Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
182231000 | Attached to strand wound on reel, and means for retarding unwinding of strand | 59 |
20080314685 | Devices and Methods For Safely Evacuating an Individual During an Emergency From a Tall Structure - The present invention relates to devices for safely lowering an individual, independent of the weight of the individual, during a fire from the higher floor levels of a tall structure to the ground level at a predetermined speed For this, the present invention provides a device ( | 12-25-2008 |
20090078505 | Safety device - A safety device includes a locking mechanism connected to a first portion and a braking mechanism connected to a second portion. The locking mechanism includes at least one pawl and a biasing member urging the at least one pawl into an engaging position. The braking mechanism includes at least one tooth having an engaging surface, and the at least one pawl engages the engaging surface in the engaging position. The engaging position prevents rotation of the first portion in the first direction and allows rotation of the first portion in the second direction. A force of at least 250 pounds on the first portion allows the braking mechanism to rotate thereby allowing the first portion to rotate in the first direction. The braking mechanism is prevented from rotating when the force has been released from the first portion thereby preventing rotation of the first portion in the first direction. | 03-26-2009 |
20090211846 | Belay device - A belay device for protecting a climber on a rope from a fall has a powered winding reel to which the rope is attached. A control mechanism acts to prevent slack in the rope between the climber and the winding reel and includes load sensor that which, on detecting the weight of the climber on the rope, switches the operation of the device to a fall or descent mode where the winding reel is stopped and the climber is suspended by the rope. An electronic control and diagnostic system monitors the operation of the winding reel and switches its operation to a safe, fault mode when a fault is detected. | 08-27-2009 |
20090211847 | ENERGY ABSORBING LIFELINE SYSTEMS - A lifeline system includes a lifeline and a hub around which the lifeline is coiled. The hub deforms to absorb energy at a predetermined level of force exerted thereon by the lifeline. For example, the hub can be deformable to absorb energy so that a peak fall arrest force in a drop test of the lifeline system with a 220 pound mass attached to the lifeline over a distance of up to 6.56 feet is not more than 1900 pounds. In several embodiments, the peak fall arrest force is no more than 1500 pounds or no more than 1349 pounds. | 08-27-2009 |
20090211848 | SELF-RETRACTING LIFELINE SYSTEMS AND BRAKING SYSTEMS THEREFOR - A lifeline system includes a lifeline and a drum assembly around which the lifeline is coiled. The drum assembly is rotatable about a first axis in a first direction during extension of the lifeline and in a second direction, opposite of the first direction, during retraction of the lifeline. The lifeline system further includes a tensioning mechanism in operative connection with the drum assembly to impart a biasing force on the drum assembly to bias the drum assembly to rotate about the first axis in the second direction. The lifeline system further comprises a braking mechanism in operative connection with the drum assembly. The braking mechanism includes a catch that is rotatable relative to the drum assembly about a second axis that is not concentric with the first axis. The second axis is operatively connected to the first axis so that the second axis rotates about the first axis in the same direction as the drum assembly when the drum assembly is rotating about the first axis. A center of mass of the catch is located in the vicinity of the second axis. The catch rotates about the second axis in the second direction when the drum assembly is rotated in the first direction at at least a determined angular acceleration to cause an abutment section of the catch to abut an abutment member of the lifeline system (for example, by moving radially outward a sufficient amount) and stop the rotation of the drum assembly. | 08-27-2009 |
20090211849 | SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH MULTIPLE SAFETY DEVICES AND CONNECTORS FOR USE THEREWITH - A system includes a support including an extending rigid member and a first attachment at a first position on the rigid member to which a first self-retracting lifeline is attached. The first self-retracing lifeline includes a first housing from which a first lifeline exits. The first housing is movable relative to the rigid member. The system also includes at least a second attachment at a second position on the rigid member to which a second self-retracing lifeline. The second self-retracting lifeline includes a second housing from which a second lifeline exits. The second housing is movable relative to the rigid member independent of the movement of the first housing. The first position is spaced from the second position. The system further includes a connector attached to the frame to connect the frame to an article (for example, a safety harness such as a full body safety harness) worn by a user. | 08-27-2009 |
