Abstract: Eddy current braking apparatus includes an array of spaced apart permanent magnets and a plurality of flux steering magnets may be disposed in gaps between the spaced apart permanent magnets. The flux steering magnets are orientated in a manner to provide a steering flux polarity that is rotated about 90 with respect to a polarity magnet flux of the spaced apart permanent magnets in order to increase the flux density in the air gap which results in better performance of the brake. Alternatively, cubic magnets may be used with each magnet being arranged to provide a change in flux polarity between adjoining magnets. An electrically conductive member is provided for engaging the magnetic flux provided by the array of permanent magnets and the magnets and conductive member are mounted for enabling relative motion between the magnet and the conductive member to produce eddy currents in the conductive member and resulting in a braking force between the magnets and the conductive member.

Abstract: Eddy current braking Apparatus is provided which includes a single array of permanent magnet for providing a magnet flux. A electrically conducted member for exclusively engaging the magnetic flux provided by the single array of permanent magnet. The magnets and conductive member are mounted for enabling relative motion between the magnet array and the conductive member to produce any currents in the conductive member resulting in the braking force between magnets and the conductive member. The configuration of the magnets and the conductive member enable the braking system to be installed over curvilinear paths.

Abstract: Eddy current braking apparatus includes an array of spaced apart permanent magnets and a plurality of flux steering magnets may be disposed in gaps between the spaced apart permanent magnets. The flux steering magnets are orientated in a manner to provide a steering flux polarity that is rotated about 90 with respect to a polarity magnet flux of the spaced apart permanent magnets in order to increase the flux density in the air gap which results in better performance of the brake. Alternatively, cubic magnets may be used with each magnet being arranged to provide a change in flux polarity between adjoining magnets. An electrically conductive member is provided for engaging the magnetic flux provided by the array of permanent magnets and the magnets and conductive member are mounted for enabling relative motion between the magnet and the conductive member to produce eddy currents in the conductive member and resulting in a braking force between the magnets and the conductive member.