Tuning of a kinematic relationship between members.

ADJUSTMENT OF A KINEMATIC RELATION BETWEEN MEMBERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A device comprising members in a kinematic relationship is described herein, the kinematic relationship is governed at least partially by at least one magnetic flux interaction which, in effect, can

<td colspan="2">provide</td><td>an adjustable resistance</td><td>the</td><td>movement,</td>

<td>Changing</td><td> 18</td><td>Relat movement rate</td><td>ivo</td><td>between the</td>

<td>members.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td></td><td>BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>Puec</td><td>ie used training</td><td>of</td><td>currents</td>

<td>parasites</td><td colspan="2">in a variety of chili forms</td><td>istar</td><td>the rate of</td>

limb movement. There are several devices, for example, in abseiling, to control the descent of a climber or, for example, in scenarios of personal protective equipment to prevent a fall that causes injuries. Other applications that use eddy current generation are to control the lowering of lines on trains, cable cars, zip lines and roller coasters.

A device of the art is published as US2012 / 0055740. This device uses a rotor assembly with arms that move relative to the rotor. The arms alone can be conductive or magnetic or can have conductive or magnetic members attached thereto. When a rotational force is applied to the rotor, the arms are moved out of a central axis by centrifugal force and in a magnetic field (or conductor). As the arms move through the field, eddy currents are generated, on which the resistance depends on the rotation speed. As the speed of rotation is reduced, the arms are retracted towards the axis of rotation by springs and / or a reduced centrifugal force acting on the arms. That device is widely used and provides an excellent means of changing the relative speed of parts.

One aspect of the above apparatus is that the control over the rate of activation of the braking effect caused by the movement of the arms towards the magnetic field can only be adjusted by adjusting some variables including resistance to deflection, weight of the arms (and therefore inertia.) and pivot axis placement / influenced by the degree of displacement of a center of mass of the arm and / or the degree of displacement of the pivot axis of the rotor axis.

Adjust the movement of the arms once the movement begins with one. Additional input may also be useful depending on the final application to the public with an option.

Additional aspects and advantages of the devices will become apparent from the following description which is provided by way of example only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A device comprising members in a kinematic relationship is described herein, the kinematic relationship is governed at least partially by at least one magnetic flux interaction which, in effect, can provide adjustable resistance to motion, changing the rate of relative motion. among the members.

In a first aspect, a device is provided comprising:

at least a first member in kinematic relationship with at least one additional member, to form a system, the system moves within a limited range of motion where the system interacts when an external energizing force imposed on the system causes the members respond due to their kinematic and dynamic characteristics and therefore create relative movement between members;

at least one activation member coupled to at least the first member that moves in response to a predetermined system movement and, when at least one activation member moves, at least one activation member or a portion thereof imposes an activation of braking on the system or a member or members thereof; and, wherein the speed and / or intensity of the braking action imposed by at least one activation member in the system or a member or members thereof is controlled by at least one activation member movement rate and that movement rate at in turn it is governed by a magnetic flux interaction between at least one activation member or a part thereof and at least a first member or a part thereof causing formation of an eddy current force magnetically induced between at least one activating member or a part thereof and at least a first member or a part thereof.

In a second aspect, a line distribution device is provided that incorporates at least one device substantially as described above.

In a third aspect, a passenger seat restriction is provided incorporating at least one. device substantially as described above.

In a fourth aspect, it is. provides a transmission mechanism incorporating at least one device for coupling a rotation mechanism substantially as described above.

In a fifth aspect, a linear guided safety line is provided that incorporates at least one device substantially as described above.

Numerous other device applications may also be possible as further represented in the following description.

An advantage of the above device includes the ability to control the. movement rate prescribed by the kinematic relationship. Furthermore, an additional advantage of the device is also influencing the kinematic ratio once movement begins. The magnitude of the movement resistance can be varied in a consistent way as the members move or in a staggered or otherwise varied manner. Adjusting in this way can have the effect of preventing unwanted activation or reducing the activation speed of eg a brake coupling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EIGURES

Additional aspects of the device will become apparent from the following description which is provided by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a device with the activator and the first members in a magnetic relationship;

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the activator and the first members in the embodiment described in Figure 1;

Figure .3 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment incorporating a rod-shaped activation member;

Figure 4 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment incorporating a first sliding member and a pivoting actuating member ratchet;

Figure 5 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment to Figure 4 incorporating a first rod-shaped member;

Figure 6 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment with a second member and hook member;

Figure 7 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment using a latch member;

Figure 8 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment with a second member and a first stationary member pivotally attached to a member.

