EMERGENCY DESCENT CONTROL DEVICE

摘要

An emergency control device includes a rope friction controller having an attachment portion i) for securing the device to the wearable safety equipment and ii) defining a pivot axis for the device. The rope friction controller includes two distanced plates defining a rope-receiving portion therebetween for receiving a portion of a rope therethrough and having rope inlet and outlet. The rope friction controller also includes at least two friction elements within the rope-receiving portion for selectively applying friction on the rope, and a handle portion distanced from the attachment portion for pivoting the rope friction controller about the pivot axis from a neutral position, wherein friction is so applied on the rope as to prevent movement thereof in the rope-receiving portion, to a descent position, wherein minimal friction is applied on the rope so as to allow movement thereof in the rope-receiving portion. A contracted portion in the rope outlet defines a safety element that applies friction on the rope so as to prevent movement thereof in the rope-receiving portion when the rope friction controller is pivoted beyond the descent position from the neutral position.