A steel pin, having opposed ends inserted into cavities in the opposed members, mounts the thumb release and an associated spring.

Abstract: A pulley block or sheave includes a pulley (3), a mounting frame (2) for the pulley and in which the pulley is rotatable, and a ratchet wheel (11) rotatable with the pulley and including ratchet teeth (12). A pawl (15) is carried by the mounting frame and is movable to engage the teeth to prevent or inhibit rotation of the ratchet wheel and the pulley in one sense and disengageable from the teeth to allow free rotation of the pulley. A spring mechanism (13) is included for urging the pawl into engagement with the teeth, the spring mechanism being movable relative to the frame between a position in which the pawl is held away from the teeth by the spring mechanism and a position in which the pawl is urged into engagement with the teeth by the spring mechanism, and an actuating member co-operating with the spring mechanism is provided to move the spring mechanism between said positions.

Abstract: A principal guide-plate (12a) is bent adjacent a first edge (13a) to define a retention groove (9) extending along an axis (y,y'). A secondary guide-plate (12b) is mounted parallel to the principal guide-plate with a first edge (13b) disposed parallel to and spaced from the principal guide plate first edge. A lever (16) is pivotally mounted (21) between the guide plates. The lever defines a cam surface (26) and a locking surface (25) for engaging a safety line (6) disposed in the retention groove. The lever has an aperture (23) at a second end for receiving a safety catch (5). The guide plates define a lower surface (17a, 17b) with a smaller radius (R1) and an upper surface (18a, 18b) with a larger radius (R2). A radial stop surface (20a, 20b) extends between the upper and lower arcuate surfaces to engage the safety-catch and prevent the lever from pivoting from a closed position (FIG. 10) in which the locking surface engages the safety line toward an intermediate position (FIG. 9) and an open position (FIG.

Abstract: An underwater self-aligning fairlead latch device is provided for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead device includes a latch housing pivotally mounted to a fairlead housing. The latch housing includes one or more latches for securing the anchor chain in place. The fairlead housing includes a bending shoe which guides the anchor chain from its orientation within the bending shoe up the platform column to the deck. The fairlead housing is pivotally mounted to the offshore structure.

Abstract: A pulley comprises a pair of flanges, a rotary roller mounted on a first spindle, and a second flange which oscillates on the first spindle. A jammer is incorporated inside the pulley and comprises a pivotable tumbler on a second spindle between an active locking position and an inactive unlocking position of a rope. The second spindle is tubular and extends parallel to the first spindle, and includes an internal orifice disposed to come into alignment with a hole of the second flange when the second flange reaches a position near to a closed position, so as to enable a snap-hook to be attached through an orifice of the tumbler simultaneously resulting in locking of the second flange in the closed position.

Abstract: An adjustable load automatic releasing cleat for automatically releasing a rope or line at a predetermined tension load range. A rolling member (26) positioned adjacent to a cam member (30), releases the rope above the set tension range and recleats the rope below the load setting. The amount of load on the line activates the release and cleating mechanisms which are manually overridable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pull grip which can be attached to any place on a pull rope in order to operate the cutting tools via the pull rope in a convenient position which is ergonometrically favorable. The pull grip is in this connection guided by a passage hole on the pull rope and can be clamped by oblique pull by clamping ribs which are arranged within an angular segment recess. In order to facilitate the elimination of the clamping of the rope, a release device in the form of a release sleeve provided with handle can be provided which guides the pull rope and is displaceable within the passage hole or a bearing sleeve adjoining same into the angular segment recess in order to lift the rope out of the clamping ribs.

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

Abstract: Safety system for hoist apparatus, used with all types of cranes employing a flexible element for the handling of a load, the device preventing the free fall of the load in the event of a flexible element rupture, where the flexible element (3) is conducted and guided in the interior of a housing, the system further comprising a pair of pulleys (4) and (5), tie-down mechanism capable of gripping the intact branches of the flexible element, and an activating mechanism which includes a latch, wherein in the normal working position, the flexible element freely circulates through the interior of the housing, and the latch (6) remains in a fixed position, and wherein the rupture of the flexible element displaces the latch, activating the system and gripping an intact portion of the flexible element with the tie-down mechanism.

