This also applies to cable, chain, and webbing.
Gear that is anchored includes anchors, rocks, trees, tripods, trucks, etc.
A "bight" is a simple loop in a rope that does not cross itself.
A "bend" is a knot that joins two ropes together. Bends can only be attached to the end of a rope.
A "hitch" is a type of knot that must be tied around another object.
"Descending devices" (e.g., ATCs, Brake Bar Racks, Figure 8s, Rescue 8s, etc) create friction as their primary purpose. The friction in descending devices is always considered when calculating forces.
The "Safety Factor" is the ratio between the gear's breaking strength and the maximum load applied to the gear (e.g., 5:1).
The Petzl Rescucender is a progressive capture device (i.e., a ratchet) that is similar to a Prusik hitch. When overloaded, a Rescucender is designed to allow the rope to slip. This is different from ascenders which will usually strip the rope's sheath when overloaded.
If you create gear that is similar to a Rescucender using the Gear Builder, be sure to set the Is a ratchet device checkbox.