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 adjustable tethering system is disclosed that includes a primary line, a secondary line, and a capsule. The secondary line is wound about the primary line to form a frictional locking arrangement that resists translation of the secondary line along the primary line when the secondary line is tensioned. The capsule can be manipulated by a user to selectively release the frictional engagement between the primary and secondary lines, thereby enabling controlled transition of the system from a secured state to a state in which the secondary line can translate along the primary line.

An adjustable tethering system is disclosed that includes a primary line, a secondary line, and a capsule. The secondary line is wound about the primary line to form a frictional locking arrangement that resists translation of the secondary line along the primary line when the secondary line is tensioned. The capsule can be manipulated by a user to selectively release the frictional engagement between the primary and secondary lines, thereby enabling controlled transition of the system from a secured state to a state in which the secondary line can translate along the primary line.

A line dispensing device includes a housing, a rotatable shaft rotatably supported by the housing and defining a rotational axis, and a line drum disposed about the rotational axis and configured to extend and retract a line from the housing. The line dispensing device also includes a retraction assembly disposed about the rotational axis and configured to generate a retraction force and retract the line from the housing, and a braking assembly disposed about the rotational axis and configured to generate a braking force on the line and during extension of the line from the housing.

A line dispensing device includes a housing, a rotatable shaft rotatably supported by the housing and defining a rotational axis, and a line drum disposed about the rotational axis and configured to extend and retract a line from the housing. The line dispensing device also includes a retraction assembly disposed about the rotational axis and configured to generate a retraction force and retract the line from the housing, and a braking assembly disposed about the rotational axis and configured to generate a braking force on the line and during extension of the line from the housing.

A hoist system for cable-reeling operations is disclosed herein. The hoist system includes a housing, a drum disposed within the housing and configured to spin about an axis, a motor configured to spin the drum about the axis, a cable configured to be wound and unwound from the drum as the motor spins the drum about the axis, a cable sensor configured to detect misalignment of the cable during the cable-reeling operations, and a motor controller operatively coupled to the cable sensor and the motor, wherein the motor controller is configured to receive a cable misalignment signal from the cable sensor and adjust operation of the motor in response to the cable misalignment signal.

An adjustable tethering system is disclosed that includes a primary line, a secondary line, and a bail release feature. The secondary line is wound about the primary line to form a frictional locking arrangement that resists translation of the secondary line along the primary line when tension is applied. The bail release feature is operable to be manipulated by a user to reduce the constriction of the windings about the primary line, thereby enabling controlled transition of the system from a secured state to a state in which the secondary line can translate along the primary line.

An adjustable tethering system is disclosed that includes a primary line, a secondary line, and a bail release feature. The secondary line is wound about the primary line to form a frictional locking arrangement that resists translation of the secondary line along the primary line when tension is applied. The bail release feature is operable to be manipulated by a user to reduce the constriction of the windings about the primary line, thereby enabling controlled transition of the system from a secured state to a state in which the secondary line can translate along the primary line.