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

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

A load-hauling device includes a pair of karabiners, each having an array of pulleys, a pulley rope fixed at one end to one of the karabiners below its respective pulley array, to anchor that end of the rope, the pulley rope passing sequentially between the pulleys of each pulley array to provide a mechanical advantage at the free end of the pulley rope when pulled, a rotatable locking cam mounted between a cam yoke fixed around an end pulley of one of the pulley arrays, wherein the cam includes a cam spring to bias the cam to engage with the rope and permit movement of the rope in one direction while preventing movement of the rope in the other direction, the cam including an integral trigger and locking mechanism to selectively disengage the cam from the rope and allow the device to release a load carried thereby.

An automatic descent control device includes a line configured to be attached to a load. A line system retracts slack from the line when the line is not loaded and extends the line when the line is loaded. At least one braking system provides a braking force when the line is loaded so as to control extension of the line and a descent rate of the load. The at least one braking system is operable in at least two configurations, a first configuration that the at least one braking system lowers the load at a first descent rate, and a second configuration that the at least one braking system lowers or locks the load at a second descent rate. The load being a constant and the first descent rate is greater than the second descent rate.

An automatic descent control device includes a line configured to be attached to a load. A line system retracts slack from the line when the line is not loaded and extends the line when the line is loaded. At least one braking system provides a braking force when the line is loaded so as to control extension of the line and a descent rate of the load. The at least one braking system is operable in at least two configurations, a first configuration that the at least one braking system lowers the load at a first descent rate, and a second configuration that the at least one braking system lowers or locks the load at a second descent rate. The load being a constant and the first descent rate is greater than the second descent rate.

A separator element is described (1), adapted to be used in a hoist (100) and configured to be interposed between a first element (2) and a second element (3) of said hoist (100) or to be made in one piece with said first element (2) and/or said second element (3), said separator element (1) comprising a main body (10) and at least two seats (S1, S2, S3, S4) for the passage of as many lengths (F1, F2, F3, F4) of a rope (F) of said hoist (100) through said separator element (1).

A rappelling device that frictionally controls rope flow, thereby allowing adjustable control of a load relative to an anchor is disclosed. For example, a coupling link, such as a carabiner, is clipped into a small hole, a bight of rope is pushed through a separate large hole, and then the rope is clipped into the carabiner. A user may use the rappelling device to increase the friction while the rope is weighted by weaving the rope through one or more openings on the device. In doing so, the user does not need to feed the end of the rope through the one or more openings. The rappelling device provides incremental adjustment of friction while the rope is weighted. Additionally, a gland cut into the inner circumference of the small hole may be added to grip and limit axial movement of the carabiner.

A method of handling fall protection systems (2) in association with towers, pylons and masts includes climbing a tower (5), securing a guide channel (10) to a top portion (6) of the tower, extending a fall protection guide line (20) through the guide channel, connecting a first end (3) of a fall protection system (2) to a first end (21) of the guide line (20), extending the fall protection system (2) through the secured guide channel (10) by pulling a second end (22) of the guide line, securing the first end (3) of the fall protection system to a ground (G) level fixing point (8) and securing a second end (4) of the fall protection system to personal protection equipment worn by a worker. An assembly (1) for handling fall protection systems in association with towers, pylons and masts is also provided.

A method of handling fall protection systems (2) in association with towers, pylons and masts includes climbing a tower (5), securing a guide channel (10) to a top portion (6) of the tower, extending a fall protection guide line (20) through the guide channel, connecting a first end (3) of a fall protection system (2) to a first end (21) of the guide line (20), extending the fall protection system (2) through the secured guide channel (10) by pulling a second end (22) of the guide line, securing the first end (3) of the fall protection system to a ground (G) level fixing point (8) and securing a second end (4) of the fall protection system to personal protection equipment worn by a worker. An assembly (1) for handling fall protection systems in association with towers, pylons and masts is also provided.

Methods and apparatus for an emergency descent system according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a cable connector non-slidably connected to an emergency escape cable and a housing connected to the cable connector and configured to enclose a controlled descent system and at least a portion of a length of rope. The housing may comprise an outer protective layer, an inner wall section substantially enclosed by the outer protective layer forming an open interior portion, and a cover configured to be selectively attached to an upper portion of the outer protective layer. The cover may be configured to be selectively attached to an upper portion of the outer protective layer. The cover may be configured to cover at least a portion of the controlled descent system and protect the open interior portion from environmental conditions.