Described herein is a device comprising members in a kinematic relationship. The kinematic relationship is at least partially governed by at least one magnetic flux interaction that, in effect, may provide a tunable resistance to movement, changing the rate of relative movement between the members. In one embodiment, the device comprises a first member in a kinematic relationship with at least one further member to form a system. The system moves within a limited range of motion and the system interacts when an external energizing force is imposed on the system causing the members to respond due to their kinematic and dynamic characteristics and thereby creating relative motion between the members. The trigger member is coupled to the at least the first member and moves in response to a pre-determined system movement. When the trigger member moves, the trigger member imposes a braking action on the system or a member or members thereof. The speed and/or intensity of the braking action imposed by the trigger member on the system or a member or members thereof is controlled by the trigger member rate of movement. This rate of movement is in turn governed by a magnetic flux interaction between the trigger member and the at least one first member causing formation of a magnetically induced eddy current force between the parts.

An apparatus has a first portion of a magnetic braking system with a first element disposed thereon. The first portion rotates about an axis. The position of the first element is a fixed distance from the axis. A second portion of the magnetic braking system has a second element disposed thereon. A spring biases the rotatable first portion a first distance from the second portion. Upon application of a force to one of the portions, the relative position of the rotatable first portion to the second portion is reduced to a second distance less than the first distance.

An apparatus has a first portion of a magnetic braking system with a first element disposed thereon. The first portion rotates about an axis. The position of the first element is a fixed distance from the axis. A second portion of the magnetic braking system has a second element disposed thereon. A spring biases the rotatable first portion a first distance from the second portion. Upon application of a force to one of the portions, the relative position of the rotatable first portion to the second portion is reduced to a second distance less than the first distance.

An eddy-current braking mechanism including a rotor, rotatable about a rotor axis; at least one electrically conductive member coupled to the rotor for rotation therewith; at least one magnet configured to apply a magnetic field extending at least partially orthogonal to the plane of rotation of the conductive member, and characterised in that upon rotation of the rotor, the conductive member is configured to move at least partially radially from the rotor axis into the applied magnetic field.

An eddy-current braking mechanism including a rotor, rotatable about a rotor axis; at least one electrically conductive member coupled to the rotor for rotation therewith; at least one magnet configured to apply a magnetic field extending at least partially orthogonal to the plane of rotation of the conductive member, and characterised in that upon rotation of the rotor, the conductive member is configured to move at least partially radially from the rotor axis into the applied magnetic field.

The present invention discloses a portable emergency escape device comprising a casing, a drum rotatably installed inside the casing and around which a wire is wound, a reduction gear connected to the drum, a DC motor having a rotation shaft connected to the reduction gear, a safety belt worn by a user, a braking resistor for determining a descent speed, and a constant speed control unit connected to the braking resistor. The braking resistor is connected between both ends of a power input terminal of the DC motor, and the braking resistor can control a resistance value. And, the constant speed control unit changes the resistance value of the braking resistor in response to the user's weight to maintain the descent speed constant regardless of the user's weight.

The present invention discloses a portable emergency escape device comprising a casing, a drum rotatably installed inside the casing and around which a wire is wound, a reduction gear connected to the drum, a DC motor having a rotation shaft connected to the reduction gear, a safety belt worn by a user, a braking resistor for determining a descent speed, and a constant speed control unit connected to the braking resistor. The braking resistor is connected between both ends of a power input terminal of the DC motor, and the braking resistor can control a resistance value. And, the constant speed control unit changes the resistance value of the braking resistor in response to the user's weight to maintain the descent speed constant regardless of the user's weight.

Described herein is a device comprising members in a kinematic relationship. The kinematic relationship is at least partially governed by at least one magnetic flux interaction that, in effect, may provide a tunable resistance to movement, changing the rate of relative movement between the members. In one embodiment, the device comprises a first member in a kinematic relationship with at least one further member to form a system. The system moves within a limited range of motion and the system interacts when an external energizing force is imposed on the system causing the members to respond due to their kinematic and dynamic characteristics and thereby creating relative motion between the members. The trigger member is coupled to the at least the first member and moves in response to a pre-determined system movement. When the trigger member moves, the trigger member imposes a braking action on the system or a member or members thereof. The speed and/or intensity of the braking action imposed by the trigger member on the system or a member or members thereof is controlled by the trigger member rate of movement. This rate of movement is in turn governed by a magnetic flux interaction between the trigger member and the at least one first member causing formation of a magnetically induced eddy current force between the parts.

Described herein is a device comprising members in a kinematic relationship. The kinematic relationship is at least partially governed by at least one magnetic flux interaction that, in effect, may provide a tunable resistance to movement, changing the rate of relative movement between the members. In one embodiment, the device comprises a first member in a kinematic relationship with at least one further member to form a system. The system moves within a limited range of motion and the system interacts when an external energizing force is imposed on the system causing the members to respond due to their kinematic and dynamic characteristics and thereby creating relative motion between the members. The trigger member is coupled to the at least the first member and moves in response to a pre-determined system movement. When the trigger member moves, the trigger member imposes a braking action on the system or a member or members thereof. The speed and/or intensity of the braking action imposed by the trigger member on the system or a member or members thereof is controlled by the trigger member rate of movement. This rate of movement is in turn governed by a magnetic flux interaction between the trigger member and the at least one first member causing formation of a magnetically induced eddy current force between the parts.

There is provided height rescue apparatus comprising a casing which incorporates a bracket for attachment to a harness. The bracket can be releasably attached to a load element which is attached to a safety line which in turn can be attached to a secure anchorage. There is also a release means in the form of a pull cord for releasing the load element from the bracket after a fall and speed control means for controlling the rate of deployment of an elongate element stored within the casing and thus controlling the descent of a user.