Abstract: The speed of a pallet as it descends down a pair of inclined rails in a flow rack is controlled by a series of speed-control wheels mounted on axles fastened to frame members located underneath the pallet. A tapered roller bearing is interposed between each axle and wheel to mount the wheel for combined rotary motion and axial motion. Brake pads are mounted on the frame member for engaging a braking surface on the wheel as it moves axially in response to the pallet load. The brake pads apply friction to the wheel for slowing the speed of the pallet. A bar is provided adjacent the lower end of each rail for engaging the speed control wheels on the pallets to increase the axial pressure thereon and to increase friction for arresting the pallets and separating the same.

Abstract: A speed retarder used in combination with a flexible member such as rope, cable, or chain to control the speed of the flexible member relative to the speed retarder. The speed retarder is particularly suited for use in applications where it is desirable to lower a load at a controlled rate of speed from a higher elevation to a lower elevation. Such applications include fire escape devices and safety backup devices for elevators.One specific embodiment of the speed retarder comprises a frame having an axle on which is mounted a pair of rollers each having a tapered surface around which a flexible member is trained and retained between the surfaces by means of guides. The wheels are mounted on the axle for combined rotary and outward sliding motion into brake pads carried by the frame outboard of the wheels.

Abstract: Automatic braking apparatus for controlling the speed of a vehicle travelling downwardly on an inclined slope. The apparatus comprises a wheel housing, a pair of specially designed wheels mounted in the housing for combined rotary and axial motion, and a rail engageable between the wheels and moveable longitudinally relative thereto. The wheels have tapered camming surfaces which confront one another and annular braking surfaces facing outwardly in juxtaposition with respect to pads of friction material carried by the housing. A load applied between the rail and the wheels forces the wheels axially outward into engagement with the friction pads to retard rotation of the wheels and thereby to limit the relative velocity between the rail and the wheel housing. In one embodiment, the wheel housing is carried by a pallet and the rail is mounted stationary. Wedge means is provided at the lower end of the rail for engaging between the wheels relatively close to their rotational axis to arrest motion of the pallet.