Patent ID: 8727078

Claim:
A selectively actuated eddy current braking system to apply a selected braking force to a magnetically reactive member, the system comprising: a) first and second modules located along substantially parallel first and second longitudinal axes and separated by a space sufficient to permit passage of the magnetically reactive member therethrough, at least the first module being essentially linearly displaceable relative to the second module along the longitudinal axes and each module comprising an array of permanent magnets arranged in alternating polarity, the array of permanent magnets of the first module all substantially in opposite polarity juxtaposition with the array of permanent magnets of the second module; b) a drive operably connected to at least the first module to effect said displacement of the first module along the longitudinal axes and relative to the second module thereby providing a selectable braking force on the magnetically reactive member having a minimum when the modules are moved substantially out of opposite polarity juxtaposition and the minimum braking force being substantially zero.