Abstract: A single line grab system including a grab suspended by a single line from a carrier. A head assembly is connected to the grab from above the grab and is vertically movable with respect thereto. A first end of the line is anchored and second end of the line is selectively extensible and retractable. A retarder system selectively engages a portion of the line. In one embodiment of the grab system the retarder is mounted on the head assembly and the first end of the line is anchored to the carrier. In an alternate embodiment of the grab system the retarder is mounted on the carrier and the first end of the line is anchored to the head assembly. A method for operating a grab system essentially involves two variables: first, the line may be selectively withdrawn or fed and, second, the retarder may be selectively disabled or applied to a portion of the line. Using these two variables, the grab or bucket may be selectively opened or closed and selectively raised or lowered.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-fall device automatically lockable on a safety rope, wherein the two cheeks of the gutter comprise a blind notch in L form, opening out on the edge of the corresponding cheek, while the ends of the pivot pin of the two elements of the lever project laterally in order to engage in said notches. The free end of that element of the lever which does not bear the cam is mounted to rotate about a pin sliding in a slideway made on an extension of one of the cheeks of the gutter, this pin being elastically loaded in the direction opposite that of the notches. A pivoting lock borne by one of the cheeks of the gutter is maintained elastically in a position in which it closes the bottom of the notch of the corresponding cheek.

Abstract: A pulley is mounted in a surrounding hanging housing, open at the base end thereof and a cable is entrained over the pulley. The cable is provided with a pull means at one end the other end carries a load. Near each end of the cable are tripping brackets engaging a lever mechanism pivoted from the lower portion of the housing. The lever mechanism engages a pivoted tooth pawl. When the lever is tilted one way the pawl engages the load side of the cable to hold it in place when there is no pull on the other side. When the tripping bracket on the load side of the cable reaches the lower edge of the lever it tilts the right side of the lever upwardly which in turn engages a transverse pin on the pawl to move the end of the pawl teeth away from the load side cable and allow the load to descend. When the bracket on the pull side of the cable has risen to the lower left edge of the lever, the lever is tilted towards the load side allowing the pawl to engage the load side of the cable.

Abstract: The invention provides in a first aspect a novel synchronous motor in which the rotor comprises a substantially solid multi-pole magnet axially displaced from the coil which, itself, is of substantially the same diametrical size. With this arrangement a very powerful motor can be provided for a relatively small size and is suitable for use in powering ornaments such as Christmas tree ornaments direct from a socket of a fairy light string or decorative lights. In a second aspect of the invention, reciprocation means are provided suitable for use with the synchronous motor of the first aspect which can automatically raise and lower ornaments and similar novelty items. In a third aspect of the invention reciprocation means is provided which may be used either with the synchronous motor of the invention or with a conventional D.C. motor to provide for winding and sudden unwinding of a cord and hence an ornament or a novelty item attached thereto.

Abstract: A block and tackle system having two different purchases is operated from a single line. The system includes a primary purchase system and a secondary system having a higher purchase than the primary system. The primary and secondary systems are separated by a one-way block, and the secondary system is connected back to a floating block in the primary system. The secondary system is activated upon initial ease of the line from any given position, with the one-way block locking the line in the ease direction.

Abstract: Traction apparatus for treating vertebral problems comprising a tripod type self-standing support having a block and tackle unit suspended from the tripod apex. The lower block includes a T-bar upon which triangular cushions are supported for location under the knees of a supine patient, and a torso encircling belt includes a strap passing through the patient's legs adjustably attachable to the lower block. The block and tackle tension member includes a tail passing from the upper block to the patient permitting the patient to raise and lower the leg supporting cushions to adjust the degree of back tension being achieved, and a lock mechanism mounted on the upper block permits automatic positioning of the degree of leg lift as determined by the tension produced in the block and tackle tail by the patient.

Abstract: A ratchet-type tensioning mechanism for a rope or cord has a rotatable sheave with faces having radially extending serrations. A releasable ratchet mechanism permits rotation of the sheave in one direction but not the other. A plurality of serrations circumscribes the sheave, which is closely fitted within a curved surface within a housing within which the sheave is rotatably mounted. The curved surface forces the rope into the sheave and maintains it in non-slippiong contact therewith. An opening in the side of the housing can be provided to permit hand rotation of the sheave. The device optionally may include a ratcheting lever arm which engages the wheel and affords leveraged tensioning the rope.

