The current subject matter describes a device and system including one or more movable arms containing one or more magnets that are caused to move relative to a non-ferrous material by motion of the device to generate eddy currents that cause a braking of the device. Devices of this disclosure may include one or more trolleys that moving along a coaster track and which contain braking arms having magnets that move due to inertial force and/or can be controlled by a remote server computer based on information obtained from the one or more trolleys as they move along the coaster track.

The current subject matter describes a device and system including one or more movable arms containing one or more magnets that are caused to move relative to a non-ferrous material by motion of the device to generate eddy currents that cause a braking of the device. Devices of this disclosure may include one or more trolleys that moving along a coaster track and which contain braking arms having magnets that move due to inertial force and/or can be controlled by a remote server computer based on information obtained from the one or more trolleys as they move along the coaster track.

The portable fall protection device essentially comprises a force reduction device that gradually absorbs a tensile force created within a safety line as a user falls from a height. One aim of the portable fall protection device is to gradually arrest the descent of the user falling in a gradual controlled manner to prevent injury to the user. Furthermore, the portable fall protection device is compact such that it can be constantly worn and carried on the back of the user without impinging on the tasks of the user. As a result of the structure of the portable fall protection device, each portable fall protection device can be individually tested prior to use and can be re-used (and/or reset), if necessary after a fall. In addition, the capacity of the portable fall protection device is adjustable and can be set by a manufacturer and/or operator to produce a bespoke device.

The portable fall protection device essentially comprises a force reduction device that gradually absorbs a tensile force created within a safety line as a user falls from a height. One aim of the portable fall protection device is to gradually arrest the descent of the user falling in a gradual controlled manner to prevent injury to the user. Furthermore, the portable fall protection device is compact such that it can be constantly worn and carried on the back of the user without impinging on the tasks of the user. As a result of the structure of the portable fall protection device, each portable fall protection device can be individually tested prior to use and can be re-used (and/or reset), if necessary after a fall. In addition, the capacity of the portable fall protection device is adjustable and can be set by a manufacturer and/or operator to produce a bespoke device.

A fall protection device, including: a housing; a hub rotatable with respect to the housing; a line wrapped around the hub and configured to pay out from and retract into the housing, an engagement mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the hub and further payout of the line; and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a length of the line paid out from the housing, the adjustment mechanism comprising: (i) at least one gear attached to the housing; (ii) a pivot having a track configured to interact with the at least one gear and pivot as the at least one gear rotates; and (iii) an arm configured to urge at least a portion of the engagement mechanism causing it to move into an engagement position, to thereby prevent further rotation of the hub and payout of the line from the fall protection device.

A fall protection device, including: a housing; a hub rotatable with respect to the housing; a line wrapped around the hub and configured to pay out from and retract into the housing, an engagement mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the hub and further payout of the line; and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a length of the line paid out from the housing, the adjustment mechanism comprising: (i) at least one gear attached to the housing; (ii) a pivot having a track configured to interact with the at least one gear and pivot as the at least one gear rotates; and (iii) an arm configured to urge at least a portion of the engagement mechanism causing it to move into an engagement position, to thereby prevent further rotation of the hub and payout of the line from the fall protection device.

A climb assist system dynamically adjusts a rate and a level of load assist that the system provides to a climber during traverse of a structure. The system includes a load sensor system configured to detect the state of the climber, such as the load applied by the climber to an assist rope, to provide an upward support force on the climber to compensate the climber's weight. Additionally, the system includes a sender configured to transmit data to a receiver of the system. The system includes a controller configured to interpret the received data and thereafter provide control through a controlled motor and drive system to provide load assist to the climber. A safety function of the system is configured to receive data indicative of a rate of descent of the climber, and slow or stop the descent if one or more conditions are met.

A climb assist system dynamically adjusts a rate and a level of load assist that the system provides to a climber during traverse of a structure. The system includes a load sensor system configured to detect the state of the climber, such as the load applied by the climber to an assist rope, to provide an upward support force on the climber to compensate the climber's weight. Additionally, the system includes a sender configured to transmit data to a receiver of the system. The system includes a controller configured to interpret the received data and thereafter provide control through a controlled motor and drive system to provide load assist to the climber. A safety function of the system is configured to receive data indicative of a rate of descent of the climber, and slow or stop the descent if one or more conditions are met.

Embodiments include a system for controlled release of a descent line that can include a shaft secured to a first end of a descent line. Embodiments can include a magnet cradle housing fixedly coupled with the shaft, a first magnet retained by the magnet cradle housing, a coil assembly secured in magnetic proximity to the magnet assembly to generate an electric current by magnetic interaction with the magnet when the shaft is rotated. Embodiments can include a braking assembly powered by the magnet and coil assembly such that the decent of a user is slowed to a safe rate of speed.

Described herein are eddy current brakes and associated methods of their use, particularly configurations that have a kinematic relationship with at least two rotational degrees of freedom used to tune operation of the brake or apparatus in which the brake is located.