<img file="MX370039B_D0001.tif" />

activation; and Figure 9 illustrates a side view of a further alternative embodiment with a second member and a first stationary member attached to a linearly moving activation member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, a device comprising members in a kinematic relationship is described herein, the kinematic relationship being governed at least partially by at least one magnetic flux interaction which, in effect, can provide adjustable resistance to motion , changing the relative movement rate between the members.

For purposes of this specification, the term 'around' or 'approximately' and grammatical variations thereof mean a quantity, level, degree, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, quantity, weight or length which varies by as much as

30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8,

6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% up to a reference quantity, level, grade, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, quantity, weight, or length.

The term "substantially" or grammatical variations thereof refers to at least about 50%, eg, 75%, 85%, 95%, or 98%.

The term 'comprises' and grammatical variations thereof shall have an inclusive meaning - that is, it shall be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components to which it refers directly, but also other unspecified components or elements.

The term 'energizing force' and grammatical variations thereof refer to a force that acts to impose a rate of motion on an object.

The term 'dynamics' and grammatical variations thereof in the context of device or movement of part of the device refers to forces induced by mechanical means.

In a first aspect, a device is provided comprising:

at least a first member in a kinematic relationship with at least one additional member, to form a system, the system moves within a limited range of motion and where the system interacts when an external energizing force imposed on the system causes it to the members respond due to their kinematic and dynamic characteristics and therefore create relative movement between the members;

at least one activating member coupled to at least the first member moving in response to a predetermined system movement and, when at least one activating member moves, at least one activating member or part thereof imposes a braking activation in the system or a member or members thereof; and, wherein the speed and / or intensity of the braking action imposed by at least one activation member in the system or a member or members thereof is controlled by at least one activation member movement rate and that movement rate at in turn it is governed by a magnetic flux interaction between at least one activation member or a part thereof and at least a first member or a part thereof causing formation of an eddy current force magnetically induced between at least one activation member or part thereof and at least one first member or part thereof. same.

In one embodiment, at least one activation member may comprise a magnetic part or parts that interact with a conductive part or parts in at least a first member. Alternatively, at least one activating member may comprise a conductive part or parts that interact with a magnetic part or parts therein. minus a first member.

The kinematic relationship between the system motion, and at least one trigger motion can be a nonlinear response. The rate of movement of the at least one activating member relative to the first member can slow down as relative motion occurs. Alternatively, the rate of movement of at least one activating member with respect to the first member can be accelerated as relative movement occurs. Furthermore, the rate of movement of at least one activating member relative to the first member can cycle at least once. between. slower and faster relative motion. In one embodiment, a comparatively rapid change in the rate of member movement can occur when at least one activating member and at least the first member are moved far enough away to cause a reduction in magnetic flux interaction between the members. . For example, when the magnetic flux ends, the activator and the first members are able to move freely without resistance induced by eddy currents. The transition from resistance to non-resistance can be abrupt leading to a rapid change in the rate of motion as indicated above.

The action of the device can be further characterized by a variable and predetermined rate of movement of the activation member with respect to the first member, the cup is determined by adjusting the magnetic flux between the members. As an example, the rate of comparative movement between members can vary from fast, to slow, to moderately fast, before the members separate and the force induced by eddy currents dissipates together.

The relative movement between the system and at least one activation member can be delayed until the predetermined system movement occurs.

The system braking action imposed by at least one activating member or a part thereof can be caused by: latching, friction force, magnetic force interactions, and combinations thereof.

