Abstract: A regenerative torque upper limit is set to a larger value when a rear-wheel distribution ratio is small than when the rear-wheel distribution ratio is large. Accordingly, when a distribution of a drive power to front wheels is large, a regenerative torque of a second rotary machine can be increased such that wheels are less likely to slip at the time of performing of regeneration control when the distribution of the drive power to the front wheels is small in comparison with a case in which the regenerative torque upper limit is set to a constant value similarly to when the distribution of the drive power to the front wheels is small. In this way, it is possible to increase the regenerative torque of the second rotary machine according to the rear-wheel distribution ratio.

Abstract: A brake actuator for a railway vehicle brake system has a thrust sleeve configured to provide braking force to the brake system, and a slide axially moveable in the thrust sleeve between a release position and a locking position. The actuator further has a piston biased by spring means and linked to an anchoring member. A plurality of balls are disposed in respective openings of the sleeve between the slide and the anchoring member. In the locking position, the balls are configured to move under the action of a profiled surface of the slide to axially couple the anchoring member with the sleeve. In the release position, the balls are configured to axially uncouple the anchoring member from the sleeve. The profiled slide surface has a locking groove configured to engagingly receive the balls when the slide is in the locking position.

Abstract: A travel limiter for a rotatable steering column of a vehicle comprises: a housing; an elongate threaded member rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis within the housing; a nut member threadedly mounted on the elongate threaded member, the exterior of the nut member comprising a toothed gear; connector for connection of a rotatable steering column of a vehicle to the elongate threaded member, whereby the steering column and the threaded member are constrained to rotate together; end stops which engage with the nut member to define the maximum axial displacement of the nut member along the elongate threaded member in both directions; a drive motor having an output shaft configured to rotate an output gear member meshed with the gear on the exterior of the nut member; and a controller configured to control the operation of the drive motor.

Abstract: An actuator system comprising a rotatable lock mechanism defining a path for an actuator pin as the actuator is expanded and retracted, wherein the lock mechanism defines an entry passage through which the pin enters as the actuator extends, a guide surface along which the pin travels from the entry passage as the actuator retracts, a locking recess into which the pin is guided by the guide surface, and an exit passage into which the pin is guided as it is caused to leave the lock recess by extension of the actuator and subsequent retraction; whereby a detent surface is provided to prevent the pin returning back into the lock recess when the actuator is extended to cause the pin to leave the lock recess.

Abstract: A retaining member is integrally formed of an elastically deformable material, and has an inner circumferential portion, an outer circumferential portion, a linkage portion, a plurality of engagement claws, and a slit. The inner and outer circumferential portions are ring-shaped, and the outer circumferential portion is disposed outside the inner circumferential portion in a radial direction. The linkage portion connects the inner circumferential portion and the outer circumferential portion to each other in the radial direction. The engagement claws project from a surface of the inner circumferential portion pointing in a direction of the shaft, and engage with an engagement groove formed in an outer peripheral surface of the shaft. The slit is formed on a side opposite from the linkage portion with a center of the inner circumferential portion located between the slit and the linkage portion, and cuts the inner circumferential portion in the radial direction.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting fault in a machine. During operation, the system obtains control signals and corresponding sensor data that indicates a condition of the machine. The system determines consistent time intervals for each of the control signals. During a consistent time interval the standard deviation of a respective control signal is less than a respective predetermined threshold. The system aggregates the consistent time intervals to determine aggregate consistent intervals. The system then maps the aggregate consistent intervals to the sensor data to determine time interval segments for the sensor data. The system may generate features based on the sensor data. Each respective feature is generated from a time interval segment of the sensor data. The system trains a classifier using the features, and applies the classifier to additional sensor data indicating a condition of the machine over a period of time to detect a machine fault.

Abstract: Machines with safety systems are disclosed. The machine may take the form of woodworking machines including table saws, band saws, miter saws, hand-held circular saws, pneumatic chop saws, radial-arm saws, jointers, planars, routers and shapers. The machines may include an operative structure configured to perform a task, where the operative structure includes a cutting tool adapted to move in at least one motion, and a safety system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool and for mitigating the unsafe condition. The safety system may include a detection subsystem and a reaction subsystem. The machine may also include a bypass or override mode where in an injury mitigation system is disabled for certain cuts.