20100025157 | Self-Rescue Safety Device - A self-rescue device includes a rope operatively connected to a lifeline connector. The lifeline connector is releasably operatively connected to a frame member of the self-rescue device, and should a fall occur, the user releases the lifeline connector from the frame member. A centrifugal braking mechanism controls the rate at which the rope is paid out, which controls the rate of the user's descent. | 02-04-2010 |
20100044156 | RAPPELLING SYSTEM - An improved rappelling system for raising or lowering a person or an object to or from a stationary or moving elevated point includes at least one cable for supporting a person or an object, a motor attached to the elevated point and coupled to the cable so that the motor propels the cable up or down and thereby raises or lower the person or object, respectively, a controller/processor for controlling the motion of the motor and at least one sensor attached to the elevated point and coupled to the controller/processor. The sensor measures the distance of the elevated point from a target area located at a lower point than the elevated point and continuously sends a feedback signal to the controller/processor. The feedback signal is used to calculate and adjust in real-time motor control parameters that determine speed and landing location of the person or object relative to the target area. The system also includes a display attached to the elevated point and displaying the measured distance and the motor control parameters in real-time. | 02-25-2010 |
20100122874 | PERSONAL EMERGENCY DESCENDER SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - A self-rescue system and a method for providing self-rescue to fall-victims suspended in fall-arresting safety harnesses following an accidental fall enables such suspended fall victims to descend to the ground or other place of safety at a controlled, safe velocity, without assistance from anyone else. In addition, the invention can also address applications in many types of elevated locations where a controlled descent is needed in order to escape emergency conditions. | 05-20-2010 |
20100236867 | Rotational Energy Absorber and Fall Arrest System - A rotational energy absorber typically for use in a fall arrest system has a coiler, a length of plastically deformable strip and a deformer structure. The plastically deformable strip has a first end attached to the coiler and a second free end and extends past the deformer structure at a position between the first and second ends. Relative rotation of the coiler member and deformer structure causes the strip to be drawn past the deformer structure, plastically deforming the strip and winding the strip coil form about the coiler member. | 09-23-2010 |
20100252365 | Personnel Transfer Device - A personnel transfer device, of the type commonly used in offshore oil and gas operations, has a means for lowering personnel from the personnel transfer device in a controlled manner, with the personnel transfer device in an elevated position. In one embodiment, the personnel transfer device has an automatic descender device fixed thereto. Such personnel transfer devices are typically lifted by cranes mounted on offshore platforms or drilling rigs, and move personnel from elevated positions on the platform or drilling rig to and from the decks of boats. In the event of a crane failure during the personnel transfer procedure, resulting in the personnel transfer device suspended in the air in an elevated position, personnel that are in the personnel transfer device can use the automatic descender to safely lower themselves from the elevated personnel transfer device to a waiting boat, the water's surface, etc. | 10-07-2010 |
20110005865 | APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLED DESCENT FROM AN ELEVATED LOCATION - An apparatus for facilitating a controlled descent of a body is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotatable reel around which a portion of a cable is wound, a first end of the cable secured to the reel and a second end of the cable free; a friction drum around which a portion of the cable, is wound; a carrier on which the reel and the drum are mounted, a braking mechanism for braking rotational motion of the reel and for balancing descending speed of the body; a harness, for harnessing the device to the body; and a damping mechanism for damping the initial impact. | 01-13-2011 |