Abstract: A crane and lift apparatus for controlling the lifting and lowering of large cargo containers. A trolley assembly includes a hoist drum from which is suspended a system of cable or rope reevings connected to material securing assembly. The apparatus is effective to unload containers stacked one above another from one location to an alternate location. The system of cable reevings permits the raising and lowering of containers in planes defined by X, Y, and Z axes. The cables are deployed from the hoist drum on the trolley assembly to sheaves disposed at the four corners of the material securing assembly and then returned to anchor assemblies secured to an undercarriage of the trolley assembly. The sheaves are selectively angled and located in headblock assemblies positioned on the material securing assembly. A system of brakes controls movement of the cables through the sheaves.

Abstract: A chain liner for guiding a chain through a passage, the liner including a pair of brackets mounted in a parallel spaced relation, a chain sprocket mounted on a shaft at each end of the bracket, a pair of blocks mounted in the space between the brackets in close proximity to each of the chain sprockets, each pair of blocks defining a channel for guiding each alternate link of the chain past the chain sprockets.

Abstract: An invalid assistance device mounted on a ceiling is which a supported locked and guided flexible line is used to stabilize an invalid in the range of desired vertical positions from sitting to standing while a single attendant can work with the stabilized invalid.

Abstract: A payout control arm is angularly displaceable about a brake shaft during yout of a cable from a storage reel in response to tensioning forces transmitted through the cable from a payout load, the cable being entrained about a pulley rotatably carried on the control arm in spaced relation to the brake shaft. Gearing drivingly connects the pulley to the brake shaft to stop payout and cause the cable to frictionally grip the pulley in response to brake engagement thereby preventing continued transmittal of tensioning forces to the reel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a back tension device for a winch and comprises a freely rotatable pulley having associated therewith a pivotable tensioning element which is adapted to be urged into engagement with a cable from the winch so as to apply a back tension thereto during the hauling mode. Such tensioning assists in correct winding of the cable on the winch drum.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus (10) for suspending articles (14) from an overhead member (12) includes an elongated support member (20) attachable to the overhead member (12), first and second pulleys (22, 34) supported by the support member (20), an abutment (28) radially spaced from the first pulley (22), and a pivoting lock member (30) coaxial with and operably independent from the first pulley (22). A cord (32) passes over the first pulley (22) inwardly of the abutment (28) and extends further over the second pulley (34). One end of the cord (42) which is proximal to the second pulley (34), is attachable to an article (14) to be supported from the cord (32, 42). The cord (32) is normally freely movable over the pulleys (22, 34) to allow the height of a suspended article (14) to be adjusted, but may be restricted from movement in one direction by clamping engagement of the cord (32) between the lock member (30) and the abutment (28), thereby fixing the height at which an article (14) is suspended.

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: The winch has a disc-shaped hub having a shaft extending upwardly from its top surface. It also has a winch drum having an axial bore whose diameter is sized to rotatably receive the shaft of the disc-shaped hub. The bottom end of the winch drum has a recess with ratchet teeth formed around its inner annular surface and there are a pair of pawl members in spring loaded attachment with the outer surface of the shaft of the disc-shaped hub to form a ratchet assembly. There is a bore hole in the bottom end of the disc-shaped hub and an upright extending secondary shaft member has its top end rotatably inserted into this bore hole. A handle has its one end secured to the secondary shaft and it extends radially therefrom and has a supporting block mounted on its opposite end and a double cam cleat is mounted thereon. An alternative form of handle is also operable with the same basic winch structure but does not require the handle to be permanently secured to the winch.

Abstract: A cable anchor assembly is disclosed as well as a method of using the assembly for anchoring plastic coated rope in oil well drilling derricks and the like for alternatively carrying a load on the rope and also for allowing the rope to be selectively slipped or fed through the cable anchor assembly for replacement thereof, the assembly including a snubbing drum having a circumferentially formed groove with an included angle in the range of about 130 degrees to about 165 degrees, more preferably in the range of about 150 to about 160 degrees and most preferably about 160 degrees, the groove also being formed with preferably at least two, more preferably at least three to four turns, and most preferably about three turns for engagement with the rope about the drum in order to normally support a substantial portion or more preferably the entire rope load while still permitting the rope to be selectively slipped or fed through the assembly, the clamp means including a grooved insert for engaging and clamping the

Abstract: A cable pulley arrangement including a pulley on which a cable is wound. The pulley is held by a lock device. When the lock device is released, the cable is unwound by a weight is hung on the ends thereof. The cable is so arranged that, when the cable is wound on the pulley, both ends of the cable are at one side of the pulley, while when the cable is unwound the ends hang down at both sides of the pulley.