The rate at which at least one member of

<td>activation is</td><td>move with</td><td>respect</td><td>to</td><td>to the menu</td><td> .0.5</td><td>a first</td>

<td>member can</td><td>fit i</td><td>to vary</td><td>1 a</td><td>force</td><td>of</td><td>stream</td>

<td>15 parasite result</td><td>between</td><td>at least</td><td>a</td><td>member</td><td>of</td><td>activation</td>

<td>and at least one</td><td>first member</td><td>ro,</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

The magnetically induced eddy current force can be adjusted by varying at least one of:

(a) the surface area of ​​magnetic element

<td> 20</td><td>in</td><td>or within</td><td>at least one my *</td><td>embro</td><td>of</td><td>activation or</td><td>at least</td>

<td></td><td>a</td><td colspan="2">first member;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td></td><td>(b)</td><td>the condw region</td><td>ctora</td><td>in</td><td>or within</td><td>at least</td>

<td></td><td>a</td><td>member of</td><td>activation or at</td><td>less</td><td>a</td><td>first member</td><td>ro;</td>

<td></td><td></td><td>(or)</td><td>the proximity</td><td>of</td><td>to the.</td><td>minus one</td><td>element</td>

magnetic and at least one conductive region in at least one activating member and at least one first member;

(d) the geometric and / or magnetic properties of at least one magnetic element in or within at least one activating member or at least a first member;

(e) the geometric and / or electrical properties of at least one conductive element in or within at least one activating member or at least one first member;

(f) and combinations thereof.

For example, the activating member may include a magnetic element, the magnetic resistance varies along the direction of travel. As the activating member moves relative to the first member, the magnetic flux varies and therefore, the force induced by eddy currents varies along the prescribed path of movement of the members.

As should be appreciated from the foregoing, the members can take various forms or weights, factors that influence the activation and / or rate of movement of the member or members during movement. The interaction, for example, can be continuous through an activator and or a length of the first member or separated from various dimensions to adjust accordingly the flow that occurs. The interaction portion of the activator or other members may be the entire member or just a portion of it. 25 same. Where only a portion of the member interacts, the location of the interaction portion, either on the outside, inside, or part of the member, can be altered.

At least one activating member and at least a first member can be positioned such that an immediate stray, magnetically induced current induction occurs as soon as relative motion between the members occurs. In effect, this means that when in a rest position, at least one activating member and at least one first member are at least part of an overall magnetic relationship. As stated above, however, the eddy current induced force can be adjusted and for example the magnetic flux interaction can start only after a degree of limb movement and the above example should not be seen as limiting.

The movement of the activating member described above can be direct - that is, the activating member moves directly due to the energizing force. The activating member may rather be moved indirectly or by delegation, at least in part, due to the energizing force which causes at least one additional mechanical or dynamic force part to move or interact with the activating member and consequently , then cause movement of the activating member. Indirect means may be a dynamic transfer of force by another part such as a coupling or gear or a centrifugal force that is imposed on the activation member by direct force elsewhere. Indirect transfer of force

<td>or delegate can have</td><td>the advantage</td><td>of</td><td>be able to amplify the</td>

<td>energizing force.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td> The adjustment of</td><td>resistance</td><td>me</td><td>static position or</td>

<td>point dynamics</td><td>action of</td><td>X 3</td><td>force induced by</td>

Eddy currents can also be completed by:

Ja) adjusting the position of the magnetic element or conductive region in the activation member as the activation member or first member moves; and / or, (b) adjusting the position of the magnetic element or conducting region in the first member as the activating member or first member moves.

By way of example, the activating member may comprise a slot and a portion of the activating member comprising the magnetic element or conducting region that moves within the slot as the activating member as a whole moves with the ap 1 .i falls a.en from the energizing force.

This additional means of adjusting movement can be useful to further alter force dynamics and thus the way parts interact.

For example, in a rotary motion mode where the actuating member induces eddy current drag on overall system motion, position adjustment can affect both eddy current drag and position which in turn it can alter the resistance torque on the activation member. In a linear motion mode, position adjustment can affect the eddy current force generated.

The relative movement between the activating member and the additional member or members can be frictionless. Magnetic forces such as the induced force indicated above and any subsequent forces acting on the activating member can prevent friction contact. This can be useful to minimize mechanical wear on parts.

In one modality, movement between the parties can be governed predominantly by dynamic forces. The device can be free of liquid fluid with all movement between the parts due to dynamic forces. Alternatively, the device may have little liquid fluid present but the predominant energizing force on the drive members may be dynamic force. Liquid systems that use magnetic elements to alter kinematic relationships exist but these devices differ from that described herein in that they are often bi-stable, that is, the parts are only stable in two positions. Also, the. motion predominantly or lying entirely, in a cumulative force or pressure of the liquid fluid compared to dynamic forces. Liquid devices also have inherent difficulties associated with sealing the liquid and the more regular maintenance required to ensure reliable performance.

