Patent ID: 6626265
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: A62B,E06C

Abstract:
A controlled descent apparatus comprising:a frame adapted to be mounted to building adjacent an opening in the wall; an arm rotatable between a stored position generally within the frame and an active position projecting a free end through the opening in the wall; a supply of cable stored on a spool rotatably connected to the frame, the cable guided to a pulley proximate the free end of the arm whereby a weight attached to the cable beyond the pulley will descend while drawing cable from the supply; a hydraulic circuit operatively connected to the spool to control the rate at which the cable is drawn from the supply, the hydraulic circuit including a positive displacement pump mounted on the frame, a first reservoir connected to a pump inlet and a second reservoir connected to a pump outlet, a flow control valve connected to the pump outlet to limit flow of fluid through the outlet to a preselected rate, the first and second reservoirs formed integrally with the frame, the second reservoir having an exit port connected to an entrance port of the first reservoir such that the first and second reservoirs are connected in fluid series; and a predetermined flow path through the first and second reservoirs, the predetermined flow path running in a first direction from the pump outlet through the second reservoir to the exit port and then in a second substantially opposite direction from the entrance port through the first reservoir to the pump inlet.