Abstract: Woodworking machines and safety methods for use with those machines are disclosed. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system can include an explosive to trigger the system, and also can be configured to retract a cutting tool at least partially away from a cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.

Abstract: Table saws with safety systems are disclosed. The safety systems detect and react to dangerous conditions, such as contact between the blade and a person. The table saws may include a switch, a first light that illuminates to indicate the safety system is operable, and a second light that illuminates to indicate that the safety system is inoperable. The switch may not power the saw when switched on if the second light is illuminated.

Abstract: A braking device for a roller conveyor has at least one brake pad (40) for engagement with an outer circumference of at least one conveyor roller (60) of the roller conveyor. The braking device also has an eccentric shaft (20) with a first eccentric (24) for moving the brake pad (40) toward the conveyor roller (60) and away therefrom; and a stepping motor (10) for rotating the eccentric shaft (20). A roller conveyor and to a method for producing a braking device also are provided.

Abstract: A vehicular lighting apparatus includes a front detection sensor, a driving support ECU, a headlight ECU, a leveling motor and a headlight. When a subject vehicle is determined as being in an automatic following state with respect to a forward vehicle or a vehicle-to-vehicle distance between the subject vehicle and the forward vehicle is determined by a vehicle-to-vehicle distance determining portion as being short, the vehicular lighting apparatus changes. If a high-beam lamp or a low-beam lamp is illuminating, the illumination state changes such that the low-beam lamp illuminates more downward than normal. Consequently, it becomes possible to lower the degree of dazzling an occupant of the forward vehicle. Moreover, if a daytime running lamp is illuminating, the vehicular lighting apparatus turns the daytime running lamp off. Consequently, it becomes possible to lower a battery load of the subject vehicle.

Abstract: A brake actuator has a motor that provides input rotation in first and second directions. A reducer couples to the motor and reduces the input rotation into an output rotation to be applied to a brake screw of a progressive cavity pump drive. A sensor measures rotational speed of the drive shaft. In manual operation, an operator can view an indication of the rotational speed and can manually operate the motor accordingly to control rotation of the shaft. In automated operation, a controller automatically controls the motor based on the rotational speed measured by the sensor. The controller can also use a torque sensor to detect the torque applied to the brake screw, a displacement sensor to detect displacement of the brake screw, and/or a current sensor to detect the current consumption of the motor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a coast control system, or dead-man brake inhibitor, is associated with a tiller arm that is used for steering a vehicle. A spring acts upon the tiller arm when an operator releases a control handle attached to the tiller arm to move the tiller arm to a braking position which causes an electronically or mechanically actuated brake to be applied. Before releasing the control handle, the operator may actuate the coast control system to inhibit movement of the tiller arm towards the braking position when the control handle is released. The operator may vertically reposition the tiller arm while the coast control system remains actuated by overcoming the inhibiting force applied by the coast control system when the tiller arm is moved toward the braking position and by overcoming the spring acting on the tiller arm when the tiller arm is moved away from the braking position.

Abstract: An emergency braking system for a machine tool for the abrupt braking of a rotating shaft, including at least one brake drum and at least one brake shoe which are brought into engagement with each other in order to brake the shaft, the brake drum engaging with the brake shoe under the influence of a centrifugal force resulting from the rotation of a shaft. The present system is configured in such a way that at least one resetting device is provided which makes it possible to reset the brake shoes in the direction of their original position after braking has taken place.

Abstract: A brake actuator has a motor that provides input rotation in first and second directions. A reducer couples to the motor and reduces the input rotation into an output rotation to be applied to a brake screw of a progressive cavity pump drive. A sensor measures rotational speed of the drive shaft. In manual operation, an operator can view an indication of the rotational speed and can manually operate the motor accordingly to control rotation of the shaft. In automated operation, a controller automatically controls the motor based on the rotational speed measured by the sensor. The controller can also use a torque sensor to detect the torque applied to the brake screw, a displacement sensor to detect displacement of the brake screw, and/or a current sensor to detect the current consumption of the motor.

Abstract: A chain puller for use in marine salvage that includes a chain pulling platform having linearly disposed first and second chain stoppers. Each chain stopper includes a pair of pivotal doors that permit the passage of a chain in one direction while stopping the action of a chain moving in the opposite direction. The action on the pivotal doors uses gravity for vertical alignment. The pivotal doors are spaced apart the distance of a vertical chain-link in the static position and are pivotally spread apart to permit movement of the chain in one direction in the dynamic position.