As can be seen from the foregoing, at least one activating member and at least a first member has a magnetic flux interaction leading to magnetically induced eddy current forces. Magnetic flux interaction can be provided through the use of at least one magnetic element located in or within at least one activating member that interacts with an electrically conductive region either in or within at least one first member. Alternatively, at least one magnetic flux interaction can be provided through the use of at least one magnetic element located in or within at least one first member that interacts with a conductive region either on or within the activation member. As should be appreciated, a wide variety of configurations can be carried out to achieve the above relationships which help to make the device very flexible in its exact design. One embodiment, all of the activating member can be magnetic or conductive and similarly, all of the first member can be magnetic or conductive. Alternatively, the parts or regions of the member can be magnetic or conductive. Member designs can also integrate the ability to remove and replace magnetic elements and / or conductive elements. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the term "conductor" of the magnetic relationships described above refers to a material that is a magnet that interacts with what is electrically conductive. Also, the material can be ferromagnetic, or the material can be paramagnetic. The term 'conductor' should not be seen as limiting in terms of magnetic characteristics.

In an alternative embodiment, the device may include at least one second independent member of at least one first member, the second member magnetically interacts with at least one activating member around at least a part of at least one activating member outside of a area overlapping at least a first member. This second member may be a series of magnets or conductive members and, when the activating member moves towards a region complementary to the second member, a force induced by eddy currents occurs between the second and activating members. In one example, the second member may be stationary. Alternatively, the second member may move at a different relative speed with at least one activation member either in the same direction as the activation member (but different speed) or in an opposite direction.

In a variation on the previous embodiment, at least a first member can be fixed and at least one activation member moves with the application of the energizing force, the movement of at least one activation member is driven by at least one magnetic interaction partial with at least one second member and, wherein the movement of the at least one activation member then induces a magnetic flux interaction between the at least one activation member and the at least one first member. The kinematic relationship in this variation can be prescribed by at least one activating member that pivots with respect to at least a first member. Alternatively, the kinematic relationship in this variation can be prescribed by at least one activating member moving by an independent translation path with respect to at least a first member.

In a further alternative, at least one activating member can be coupled with an additional latching member or members with relative movement of at least one activating member and at least a first member. The engagement of the activation member and the latching member can result in no further relative movement between the first member and the. hitch member. This latching member can be useful to restrict the movement of the kinematic relationship. The coupling may be releasable to reset the device for additional movement.

At least one activation member and at least one first member or parts thereof may be approximately adjacent to each other.

The magnetic flux interaction can be at least partially orthogonal to the relative direction of movement between at least one activating member and at least one first member. In one embodiment, the members lie on the same plane adjacent to each other and, when an energizing force is applied, the members move beyond each other but remain on the same plane with respect to each other. A magnetic field or fields can extend at right angles to limb movement. As can be appreciated, although fully orthogonal placement may be optimal, other flat angles may also achieve the same or similar results.

The activation member may be an arm-shaped member that rotates about an axis when the system moves. Default occurs. The kinematic relationship can be at least partially prescribed by at least one activating member that pivotally joins at least the first member about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation can be positioned such that movement of the first member causes rotational movement of at least one activating member about the axis of rotation. Movement of the at least one first activation member about the axis of rotation can rotate at least part of the at least one activation member outside of the area linked by the at least one first member. This kinematic relationship minimizes the number of parts needed and still confers a useful path of motion. The pivot joint may be through the use of a known mechanical fastener or fasteners, bearings, or other components. Movement of the member or members can be restricted within a predetermined range by using a stop or other means to limit movement.

In a specific embodiment, the movement of at least a first member with the application of the energizing force may be rotational movement. In this

<img file="MX370039B_D0002.tif" />

modality:

• At least the first member may be a ratchet or arm-shaped member or members that are mechanically bonded to a first member which is a rotating rotor with the application of the energizing force.

* At least one activating member can be positioned so that part of at least one activating member moves out of the region linked by the rotor with the application of a sufficiently large energizing force.