20110088976 | SPEED RESPONSIVE ENGAGEMENT DEVICE - A speed responsive engagement device comprises: a wheel arranged for rotation about a first axis and having a plurality of outwardly projecting spaced apart teeth with each pair of adjacent teeth being separated by a circumferential surface with a constant radius; a pawl arranged for pivotal movement about a second axis between a first unengaged position and a second engaged position in which the pawl engages one of said teeth and contacts a circumferential surface; and a resilient means arranged to urge said pawl towards the first position when the pawl is not in contact with a circumferential surface. When the wheel rotates in a first direction each tooth contacts the pawl, generating an oscillating movement of the pawl from the first position towards the second position with an amplitude dependent on the speed of the rotation. When the speed of rotation reaches a predetermined value the oscillating movement brings the pawl into the engaged position, preventing further rotation of the wheel in said first direction. | 04-21-2011 |
20110147124 | Regulated Descender - Regulating apparatus for a descender comprises a spool | 06-23-2011 |
20110174575 | Tank Lifeline System - Lifeline systems include a worker harness hooked and slideable along a cable attached to a ratchet mechanism and extending between posts, through stand off pipes, or the like and generally parallel to, but spaced from, sides of a tank. The lifeline system utilizes supports which can be removably attached to the reinforcement rib or the cantilevered edge of the tank. The supports can include fastening rings to connect to braces, stabilizers or the ratchet mechanism. The reinforcement rib is received in an omega shaped channel and sandwiched by a clamp located on the first side and moveable relative to a second side of the channel. The cantilevered edge is received between upper and lower plates extending in openings of C-shaped sides in a spaced, angled relation and is sandwiched by a fastener threadably received in the upper plate. | 07-21-2011 |
20110278095 | Fall Protection Arrangement - A fall protection arrangement including a rotatable hub and a lifeline having a first end attached to the hub and a second end for removable attachment to a user, an engagement mechanism to prevent rotation of the hub upon activation, and a braking arrangement to brake the payout of the lifeline during a fall event. | 11-17-2011 |
20110315481 | CENTRIFUGALLY-OPERATED APPARATUS - Herein is disclosed a centrifugally-operated apparatus that comprises at least a shaft with an axis of rotation and a pawl that is coaxially mounted on the shaft with at least a portion of the pawl being movable radially inwardly and outwardly from the shaft. The axis of rotation of the shaft passes through the pawl, at a location that is radially offset from the center of mass of the pawl. Rotation of the shaft and pawl above a predetermined speed can cause at least the movable portion of the pawl to be moved radially outward from the shaft, in which position an engaging end of the movable portion of the pawl may engage with a component such as a ratchet. | 12-29-2011 |
20110315482 | PREASSEMBLED AND PRETORQUED FRICTION BRAKE AND METHOD OF MAKING A SAFETY DEVICE CONTAINING SUCH A FRICTION BRAKE - Herein is disclosed a preassembled and pretorqued friction brake comprising at least a pressure plate, a ratchet ring, a friction ring, and a backing plate. Further disclosed is a centrifugally-operated safety device comprising the preassembled and pretorqued friction brake, and methods of making | 12-29-2011 |
20120055740 | BRAKING MECHANISMS - An eddy-current braking mechanism including a rotor, rotatable about a rotor axis; at least one electrically conductive member coupled to the rotor for rotation therewith; at least one magnet configured to apply a magnetic field extending at least partially orthogonal to the plane of rotation of the conductive member, and characterised in that upon rotation of the rotor, the conductive member is configured to move at least partially radially from the rotor axis into the applied magnetic field. | 03-08-2012 |