Abstract: A safety brake device for moving machine elements to prevent injury to the extremities of the operator of a machine if the distance of said operator from the moving machine element is less than a defined safety area. The device is characterized by an arrangement for detecting the operator position, in order to permit operation of the machine only if the operator remains within the defined working area, an arrangement for detecting the position of the extremities of the operator within a predefined safety zone, which enables the required work activities to be performed, and a brake device, by means of which the moving machine element can be immediately stopped if the extremities of the operator go beyond the safety area.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to an arrangement and method for improving the performance of a safety-critical vehicle actuator, in particular a safety-critical vehicle actuator powered directly or indirectly from a vehicle electrical system. The safety-critical vehicle actuator is arranged to, upon activation thereof, signal to an alternator of the vehicle to output a raised voltage for a pre-determined time period.

Abstract: In a method for carrying out an emergency braking procedure in a vehicle, at least one electric actuator in the braking system is automatically actuated to generate an increased brake force in the case of an emergency situation. A maximum voltage, which exceeds the rated voltage of the actuator, is applied to the electric actuator.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a centrifugally-operated apparatus that comprises at least a shaft with an axis of rotation and a pawl that is coaxially mounted on the shaft with at least a portion of the pawl being movable radially inwardly and outwardly from the shaft. The axis of rotation of the shaft passes through the pawl, at a location that is radially offset from the center of mass of the pawl. Rotation of the shaft and pawl above a predetermined speed can cause at least the movable portion of the pawl to be moved radially outward from the shaft, in which position an engaging end of the movable portion of the pawl may engage with a component such as a ratchet.

Abstract: In the method for providing assistance to the driver of a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle comprising a semi-automatic or an automatic transmission, it is recognized, during the starting process, whether the holding torque of the vehicle is greater than the engine intake torque in the current gear. In the event that a current torque is greater than the engine intake torque in the current gear or if no gear is engaged or called for, in the first forward gear, emitting a signal which indicates to the driver the need to use the holding brake of the vehicle and/or a transmitting a signal to the brake control system of the vehicle to impose a brake pressure in the service brake and/or in the holding brake.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotational movement damper (1) comprising an outer sleeve (2) and an axle which fits in the outer sleeve (2) and mounted to rotate in the outer sleeve. The axle comprises at least two discoidal flanges (7, 8, 17, 18) with flat flange surfaces (9, 10) and the same diameter, fitting in annular channels (12, 13, 14, 15) in the outer sleeve (2) such that the flanges contact with the planar flange surfaces (9, 10) thereof against the equally planar area on the counter surfaces of the annular channels (12, 13, 14, 15) unaffected by temperature variations and, on counter-rotation of the outer sleeve (2) and axle (3) act as a slipper clutch.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicular anti-theft system, comprising: sealed housing (31), interposed between the power brake boost (12) and the brake pump (14) of a wheel of a vehicle, the housing generating a closed space with the hydraulic space of the brake; an indication module (110), for indicating whether the vehicle is locked; a pushing mechanism (112), for pushing the transmission (24) of the hydraulic pump (14) of the wheel; and a controller (32), for activating the pushing mechanism (112) to push the transmission (24) upon indicating by the indication module (110) that the vehicle is locked; thereby braking the wheel upon locking the vehicle.

Abstract: An emergency brake system (10) comprises first and second fluid communication paths (20) and (22) which provide fluid communication between a brake (18) and a hydraulic fluid tank (24). A first valve is provided in the first path (20) to vary pressure in the brake line (26) to a pressure P1 enabling the brake to apply a braking torque of T1 and a second valve (30) is provided in the path (22) to vary brake line pressure to a pressure P2 enabling the brake (18) to apply a braking torque of T2 where T2>T1. The system (10) senses the speed of a machine to which the brake (18) is coupled. Depending on the sensed speed of the machine when the emergency brake (18) is applied the system (10) will open one or both of the paths to control the braking torque applied by the brake (18).

