Described herein is a device comprising members in a kinematic relationship. The kinematic relationship is at least partially governed by at least one magnetically induced force that introduces a force threshold that, in effect, provides a threshold to part movement and confers a degree of hysteresis, preventing movement until a sufficiently large energizing force is applied. The effect may be further altered by use of an additional magnetically induced force interaction with at least one further member to urge or slow movement once started and/or to prevent movement once a new position is reached.

The invention relates to an autonomous retarder system for a vehicle including a retarder (10) having a central rotor (11) and two stators (12), one on each side of the rotor (11). The rotor (11) is rigidly coupled to an axle (1). A generator (20, 30, 50) is also included, coupled to the retarder (10), for supplying same with electrical energy. In addition, the generator (20, 30, 50) comprises a stator (22) and a rotor (21, 31, 51) coupled to the retarder.

The invention relates to an autonomous retarder system for a vehicle including a retarder (10) having a central rotor (11) and two stators (12), one on each side of the rotor (11). The rotor (11) is rigidly coupled to an axle (1). A generator (20, 30, 50) is also included, coupled to the retarder (10), for supplying same with electrical energy. In addition, the generator (20, 30, 50) comprises a stator (22) and a rotor (21, 31, 51) coupled to the retarder.

An eddy current brake 10 for a vehicle 100, the eddy current brake 10 comprising a rotor 12, and an electromagnet 14 arranged to receive current from an electromechanical energy generating means 16 during braking of the vehicle 100 and to induce an eddy current within the rotor 12.

An eddy current brake 10 for a vehicle 100, the eddy current brake 10 comprising a rotor 12, and an electromagnet 14 arranged to receive current from an electromechanical energy generating means 16 during braking of the vehicle 100 and to induce an eddy current within the rotor 12.

A magnetic brake assembly for use with a wheel rim is described. The brake assembly includes a rotor secured to rotate with the rim and a stator secured to be rotationally stationary relative to the rotor. One of the rotor and stator has an electrically conductive body and the other of the rotor and stator has a magnetic array including a plurality of magnets configured to generate a magnetic flux. An actuator is connected to at least one of the electrically conductive body and magnetic array to selectively effect a brake mode and a non-brake mode. In the brake mode, the magnetic array induces eddy currents in the electrically conductive body to generate a magnetic braking force when the rim rotates above a threshold speed and in the non-brake mode, the induced eddy currents cause a negligible or no magnetic braking force as the rim rotates above the threshold speed.

System and method configured to determine a direction of movement of a vehicle in response to a brake being released or in response to initiating movement of the vehicle from a stopped position along a route. The direction of movement is determined based on a selected travel direction of the vehicle, a grade of the route, and at least one of applied tractive efforts or applied braking efforts.

System and method configured to determine a direction of movement of a vehicle in response to a brake being released or in response to initiating movement of the vehicle from a stopped position along a route. The direction of movement is determined based on a selected travel direction of the vehicle, a grade of the route, and at least one of applied tractive efforts or applied braking efforts.

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.