20120061183 | APPARATUS FOR SAFELY LOWERING USER FROM STRUCTURE - An apparatus is disclosed for safely lowering a user from a structure. The apparatus includes a frame; a spool including a cable rotatably mounted on the frame; a securing device attached to the cable and adapted to securely attached to the structure; a user support adapted to support the user and securely attached to the frame; and a pair of centrifugal hydraulic brake systems adapted to slow a rotation of the spool to cause the user support, spool and frame to descend at a safe rate for the user. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame; a spool including a cable rotatably mounted on the frame; a securing device attached to the frame and adapted to securely attached to the structure; a user support adapted to support the user and attached to the cable; and a pair of centrifugal hydraulic brake systems adapted to slow a rotation of the spool to cause the user support to descend at a safe rate for the user. | 03-15-2012 |
20120073904 | FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM - 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. | 03-29-2012 |
20120145481 | Fall Arrest System Safety Device - A safety device, such as a safety block, for use in a fall arrest system, has an exit arrangement for the safety line exiting the device; the exit arrangement being arranged to permit the safety line to exit the device over a range of different exit positions. The exit arrangement may be in the form of an elongate slot. When the safety line rewinds into the line drum, the position at which the line exits the slot may move along the slot. | 06-14-2012 |
20120193168 | PORTABLE SAFTEY DEVICE AND METHOD - According to one or more aspects, a portable safety device operable to be deployed adjacent to a work surface. The portable safety device may include a rail and a locking device disposed with the rail and operable to secure the rail to the work surface. According to one or more aspects or embodiments, the device may include a signal member operationally connected to the rail to provide a visual indicator that the rail is secured to the work surface. | 08-02-2012 |
20120228062 | Belay Device - A belay device for protecting a climber on a rope from a fall has a powered winding reel to which the rope is attached. A control mechanism acts to prevent slack in the rope between the climber and the winding reel and includes load sensor that which, on detecting the weight of the climber on the rope, switches the operation of the device to a fall or descent mode where the winding reel is stopped and the climber is suspended by the rope. An electronic control and diagnostic system monitors the operation of the winding reel and switches its operation to a safe, fault mode when a fault is detected. | 09-13-2012 |
20120267198 | PERSONAL FIRE SAFETY DEVICE - A personal safety device for controlled-rate descent of a person from a building may include a cable control assembly having a frame attachable to the building. A cable may be wound on a cable reel. The cable reel may be configured for rotation within the frame. A weight setting control may be configured to vary a weight at which a predetermined rate of descent of a person supported on the cable will occur, whereby a user of the device can set his or her weight on the weight setting control and employ the device to descend from a building at the predetermined rate. | 10-25-2012 |
20120325586 | Aircrew Restraint System with Integrated Communications and Controls - Disclosed is a restraint system for a vehicle, such as a wheeled vehicle, boat, or fixed or rotary winged aircraft. The system includes a control system integrated into the harness and strap of the restraint. This permits crewmembers to lock and unlock the restraint from a body worn control panel. Other auxiliary equipment also be operated from the control panel. In another embodiment, wiring for a communication system is integrated into the harness and strap. | 12-27-2012 |
20130068561 | PERSONAL EMERGENCY DESCENDER SYSTEM, AND METHODS OF USE - A self-rescue system and a method for providing self-rescue to fall-victims suspended in fall-arresting safety harnesses following an accidental fall enables such suspended fall victims to descend to the ground or other place of safety at a controlled, safe velocity, without assistance from anyone else. In addition, the invention can also address applications in many types of elevated locations where a controlled descent is needed in order to escape emergency conditions. | 03-21-2013 |
20130240298 | FALL ARREST SYSTEM - A fall arrest system adapted for use in construction projects with wall studs of various spacing. The fall arrest system comprises a wall attachment bracket and a retractable harness line system, which provides extension, retraction, and storage of a harness line. The harness line is connected to a user-worn harness to protect the user from falling. | 09-19-2013 |
