Abstract: A frictional rope brake that is adjustable to control the rate of descent for it given cargo weight and disengage from the cargo once the cargo has contacted its drop zone is provided. The frictional rope brake includes a braided cage, an inlet collar, an outlet tunnel, and an adjustable tensioner for adjusting frictional forces applied to the rope by the braided cage.

Abstract: Linear brake systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment, a baseplate having a linear brake housing mounted thereto is provided. A linear brake is partially disposed within the brake housing. The linear brake includes a braided cable; a collar attached to the proximal end of the braided cable; a member attached to the distal end of the braided cable; a rope having a portion that passes into a bore in the collar, through a tunnel formed by the braided cable and the collar, and exits the braided cable by passing between cable strands; and an interface mounted to the baseplate to extend the braided cable and constrict the braided cable upon the rope. The collar secures the proximal of the braided cable to the brake housing and the member secures the distal end of the braided cable to the interface.

Abstract: A system for installing wire and the like in a conduit which includes a plurality of wire pulling grips and a pulling jacket is provided. The wire pulling jacket encloses the wire pulling grips and keeps them bundled together, making it easier for an operator to use the same. The wire pulling jacket protects the pulling grips by preventing the grips from catching on the conduit, and also keeps the pulling grips clean. The pulling jacket also increases operator safety by reducing the risk that the operator gets a finger, glove, or other part of the body caught in the wire puling grips as these are pulled into the conduit.

Abstract: The invention provides a convenient, lightweight and streamlined connecting device for attaching a leader or tippet to a fly-fishing line. The Fly Line Connecting Device is configured with an expandable tubular lattice that allows for an in-line connection to the fly line. The connection device has an integral tubular lattice sized with an internal diameter that is slightly smaller that the fly line and when compressively displaced, operates to expand the internal diameter to allow insertion of the fly line. Once the fly line is fully inserted, the tubular lattice is allowed to contract and elastically constrict onto and thereby grip the semi-resilient surface of the fly line. When the fly line and leader line are placed in tension through the connecting device, the tubular lattice acts to constrict down on the fly-line to resist separation.

Abstract: A wire pull assembly including a quick-change assembly and a wire pull attachment. The wire pull attachment includes an insert, a basket adapted to receive and secure an article therein, and a swivel assembly interconnecting the insert and basket such that the swivel assembly allows the basket to move freely relative to the insert.

Abstract: A pulling grip for drawing a cable through a conduit is disclosed. The pulling grip includes a braided gripping sleeve that has an opening at one end which provides access to a central space surrounded by the sleeve. An eye for attachment to a pull tape is positioned at the opposite end of the gripping sleeve. The cable is received within the gripping sleeve, which is biased to engage and grip the cable along its length. Due to the trellis effect, the gripping sleeve grips the cable with greater force when under tension. One end of an elongated protective shroud is attached to the opposite end of the gripping sleeve. The other end of the shroud is free to move lengthwise along the sleeve toward and away from the attached end. The shroud prevents the gripping sleeve from contacting the conduit and its contents and thereby prevents the pulling grip from damaging these items during the pull.

Abstract: A method and apparatus or tool for pulling wire through a wall or panel formed by spaced apart vertical studs, a plate at one end of said studs, and opposed wall panels mounted on said studs. An opening is cut through one of the wall panels between the studs and a hole is drilled in the plate using a long, flexible drill bit A wire stringing tool formed by an elongated stiffly flexible rod at least partially covered with an elongated, flexible, expandable and contractible woven sleeve is inserted through the opening between the panels and through the drilled hole. The rod and sleeve is slightly retracted to form a loop in the sleeve at the inserted end of the sleeve-covered rod. The loop in the sleeve is hooked with an elongated hooking rod and the sleeve is pulled through the hole to position its other cut end at a point remote therefrom.