Abstract: A braking system and method for an apparatus or vehicle moved along a pathway by a drive mechanism, for halting the movement of the apparatus or vehicle in the event that the drive mechanism loses power or malfunctions. A conveyance system is provided including a structure defining a pathway, an moving apparatus supported for movement along the pathway, a drive mechanism operatively connected for moving the apparatus along the pathway, a brake rail having along one edge a multiplicity of regularly spaced teeth that define gaps between successive teeth, disposed along the pathway and secured to the structure, and a brake device mounted securely to the apparatus.

Abstract: A braking system and method for an apparatus or vehicle moved along a pathway by an apparatus drive mechanism, for halting the movement of the apparatus or vehicle in the event that the drive mechanism loses power or malfunctions. A conveyance system includes a pathway, an moving apparatus moving along the pathway, the apparatus drive mechanism, a brake rail along the pathway having along one edge a multiplicity of regularly spaced teeth with gaps between successive teeth, and a brake device mounted securely to the apparatus. The brake device includes a rotatably driven rotor having outer helical threads for running the gaps in the brake rail with successive turns of the driven rotor without touching the teeth.