Controlled Descent Safety Systems and Methods

A device for controlled velocity of a load under a tensioning force, the device comprising:

• a chassis, the chassis having a portion of a first peripheral surface thereof defining an exit aperture;
• a capstan disposed upon the chassis, the capstan having a second peripheral surface having a generally conical shape defining a varying diameter, the smallest diameter being disposed near the chassis in a root having a radius of curvature;
• and
• a housing cover joined to the chassis and at least partially enclosing the capstan, the housing cover defining an entry aperture, the entry aperture being a throttle wherein the throttle comprises an hourglass-shaped metal tube having a first end and a second end,
• wherein the housing cover is rotatable with respect to the chassis, whereby rotating the housing cover changes the relative position of the entry aperture relative to the exit aperture.

A controlled descent device for use by a user, comprising:

• a chassis, the chassis having an outer surface upon which is disposed a connection member for connecting to a safety harness of the user;
• a housing cover joined to the chassis, the chassis and the housing cover defining a cavity in which is disposed a capstan, and a peripheral surface defining an entry aperture and an exit aperture;
• and
• a throttle, the throttle being disposed in operative relationship to the entry aperture, wherein the throttle is an hour-glass shaped tube having a first end and a second end, the throttle being constrained by the housing at the first end and at the second end, the first end and the second end defining a first length dimension in a first relatively low temperature state, and a second length dimension in a second relatively high temperature state, and wherein the first length dimension is substantially equal to the second length dimension.