20140251731 | Energy Absorber and Fall Arrest System Safety Device - A safety device for use in a fall arrest or fall safety system includes an energy absorber to absorb energy in the event of a fall or other impulse event. The energy absorber is a resilient element (such as a tolerance ring) providing an interference fit between a first component of the device and a second component of the device. In the event of a fall arrestor other impulse event, the first and second components effect movement relative to one another, the interference fit being overcome, and the resilient element/tolerance ring acting to resist the relative movement thereby absorbing energy. | 09-11-2014 |
20150375021 | LANYARD AND SAFETY BELT INCLUDING THE LANYARD | 12-31-2015 |
20160074681 | PERSONAL DESCENT SYSTEM - A personal descent system is provided. The personal descent system includes a support structure coupling assembly and a control descent device. The support structure coupling assembly is configured and arranged to be coupled to a descent lifeline. The support structure coupling assembly includes an adaptor connection member. The adaptor connection member is configured and arranged to couple different types of lifelines and lanyards to the support structure coupling assembly. The control descent device is selectively coupled to the support structure coupling assembly. The control descent device is configured and arranged to be coupled to a safety harness donned by a user. The control descent device is further configured to detach from the support structure coupling assembly during a descent operation while controlling a payout of the descent lifeline. | 03-17-2016 |
20190143158 | RELEASE DEVICE FOR USE WITH A FALL PROTECTION UNIT HAVING A DEPLOYABLE LIFELINE | 05-16-2019 |
182232000 | Including spring for rewinding strand | 12 |
20090260922 | Distance limiting self-retractable lifeline - A self-retractable lifeline (“SRL”) having the combination of an active fall arrest braking system and a passive restraint distance limiting mechanism that allows a user to pretension and preset the distance that its cable is capable of paying out. The SRL's cable limiting mechanism includes a pretension assembly, which may include a pair of aligned plates and an actuator that temporarily mobilizes an arbor when the lever is opened. The arbor is affixed to the SRL housing and to an interior of a power spring that rewinds the cable back into the housing when the cable is paid out. The other end of the arbor is in a mechanical relationship to one of the aligned plates that prohibits rotational movement of the arbor when the aligned plates are engaged but allows rotational movement of the arbor when the aligned plates are temporarily disengaged. When pretensioning of the power spring is desired, the actuator is activated and a tension is applied onto at least one of the aligned plates to temporarily disengage them and to temporarily mobilize the arbor. As the arbor is affixed to the interior of the power spring, the number of rotational turns that the arbor makes causes the power spring to “pretension” and thereby limits the maximum cable payout by the number of turns. The active braking system for fall arrest is independent of the cable limiting mechanism. The SRL may optionally include a mechanism affixed to the opposite end of the arbor to reduce or eliminate overtensioning due to human error. | 10-22-2009 |
20100252366 | Fall Arrest System Safety Device - A safety device for use in a fall arrest system, has a safety line drum mounted for rotation and a speed responsive engagement mechanism responsive to the speed of rotation of the drum, which is activated above a predetermined rotational speed of the drum to deploy an energy absorber. A rotational transmission member (which may be in the form of a shaft) is coupled, via the speed responsive engagement mechanism, when activated, to rotate with the drum. The energy absorber is deployed in response to operation of the rotational transmission member. The speed responsive engagement mechanism may be mounted intermediate the drum and the energy absorber for ease of replacement. | 10-07-2010 |
20110127112 | Crash Safety Device Having a Rope Drive Mechanism - The invention relates to a crash safety device having a safety rope ( | 06-02-2011 |
20110147125 | FALL PROTECTION SAFETY DEVICE WITH A BRAKING MECHANISM - A fall protection safety device including a braking mechanism comprises a first component, a second component configured and arranged to move relative to the first component, and at least one magnet operatively connected to one of the components and another of the components being at least partially made of a non-ferromagnetic and electrically conductive material. The at least one magnet and the non-ferromagnetic and electrically conductive material creating an electromagnetic field force when the second component moves at a rate greater than a predetermined rate relative to the first component. | 06-23-2011 |
20110209948 | Fall Arrest Block - A fall arrest block has a drum ( | 09-01-2011 |
