to define therebetween at least one rope slot, the rope guide having an arcuate shape conforming substantially to the circular end flanges of the rope drum; a generally T-shaped rope lock bar mounted on a forward end of the rope guide, the lock bar including a stem and a cross bar, the cross bar extending substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the rope drum; and a lock mounted on the backplate for movement between engaged and disengaged positions, the lock including a cam which, when in the engaged position, permits movement of a rope in one direction but not in the opposite direction.
In another broad aspect, the invention relates to a rescue system comprising a hoist including a backplate; a rope drum mounted on the backplate,the rope drum capable of rotation in one direction only; the rope drum having a front and rear end flange on either side of a rope engaging surface; an arcuate rope guide including a thru slot fixed to the backplate and extending partially about the drum; and a cam lock assembly mounted to the backplate for rotation about an axis parallel to an axis of rotation of the rope drum, the cam lock assembly including a cam movable between an operative and inoperative position.
In still another aspect, the invention relates to a rescue system comprising a hoist including a backplate; a rope drum mounted on the backplate, the rope drum capable of rotation in one direction only; the rope drum having a front and rear end flanges on