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US7448597B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB66B9/00
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A powered rope ascender that supports a person or a load while ascending a vertical rope. The rope ascender has a motor driven capstan drum that engages the rope. A pinch roller grips the rope against the capstan drum. A load limiting assembly releases the grip by the pinch roller when the load supported by the ascender exceeds a predetermined amount. A centrifugal clutch reduces starting torque required by the motor and the outer drum of the centrifugal clutch interacts with a brake to hold position on the rope. For heavy loads a motion activated brake is used. Hand controls provide a freewheeling, a braking and an ascending mode of operation. A harmonic drive or planetary reduction gears provide speed reduction from the motor to the capstan drum. The powered rope ascender can be threaded on the rope without access to a rope end.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.