20110220436 | Fall Protection System - A fall protection system comprising a line wound onto a rotatable pulley having a centrifugal clutch which activates a gearbox which in turn drives an input shaft of a hydraulic actuator whereby the hydraulic actuator controls the rate of rotation of the pulley, and a secondary brake which slows the rotational speed of the pulley should it exceed a predetermined speed, whereby in use, the line is attached to a user to restrain a fall and then the system facilitates unwinding of the line at a controlled speed to effect descent. | 09-15-2011 |
20110315483 | SAFETY DEVICES COMPRISING A LOAD-BEARING COMPOSITE POLYMERIC HOUSING AND A LOAD-BEARING ANCHORAGE PLATE - Herein are disclosed fall-protection safety devices comprising a load-bearing housing comprised of a composite polymeric material, and also comprising a load-bearing anchorage plate connected to the load-bearing housing by at least one load-bearing connector. | 12-29-2011 |
20120118670 | Retractable Fall Arrest WIth Component Assembly and Cantilevered Main Shaft - A retractable fall arrest device comprises a unit housing, a spring sub-assembly, a brake/clutch sub-assembly, and a drum assembly. The spring and brake/clutch sub-assemblies each include shaft portions which extend into the housing and are removably connected together or to the drum assembly, and support the drum assembly in the housing. The spring and brake/clutch assembly are themselves removably connected to the unit housing. Finally, the unit housing comprises two wall members (i.e., clam shells) which are removably connected together. This fall arrest device allows for replacement of any of the four constituent components of the device in the field, thus reducing the down time between repairs or recertification of a particular fall arrest device. | 05-17-2012 |
20140124296 | Fall Arrest Device with Rope Drive Mechanism - A combination of a drive mechanism associated with a fall arrest device. The drive mechanism includes a drive motor, a rope drive wheel, and a freewheel having a sleeve with axial recesses and clamping faces on an inner surface, which the clamping bodies are guided in a cage and are located in the recesses. The fall arrest device includes a drum onto which a safety rope is wound, a return spring configured to be tensioned during the unwinding of the safety rope from the drum, and a locking device configured to lock the drum against rotation in the safety rope in an unwinding direction in the event of a fall of a person carried by the safety rope. | 05-08-2014 |
20150041253 | RETRACTABLE LIFELINE ASSEMBLY - A retractable lifeline assembly includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion separated by a plate portion having an aperture. The aperture places a first cavity of the first portion in fluid communication with a second cavity of the second portion. A shaft extends through the aperture into the first cavity and the second cavity, and a seal proximate the shaft and the plate portion seals the first cavity from the second cavity. The first portion contains a cable assembly and the second portion contains a brake assembly. | 02-12-2015 |
20150307197 | Multi-Use Emergency Descent Device - A multi-use emergency descent device for descent of a payload from an aircraft has a tape assembly in operative communication with a braking assembly and return assembly. The tape assembly has a tape wound about an axis. The braking assembly causes deceleration of the tape during unwinding and the return assembly when activated initiates retraction of the tape. | 10-29-2015 |
20160096048 | SEALED SELF-RETRACTING LIFELINE - A self-retracting lifeline assembly ( | 04-07-2016 |
182233000 | Fluid resistance brake | 1 |
20100065373 | Personal escape device and methods for using same - The invention presents devices for controlled descent from buildings. Such a device includes a housing having a primary spool about which a cord is wound, a payload coupler for attaching a harness assembly to the housing, and an unwind control assembly for controlling the rate of exit of the cord from the housing. An inventive device kit may include a convertible storage unit used to protectively store a device and which, upon deployment, may be used as a protective helmet. In using an inventive device, a user attaches the device to a fixture in a building, dons a harness and the converted helmet, attaches the device to the harness, and exits the building from a window or roof. | 03-18-2010 |
182234000 | Movable, friction brake element applied by centrifugal force | 10 |
20100163343 | PERSONAL ESCAPE DEVICE - A personal escape device which can be used by men, women, and children, including physically disabled persons, to descend in a controlled and secure manner from high structures such as office buildings, multistory homes, and the like. The device is designed for a relatively low-cost, small size which may be used by payloads of variable weights. The rescue device of the invention may be a single-use device or a multi-use device. | 07-01-2010 |