»At least one activation member can pivotally be attached to the rotor about a pivot axis offset from the rotor axis.

minimize and i particularly where the linear.

device size

The modality

<td>nterior</td><td>can</td><td>: to be</td><td>itil</td><td>for</td>

<td>general</td><td>of</td><td>a d.</td><td>ispo</td><td>sitive</td>

<td>space</td><td>not</td><td>It allows</td><td>a</td><td>guide</td>

<td>previous</td><td>to the</td><td>meeanís</td><td>rao</td><td>can</td>

similar to that described in integrating into a device

US2012 / 0055740.

At least one activation member may alternatively be a rod-shaped member that moves in a linear direction when the predetermined system movement occurs. As indicated, the kinematic relationship may be at least in part prescribed by at least one activating member moving by independent translation minus first member. The movement of at least the first member will be rotational around a place where

Alternatively, movement of at least a first member with the application of an energizing force can be a linear movement as in the example used, or using a truck as the second an additional alternative modality, the operation of at least a first energization can be linear movement.

In this modality:

<td> «</td><td>At least one</td><td>activation member can</td><td>to be</td><td>a</td>

<td>ratchet or</td><td>member in</td><td>arm or limb shape</td><td>than</td><td>I know</td>

<td>bind mee</td><td>ionically</td><td>to a first member who</td><td>is</td><td>a</td>

<td>carretillei</td><td>what is tr</td><td>• linearly rounded.</td><td>with</td><td>the</td>

<td>application c</td><td>I force you</td><td>of ene rgi zation.</td><td></td><td></td>

At least one ion member can pivotally attach the truck around the truck 11

Ineal modalities of this nature can be a member of a guide such as in applications using long guide lines, for example, a truck or gondola and the device described above acts to help slow down the rate of movement of the truck or gondola.

In a second aspect, a line distribution device is provided that incorporates at least one device substantially as described above. Line distribution devices such as self-tie devices are widely used to prevent falls in recreational and industrial applications. In some cases, magnetically attracted ratios can be used to adjust the characteristics of the self-locking device. At least one additional member in the. The case of a line distribution device may be a line reel coupled directly or indirectly to at least one first member. The external energizing force imposed on the system in this mode can be caused by the line extending from or retracting onto the reel.

In a third aspect, a passenger seat restraint is provided that incorporates straps to extend and retract, the straps operatively coupled to at least one device substantially as described above. An example of a passenger seat restriction may be a seat belt.

4 safety used in a vehicle such as an automobile. Seat belts are a critical safety feature and the device described above can provide a useful alternative to existing designs, particularly given the ability to conform to responses in the wide variety of ways indicated.

In a fourth aspect, a transmission mechanism is provided that incorporates at least one device for coupling a rotation mechanism substantially as described above.

In a fifth aspect, a linear guided safety line is provided that incorporates at least one device substantially as described above.

The examples above should not be seen as limiting since the described devices can be used for a wide variety of other applications, non-limiting examples include control of:

• a rotor in a rotating turbine;

• exercise equipment, eg rowing machines, epicyclic trainers;

• roller coasters and other fairground attractions;

• lifting and climbing systems;

• fire escape and evacuation lowering devices;

• conveyor systems;

rotary mechanisms in factory production facilities;

• material handling devices such as conveyor belts or a braking device on a ramp;

<td></td><td>• signaling</td><td>dynamic</td><td>to control the</td><td>Cup of</td>

<td>Change of</td><td>girato signs</td><td>l · '1 d S?</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>• System of</td><td>security</td><td>on the road by</td><td>example,</td>

<td>the brake</td><td>current</td><td>parasitic</td><td>you can connect</td><td>ea a</td>

system to provide shock attenuation through energy dissipation through the brake;

* vehicle seat belts;

* braking mechanisms for wheelbarrows and carts.

As indicated above, an advantage of the above device includes the ability to control the rate of motion prescribed by the kinematic ratio. Furthermore, an additional advantage of the device is also influencing the kinematic ratio once movement begins. The magnitude of the movement resistance can be varied in a consistent way as the members move or in a staggered or otherwise varied manner. Adjusting in this way can have the effect of preventing unwanted activation or reducing the activation speed of eg a brake coupling.

The modalities described above can also be broadly said to consist of the parts, elements and features mentioned in or indicated in the application specification, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein that have equivalents known in the art to which the modalities are related, Such known equivalents are considered incorporated herein as if they were established individually.

Where specific integers are mentioned herein that have equivalents known in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are considered incorporated herein as if they were set individually.

