A hitch-minding pulley comprising at least one pulley sheave rotatably fixed between the arms of a split yoke, the arms being swivelable about the rotational axis of the or each pulley sheave to allow access for a pulley engaging climbing rope, the body of the yoke being split into two parts, each body part having a respective yoke arm extending therefrom, the body parts having multiple corresponding pairs of apertures for collectively receiving, in use, a plurality of carabiners, wherein at least one of the pairs of apertures is a curved slot, the outer curvature of which being generally oriented inward towards the or each pulley sheave.

A hitch-minding pulley comprising at least one pulley sheave rotatably fixed between the arms of a split yoke, the arms being swivelable about the rotational axis of the or each pulley sheave to allow access for a pulley engaging climbing rope, the body of the yoke being split into two parts, each body part having a respective yoke arm extending therefrom, the body parts having multiple corresponding pairs of apertures for collectively receiving, in use, a plurality of carabiners, wherein at least one of the pairs of apertures is a curved slot, the outer curvature of which being generally oriented inward towards the or each pulley sheave.

A level wind mechanism includes a first screw and a second screw extending through a block. A shoe is disposed within the block between the first screw and the second screw. The shoe includes a first follower for engaging with and being driven by a thread of the first screw and a second follower for engaging with and being driven by a thread of the second screw. Each thread includes cams at the terminal ends of the thread for causing the shoe to disengage from that thread and to shift to engaging the other thread. In this way, the first screw and the second screw cause the shoe, and thus the block, to translate relative to the first screw and the second screw.

A level wind mechanism includes a first screw and a second screw extending through a block. A shoe is disposed within the block between the first screw and the second screw. The shoe includes a first follower for engaging with and being driven by a thread of the first screw and a second follower for engaging with and being driven by a thread of the second screw. Each thread includes cams at the terminal ends of the thread for causing the shoe to disengage from that thread and to shift to engaging the other thread. In this way, the first screw and the second screw cause the shoe, and thus the block, to translate relative to the first screw and the second screw.

A silo-mountable rescue assembly for accessing a distressed person in a silo includes a tripod that is configured to couple to a top of a silo so that an apex of the tripod is substantially centrally positioned over an opening in the silo. A block and tackle is coupled to the tripod proximate to the apex. The block and tackle is configured to lower equipment and personnel into the silo to rescue a distressed person in the silo.

A silo-mountable rescue assembly for accessing a distressed person in a silo includes a tripod that is configured to couple to a top of a silo so that an apex of the tripod is substantially centrally positioned over an opening in the silo. A block and tackle is coupled to the tripod proximate to the apex. The block and tackle is configured to lower equipment and personnel into the silo to rescue a distressed person in the silo.

A fall-protection apparatus that includes a computing device configured to detect a mechanical command signal, and methods of using such an apparatus.

A safety apparatus for secure attachment to a support structure includes: an attach plate securely attached to the support structure; a cable guide with a channel along the length of the cable guide for constraining a cable; and an attachment for attaching the cable guide to the attach plate, the attachment preventing any lateral movement of the cable guide in relation to the attach plate.

A safety apparatus for secure attachment to a support structure includes: an attach plate securely attached to the support structure; a cable guide with a channel along the length of the cable guide for constraining a cable; and an attachment for attaching the cable guide to the attach plate, the attachment preventing any lateral movement of the cable guide in relation to the attach plate.

A rope guide is provided for use in rope rescues and rope climbing. The guide includes a frame comprised of two legs, pivotally connected at the inner ends so that the outer ends can be adjusted between substantially open and substantially closed positions. A lock pin secures the frame in a selected pivotal position. The mouth of the frame between the outer ends of the legs can be positioned over an object, such as a rail, a building edge, or a rock so as to protect the rope from contact with such objects.