A self-locking descent control device features a clamp body, a handle lever pivotably coupled to the clamp body near a proximal end of the lever, an attachment point carried on the clamp body for connection to body-worn equipment of a user, a friction arrangement on the clamp body at a location across the elongated lever from the attachment point, and featuring a first set of rope passages. A second set of rope passages are laid out in series on the lever, and a clamping surface on the clamping body is positioned adjacent the proximal end of the lever on the same side thereof as the attachment point. The rope is routed on a serpentine path through the first and second sets of rope passages, and onward through a space between the proximal end of the lever and the clamping surface, whereby the user's body weight automatically clamps the rope therebetween.

Described herein are braking mechanisms and related methods of using eddy current interactions to resist relative movement between members, the magnetic flux about an eddy current region being modified beyond an inherent drag effect resulting from a simple magnetic pole arrangement.

Methods and systems are provided for a device. In one example, the device is configured to automatically grab and slip a line. The device is further configured to decrease degradation to the line by limiting a rotation of the device via contact with the line.

A variable speed controlled device used for ascending and descending along a rope such as used in mountain climbing, tree climbing, rescue operations and the like. A friction mechanism controls the speed of the movement of the device along a rope line. A person can quickly and freely ascend a steep slope along a rope line. A person can also descend a steep slope along a rope line and be confident that a friction mechanism will control the rate of descent. An optional e-brake mechanism can further ensure the device will lock and prevent further downward movement if the person begins a freefall. The device allows other persons (e.g., a teammate, guide or rescue agency) to safely lower an incapacitated or unconscious person down, for example, an alpine mountain, burning building, cliff or the like.

A variable speed controlled device used for ascending and descending along a rope such as used in mountain climbing, tree climbing, rescue operations and the like. A friction mechanism controls the speed of the movement of the device along a rope line. A person can quickly and freely ascend a steep slope along a rope line. A person can also descend a steep slope along a rope line and be confident that a friction mechanism will control the rate of descent. An optional e-brake mechanism can further ensure the device will lock and prevent further downward movement if the person begins a freefall. The device allows other persons (e.g., a teammate, guide or rescue agency) to safely lower an incapacitated or unconscious person down, for example, an alpine mountain, burning building, cliff or the like.

Described herein are braking mechanisms and related methods of using eddy current interactions to resist relative movement between members, the magnetic flux about an eddy current region being modified beyond an inherent drag effect resulting from a simple magnetic pole arrangement.

A load lowering descent controller having a fixed cylindrical body or capstan about which a rope or cable is turned. The descent controller allows for lowering of the load at a controlled rate by adjusting the amount of friction between the controller and the rope or cable as a function of rope or cable turning and relative contact with rope or cable engagement surfaces in the controller. The fixed cylindrical body or capstan is surrounded by a vented sleeve to prevent the rope from becoming heated and to prevent the user from being injured.

A load lowering descent controller having a fixed cylindrical body or capstan about which a rope or cable is turned. The descent controller allows for lowering of the load at a controlled rate by adjusting the amount of friction between the controller and the rope or cable as a function of rope or cable turning and relative contact with rope or cable engagement surfaces in the controller. The fixed cylindrical body or capstan is surrounded by a vented sleeve to prevent the rope from becoming heated and to prevent the user from being injured.

Various embodiments are directed to shuttle apparatuses for fall protection and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, a shuttle apparatus comprises a shuttle housing configured for dynamic engagement relative to a guide member, a first brake assembly configured for activation during a fall instance, and a secondary brake assembly configured independent from the first brake assembly, the secondary brake assembly comprising: a secondary brake pawl configured to pivotably rotate between a disengaged position and an activated position, the secondary brake pawl configured to rotate toward the activated position during the fall instance; and a secondary brake lock arm configured to freely rotate independent of the shuttle housing such that the shuttle housing being arranged in an angled configuration causes the secondary brake lock arm to rotate to an engaged position to obstruct the secondary brake pawl from rotating, thereby preventing the secondary brake assembly from being activated.

Various embodiments are directed to shuttle apparatuses for fall protection and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, a shuttle apparatus comprises a shuttle housing configured for dynamic engagement relative to a guide member, a first brake assembly configured for activation during a fall instance, and a secondary brake assembly configured independent from the first brake assembly, the secondary brake assembly comprising: a secondary brake pawl configured to pivotably rotate between a disengaged position and an activated position, the secondary brake pawl configured to rotate toward the activated position during the fall instance; and a secondary brake lock arm configured to freely rotate independent of the shuttle housing such that the shuttle housing being arranged in an angled configuration causes the secondary brake lock arm to rotate to an engaged position to obstruct the secondary brake pawl from rotating, thereby preventing the secondary brake assembly from being activated.