TIME Best Inventions 2006

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ANDREW HETHERINGTON / REDUX FOR TIME

SAFETY INVENTIONS

E-MAIL

LifeLine
After two New York City firefighters jumped to their deaths from a burning building in January 2005, the FDNY set out to design a safety device to keep that from ever happening again. Result: a compact, lightweight (6 lbs. including harness) personal safety system that's easy to carry and made for a quick escape. The unit's forged-steel hook can penetrate brick, if necessary, to allow a firefighter to anchor himself before heading out the window. The 50-ft. rope is fire resistant up to 1100°F, but the real innovation is the patented lever mechanism that allows the user to control the speed of descent.

Inventor: FDNY
Availability: Now

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