Slow pulley system

[arej]

I am trying to think of a way to create a kind of pulley system to "suck" in some rope or string very slowly.
It would be nice if it was possible to do cheaply with an electric motor or even easier if there is some kind of method using good old physics. I'd want the speed of the string to be constant - I thought of the simple option of attaching a weight to the end of the string but that would speed gradually speed up as it gains momentum.
I hope that makes sense.

Can the PH minds think of a solution?

Cheers

[marshalla]

Weight, gravity and good old fashioned mechanical governor.

[Paul Drawmer]

Whats wrong with a reel? Like a fishing reel, but motorised. (a winch in other words)

How thick is the line? How much do you need to recover? How much load? Can it be permanently attached, or must it be self feeding?

If the line is thick in relation to the load, then a type of rotating pinch rollers would do it (would have a wear penalty on the cordage though.)

Edited by Paul Drawmer on Tuesday 16th February 23:14

[zac510]

Some Lego Technic?

[Blue Meanie]

Put the weight in a thick liquid... Wouldn't that steady the rate?? I'm a fking genius.