WORK EXAMPLES

The device described above is now described by reference to specific examples.

For ease of description in the examples, a single activation member and a single first member are shown although it should be appreciated that multiple activation members can first be used.

Where described, a second member magnetic field through which the activation members move and a latching member are generally shown for neatness as continuous regions. The · second member, (if present at all) for example can be a series of discrete magnets or even just one magnet. Similarly, the. latching member (if present) can take various shapes or surface contours.

EXAMPLE 1

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a kinematic relationship between an activator 1 and first member 2 is described. For ease of drawing, additional members and member details have been removed.

In the Example, activation member 1 is a ratchet or arm that pivotably links to a first member 2 drawn as a rotor with part of the rotor area removed for clarity. The pivot link provides a pivot pivot axis 3 about which the activation member 1 can rotate with respect to the first member 2 or vice versa. In this Example, the first member 2 rotates in the X direction around the rotor of the rotor shaft 4 when an energizing force is applied. An application of the energizing force that rotates the rotor in the X direction, the activation member 1 through combination of centrifugal forces and inertial forces, will be driven to pivot about the pivot axis 3 so that a part of the member 1 of activation to move. The solid line image of the activation member 1 shows the pawl in a rest or activation position while the dotted line shows the pawl in a second position beyond movement 5 showing the activation member one rotating around the axis 3 pivot on. the Y direction,

As shown, activation member 1 and first member two are approximately adjacent to each other and in a restricted kinematic relationship with respect to each other.

Activation member 1 and first member 2 are in a magnetic relationship. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the activation member 1 includes a magnetic element 6. Magnetic element 6 can be a

<td>portion of the</td><td>member 1</td><td>activation. The</td><td>element 6</td>

<td colspan="2">magnetic can be an ar</td><td>separate title (6th</td><td>in the figure</td>

<td>20 2) grooved</td><td>on the limb</td><td>activation one</td><td>hidden inside</td>

<td>member</td><td>one of active ·</td><td>tion (not shown).</td><td>In the first</td>

<td>member 2</td><td>at a point</td><td>complementary to</td><td>element 6</td>

Magnetic is in a conductive region (shown in Article 7 in Figure 2). As should be appreciated, the magnetic element 6 and the conductive region 7 described above can be interchanged so that the activating member 2 contains the conductive region and the first member 2 contains the magnetic element.

The magnetic element may be the entire activating member one or may have different shapes from those shown in Figures 1 and 2. Similarly, the conductive region 7 in the first member 2 may be the entire first member 2 or parts of the first member 2.

In action, when the. rate of motion varied, at least one magnetically induced flux results between the activating member one and the. first member 2 whereby a magnetically induced eddy current force is formed between members 1, 2 or a part thereof.

The magnetically induced eddy current force can act to resist relative motion between the members 1, 2 and at least one first member 2. The magnetic flux can be adjusted by varying a number of characteristics of the arrangement including altering the magnetic element 6 and / or the size and placement of the conductive region 7; alter the proximity of the activator and the first limbs so alter the proximity of the. magnetic element 6 and conductive region 7; and finally alter the geometric and / or magnetic / conductive properties of the elements 6

<img file="MX370039B_D0003.tif" />

magnetic / conductive regions.

As shown in the Figures, the direction of the

<td>magnetically flux</td><td colspan="2">induced</td><td>is</td><td colspan="2">one direction</td>

<td colspan="2">substantially orthogonal to the</td><td>gave:</td><td>rection</td><td>i de movi:</td><td>I lie</td>

<td>between member 1 of a</td><td>ctivation</td><td>and</td><td>the pri</td><td>mer member</td><td>or 2 and</td>

<td>members 1, 2 lie</td><td colspan="2">in the same</td><td>flat</td><td>adjacent</td><td>between</td>

<td>yes to the rest and during the</td><td>movement</td><td>or.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>The modality</td><td>described</td><td>is</td><td>n lo</td><td>previous</td><td>can</td>

integrate into a device similar to that described in US2012 / 0055740.