20100181145 | DESCENT DEVICE - There is disclosed herein a descent device ( | 07-22-2010 |
20100224448 | Safety Device with Fall Arrest and Descending Modes - A safety device with fall arrest and descending modes includes a housing, a drum, a lifeline, first and second brake assemblies, and a control. The drum is rotatably operatively connected to the housing. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The first end is operatively connected to the drum. The first and second assemblies are operatively connected to the drum. The control is operatively connected to the first and second brake assemblies and has a first position and a second position. The first position selectively engages the first brake assembly in a descending mode and the second position selectively engages the second brake assembly in a fall arrest mode. | 09-09-2010 |
20100282541 | HEIGHT RESCUE APPARATUS - There is provided a height rescue apparatus ( | 11-11-2010 |
20110067956 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR PERSONAL HIGH ALTITUDE RAPPEL ESCAPE SAFETY DEVICE - A personal, lightweight, high altitude rappel escape safety device is worn by an individual as a backpack and provides a safe means of lowering the individual from an elevated structure. The device comprises a structural body containing a mechanical device for slowly releasing a high strength cable. One end of the cable is secured to the structure prior to the user descending from the structure. The cable is released from a spool located inside the body and makes a circuitous path though a frictional structure. The structure contains baffles through which the cable extends. The friction caused by the pattern of release of the cable generates sufficient drag to safely lower a person from any altitude in a structure to the ground. The rate of descent may be adjusted via a braking mechanism. | 03-24-2011 |
20110100755 | BRAKE ASSEMBLY FOR A SELF-RETRACTING LIFELINE ASSEMBLY - A braking system for a self-retracting lifeline assembly is provided. The braking system includes a housing, a ratchet cam and a clutch assembly. The housing includes sidewalls that form, at least in part, a cavity. The sidewalls of the housing terminate in a connecting surface that extends around the cavity. The sidewalls have a plurality of notches spaced along interior surfaces of the sidewalls. Each notch extends from the connecting surface a select distance in the interior surfaces of the sidewalls of the housing. The ratchet cam includes an inner edge that defines a central cam opening. The inner edge of the ratchet cam has a plurality of inward extending teeth. The ratchet cam further has an outer edge. The outer edge has a plurality of outward extending fingers. Each finger terminates in a finger tip. Each finger tip is received in an associated notch in the interior surface of the housing. The clutch assembly is operationally configured to engage at least one tooth of the plurality of inward extending teeth of the ratchet cam in response to a lifeline unwinding from the assembly at a rate greater than a predetermined maximum angular velocity. | 05-05-2011 |
20120067670 | Centrifugal Clutch - A centrifugal clutch having a rotor, a clutch component, and at least one centrifugal weight movable relative to the rotor. When the rotational speed of the rotor is below a predefined value, the centrifugal weight is in a first position and at a distance from the clutch component so that the rotor can rotate freely relative to the clutch component and, when the rotational speed of the rotor is above a predefined value, the centrifugal weight executes a movement relative to the rotor under a centripetal force into a second position so that the centrifugal weight produces a mechanical force fit between the rotor and the clutch component. The centrifugal weight has first toothing and the clutch component a second toothing so that the first toothing, above the predefined rotational speed, engages into the second toothing, establishing a form-locking connection between the rotor and the clutch component. | 03-22-2012 |
20120298451 | CENTRIFUGALLY-OPERATED APPARATUS - Herein is disclosed a centrifugally-operated apparatus that comprises at least a shaft with an axis of rotation and a pawl that is coaxially mounted on the shaft with at least a portion of the pawl being movable radially inwardly and outwardly from the shaft. The axis of rotation of the shaft passes through the pawl, at a location that is radially offset from the center of mass of the pawl. Rotation of the shaft and pawl above a predetermined speed can cause at least the movable portion of the pawl to be moved radially outward from the shaft, in which position an engaging end of the movable portion of the pawl may engage with a component such as a ratchet. | 11-29-2012 |