Abstract: An externally actuable electrohydraulic vehicle brake system including an externally actuable electrohydraulic vehicle system with slip control. In order to make available a brake system which permits highly dynamic pressure build-up processes without throttling effects in the suction path, in particular through a master cylinder, being adversely affected, it is proposed that the hydraulic pump be assigned means which permit the hydraulic pump additionally to drive a hydraulic charging device which is connected to an inlet of the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool, a production machine and/or a maintenance machine (16), comprising an electromagnetic brake (1) provided with an electrical actuator (2) for braking a mobile machine element (11, 13), the actuator (2) generating an actuating force (FB) and acting on a frictional element (7a, 7b) in such a way as to press the same against a counter frictional element (8) in order to generate a frictional force (FB). An arrangement (17, 18) is provided between the counter frictional element (8) and the electrical actuator (2), said arrangement leading to the self-energising of the actuating force (FB) generated by the electrical actuator (2). The machine comprises a device (6) for controlling the actuator (2) in such a way that the frictional force (FB) is adjusted to a nominal quantity (FRsoll). The invention relates to a machine tool, a production machine and/or a maintenance machine comprising a reliable brake (1) with a simple structure for braking a machine element (11, 13).

Abstract: A system for automatically actuating the parking brake on a vehicle, such as a truck, includes a parking brake and at least a driver's door lock. The system includes an arrangement for applying said parking brake to an active position as a response to at least said driver's door lock being locked in an active position. The system can include a lock response arrangement which is operable for at least providing a first signal indicating that at least the driver's door lock is locked in an active position; and a hold arrangement for actuating the parking brake to an active position based on the first signal. Thus, it is no longer necessary for a driver to remember to actuate the parking brake, when he or she parks the vehicle, as long as at least the driver's door lock on the vehicle is locked. The manual locking action of the driver's door lock may be further utilized for automatic actuation of the parking brake, i.e. the same manual action may induce two separate functions at the same time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a vehicle braking system comprising an electric control motor, a system for transmitting the control forces provided by the motor, at least one braking device for the wheels of a vehicle controlled by the control forces transmitted by the transmission device. The method comprises at the end of a braking system release cycle, three additional phases after braking is stopped: phase H: re-operating of the motor in said forward direction of rotation corresponding to the actuation of braking, phase I, detecting a value characteristic of the electric current powering the motor, phase J, operating the motor in the opposite direction of rotation to said forward direction then stopping the motor.

Abstract: In response to a driver's braking request operation, for example, the driver's depression of a brake pedal 85, a hybrid vehicle 20 sets a fraction of a regenerative braking torque by a motor MG2 and a fraction of a braking torque by a brake unit 90 relative to a preset braking torque demand Tr* according to the setting of a speed change ratio in a transmission 60 (steps S280, S290, S310, S320, S390, and S400). The hybrid vehicle 20 controls the motor MG2 to output the regenerative braking torque based on the preset braking torque demand Tr* and the set fraction of the regenerative braking torque, while controlling the brake unit 90 to enable the braking torque based on the preset braking force demand Tr* and the regenerative braking torque by the motor MG2 to be applied in a distributive manner at a preset front-rear braking torque distribution ratio ‘d’ to front wheels 39a and 39b and to rear wheels 39c and 39d.

Abstract: A system and methods for an electric autobrake function suitable for use with an aircraft is disclosed. The system includes a single master autobrake channel configured to generate a master autobrake command and a plurality of slave autobrake channels configured to receive the autobrake master command. The methods receive autobrake command actuation data, compute a common autobrake master command based upon the autobrake command actuation data, and synchronize brake application by utilizing the common autobrake master command to actuate all brake actuators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatic brake of walking support machine which is safe on downward slopes by preventing over speed due to the acceleration of gravity and protect user on upward slopes.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to fix a control circuit board to a casing unit and then the casing unit to a block in a simple structure and with a small number of parts. A metal rod is integrally formed with a partitioning wall of the casing unit. One axial end of the metal rod is fixed to the control circuit board, so that the control circuit board is fixed to the casing unit via the metal rod. On the other hand, the other end of the metal rod is fixed to the solenoid block, so that the casing unit is fixed to the solenoid block via the metal rod. Thus, the control circuit board and the casing unit are fixed to the solenoid block by the single member of the metal rod.

