Patent 11097136 was granted and assigned to Harken, Inc. on August, 2021 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
A high load descender for rope access and rescue has a ratcheting sheave mounted to a pivoting arm, which translate with rope tension against a fixed shoe. The ratcheting sheave has a groove that grips rope during descent while allowing free rotation for ascent and progress capture. An adaptive release linkage enhances ease of operation and control while maintaining convenient handle position in a variety of conditions.