20140318896 | DESCENDING DEVICE WITH DIRECT DRIVE CENTRIFUGAL BRAKE - The present invention relates to a descending device for repeated braked descent of a load from an elevated structure. The descending device comprises a housing attachable to the elevated structure; a descent shaft rotatably attached to the housing; a centrifugal brake comprising a fixed part connected to the housing and a rotatable part connected to the descent shaft; and a rope configured for attachment of the load at two different load attachment portions being separated by a descent length of the rope. The descent shaft is directly connected to the rotatable part of the centrifugal brake such that one revolution of the descent shaft translates to one revolution of the rotatable part of the centrifugal brake; and the winding angle is at least 360°. | 10-30-2014 |
20150314151 | PORTABLE SLOWLY DESCENDING ESCAPE EQUIPMENT - A portable slowly descending escape equipment includes a portable carrier, a descending device and a decelerating device. The descending device includes an annular gear which is rotatable and disposed within the portable carrier and a safety rope winding around on the annular gear in such a way that the annular gear is rotated along with the release of the safety rope. The decelerating device includes a transmission gear set which engages with the annular gear in an internal space thereof and a power generator which is driven by the transmission gear set to reduce a releasing speed of the safety rope by a resistant moment of the power generator. | 11-05-2015 |
182235000 | Friction brake and occupant-operated mechanism for applying brake during descent | 4 |
20090084631 | Retractable Lifeline Assembly - A retractable lifeline assembly includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion separated by a plate portion having an aperture. The aperture places a first cavity of the first portion in fluid communication with a second cavity of the second portion. A shaft extends through the aperture into the first cavity and the second cavity, and a seal proximate the shaft and the plate portion seals the first cavity from the second cavity. The first portion contains a cable assembly and the second portion contains a brake assembly. | 04-02-2009 |
20090173578 | PERSONAL HEIGHT RESCUE APPARATUS - There is provided height rescue apparatus comprising a casing which incorporates a bracket for attachment to a harness. The bracket can be releasably attached to a load element which is attached to a safety line which in turn can be attached to a secure anchorage. There is also a release means in the form of a pull cord for releasing the load element from the bracket after a fall and speed control means for controlling the rate of deployment of an elongate element stored within the casing and thus controlling the descent of a user. | 07-09-2009 |
20100270107 | Manually-Releasable Fall Arrest Device - A manually-releasable apparatus for arresting a hunter's fall from a tree stand is described herein. The apparatus comprises a satchel with two compartments, one compartment containing a controlled descent device and the other compartment containing a reel upon which a safety strap is wound. The safety strap is attached to the tree and passes through the controlled descent device and then is wound onto the reel. The hunter's safety harness is attached by means of a tether to an eye in the controlled descent device, which is attached to a safety belt secured to a tree. The apparatus quickly arrests a hunter's fall and then allows the hunter to manually release the braking mechanism within the controlled descent device once the hunter has freed himself from obstructions and is in a position to descend to the ground. | 10-28-2010 |
20130015017 | Personal Fall Limiter Arrangement and User Connection Arrangement Therefor - A personal fall limiter arrangement having a user connection arrangement, including: a body attached to at least a portion of the frame and having a recess configured to receive at least a portion of a user connector; at least one tab pivotally attached to a first portion of the body; and at least one biasing member engaged with the at least one tab and configured to urge the at least one tab towards a locked (or closed) position; wherein, in operation, the at least one tab is pivotal between: (1) an open position to permit passage of at least a portion of the user connector into or out of the recess; and (2) the locked position to prevent passage of at least a portion of the user connector out of the recess. | 01-17-2013 |