Abstract: A motor-driven parking brake apparatus includes a load sensor (pressure sensor) for detecting axial load of a screw shaft. The pressure sensor includes a transmission member which receives the axial load via a circular surface of a plate, and a casing which accommodates the transmission member and receives the axial load via the transmission member. This casing has a circular opening having an opening area smaller than the surface of the circular surface. The pressure sensor detects a pressure generated due to a load received from an exposed portion of the transmission member which is exposed from the circular opening. Due to characteristics of the transmission member, the load received from the exposed portion is a portion of the axial load and proportional to the axial load.

Abstract: An auxiliary system for a manual brake in a vehicle includes a controlling unit to receive and analyze signals indicating current vehicle status and whether a driver is away from the vehicle so as to initiate necessary actions, a pressure sensor adapted for a driver's seat to sense pressure from the driver and then send a signal to the controlling unit to determine whether the driver is at the driver's seat, a speed interface to communicate an input of the controlling unit with an onboard vehicle speed sensor (VSS) to allow the controlling unit to acquire a speed signal as a reference for determination of whether the car is in movement and a server mechanism to mechanically control the brake system via a motor under control of the controlling unit.

Abstract: An electronic unit for automatically activating a parking brake in dependence of at least one specified operating parameter or operating mode of a motor vehicle, which can be started without a mechanical key, is equipped with a device for arbitrarily preventing the automatic activation of the parking brake. In a first alternative, the unit is connected with a key button, which can be directly manually actuated, in the form of an OFF switch for the arbitrary prevention of the automatic activation of the parking brake. In a second alternative, the electronic unit in a motor vehicle, which can be started through an electronic authorization verification device with wireless code transmission, is equipped with a mechanism with which the arbitrary prevention of the automatic activation of the parking brake can be triggered by inserting the authorization verification device in a holding shaft that is provided for this purpose.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a brake actuator for a towed vehicle having a brake actuated by a pedal. The actuator comprises a weight, slidably mounted to a base, a base and a slidable mount. Alternatively, the actuator comprises a weight, slidably mounted to a base, a base, a slidable mount and an auxiliary vacuum system for use with power-assisted brakes.

Abstract: A brake fluid pressure retaining apparatus RU is mounted on a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission CVT and a driving motor control unit DCU. The driving motor control unit switches the magnitude of creep driving force between a greater condition and a smaller condition in accordance with a depression of the brake pedal, so that the driving force is made smaller at a depression of the brake pedal than at a release of the brake pedal. The brake fluid pressure retaining apparatus continuously retains brake fluid pressure within a wheel cylinder WC after releasing a brake pedal BP. The retained brake fluid pressure is released after the driving force increases to the greater condition and when a first setting time TM1 passes.

Abstract: A split lever emergency brake system for a recreational vehicle with a lever-actuated braking mechanism for precluding movement of the recreational vehicle upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a tether for wearing by a rider of the recreational vehicle. A release mechanism is coupled to the braking mechanism and the tether for actuating the braking mechanism upon the rider inadvertently falling off of the recreational vehicle.

Abstract: A braking force retaining unit, which retains braking force until driving force for starting a vehicle increases to a certain value such that the braking force continues to act on the vehicle after releasing a brake pedal, wherein said braking force retaining unit having a device for decreasing the braking force in accordance with the increasing driving force.

Abstract: A brake fluid pressure retaining apparatus RU is mounted on a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission CVT and a driving motor control unit DCU. The driving motor control unit switches the magnitude of creep driving force between a greater condition and a smaller condition in accordance with a depression of the brake pedal, so that the driving force is made smaller at a depression of the brake pedal than at a release of the brake pedal. The brake fluid pressure retaining apparatus continuously retains brake fluid pressure within a wheel cylinder WC after releasing a brake pedal BP. The retained brake fluid pressure is released after the driving force increases to the greater condition and when a first setting time TM1 passes.

Abstract: An electronic control unit is provided for automatically activating a parking brake in dependence of at least one specified operating parameter or operating mode of a motor vehicle, which can be started without a mechanical key. The operating mode for the basic automatic activation of the parking lock is the fact that the internal combustion engine is shut off.

Abstract: A safety brake for braking a moving member includes at least one active member co-operating by friction with a passive member. The active member is kept at a distance from the passive member by an incompressible fluid which opposes the effect of a drive element (7) that is coupled to the active member and tends to urge the active member against the passive member. The incompressible fluid is enclosed in a circuit (6) which possesses a frangible portion (8) such that when the frangible portion is broken in order to activate the safety brake, it constitutes an exhaust opening to allow the incompressible fluid to escape from the circuit (6).

