Patent ID: 9272166
Filing Date: 2016-03-01
CPC Classification: A62B,B61H,H02K

Claim Text:
1. A descent system for controlling movement of a load between an initial point and a terminal point, the system comprising: a cable formed into a loop; a receiver having a receiver pulley for engaging the cable loop around it at the initial point; a brake assembly having a drive pulley for engaging and being rotated by the cable loop at the terminal point, the brake assembly for slowing the rate of travel of the cable loop around the pulleys, the brake assembly comprising an axle in fixed rotational engagement with the drive pulley, a substantially planar ferromagnetic rotor in fixed rotational engagement with the axle, the rotor comprising at least one recess formed in a surface thereof, and at least one permanent magnet fixedly disposed within the recess, and at least one conducting frame element disposed proximate to the rotor whereby an eddy current may be induced by rotational movement of the rotor relative to the at least one conducting frame element in a direction to oppose acceleration of the drive pulley as it is rotated by the cable loop; and a carriage secured to the cable for supporting the load and for movement between the initial point and the terminal point as the cable loop travels around the pulleys.