This disclosure describes embodiments of novel line dispensing devices and methods for dispensing and retracting a line of a line dispensing device.

An apparatus has a first truck that includes a frame. A roller is rotatably attached to the frame and a lever arm is pivotably connected to the frame. The lever arm includes a load point, a magnet, and a non-ferrous conductive material. A biasing element biases the lever arm into a first angular position. A load applied to the load point drives the lever arm against a biasing force of the biasing element, and towards a second angular position.

A self-retracting lanyard including a main body and a retractable line. The retractable line is coupled to the main body so as to be extendible and retractable relative to the main body and to be restricted from extending relative to the main body in response to a user of the self-retracting lanyard falling. The self-retracting lanyard further includes a manual control operable by the user to initiate controlled descent of the retractable line relative to the main body.

A self-retracting lanyard including a main body and a retractable line. The retractable line is coupled to the main body so as to be extendible and retractable relative to the main body and to be restricted from extending relative to the main body in response to a user of the self-retracting lanyard falling. The self-retracting lanyard further includes a manual control operable by the user to initiate controlled descent of the retractable line relative to the main body.

A personal escape device includes a main housing, a shaft, a magnet housing, and a plurality of magnets. The shaft is rotatably coupled with the main housing and is rotatable about a rotational axis. The magnet housing is positioned in the main housing and is coupled with the shaft such that the magnet housing rotates together with the shaft. The plurality of magnets is coupled with the magnet housing such that the plurality of magnets rotates together with the magnet housing. The stator assembly is coupled with the main housing and surrounds the magnet housing. The stator assembly and the magnet housing are radially spaced from each other to define an air gap therebetween.

A personal escape device includes a main housing, a shaft, a magnet housing, and a plurality of magnets. The shaft is rotatably coupled with the main housing and is rotatable about a rotational axis. The magnet housing is positioned in the main housing and is coupled with the shaft such that the magnet housing rotates together with the shaft. The plurality of magnets is coupled with the magnet housing such that the plurality of magnets rotates together with the magnet housing. The stator assembly is coupled with the main housing and surrounds the magnet housing. The stator assembly and the magnet housing are radially spaced from each other to define an air gap therebetween.

A fall protection device, including: a housing; a hub rotatable with respect to the housing; a line wrapped around the hub and configured to pay out from and retract into the housing, an engagement mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the hub and further payout of the line; and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a length of the line paid out from the housing, the adjustment mechanism comprising: (i) at least one gear attached to the housing; (ii) a pivot having a track configured to interact with the at least one gear and pivot as the at least one gear rotates; and (iii) an arm configured to urge at least a portion of the engagement mechanism causing it to move into an engagement position, to thereby prevent further rotation of the hub and payout of the line from the fall protection device.

A fall protection device, including: a housing; a hub rotatable with respect to the housing; a line wrapped around the hub and configured to pay out from and retract into the housing, an engagement mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the hub and further payout of the line; and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a length of the line paid out from the housing, the adjustment mechanism comprising: (i) at least one gear attached to the housing; (ii) a pivot having a track configured to interact with the at least one gear and pivot as the at least one gear rotates; and (iii) an arm configured to urge at least a portion of the engagement mechanism causing it to move into an engagement position, to thereby prevent further rotation of the hub and payout of the line from the fall protection device.

A fall protection device, characterized by a module (12) with an adapter (16) for detachably attaching the module (22) at the tip of an aerial apparatus, the module comprising a plurality of ropes (36), each rope extending from an individual fall arresting device received within the module.

A fall protection device, characterized by a module (12) with an adapter (16) for detachably attaching the module (22) at the tip of an aerial apparatus, the module comprising a plurality of ropes (36), each rope extending from an individual fall arresting device received within the module.