Abstract: Brake means at devices for converting a rotary motion into a linear one by means of a threaded spindle (1) and a member (4) arranged in engagement with the threads thereof, and moving along this at the rotation of the spindle (1). The brake means consists of a ring (7) arranged at one end of the spindle and operable in one direction with the spindle (1) as well as a collar (14) arranged at the member (4) coaxially with the ring (7) and projecting from said member (4), the collar (14) coacting telescopically with the ring (7) and the surfaces of collar (14) and ring (7) engaging each other and producing a braking moment sufficient to stop the spindle (1).

Abstract: An electric rider vehicle control system is disclosed which includes a dead man brake that is normally set to prevent coasting, and controls which release the brake and permit normal transport operation of the vehicle at multiple speeds by an operator on the operator's platform. The controls also include a selector switch for selecting between such normal operation and another mode in which the brake is held in a release position by an electrical solenoid, the first controls are disabled or bypassed, and the propulsive drive is operated by jogging control switches mounted on the sides of the vehicle for convenient manipulation by an operator walking alongside. An adjustable hydraulic snubber also is provided to control brake application.

Abstract: A damping device is provided for damping momentum in a rotary member to stop it at a desired normally stopped position without any override therefrom, the device including a friction plate moveable against the rotating member at least in the terminal stage of its travel to produce the stopping effect.

Abstract: The headframe supports tubular pipe guides in the shaft. Each guide comprises a multiplicity of pipes threaded one to another and extends below the normal range of conveyance travel in the shaft. Each guide is suspended from the headframe by a substantially solid bar depending from the headframe and threadably connected to the uppermost pipe. A bushing fixed in the shaft below the travel range has an associated pipe guide passing loosely therethrough to permit vertical and lateral movement of the pipe guide. A conveyance is suspended on wire rope from the headframe and is guided by the pipe guides. The conveyance has guide bushings slideably engaging each of the pipe guides. Weights are attached to the bottom of each of the pipe guides and the total weight added to each is not equal to that added to any other guide. This avoids having similar harmonics in the pipe guides.

Abstract: A braking device for braking the saw chain of a portable motor-driven chain saw having a safety device which has a mass member, a locking lever being provided which is pivotably mounted on the hand guard lever and bears the mass member at its free, sprung end, co-operating by its other end with a control cam which bears against the brake lever and via which the braking operation of the rotating saw chain is controlled, in such a way that the braking operation of the rotating saw chain is automatically initiated, if an uncontrolled acceleration takes place, by the saw rolling down the timber trunk to be sawn at the moment when the saw becomes jammed, with the consequence that the resulting braking force counteracts the accelerating force, so that the recoil angle of the saw is reduced.

Abstract: A ball screw brake and stop assembly having an elastomeric compression pad or elastomer member circumferentially surrounding the ball screw and received in a counter bore of a non-rotating assembly having a bore receiving the ball screw with the pad confined on its outer diameter and at one axial end. A striker member, dimensioned to be receivable within an open axial end of the counter bore, functions as a stop member limiting axial movement of the ball nut. Upon projection of the striker member into the counter bore, further movement of the ball nut causes axial compression of the elastomer member providing resistance to further axial movement of the ball nut. At the same time, radial expansion of the elastomer member, caused by compression in the axial direction, causes the inner diameter of the elastomer member to frictionally engage the outer diameter of the ball screw to break rotation of the ball screw.

Abstract: A locking device, for a member (for example a roller of a belt conveyor) mounted by way of a bearing on a shaft which member and shaft are relatively-rotatable, includes a heat-sensitive member. The heat-sensitive member normally holds the locking device out of its operative engagement and is disposed close to the bearing with part at least outside the shaft. The heat-sensitive member is made from a fusible material, or alternatively may comprise a bi-metallic element.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling movement of a heavy vehicle used in the mining and construction industries comprises a radar scanner (30) and an infra red detector (31) mounted at the rear of the vehicle for detecting a hazard in the path of the vehicle while reversing and a control system (10) responsive to the detection devices (30, 31) for controlling supply of air in a pneumatic supply system (11) of a retarder of the vehicle when a hazard is detected by the detection means (30, 31). The control system (10) includes driver operable apparatus (19, 23 and 40) for releasing the retarder.