EXAMPLE 2

With reference to Figure 3, the movement of the. Activation member 1 can be linear in response to a rotational movement of the first member 2. As shown in Figure 3, the activation member 1 can be a rod, the rod forms a slot in a hole or indentation (not shown ) in the first member 2. Rod 1 may include a magnetic element 6 (or conversely, a conductive region), the choice of a magnetic element or conductive region depends on which complementary part is in the first member 2. When the rotation of the first member 2 occurs, the rod moves out of the hole or indentation in a linear translation shown as an arrow along the Z direction in Figure 3.

EXAMPLE 3

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an alternative embodiment where the movement of the first member 2 occurs in the linear direction shown as arrow AA when an energizing force is applied.

Activation member 1 may be a ratchet or arm-shaped member or limbs (a ratchet shown for clarity) that is mechanically bonded to a first member 2 which, in this example, is a truck traveling linearly in the RA direction with the

<td>application of</td><td>force of</td><td>energization</td><td>to</td><td>along a</td>

<td>surface or guide</td><td> 8.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>In the</td><td>Figure ,</td><td>at least</td><td>a</td><td>member 1 of</td>

<td>pivot activation</td><td>around</td><td>single axis 3</td><td>of</td><td>pivot attached to</td>

the truck 2 around a pivot axis 3 displaced from the direction of movement P¡A of the truck. Activation member 1 includes a magnetic element (or conductive region 6) and first member 2 includes a complementary magnetic element or region (not shown) so that the activator and first members 1, 2 are in a magnetic relationship.

Figure 5 illustrates the same principle of a linear movement of the first member 2, however, in this case, the activating member 1 is a rod that moves in a linear way as well, similar to that described in

<img file="MX370039B_D0004.tif" />

Example 2.

Linear modalities of this nature may be useful where the first member 2 or members move along a guide 8 such as in applications using long guide lines, for example, a wagon truck or a gondola and the device described above. It acts to help slow down the rate of movement of the truck or gondola.

EXAMPLE 4

Figure 6 illustrates additional modalities of devices using the above described magnetic relationship between an activator and a first member 1, 2.

The device may include at least a second member 10 (drawn to facilitate the description as a shaded region) independent of at least a first member 2, the second member 10 magnetically interacts with the activation member 1 when the activation member 1 is moved away of the first member 2. This second member 10 can be a series of magnets or conductive regions and when the activating member 1 moves in a space complementary to the second member 10, an eddy current induced force is produced between the activator 1 and second member 10.

The second member 10 may be stationary.

Alternatively, the second member 10 can move in

<img file="MX370039B_D0005.tif" />

a different relative speed to the activation member 1 either in the same direction as the activation member 1 (but different speed) or in an opposite direction. The second member 10 may for example be a series of magnets (not shown) outside and around the circumference of the first member 2.

EXAMPLE 5

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the activation member can be coupled with an additional latching member 20 with the movement of the activation member 1 and the first member 2. The coupling of the activation member 1 and the member 2 0 latching may result in no additional relative movement between the.

first member 2 and hitch member 20. This latching member 20 can be useful for restricting the movement of the kinematic relationship. The coupling may be releasable to reset the device for additional movement.

EXAMPLE δ

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a different procedure using the second member 10.

As shown in

Figures, the second member 10 is dependent on the first member 2. The second member 10 interacts magnetically with the activation member 1 around the part of the activation member 1 that partially extends beyond the region of overlap between the member 1 Activation 1 and the first member 2. The second member 10 may be a series of magnets or conductive members complementary to the activating member one to cause a magnetic flux interaction to occur when the second member 10 moves relative to the activating member 1.

When the activating member 1 is in a region complementary to the second member 10, an energizing force on the second member 10 causes a magnetically induced eddy current force to occur between the activator 1 and the second members 10 driving the movement. activation member 1 relative to · first member 2.

The first member 2 can be stationary and the first activation member moves with the application of the energizing force, the movement of the member 1 from

<td>activation</td><td>so</td><td>induces</td><td>a</td><td>interaction of</td><td>flow</td>

<td>magnetic</td><td>between</td><td>member 1</td><td>of</td><td>activation and the</td><td>first</td>

<td>member 2.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>Jomo se m</td><td>mestra in</td><td>the</td><td>Figure 3, the re</td><td>illation</td>

Kinematic is prescribed by activation member 1 that is pivotally moved relative to first member 2. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, the kinematic relationship is prescribed by activation member 1 that is moved by a path. of linear independent translation with respect to the first member 2.

Aspects of the device have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims herein.