Abstract: A post frame machine for applying pulling forces to a damaged automobile comprises two vertical support posts fixedly mounted on a base frame, a hydraulically operated cylinder disposed in each of the posts, and a load chain and pulley arrangement for exerting the pulling force. The cylinders are independently operable to allow different forces to be applied at closely adjacent location on the automobile. The apparatus further includes chain locks for securing the load chains.

Abstract: Automatically, alternatively manually lockable hoisting block, which is freely movable along a hoisting member extending between a load to be lifted and the block, to a desired position in relation to the load. The inventive block includes a plunger (12) actuable by at least one locking mechanism (6, 7) and a seat (20) disposed in the region of the plunger, a section of the hoisting member (30) running through a groove commonly formed by the plunger and seat such as the lockable between the plunger and seat. Hoisting may thus take place independent of the position of the block in relation to the hoisting member and the load.

Abstract: A descent slowing device is disclosed that includes a housing having an input driving shaft and a driving pulley fitted thereon and accommodating therein a gear train and an impeller adapted to be driven through the gear train by a driving pulley about which is trained a rope or line. When one end of the line descends owing to a load acting thereon to rotatively drive the driving pulley and hence the impeller, the rotation of the impeller is restrained by rotation control oil or similar viscous fluid in which the impeller is immersed, thereby controlling the descent of the load at a constant slow speed. According to the invention, the impeller comprises four blades, the rotating speed ratio of the impeller to the input driving shaft being more than 40:1. Moreover, the driving pulley is formed with a rope receiving groove comprising line abutting projections and non-contact recesses alternately arranged.

Abstract: A block and tackle window sash balance system 10 has its friction made adjustable by a friction spring 20 and a cam 30 arranged for pressing spring 20 against a radial face of a pulley 15 in a high friction position and moving the spring clear of the pulley in a low friction position. Cam 30 is preferably accessible with a screwdriver for adjusting friction after the balance is installed in a window.

Abstract: A grip device for mounting along a horizontal line, such as a rope or cable, to prevent a load from falling when one end of the line is no longer supported in its horizontal position. The device consists of a shell in which is mounted by means of a pin, a clamping wedge arranged such that when the handle of the wedge is moved in either direction, the wedge becomes clamped against the rope or cable to prevent movement of the rope through the device, and therefore prevent falling of a person attached to the device by means of an approved belt, harness or lanyard.

Abstract: A rope grip which comprises a shell (12) and a plate (16) defining a first gripping surface and a cylinder (20) defining a second gripping surface is disclosed. The two surfaces are in a facing spaced relationship and define a passage (30) for receiving a rope. The cylinder travels in an angular field of motion with respect to the plate which causes a rope of appropriate size to become jammed between the plate and the cylinder depending upon the position of the cylinder. An operating arm (18) is mechanically coupled to the cylinder in order to control its position and accordingly, the distance between the surfaces of the plate and the cylinder.

Abstract: A load carrying device, movable along a rope, has a casing formed of two cheeks, a shaft supported on the casing, and a pulley supported on the shaft. Two diverters are disposed on opposite cheeks of the casing so a rope enters the device on one diverter, passes about a portion of the circumference of the pulley, and exits the device on the other diverter. The casing has a closed position where the cheeks are axially adjacent and an open position where the cheeks are spaced apart along the shaft so that a rope may be inserted in the device. The cheeks have stops which limit their translational movement from the closed position and limit their rotational movement when rope tension tends to move the diverters away from each other. Centrifugal force of pulley rotation causes a pawl to lock the pulley against rotation.

Abstract: A safety system (10) for protecting workers at high altitudes from falling to the ground is disclosed. The system features a rope grip (12) having a rotably mounted wedge (18) in spaced facing relationship with a retaining member (20). The safety line (14) is jammed between the retaining member and the wedge. The rope grip is able to pass by an anchor (16) by virtue of the fact that the retaining member is held in place by rotating slotted wheels (44 and 46).